Mérida

E side of the Zócalo, directly to the right of the cathedral· Free

Housed in the former bishop's palace, this museum has a permanent collection of sculptures and paintings by the most well-known artists from the state of Yucatán. Rotating exhibits of work by local artists are also on display.

W side of the Zócalo

Mérida's red city hall, easily spotted by its distinctive clock tower, was built in 1735. From this building in 1821 the Republic of Yucatán declared independence from Spain.

S side of the Zócalo· Free

The 1549 palace of Montejo the Conquistador. His descendents lived here until 1978. Although the building was extensively remodeled in 1850, some of the original architectural features remain.

N side of the Zócalo· Free

This lovely colonial palace was built in 1892 in the Neoclassical style, with a large courtyard and impressive staircase. Upstairs there is a permanent exhibit of paintings by the painter Fernando Castro Pacheco illustrating key events in…

· Free

This is the first cathedral built on the mainland of the Americas and the oldest in Mexico, built on the site of the Mayan temple Xbac-Luum-Chaan.

In pre-Hispanic times the center of the Mayan city of T'Hó, the central square is at the heart of the historic center of the city. It is surrounded by impressive buildings, most of them built from stones from the Mayan temples which…

Kukulcan

15,000 seat professional baseball stadium that is home field for the Leones de Yucatan, who play a 114-game schedule from March to August (a bit longer if they make the playoffs).

Kukulcan

15,000 seat mixed-use stadium that is home field for the Venados de Yucatan, a professional soccer (futbol) team that is part of the Expansion League.

Sponsored by the city, this annual festival commemorates the founding of Spanish Mérida in January 1542. All arts are included, with many performers coming from across Mexico to participate.

Calle 21 No. 117C por 24 y 24A (office)

An annual weeklong festival devoted to Mexican as well as international cinema. Films are screened at several venues across Mérida.

by Calle 57, 2 blocks N of the Zócalo

The city's grand opera house. The current structure was designed by a visiting Italian architect and opened in 1908 during the height of the boom times, replacing a less opulent earlier theater of the same name; it is still the largest…

directly next to the Palacio Municipal, on the W side of the Zócalo

A cultural center where dance performances are staged most evenings. Information on upcoming performances is available in the entrance. These performances are very popular – it is best to arrive early.

Centro· Expensive

This restaurant specializes in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, with creative twists on traditional Yucatecan and Mexican dishes. All ingredients are organic and locally-sourced.

57 x 60 y 62

Small and clean but with personality, a favorite of the students of the University of Yucatan just around the corner as well as knowing visitors for generations.

Centro

One of the better pizza places in Mérida, this tiny place offers wood-fired thin-crust pizzas with creative Mexican twists on standard classics, with such toppings as jalapeños and avocados. They also serve sandwiches and salads.

between Calle 59 and 61

Good and cheap Mexican food, nice atmosphere, friendly staff. The daily comida is an especially good value.

Col Itzimna

A simple taqueria, extremely popular with locals.

Calle 63 501 x 62 y 64, C. 63 No. 501

The place was a bit hard to find, a bit secretive. It is on the second floor of a pink building with a small sign outside. Excellent treatment, great variety, quiet atmosphere. Full of locals. Their wings are very delicious.

Calle 69 No 543c

Accommodations come in double, triple, standard king, and standard twin types. All guestrooms are air-conditioned and fitted with a deck/balcony. Rooms also come with a refrigerator, IDD telephone, and cable television.

Calle 60 No 444 entre 49 y 51· Expensive

A great, clean, and friendly place to stay that is only a few blocks to the main plaza. Off-street, secured parking is a big help if you have a rental car. Make sure to have the cafe con leche in the cafe.

3 blocks from the Zócalo· Expensive

Has fully furnished apartments, complete with kitchen and private bath, in a former nunnery.

Calle 62 No 433 x Calle 51· Expensive

Dorm accommodation. Internet and simple breakfast included. Kitchen use. Nice large pool.

Calle 61 No 580 between Calle 74 and 76

A clean, American-owned budget hotel. Each room has a private bathroom. Located a few blocks from Santiago Park.

Calle 59 No 541 between Calle 66 and Calle 68· Pricey

A small 5-room hotelito in the historical center. Modest, clean and run by a local Yucatecan.