On any given day, you’ll find lots going on in Mérida. One thing visitors and residents alike love are our weekly activities in Mérida Centro. Even though these occur every single week, there are people watching opportunities, street food, and connecting with friends, neighbors, and chatting with travelers. Therefore, don’t miss these 5 activities in Mérida Centro.
Saturdays: Slow Food Market
Most definitely, one of the can’t miss activities in Mérida Centro is a visit to the Slow Food Market with locally sourced products. Find cheeses, fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, baked items, and more to add to your weekly grocery run. For many, it is a weekly outing to connect with locals and have friendly chats. Started in 2010, Slow Food is an international grassroots organization with the following mantra, “Envisioning a world in which all people can access
Visit the Slow Food Market in the Garcia Gineres neighborhood every Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm: Calle 33ᴰ #498 – Colonia Reparto Dolores Patrón 97070.
After your shopping, enjoy a delicious local meal from Platos Rotos. From tortas to tacos to fresh squeezed juices, you’ll find a variety of traditional items. The tasty bean dip served as an appetizer melts in your mouth. Provecho!
Angel LOVES the tortas at Platos Rotos. If there’s a line, it’s definitely worth the wait.
Sundays: Mérida BiciRuta
One of the most popular activities in Mérida Centro is the BiciRuta happening every Sunday from 8:00 am – 12:30 pm on the Paseo de Montejo. Therefore, the street is closed off for biking, walking, skateboard, and community connection. Not surprisingly, you’ll find families, locals, tourists, and artisans including street food and famous marquesitas.
If you don’t have a bike, rent one at Bici Mérida Calle 56 495B on Paseo de Montejo.
Enjoy people watching from Cafe Impala located at the Remate of the Paseo de Montejo: Calle 56A 500 x 47 y 45. An extensive menu with both local and international options. Really good salads and freshly prepared drinks (think Chaya). This is a cafeteria-style restaurant, keep that in mind when you decide to visit. Menu items are reasonable, and you can have a good meal here for a local price.
Choose a sandwich, hamburger, hot dog, or a regional favorite such as a torta, carne asada, and more. Desserts are plentiful from gelato, flan, and ice cream. A wide variety of drinks including beer, frappe, horchata, and lemonade. Provecho!
Be sure to get your seat early, Impala has a consistent crowd as it has great prices, yummy fresh juices, and consistent food.
Thursdays: Yucatecan Serenata in Santa Lucia Park
Since 1965, the Serenata is an open-air event with live music and local history, Exhibiting traditional costumes and dancing, you’ll fall in love with the music, the stories, and the poets speaking of the rich traditions of the Yucatan. Standing in Santa Lucia park is where I fell in love with Mérida and knew it would be my home. Not surprisingly, the Serenata is one of my favorite activities in Mérida Centro.
Enjoy the Serenata every Thursday at 9:00 pm sitting in Santa Lucia Park or by making a restaurant reservation.
If you don’t make a restaurant reservation, you’ll need to get tickets at the Olimpo in Plaza Grande: Calle 62 x 61. Be sure to go at least 4 – 5 days in advance as this is loved activity by both locals and tourists. Therefore, tickets run out quickly.
Make a reservation at La Tratto. Of course, ask for Angel to be your waiter and he will take good care of you.
La Tratto’s beautiful location in Santa Lucia Park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a fabulous meal and a refreshing drink with great service. Try the tuna tartare with avocado served with house made chips and a refreshing glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
They have a 3-course special for $295 that includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Provecho!
Santa Lucia park has several restaurants that are popular with locals, expats, and visitors.
Fridays: Video Mapping Projections on Cathedral San Idelfonso
Activities in Mérida Centro include vivid video mapping projections are high-tech, light-and-sound shows. These spectacular shows depict the region’s rich history and ancient culture. Highly artistic images project on the architectural details of one of Mérida’s most treasured façades, San Ildefonso Cathedral. The cathedral was built on the site of Mayan ruins and was the first cathedral finished on the mainland of the Americas.
The best place to watch is from the terrace at Picheta restaurant. There’s something for everyone; from appetizers to delicious main courses to craft cocktails, try them all.
The concept for Picheta is unique and delicious. They feature menu items from local chefs highlighting fusions and flavors from Yucatan. Provecho!
Video mapping is a really great way to spend a great evening in Plaza Grande.
Saturdays: Noche Mexicana
Noche Mexicana is an outstanding way to experience the different states and regions of Mexico. Food and handcraft vendors set up for delicious treats and local trinkets during this unique event. Additionally, performers dance, sing, and offer other artistic art forms on Calle 56A #485 y Paseo de Montejo. Enjoy every Saturday 9:00 pm to 11:30 pm.
There’s a new restaurant in this area called Tropico 56 with a super cool vibe, cold drinks, and delicious food. With seating inside and outside, salsa lessons, and live music, this is a great new addition to the gastronomy scene in Mérida. The fish and chips get high marks. Provecho!
The Remate is decorated during the holidays and is one of the most beautiful locations for families and travelers.
