I seriously can not get enough of the gorgeous streets in Merida and it’s quickly become one of my favourite places in Mexico. With its intimate cafes, pastel-coloured colonial buildings, and ever-present Mayan culture, this Puebla is as glorious as it comes in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Every corner of this vibrant town is bursting with life… but each with its own undeniable allure. From the historic Mayan Ruins to the endless ocean along the along Gulf Coast – this little town caters to all.
Deciding where to stay in Merida can be a daunting task if you’ve never set foot in the town before. But don’t you worry, I’ve got you covered! I’ve explored every nook of the place and I am here to bring you the BEST places to stay and things to do in Merida.
Whether you want to explore the historical center or relax in a more low-key area, this guide will give you all the answers you need on where to stay in Merida.
So, without further ado, let’s get into the good stuff.
Photo: @audyscala
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Merida Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Merida
Zocalo
Zocalo, which means “town square” in Spanish, is the heart of Merida. This neighborhood is perfect for first-time visitors because it’s centrally located and has some of the most beautiful architecture in the city.
Santa Ana
Traveling on a budget in Mexico has recently become a little more difficult with the popularity of the country as a tourist destination, but Merida is still under the radar and a great place to visit on the cheap.
Santiago
Santiago is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Merida. The buildings are absolutely stunning with a mix of colonial and neoclassical architecture. You can see the influence of the Mayans and Spanish in this neighborhood more than any other.
Merida is often overshadowed by its more popular neighbors like Cancun and Tulum. But trust us when we say you have to visit this town on your Mexico backpacking trip. It’s one of the most culturally rich places in Mexico, filled with museums, markets, art galleries, and more.
Located roughly 3 hours west of Cancun, this town will show you a completely different side of the Yucatan Peninsula. With so much influence still present from the Mayans, this destination is perfect for really experiencing Mexican history and culture. It’s the ideal hub for exploring Mayan Ruins, the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast, and the surrounding jungles.
Forget worrying about whether to visit Cancun or Cozumel and just come to Merida instead!
It’s also one of the safest towns in Mexico, full of friendly locals who welcome tourists. The downtown area is divided into different neighborhoods, each with unique vibes and price points. But because everything is closely knit together, you’ll be able to walk or bike to most places.
If it’s your first time in Merida, Zócalo is a great option. It’s right in the heart of downtown and has a mix of colonial architecture, beautiful parks, and delicious food. You can stay in boutique hotels with gorgeous pools, colorful gardens, or even a few lively hostel options.
If staying on budget is your priority, then you’re absolutely going to thrive in Merida, specifically the Santa Ana neighborhood. You’ll find many affordable options for private rooms, apartments, and Airbnbs here. The area has a trendy vibe, as many of the younger locals and expats tend to live there.
For a more family-friendly vibe, check out the older neighborhood of Santiago. It fully surrounds the center and kicks out to the west a little bit, where the hotels start appearing. It’s full of green spaces and is within walking distance of the center of town and many local attractions.
Merida’s Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
I’ll be honest, I’m not worried about finding the best place to stay in Merida for you, I’m worried I’ve found too many good places to stay in Merida that you’ll have a hard time choosing!
Alas, I’ve broken this guide down into even more detail to hopefully make your decision-making process a bit easier. So, let’s jump into the three best neighborhoods to stay in Merida.
1. Zócalo – Where to Stay in Merida for Your First Time
Zócalo, which means “town square” in Spanish, is the heart of Merida. This neighborhood is perfect for first-time visitors because it’s centrally located and has some of the most beautiful architecture in the city. Everywhere you look is like an endorphin hit for the eyes. You’ll find stunning colonial buildings, colorful facades, and charming plazas just waiting to be explored.
It’s also where you will spend the majority of your time sightseeing and hanging out, so it just makes sense to stay here. You’ll never run out of things to do, and you won’t have to worry about getting around, as everything is walkable. It’s one of the coolest places to stay in Mexico.
Top Things to Do in Zócalo
- Learn about the history of the Mayans at the Maya Museum
- Walk around the famous Plaza Grande
- Take a food tour of the city
- Visit the stunning San Ildefonso Cathedral
- Join a walking tour at Santa Lucia Park
- Cool off in one of the epic cenotes surrounding Merida, like Cascabel.
Best Hotel in Zócalo: Kuka y Naranjo
Kuka y Naranjo is a beautiful Mexican-style boutique hotel located just steps away from Zócalo. It has a gorgeous outdoor pool and garden to escape the Mexican sun. The spacious rooms are decorated with traditional Mexican textiles and artwork, giving you an authentic experience during your stay.
Best Hostel in Zócalo: Hostal La Ermita
This is a great budget option in the Zócalo neighborhood. You can snag a single bed for less than $12 a night, and the location is perfect for visiting popular museums.
The only thing to keep in mind is that in the summer, rooms without A/C can get pretty hot. Luckily, the hostel has a garden terrace with hammocks and a large pool where you can chill out and cool off.
Best Airbnb in Zócalo: Majikal Casa Shiva
This casa is the perfect stay in Zócalo for couples or solo travelers. The cozy studio apartment is in a renovated rock home just minutes from Zócalo and other popular attractions. The garden feels like your own little jungle with a secret plunge pool and plenty of places for you to drink your morning cafecito (Mexican coffee).
2. Santa Ana – Best Place to Stay in Merida on a Budget
Traveling on a budget in Mexico has recently become a little more difficult with the popularity of the country as a tourist destination, but Merida is still under the radar and a great place to visit on the cheap. Santa Ana neighborhood is my top choice for budget travelers, as it offers a mix of culture, history, and affordability.
Located north of Zócalo, Santa Ana is the cool kid on the block, with hip cafes, trendy street art, and a young vibe. It’s also a great place to stay if you want easy access to both the historic city center and more modern areas of Merida.
Top Things to Do in Santa Ana
- Go for a tour around the Dzibilchaltun Archeological Site
- Learn about the conquistadors at the Casa Montejo museum
- Take a day trip to Progresso to enjoy the beach
- Try cochinita pibil at Mercado Santa Ana
- Go salsa dancing on Saturday nights at Santiago Park
- Check out the architecture of the big yellow Santa Ana Church
Best Hotel in Santa Ana: Hotel Santa Maria
Hotel Santa Maria is everything you can imagine out of a Mexican Hacienda. With gorgeous arches and bright orange walls, this boutique hotel is the perfect blend of traditional and modern. The garden just screams tropical paradise, with the greenery and large pool. Just a 10-minute walk from the cathedral, it’s the perfect location to explore the city.
Best Homestay in Santa Ana: Hotel Santa Ana
The homey vibes of Hotel Santa Ana are the perfect stay for budget travelers. Locally run, you’ll immediately feel taken care of upon arrival. With clean and comfortable rooms, a homemade breakfast, a refreshing outdoor pool, and a tranquil courtyard to relax in, you seriously can’t ask for more from a hostel in Merida.
Best Bed and Breakfast in Santa Ana: T´úubul K´iin Bed and Breakfast
A classic air-conditioned stay in Merida, Tuubul Kiin Bed and Breakfast is the perfect choice for those looking for somewhere to just sleep. It’s a very basic, clean accommodation with a few pops of color and art, but it’s a great budget choice. It includes a delicious local breakfast and is perfectly located for exploring Merida.
3. Santiago – Best Neighborhood in Merida for Families to Stay In
Santiago is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Merida. The buildings are absolutely stunning with a mix of colonial and neoclassical architecture. You can see the influence of the Mayans and Spanish in this neighborhood more than any other.
Its perfect central location makes it walkable for the entire family. There are plenty of parks and plazas for the kids to play in, and you’ll be close to all the main attractions. But where Santiago really puts on a show is its local food scene. My goodness, you’ll find some of the best restaurants in all of Merida right here. Nom!
Photo: @sebagvivas
Top Things to Do in Santiago
- Check out the historic mansions on Paseo de Montejo
- Take a day trip to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza
- Learn about local history at the Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia and take a sightseeing bus tour
- Go for a bike ride on Sundays when Paseo de Montejo and Calle 60 are closed to traffic. (It’s called Biciruta)
- Discover the history of chocolate at Choco-Story
- Spend an afternoon hanging out in Parque de Santiago
Best Boutique Hotel in Santiago: Viva Merida Hotel Boutique
The interior of this boutique hotel is unreal. With huge arches that give off a little bit of Aladdin vibes, you’ll feel like royalty just walking around in the lobby. The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated with Mexican touches. Enjoy breakfast on the sun terrace, and cool off in the pool on those hot Merida days.
Best Hostel in Santiago: Boutique Casa Garza
The Boutique Casa Garza is one of the most beautiful hostels you’ll find. It’s a classic hacienda turned hostel, offering the best of both worlds. The rooms are bright and airy, with high ceilings and traditional Mexican touches. The best part is the garden area, with hammocks, a pool, and fairy lights along the walkways. It feels like magic here.
Best Airbnb in Santiago: Traveling House
This two-bedroom Airbnb might be my favorite stay in Santiago. The owners have truly created a beautiful and unique space, blending traditional Mexican elements with nature. The kitchen has ample space to cook your own meals.
The outdoor space is lush with a private pool and seating area, perfect for relaxing with a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening. Digital nomads in Mexico, rejoice! With good wifi and a half-decent table to perch up at – this is a brilliant spot to stay.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Merida
Here are a few of the most common questions I get about staying in Merida.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Merida
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Merida.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Merida
Merida has some of the most gorgeous stays in all of Mexico. Historical haciendas turned into peaceful Mexican hideaways offering the most perfect place to relax and explore the region are my favorite. But yeah, choosing where to stay in Merida can be tough with so many great options.
So, to give you my last two cents, book somewhere with a/c and a pool. Regardless of the neighborhood, Merida gets freaking hot, you and your underboob will be thanking me on this one!
Kuka y Naranjo in Zócalo is my ultimate recommendation. Right in the center of everything, it is reasonably priced and has both a/c and a pool. Trust me, you’ll be in good hands here!
Wherever you end up, I hope you enjoy Merida as much as I did. It’s a special place.
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking around Mexico.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Merida.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Mexico instead.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Mexico.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Mexico to plan your trip.
