Casa de Montejo: Francisco Montejo built this palace in 1552. 
It remained in the family until the late 1970’s when it was converted 
into a bank.

Palacio Municipal: The city hall was built in the 18th century.

Palacio del Gobierno: In the upper floor of the State Government 
Palace, built in 1885, there are murals painted by Fernando Castro 
Pacheco depicting the history of the conquest of Yucatan. 

Catedral: Construction on this second oldest church in Mexico 
began in 1561. It took several hundred Maya builders 36 years to finish. 
Inside is a reproduction of the Cristo de las Ampollas (Christ of the 
Blisters) that was destroyed during the Revolution. The legend is the 
Christ figure burned all night long but the next morning it was covered 
only in blisters.

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo: This art school turned convent 
turned museum displays the work of Yucatecan artists and also has 
international exhibits. There is a bookstore inside.

Iglesia de la Tercera Orden de Jesus: This church, which was the 
first Jesuit church in the Yucatan, was built in 1618. Some of the rooms 
have paintings and bronze sculptures on display.

Palacio Canton: This mansion houses the museum of Anthropology 
and History. Exhibits of Maya culture and history are on display. 
Private guides are available.

Ermita de Santa Isabel: Built in 1748 this church was part of 
a Jesuit monastery.

El Centenario Zoological Park: An amusement park that features 
a roller skating rink, playgrounds, train and pony rides, a snack bar, 
and over 300 animals.

WHERE TO EAT:

Restaurants in Merida tend to be elegant and romantic.  Most serve some 
type of Yucatecan specialty, traditional Mexican dishes, or Middle 
Eastern meals.  Alberto’s Continental Patio, a widely praised and popular 
eatery, has two dining rooms and serves Lebanese specialties such as 
tabbouleh, shish kebab, and a ground beef dish called kibi.  The Portico 
del Peregrino, popular with many locals, has an indoor and outdoor dining 
area as well as a separate dining area for smokers, and an extensive menu 
with several different types of cuisine.  The Virrey de Mendoza is said 
to serve the best Mexican food in town.  A little on the expensive side 
but popular with tourists, dishes such as poblano chile and filet mignon 
are served.  At the Mercado Municipal you will find stands and stall that 
offer tasty and filling foods for US$3-$4.  There are also fresh fruits 
and vegetables here, brought in daily from surrounding villages.

Golf: An 18-hole championship course, open to the public, is 
located at the Club de Golf la Ceiba.

Eco Tours: Ecotourismo Yucatan can arrange adventure and nature 
tours. Other activities include archeology, bird watching, kayaking, 
and natural history.

Bullfights: From October to May there are bullfights at the 
Plaza de Toros.

Festivals and Entertainment: Every day of the week you can 
find some form of entertainment. From folklore ballet to traditional 
Mexican music to comedy routines there’s an event for every taste.

Studying Spanish: The Centro Idiomas del Sureste offers 
courses and classes for every level.

Merida is famous for embroidered women’s blouses, hammocks, 
Panama hats, and a light men’s shirt, called a guayaberas.  
These can be found in several specialty shops and at the 
markets.  At the central market, you can find baskets from 
towns in the Yucatan region, different crafts from around 
Mexico as well as pottery.  Household items, crafts, produce, 
and even live animals can be found at the Mercado Municipal.  
The government run Casa de Artesanias has many pieces of 
exquisite Mexican folk art from all over Mexico as well as 
having rotating art exhibits.  The Handicraft and Popular Art 
Bazaars both sell costume jewelry, hats, crafts, works by local 
artists, and some souvenirs.  There are several jewelry stores 
selling ornamental jewelry, pins, earrings and necklaces, in 
silver and gold settings.