Going Out in Merida / Progreso

Whether it's historical buildings, shopping or clubbing that you’re into, Mérida has something for everyone.

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: Mérida’s 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 the only damage it had sustained were blisters.

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo: This art school turned convent turned museum displays the work of Yucatan 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.
 

Shopping

Mérida 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. 

Bars and Nightclubs

There are many ways to let lose in Mérida. The city is home to great salsa clubs and for the more frisky, the biggest nightclub is Vatcia (op. the Hyatt Hotel on Calle 60 and Av. Colon) with ladies night on Thursday (US$3 for women, US$7 for men with a free bar all night).

This place can be dangerous if you are not used to open bar, but regulars are devoted to this night.

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