Mérida, México

Mérida is the capital city of Yucatán, México. Often called the “white city” because of the cleanliness of its streets, Mérida has a unique combination of restaurants, cafes, shops, and cultural offerings. Streets are lined with beautiful trees and the colonial architecture of the downtown area draws visitors from around the world.

Mérida is also centrally located to amazing cultural and environmental experiences. Several of the most dramatic Mayan sites in the world including—Chichen Itza and Uxmal—are about a one-hour drive outside of the city. Other short trips near the city include dozens of haciendas, several underground fresh water pools (cenotes) for swimming and other Mayan ruins including Dzibilchaltun.

The ocean is only twenty minutes away. Up and down the coast visitors can swim, eat shrimp on the beach, take a boat ride to see flamingos, or tour the mangroves.

Merida: Useful Resources and Links

Your first stops before visiting Merida should be Yucatan Living and Yucatan Today to read about the area and to catch up on the latest events. If you speak Spanish our local newspaper is the Diario de Yucatan.

Our Favorite Restaurants

There are dozens of restaurants in walking distance of Habla serving many kinds of cuisines from around the world. Here are a few of our favorites.

Sazón Gourmet

Sazón is the perfect place to go for an inexpensive breakfast or lunch next to Habla. They are a “Cocina Económica” with a great menu of local Mexican dishes. Be sure to try the fresh fruit juices “licuados 100% naturales.”

El Postrecito

Located right next door to Habla, El Postrecito is a café that serves amazing cappuccinos and coffee as well as a delicious selection of desserts. Free WiFi is available so while you are taking a break from Habla classes it’s a great place to study and get a snack.

Miyabi: Restaurante Japones

Calle 34 No. 396 Between 39 and 41
Col. Emiliano Zapata Norte
Phone: 948-9896

Who would have guessed that Merida would have an amazing Sushi restaurant? A short walk from Habla, Miayabi features a range of nigiri, sashimi, and maki. Ask the knowledgeable and friendly sushi chef, Misael, to prepare you a special roll. Their tempura udon noodle bowls are wonderful as is anything you order from this menu. Be sure to try the green iced tea.

Trotters and La Tratto

Trotter’s is the perfect place to grab a drink or dinner after a day at Habla. The happy hour from 6-9pm offers all drinks at half off, and with an extensive wine list and wine bar it’s the perfect place to relax. The restaurant is one of the best in Merida featuring an eclectic mix of locally influenced dishes to a variety of international cuisines. Lively atmosphere if you choose to eat inside or outside in the garden. A little later at night visit La Tratto, also near Habla, for a more Italian-style menu.

Places to Visit

Some places we recommend visiting around the city.

Rescoldos

Located near the Centro, Rescoldos features a menu of Greek and Italian food. Their breads, pizzas, and calzones are all freshly made in a brick oven. An intimate atmosphere, warm hosts, and spectacular, well-priced food. Be sure to try the calzones and stay for dessert!

Nahualli. Casa de Artistas.

A beautiful gallery run by two of the best artists in Mexico, Melva Medina and Abel Vázquez. Meet the artists, see their workshop spaces and their stunning collection of art. They also offer sculpture workshops for the professional artist or the beginner. Well worth a quick visit just to look, a stay for an extended workshop, or if you are a serious art collector this is an essential stop in Merida.

Symphony of the Yucatan

We have quite an amazing symphony in Merida that plays every Friday night and Sunday afternoon of the season in our majestic theater, the Teatro Peon Contreras. Because the Symphony is supported by the state government, tickets run for around 80 pesos!