What to do in Merida

Activities, attractions and tours

A stone bridge with multiple arches over a calm river, reflecting the bridge and surrounding trees.
Ancient ruins with columns and arches, surrounded by trees and a clear sky.
A shop with hanging cured meats and various food products.
Ancient stone ruins silhouetted against a sunset sky.
Three ceramic bowls on a glass shelf.

Merida Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Merida has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Merida is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Merida to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Merida Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Merida.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Merida attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do


  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Roman Theatre

When Mérida’s first citizens wanted to be entertained, one of the places they headed was the Roman Theatre. The venue was inaugurated around 15 B.C. and could accommodate up to 6,000 spectators. Allow at least half an hour for a self-guided tour of the well-preserved site. For many centuries, it lay buried underground, until excavations started in 1910.
Learn more
An ancient amphitheater with stone steps and columns.

2. Puente Romano

More than 2,000 years after its construction, the Puente Romano is still in use. Cross the Guadiana River on this ancient bridge. This was one of the first Roman structures to be built in Mérida and it is one of the longest Roman bridges surviving in the modern world.
Learn more
A stone bridge with multiple arches over a calm river, reflecting the bridge and surrounding trees.

3. Plaza de Espana

The Plaza de España has been a central feature of life in Mérida since medieval times. Over the years, it has hosted bullfights, festivals, markets, games, processions and executions. Today, come to the pretty square for a stroll and some relaxation as you watch passersby enjoying sunny days.
Learn more
A historic fountain with lions, palm trees, and classic architecture in a public square.

4. National Museum of Roman Art

The National Museum of Roman Art is housed inside an impressive-looking building that recreates the grandeur of ancient Roman structures. Within the exhibition halls and galleries, see ceramics, sculptures, tombstones, mosaics and paintings from Mérida’s period as a Roman colony.
Learn more
A corridor with classical statues and brick arches.

5. Acueducto de los Milagros

Visit the Acueducto de los Milagros, constructed about 2,000 years ago to supply water to the Roman colony of Emerita Augusta, now known as Mérida. Like many Roman aqueducts, it was colossal. A small section remains today and is known as the Aqueduct of the Miracles, because of its awe-inspiring appearance.
Learn more
Ancient stone ruins with arches and brickwork, surrounded by a grassy field and trees.

6. Temple of Diana

The Temple of Diana was a sacred place of worship dedicated to the Roman imperial cult, which regarded emperors and some members of their families as gods. The granite structure was built in the 1st century and would have been part of the forum, where the city’s most important buildings were located. Look up in awe at this ancient structure.
Learn more
Ancient Greek ruins with columns and a partially intact building.

7. Alcazaba

When Mérida's 9th-century Muslim rulers wanted to protect themselves from local uprisings and revolts, they built the magnificent Alcazaba. See this impressive Arab fortification with its thick walls and 25 towers. While the remaining walls clearly define the overall structure, note that much of the original interior has not survived.
Learn more
A stone column with intricate carvings and a staircase.

8. Puente Lusitania

The Puente Lusitania was designed and constructed to protect the adjacent 1st-century Puente Romano from the heavy pounding of road traffic. The steel-and-concrete crossing was inaugurated in 1991 and accommodates both vehicles and pedestrians. The structure not only gives access to the city from surrounding outskirts but also connects the historic center with the modern metropolis. Stroll along the wide, raised central lane for pedestrians and bikes and enjoy panoramic views over the roofs of cars.
Learn more
A large, arched bridge over a river with hills in the background.

What to do in Merida


Stay near popular Merida attractions

Where to stay in Merida

Find the best Merida areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Merida
Learn more about Merida

Merida Old Town

Historic sites, theaters, and museums highlight some of the noteworthy features of Merida Old Town. Make a stop by Roman Theatre or National Museum of Roman Art while you're exploring the neighborhood.

La Dehesilla

While La Dehesilla isn't home to many top sights, Puente Romano and Alcazaba are some notable places to visit nearby.

Polígono Industrial Cepansa

While Polígono Industrial Cepansa isn't home to many top sights, Puente Romano and Puente Lusitania are some notable places to visit nearby.

La Heredad

While La Heredad might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Puente Romano and Alcazaba.

Barriada Carrión

While there might not be top attractions in Barriada Carrión, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Puente Lusitania and Puente Romano.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Merida

Frequently asked questions

Is Merida worth visiting?
Merida offers an interesting mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or local cuisine, there are many things here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Merida?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Alcazaba and Los Columbarios, spend some time experiencing Merida's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Merida?
Amphitheatre of Merida is one of the top tourist attractions in Merida and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Merida?
You can easily visit top attractions like Amphitheatre of Merida, Puente Romano and Alcazaba with a three-day stay in Merida. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so linger longer and check out Merida Old Town.
Is Merida a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to do and see in Merida. Several sights, such as Amphitheatre of Merida and Puente Romano, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Merida's best neighbourhoods, Bellavista is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Distrito 6 is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Merida with kids?
Deciding what to do in Merida with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Merida for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Merida, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Casa de Mitreo.
Are there free things to do in Merida?
In Merida, Basilica of Saint Eulalia is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a great way to find out about the best free things to do in Merida.