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Mexico may sound riveting owing to the Mayan ruins, incredible beaches, the rich and vibrant Mexican culture, spicy yet delectable cuisine but unfortunately, it is also known for the soaring crimes. Even though thousands of tourists visit Mexico and the tourist places are safe from these abominable crimes, there are certain places in Mexico such as Los Cabos, Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, Acapulco, Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Mazatlan and few others which are quite dangerous to visit. However, amongst all the cities of Mexico, Merida has proven to be the safest place to visit and has also been ranked as the second-safest city in all of North America. Not only this, the cultural fabric of this place is ingrained with warmth along with the natural beauty, history, art, and food.

About Merida In Mexico

This city has been built on an ancient Mayan city, Tho but with the arrival of Spanish, the Mayan history has been replaced. Nicknamed as “Ciudad Blanca” which means “White City”, it is the commercial center as well as the largest city of the Yucatán State. This Yucatán capital city has been referred to as the best city in the world by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, 2020, the safest city in Mexico by CEOWorld Magazine and Forbes magazine stating it is as safe as Europe. Nevertheless, Merida isn’t like Tulum or Cancun of Mexico but has an amalgam of Spanish colonial and Mayan-Yucatecan cultures. Also, it's quite less populated compared to these cities. Despite this, there are safety guidelines to be considered in Merida as well.

How Safe Is Merida Really & It's Safety Precautions

Well, it is quite safe during the daytime although walking solo during the wee late night hours is still not recommended. Nevertheless, the north part of the city is quite safe owing to the private residences here. Merida is a tourist place indeed and thus, the tourists are advised to refuse taking any lift offered to them during night hours. Taxis are extremely safe in Merida and the best option for commuting. The daily car rental prices go around US15$ and bus tickets are merely a few pesos (Merida’s currency) and thus, exploring through the Yucatán is fairly easy. Overall, the source of violence in Mexico is mainly related to cartels. As they don’t have much presence in Merida, Yucatán or other tourist cities, these places are relatively safe. Also, the people of Merida are quite warm, welcoming and gracious in nature. Even passersby are greeted with “Buenas Noches" or "Buenas Tardes" by locals.

Why Merida Is Worth Visiting

Visit The Longest Serving Mayan City

The Mayan city of Dzibilchaltun harking back to 1500 B.C has been the longest-serving Mayan city in Mexico. One can explore the ruins in this old city which boasts to have about 8400 structures. Also, the Cenote Xlacah is refreshing to swim which is deemed to have 30,000 artifacts submerged within it. The onsite museum, Museo Del Pueblo Maya and Templo de las Siete Muñecas (Temple of the Seven Dolls) are few places worth the visit.

Related : The Most Diverse State in Mexico: Why You Should Visit Oaxaca

Visit One Of The Seven Wonders Of The World

Chichen Itza, the famous Mayan pyramid & one of the seven wonders of the world can be visited during the day trip to Merida. These crumbling ruins are a renowned UNESCO heritage site and dates back as a flourishing Mayan city of the 5th century. Located in the state of Yucatán, it has been a hub of commerce, religious monuments, and residences. It is around one and half hours away from Merida.

Visit The Attractive Plaza Of Merida

Plaza Grande has been the life of Merida and a great spot for activities. With the pastel-colored buildings and the historic city cathedral, this place is a hub for live music performances and craft market. Not only filled with life, but it is also a refreshing retreat for the people during the day to relax.

Related: Ancient Ruins, Temples, & Cenotes: Why Mérida, Mexico Is So Special

Mayan World Museum Of Merida

The Gran Museo Del Mundo Maya is a museum boasting about more than 1000 relics and gives a brief insightful information of the Mayan ruins which are actually missing at the ruins site. A wonderful site to explore the history and culture of Mayans can keep the history buffs fascinated for hours. One can reach the museum within 20 minutes from Centros costing around $80 to $100 pesos. It operates between 9 am to 6 pm and is closed only on Tuesdays. The entrance fee is around $150 pesos.

Weekly Fiestas In Merida

Merida is an epitome of a place full of life as there are an array of events to participate in throughout the week. Vaqueria Night, a beautiful Folkloric Ballet of Merida showcases the regional music and dance, The Trova Performances of romantic music and Musical Performances with live orchestra are on Tuesdays, The Mayan Ball game, Pok Ta Pol is on Wednesdays, meanwhile, Yucatecan Serenade, a folkloric show since 40 years takes place on Thursdays, Video mapping of the cathedral takes place on Friday and weekend calls for street performers, the bars and the cantinas abuzz with music or trying local cuisine in Merida where street vendors operating till late.