Merida, Mx

Merida is known as the safest city in Mexico, and after spending a few days there with the kids, I can tell you it definitely lives up to the reputation. It’s a massive colonial city, but it has a way of feeling like a small town once you get into the rhythm of it.
 

We spent a lot of our time on bikes, riding through the streets all day and well into the evening. One thing I checked into before we left was just how safe it is to be out at night, and it’s one of the few places where you can truly relax. The city is flat and easy to navigate, though you have to keep an eye out for the occasional pothole or "tope."
 

Plaza Grande and the Sunday Ride
Our home base for exploring was the Plaza Grande. It’s the heart of the city, surrounded by massive historical buildings like the Cathedral—which was actually built using stones from ancient Maya structures. We spent some time there just grabbing street food from the vendors and soaking in the energy.
 

If you’re planning a trip, try to be there on a Sunday. They close down the main roads for the "Bici-Ruta," which turns the city into a giant bike path. We took our bikes out and joined hundreds of locals riding from the plaza all the way down Paseo de Montejo. It’s a completely different experience when the cars are gone and you have the streets to yourself.
 

La Plancha and the Free Zoo
For the kids, the highlight was definitely Parque La Plancha. It’s a huge new park built on an old train yard, and they have more playscapes than I could count. The kids stayed busy for hours while we just enjoyed the space.
 

We also hit the free zoo, which is a solid win when you're traveling as a family. It’s right in the city and easy to get to, giving the kids a chance to see the animals without us having to deal with a massive entrance fee or a long drive.
 

Culture and Shopping
We made sure to visit the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya to get some of the history behind the region. It’s a world-class museum and worth the stop to understand the culture we’re surrounded by every day.
 

When we weren't on the bikes, we spent some time at the mall for a bit of air conditioning—Merida heat is no joke—and we even found a Texas Roadhouse for a little taste of home. Sometimes you just need a break from the local cuisine, and it hit the spot.
 

Dinner at Piazzere
For a more local but high-end feel, we had dinner at Piazzere Pizza Bar. If you go online, you’ll see the reviews are great, and they aren't wrong—the pizza was excellent. We sat on the terrace overlooking the park, which is perfect for people-watching. We ended up chatting with the owner toward the end of the night, and he was incredibly nice. It’s those kinds of interactions that make a place stick with you.
 

Skip the Trial and Error
Merida is a huge city, and if you don't know where the road closures are or which neighborhoods are best for families, you can spend a lot of time just spinning your wheels. I’ve done the legwork so you don't have to.

I’m building out full weekend itineraries and private, family-tailored tours to help you see the best of the "White City" without the guesswork. Whether you want a guided bike tour of the center or a curated plan for the best family spots, I can get you set up.