Merida Travel Guide: A Budget & Vegan Guide to the Yucatan’s Vibrant Capital

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Most people treat Mérida as a quick pitstop on the way to the coast, but if you give this city a few days, it will absolutely charm your socks off. It’s a city of rusted Beetles, pastel-coloured walls that look like album covers, and some of the best vegan food in Mexico.

If you’re looking for a base that feels “authentically Mexican” without the tourist-trap vibes of the Riviera Maya, Mérida is your spot.

🏠 Where to Stay: Casa Lool Beh

We stayed at Casa Lool Beh, and honestly, it felt more like staying with friends than at a hostel. It’s a 15-minute walk from the ADO TAME station, and run by Jose and Ananda.

  • The Vibe: Garden annexes, ensuite rooms with hot water, and a pool to cool off in after a day of exploring.
  • Close to bus stations: The first class ADO buses from Cancun and Vallodolid stop just a 10 minute walk from the hostel. The 2nd-class buses to Uxmal and Campeche also stop here too, so the location is IDEAL!
  • Working Kitchen: The kitchen had everything we needed for rustling up some simple meals including breakfasts and lunches. There was also fresh coffee available all day!
  • Expert Tip: Use the garden for some low-key birdwatching. We saw beautiful little orange birds right from our hammocks.
The Pool at Casa Lool Beh
The Gardens at Casa Lool Beh

🥗 The Vegan Mérida Hit-List

Mérida is a total dark horse for plant-based food. You won’t go hungry here.

  • Crush: Our absolute favourite. The Beyond Burgers gave us the slice of home that we craved, and the courtyard vibe is 10/10. Great for a chilled dinner with live music nearby. They had an amazing range of vegan tacos too, and a variety of diffefrent plant-based protein alternatives! It was so good we ate here almost every night!
  • Jajajana: Go here for brunch. It’s a pet-friendly, plant-based dream. Their avocado toast and Mexican-inspired vegan dishes are top-tier. The coffee was also delicious and it’s in a quieter part of town near a nice church and courtyard.
  • Orgánico Bar de Café & Cocina: Another fully vegetarian coffee shop which served tasty food, but we found the portions a bit small and over-priced.
Tacos at Crush
Breakfast at Jajajana

🚶‍♂️ 3 Things You Must Do in Mérida

  1. Sunday in the Square: If you’re here on a Sunday, the main square (Plaza Grande) comes alive with street dancing, food stalls, and music. It’s the best people-watching in the city.
  2. The “Album Cover” Walk: Just pick a street and start walking. The architecture is stunningly run-down in the best way possible. Perfect for photography enthusiasts.
  3. Visit Parque San Juan: A slightly quieter part of town with lovely little coffee shops nearby and a more local feel than the main tourist drag.

🚌 Transport Expert Tips

  • The ADO “Freezer”: I cannot stress this enough—ADO buses are set to “Arctic.” Bring your hoodie and leggings, even if it’s 35 degrees outside!
  • Book Ahead for Discounts: If you book your ADO tickets a few days early online, you can often find “promotional” seats for 50% off.
  • Second Class is Fine: For shorter trips, SUR or Oriente buses are perfectly fine and much cheaper, though you usually have to buy these in person at the station. Don’t be afraid to just turn up and go.
  • Head to the station BEFORE you plan to leave: Timetables for second class buses are not advertised online. So head to the bus terminal information desk when you arrive to ask for the times on the day you plan to leave.
  • Check multiple bus stations: The bus to your next destination might be from a different bus station, so check around.

Onward Travel Tips

  • The Bus to Uxmal: These second-class SUR buses depart from the TAME Terminal (Calle 69). They usually leave at 6:00 am, 8:00 am, and 9:00 am. Aim for the 6:00 am or 8:00 am to beat the heat!
  • The Bus to Campeche: You can take a first-class ADO bus from the CAME Terminal (Calle 70) or a second-class SUR bus from TAME. Buses run roughly every hour from 6am, but booking an ADO “Platino” or “GL” in advance can get you a massive discount.

Note: the 2nd class bus from TAME to Campeche is the same bus as that to Uxmal! It just continues on after stopping there!

  • The Bus to Valladolid/Cancun: These depart frequently from the CAME Terminal. If you’re heading to Valladolid, the journey is about 2.5 hours.
Walking to the bus terminal
Freezing cold buses

📍 Summary Guide to Merida and MAP

Mérida might look a bit “gritty” when you first arrive, but stick around. Between the fireworks, the street festivals, and the friendly “Meridians,” you’ll find yourself falling for it just like we did.

Check out my custom map below for the highlights!

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