The Merida nightlife isn’t as vibrant as the nightlife in Cancun however it is a terrific spot to enjoy music and beverages in a more relaxed setting.
The Yucatan Peninsula is intrinsically tied to Merida and its nightlife. The plethora of artistic, cultural, and recreational options is one of the many reasons to visit Merida. Mérida is renowned as one of Mexico’s most magnificent towns, boasting beautiful colonial structures and avenues.
However, it is not simply the architecture that draws travelers but also the unique colonial bars and cantinas. While Merida is not a big party spot, the city offers plenty of bars and cantinas to keep you engaged until the late hours of the evening.
Where To Party In Merida?
The Merida nightlife can be experienced in two ways: Downtown and Zona Norte.
At the periphery of Plaza Grande, you can find more tourist-oriented options like Plaza Santa Lucia and nearby places of interest.
Around Parque Santa Lucia area gives you a wide choice of bars & restaurants where you can dine and experience rich cultural performances like a weekly open-air dance accompanied by Yucatecan Serenade, which has been around since 1965. Then afterward (If you’d like to) you can watch more performances at the local theatres.
And in the northern part of the city, you’ll find a more aggressive, electrified take on the Merida nightlife. Night clubs, Bars, and similar establishments can be found in this district, like Plaza La Isla and Plaza Mangus, which are frequented by locals and are increasingly becoming popular with tourists.
Merida Nightlife Safety & Tips
According to a 2019 report in CEOWorld Magazine, Merida is the safest city in Mexico and the second safest city on the Americas Continent. A similar piece in Forbes magazine states it is as safe as Europe.
The same newspaper has also bestowed honors on Merida, Mexico. Readers ranked it third best small city in the world in 2021 (San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, was first). Similarly, Conde Nast Traveller magazine readers ranked Merida the third finest city in the world in 2020!
A traveler, like anybody else, is vulnerable to petty criminals in any city so unfortunately, the Merida nightlife is no exception.
Some locals have been known to pickpocket and bag-snatch in tourist areas, so keep your bags with you at all times and never take any valuables out; instead, leave them in the hotel room safe to have peace of mind that no valuables will be taken from you, but there’s no reason to expect.
If something does go wrong while you’re on vacation, local authorities and law enforcement shall be able to help.
How Expensive Is It To Party In Merida?
A 7-day vacation to Merida costs $974 for a single traveler, $1,749 for a couple, and $3,279 for a family of four. Hotels in Merida range in price from $31 to $164 per night, with an average of $63, whereas most vacation rentals range in price from $20 to $320 per night for the entire property.
For the more discerning tourists, its nightlife is more casual and geared toward better and more costly things like art, music, and cocktails but there are still many options depending on where you wish to party.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you should anticipate paying for a night out in Merida:
-A bottle of mid-range wine: 484 MXN
-bottle of beer: 30-80 MXN
-Cocktail: 80-200 MXN
-Fast food meal: 20-100 MXN
-A cup of cappuccino: 50 MXN
-A cup of espresso: 45 MXN
-A pack of cigarettes: 60 MXN
The Best Bars In Merida
Cantina Balam
Cantina Balam is for sure one of our favourite spots to party and pre-drink in Merida. Located on Calle 62 around 4 blocks north of Plaza Principal, it’s a popular hole-in-the-wall spot with a cute little terraza, popular with locals and foreigners. Drinks are really cheap, with a bucket of 5 beers starting from only 150 pesos. You can mingle with strangers at the bar or on the terraza which turns into a dance floor later on.
The Mayan Pub
This low-key, high-ceilinged institution is ideal for a laid-back evening of drinking, dining, and live music.
This surprisingly large pub is where you can find talkative bartenders, affordable drinks, and substantial happy-hour specials. There’s a second bar in the gorgeous wide-shaded garden and belly-filling bar food.
La Negrita Cantina
The notion of the cantina in Merida has evolved throughout time. They have been revitalized under new brand concepts by adding a more varied menu, live music, and scenic decor to their beverages and nibbles with the traditional spice that identifies them.
This is the case with La Negrita, a historic tavern that has been refurbished into a famous cantina with live music, beer, and fine mezcal.
Mezcaleria La Fundacion
If you’re looking to experience the Merida nightlife in a more up-beat environment Mezcaleria La Fundacion has great-value beverages which draw a younger, more active clientele to this busy cantina.
The interiors are filled with old furniture and trinkets, which add to the fantastic retro ambiance. Many of the clientele prefer Oaxacan mezcal.
Thus this lively bar quickly fills up with people dancing and singing to the frequent live musicians adorning the stage here.
Bar La Ruina
Bar La Ruina, nestled in the historic heart of Mérida, offers an enchanting blend of local charm and modern flair. This cozy establishment, celebrated for its warm ambiance, invites patrons to relax and unwind. As you step inside, the rustic decor, with its exposed brick walls and soft, ambient lighting, transports you to a world of comfort and nostalgia.
The bar prides itself on its extensive selection of beverages, from finely crafted cocktails to a diverse range of local and international beers. The friendly and knowledgeable staff enhance the experience, guiding customers through their impressive drink menu. Regulars and tourists alike are drawn to Bar La Ruina for its vibrant atmosphere, where the buzz of conversation mingles with background music, creating a perfect backdrop for an evening out. Whether you’re looking for a night of lively socializing or a quiet corner to enjoy a drink, Bar La Ruina promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Mérida.
The Best Clubs In Merida
Unfortunately since the pandemic, most nightclubs in Merida are still permanently closed. Merida is also not a crazy late-night party city, so you won’t find many nightclubs in the city.
Shotimilco
Shotimilco is famous for Mexican comedy that is infused into Latin contemporary music and Spanish classics. This bar can be found in Plaza Mangus
Tequila MD
Preferred by many, since it is usually always at its maximum capacity, this club has something that makes everyone dance and has fun. Walk around and you will see it yourself.
Classico Península
As the name tells us, it is one of the classiest nightclubs on the peninsula, the good atmosphere here is something serious.
Merida Nightlife Summary
When the sun goes down and the afternoon heat gives way to the calm of evening, the Merida nightlife truly shines. There is a rich cultural scene in the city, with free concerts and dance events hosted by the municipal government on many weeknights, and art exhibitions on the sidewalks and in parks on the weekends.
