2025 Merida Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Located in the heart of Extremadura, Spain, Mérida is one of the most impressive Roman cities outside of Italy. Founded in 25 BC as Augusta Emerita by order of Emperor Augustus, Mérida became the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania and an important cultural, political, and military hub of the empire. Today, it boasts one of the most extensive and best-preserved collections of Roman ruins in Spain, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage designation. The Roman Theatre of Mérida, built in 16 BC, is the city’s most iconic structure. With seating for 6,000 spectators, it hosted theatrical performances, poetry recitals, and public speeches. Remarkably, it is still in use today for the Mérida International Classical Theatre Festival, bringing ancient drama back to life in its original setting. The semi-circular seating arrangement, grand stage, and towering marble columns make it one of the finest examples of Roman theatre architecture in Europe. The Amphitheatre: Gladiator Battles and Spectacle Adjacent to the theatre is the Roman Amphitheatre, completed in 8 BC. With a capacity of 15,000, this arena was the site of gladiator battles and wild animal hunts. Walking through its underground chambers and tunnels, visitors can imagine the roaring crowds as fighters engaged in brutal combat. The oval-shaped design, typical of Roman amphitheaters, closely resembles the Colosseum in Rome. Spanning the Guadiana River, the Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) is one of the longest surviving Roman bridges in the world. Originally built in the 1st century BC, this 792-meter-long structure with 60 arches was a key part of the Via de la Plata, an ancient Roman road connecting Mérida to other important cities. Today, it remains fully functional and is a favorite spot for leisurely walks, offering scenic views of the river and city. In the city center, the Temple of Diana stands as one of Mérida’s most impressive remnants of Roman religious architecture. Despite its name, it was likely a temple dedicated to the imperial cult rather than to the goddess Diana. Nearby, the Arch of Trajan, a grand stone gateway, once marked the entrance to the Roman forum and still stands as a reminder of Mérida’s former grandeur. The Roman Circus of Mérida is one of the largest and best-preserved in the world, rivaling even the Circus Maximus in Rome. Measuring 440 meters in length, it could accommodate up to 30,000 spectators who gathered to watch thrilling chariot races. The site still retains its original track, seating areas, and even parts of the starting gates, providing an authentic glimpse into the excitement of Roman sporting events. #romanforum

Ilunion Mérida Palace has a great location next to Plaza España! ! ! 🏨Hotel Rooms: The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a quiet and livable environment. 🏨Hotel Service: The hotel service is warm and thoughtful, the staff is friendly and efficient, and meets the needs of guests. In emergencies, the team is prompt and professional, providing translation assistance and making guests feel valued. 🏨Hotel facilities: front desk service, front desk service language, 24-hour front desk, restaurant, bar, halal food, room service, massage room, sunbathing area, business center, conference hall, wedding banquet service, etc. 🏨Hotel location: This accommodation is strategically located in the central square of the ancient city, surrounded by many restaurants and attractions within walking distance. Parking service is also provided, and transportation is convenient. ❤Recommendation reason: The hotel has an excellent geographical location, only 700 meters away from Merida by car. You will find Merida Co-Cathedral, the Visigothic Art and Archaeology Museum and Plaza España not far from the hotel. From the hotel's upper floors you can easily enjoy the views of Don Tello Golf Club, and the Alcazaba Castle is also nearby. 🏨Hotel breakfast: Although there are not many types of breakfast, the quality is very good. The waiter will put the food on the guests' plates, which is hygienic and safe. The breakfast is rich and varied, with fresh fruits, which is a good choice to start the day quickly. 🖼Recommended restaurants: Enjoy first-class recommended cuisine at nearby Meson - Tienda EL Yantar (Western cuisine), Tabula Calda- Casa de Comidas (Mediterranean cuisine) or EI Yate Restaurante (Spanish cuisine). ‼ ️City Notice: Please note that in accordance with Royal Decree 933/2021, which comes into force on February 1, 2025, hotels in Spain may request certain personal data upon check-in, including but not limited to Mainland China ID, address, email address and telephone number for guests aged 14 and above, as well as documents proving the relationship with minors under the age of 14.

Merida, Mexico Travel Guide Located on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Merida is a city that blends history and culture. It's safe and perfect for travel. - Attractions: Don't miss the Merida Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. Built with materials from Mayan temples, it stands as a testament to cultural fusion. The Plaza Grande, the heart of the city, features bustling markets and unique architecture. Paseo de Montejo is lined with colonial buildings, showcasing the city's rich history. The Gran Museo del Mundo Maya offers a comprehensive look at Mayan civilization with its extensive collection. - Food Exploration: Try "Cochinita Pibil," a slow-roasted whole pig marinated in achiote paste and wrapped in banana leaves for a unique flavor. "Relleno Negro" is a turkey dish filled with a rich, spicy sauce, often served during major festivals. "Papadzules" are corn tortillas filled with a pumpkin seed sauce and hard-boiled eggs, topped with a tomato and pepper sauce, a true local specialty. - Transportation and Accommodation: You can reach Merida by air from Mexico City and other locations. For accommodation, we recommend the Hotel Hacienda Merida in the city center, offering convenient access to attractions and a taste of local charm. - Suggested Itinerary: On the first day, visit the Cathedral and Plaza Grande in the morning, followed by a stroll along Paseo de Montejo in the afternoon. On the second day, explore the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya and enjoy local cuisine at the market in the evening.

Spain Westward ～ Badajoz Province (Region) A short stroll through the city you will find many other monuments that evoke its past: temples, amphitheaters, circuses, baths, aqueducts, arches... You can visit the Roman Empire Tour of Merida , to end your trip to the Roman Empire of Merida. Existing Roman cities One day is enough to explore the best of Merida and recreate its Roman past. This World Heritage city is home to a Roman theatre that is over 2,000 years old and still in use. Visit this city in the summer to admire its splendor. In June, the "Emerita Lvdica" festival takes place, which brings the streets of Merida back to the days of Romans and gladiators. In the evenings of July and August, the Teatro Romano hosts the International Festival of Classical Theatre. You can visit on foot the Temple of Diana, the Amphitheater, the Arch of Trajan, the Roman Bridge, the Roman Circus, the Acueducto de los Milagros... If you want to get to know ancient Merida, visit the National Museum of Roman Art and discover the great Roman mosaics and important examples of Roman sculpture. More than one day trip Quiet streets, squares that invite you to rest, green areas along the Guadiana River where you can stroll, landmarks such as the Arab Castle, and gastronomy that will make you want to linger for lunch and dinner. The surrounding area has many interesting attractions that will keep you busy. There are reasons to want to extend your stay in Merida. About 30 km from the city, you can visit some ancient Roman baths that have been integrated into modern spas. These are all located in Alanghe, where you can also visit the remains of the town’s fortress and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. These thermal baths are part of the Roman archaeological site of Merida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, just five kilometers from Merida is the Prosperpina Reservoir, built by the Romans. A little further you can visit the Cornalvo Nature Reserve and its reservoir, located between meadows. #2024TravelReview

Spain Westward Journey ~ Merida The Roman colony of Emerita Augusta shows us this through this monumental civil engineering project: the Aqueduct of Miracles, which was built in the 1st century BC. To supply the different parts of the urban complex, water is taken from the Proserpina reservoir and it is here that this distribution is carried out in the so-called "water towers", saving the depressions of the Albaregas River. Its slender arches and original granite design combined with brick give it a unique character. #NovemberDestinations2024 #SpainTravel

Traveling westward in Spain ~ Merida The church dates from the 13th century and was built on the walls of an old building from Roman times immediately after the Christian reconquest of the city. During the excavation of the church's interior, false ceilings and supports were installed so that the discovered Roman-era burial chambers, walls and foundations could be seen. There is an admission fee to both the excavation and the church. But both are worth seeing. #NovemberGood Places 2024 #SpainTravel

Spain Westward Journey ~ Merida Located on Sagasta Street, it is part of a larger complex and is all that remains of the portico of the old Municipal Forum of Augusta Emerita. It is very close to the Temple of Diana, open-air and free. Like most Roman ruins it is magnificent. It was the entrance to the Piazza del Comune, where civil affairs were discussed and the gods of the Roman Pantheon were worshipped, and it has Corinthian columns and historical sculptures. One of the places worth visiting and taking photos. #NovemberDestinations2024 #SpainTravel

Spain Westward Journey ~ Merida You will get this feeling when walking through Merida and suddenly you see an impressive and majestic Roman era temple, there are ruins all over the city but apart from the Roman theater and the bridge, this will be one of the best preserved, although you imagine its splendor and few remains. So if you’re in town, don’t miss it. #NovemberDestinations2024 #SpainTravel

Spain Westward Journey ~ Merida The Arch of Trajan in Merida is only worth visiting if you are already passing through the area or if you plan to have a drink in one of the two bars next door. This is an interesting historical site but the visit was quick and there wasn't much to explore other than admiring its structure. This is the ideal place to take a short break and enjoy the atmosphere of the nearby bars. #NovemberDestinations2024 #SpainTravel

Spain Westward Journey ~ Merida Very large Roman house, which preserves parts of mosaics, some paintings, bathrooms and different rooms. The route through the walkway gives you a great view of the grounds, which despite the cover protection are well lit. This is one of the unforgivable visits to Merida. Use the combined ticket to enter the historic site. The columbarium is a walking distance from the house and has different urns on display along with several funerary buildings. #NovemberDestinations2024 #SpainTravel

Spain Westbound ~ Merida I had the opportunity to visit it and was amazed by its grandeur and history. This is the journey through time and space that I recommend to everyone! This incredible monument was built around 16 BC during the reign of Emperor Augustus and is one of the best preserved in the Iberian Peninsula. The theatre seats 6,000 spectators and its architecture is impressive: from the “cavea” where the public sits to the imposing “scenae frons” facade. The Roman Theatre of Merida is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is still active today, being the stage for the renowned International Classical Theatre Festival. Important: The theater is closed on Mondays (the day the information is updated); Especially in summer, drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen; I recommend comfortable shoes to better enjoy the experience; If you have sensitive eyes, I suggest you bring sunglasses. #NovemberDestinations2024 #SpainTravel

A place where you can see traces of aqueducts from the Roman Empire If you want a perfect aqueduct, it would be better to visit Segovia, but if you are looking for an aqueduct that blends in better with the surroundings, wouldn't the Milagras Aqueduct be more appropriate? The space where the traces of the aqueduct pass has been developed into a park, so you can feel the space from that time more closely. #New York Flight Ticket Event #November Travel Grant Event #European Travel #Melida #Milagras Aqueduct

Mérida, Spain, is the capital of Extremadura, located 337 kilometers west of Madrid, about a 3 and a half hour drive. The city of Mérida was established by Octavio Augusto in 25 BC and was one of the important city-states during the Roman rule of the Iberian Peninsula. In 1993, the ancient city was named a World Heritage City by UNESCO. Have you been there? Photo source ©Grupo de Ciudades Patrimonio de la Humanidad de España

Extremadura region is located in the west of Spain. Although low-key, the number, scale, and value of its historical sites are among the top in Spain. It has three World Heritage Sites and is also a famous bird-watching tourist destination in Europe. Spain has a total of 15 World Heritage Cities, and Mérida (Mérida, P1-P3) and Cáceres (Cáceres, P4-P6), the capitals of Extremadura, account for 2. The ancient Roman theater and amphitheater in Mérida are still performing classic dramas, and Cáceres is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Spain and even Europe. Its history can be traced back to the Old Stone Age in 20,000 BC. In addition to historical sites, this place is also one of the producing areas of Iberian ham (Jamón bérico, P7-P9). Iberian ham can be described as a Mediterranean delicacy, with its fat and lean, soft and resilient meat. Whether it's lunch or dinner, there's always a large plate of Iberian ham on the Spaniards' table. It has become an unmissable Mediterranean delicacy!

The Temple of Diana is the best preserved Roman temple on the Iberian Peninsula. It is located at the highest point of the town and is a very important site in the city. The ancient Roman temple, also known as the goddess Diana at the time, is also known as the "Diana Temple". The temple of Diana was originally the center of the ancient Roman town. The temple was built in the first century AD. In the period of the Augustus, the Roman Empire destroyed the temple in the fifth century and was used as a place for execution. Later, the pillars of the medieval temple were embedded in the newly built walls and used as castles. In the Middle Ages in 1871 The building was demolished and the most primitive temple columns were presented to us.