La Ciudad Blanca
Colonial architecture & laid-back charm
Eva Fydrych visiting Merida, Mexico, in April 2016 (Dress by Zara)
Whether you are looking for a short weekend getaway or a lazy week somewhere hot and exotic, Merida is the place to be!
This trendy city, which has recently seen a significant growth in popularity, is a capital of Yucatan Peninsula, located in Southeast Mexico.
Merida has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and enough attractions to keep you entertained every day of the week. Delicious food (Mexican cuisine doesn’t really need recommendation!), great music and outdoor events (the main square hosts various events during summertime - from salsa classes to music performances and film screenings), street markets showcasing local fashion and jewellery, handwoven textiles, painted ceramics and other artisan products, interesting architecture and trendy boutique hotels - these are just some of the highlights that are awaiting for you in Merida.
The city is considered to be one of the safest travel destinations in Mexico and is easy to reach by air.
The city is considered to be one of the safest travel destinations in Mexico and is easy to reach by air.
Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine (Click to enlarge)
Paseo Montejo
Photo courtesy of Rosas & Xocolate
Shopping in Merida
"Founded in 1542 by Francisco de Montejo “el Mozo” (the son), Merida was built on the site of the ancient Maya city T’ho, meaning “city of five hills.” T’ho was the center of Mayan culture and activity in the Yucatan region. After the arrival of the Spanish, the ancient city’s five main pyramids were destroyed and their ruins used in the construction of Merida’s cathedral and other important buildings.
Merida was built as a walled city and several of the old Spanish city gates remain. The city boasts the second-largest historic center in Mexico; only Mexico City’s historic center is larger. Merida gets its nickname, La Ciudad Blanca (The White City), from the predominance of white limestone that was used as a building material; although locals today will tell you that it also has to do with the cleanliness of the streets and public areas, not to mention how safe the city is.
Merida is famous for the guayabera, a loose fitting men’s shirt with tucks and pockets. Traditional guayaberas are white, made from cotton or linen and often embroidered. Here you’ll also find hipiles, dresses or tunics worn by the indigenous women of the region. Hipiles are often white with colorful embroidered designs that traditionally convey some sort of meaning within the local community." - visitmexico.com
Merida is famous for the guayabera, a loose fitting men’s shirt with tucks and pockets. Traditional guayaberas are white, made from cotton or linen and often embroidered. Here you’ll also find hipiles, dresses or tunics worn by the indigenous women of the region. Hipiles are often white with colorful embroidered designs that traditionally convey some sort of meaning within the local community." - visitmexico.com
Swimming pool at NOMADAS Hostel
Coconuts in Progreso
Progreso, the nearest beach to Merida, is less than 40 minutes away
Colourful hammocks in Progreso
Shopping in Merida
Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine
There are several hip hotels in the city (Rosas & Xocolate located in the heart of Paseo Montejo is definitely worth visiting), as well as many laid-back hostels featuring local art, colourful hammocks, and large swimming pools (check out NOMADAS and Art apART Hostel).
To start your day with a good cup of coffee, visit trendy Posheria where you can also taste excellent local spirits.
One of the main tourist attractions, Museo Fernando García Ponce - MACAY, offers an interesting collection of contemporary art and it's a great place to escape the heat. There are several art galleries, boutiques and shopping malls across the city.
Don't forget to make time for a spa treatment at one of Merida's luxury clinics offering facial and body treatments, Temazcal baths, and Mayan Rituals. Have fun!
DID YOU KNOW?
Merida is the official Capital Americana de la Cultura 2017 so now it's the perfect time to plan your trip. You can find more information about the city here.
Merida (Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)
Paseo Montejo
NOMADAS Hostel
NOMADAS Hostel
Colourful Merida streets
Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine
Gran Hotel
The Cathedral of San Ildefonso, the oldest on the continent, built using stones from ruined Mayan pyramids
Street art
Museo Fernando García Ponce - MACAY
Shopping at the airport (Get the look: woven tote)
Art apArt Hostel
Relaxing time at NOMADAS Hostel (Get the look: red dress / gladiator sandals)
Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine
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What to wear in Merida
We love the peace and quiet of this beach town next to Progreso, www.chuburapuerto.com
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by Alice! :) I wish I had more time to explore that area. I only visited Merida and Progreso. Have a great day! Eva
DeleteJust so you know! Merida is called the "white city" not because it's cleanliness or predominant white building"
ReplyDeleteIt is called the white city because when the Spaniard colonized the Mayan, the city was reserved for the white people, excluding the Mayan.
Eric
Hi Eric,
DeleteThank you for your input, however official sources, including Mexican Tourism Board, provide the interpretation that was mentioned in the article. Others, such as Wikipedia, say that the origin of the term "white city" is not clear.
Eva
This website and I conceive this internet site is really informative ! Keep on putting up!
ReplyDeleteBridal Jewellery
Thank you!
Delete