Set aside a full day to tour the most important avenue in the city of Mérida, where concerts, carnivals and family events have been held and are part of the state’s traditions, such as the bike route every Sunday morning and the night bike route, the first Saturday of the month.
Throughout Paseo de Montejo avenue you can enjoy gastronomic experiences, boutique shops, galleries, hotels, restaurants and the majestic mansions from the 19th and 20th centuries.
We have prepared for you a walking tour of the most emblematic mansions of Paseo de Montejo, many of them are now museums with guided tours that talk about the origins of the property.
Let’s start with the Twin Houses or “Casas Gemelas” located near the beginning of Paseo de Montejo on 45th Street. They were built at the beginning of the 20th century by Manuel Cantón. If you visit, you can tour the interior and enjoy the French-style details that makes this house one of the most beautiful places on the route.
Casas Gemelas
- 4.5 Stars on google (186 reviews)
- +52 999 9240037
- Hours: 09:00 to 17:00
Recommended dining options close-by
When you leave, you can get cooled off with a drink or some food at Zinc Comfort Food just across the street. It’s a quiet restaurant/bar with French and international dishes and cocktails and great wines.
Heading north you could also pass by Casa Chica which has a chill vibe and in the evenings you can hear live music on certain days. They have some good appetizers, an international menu and drinks.
One of our favorite stops as you continue north is Hennessy’s Irish Pub, the pub where everyone knows your name. This is a famous expat hangout, and a traditional Irish Pub, owned by two Irish men. They have great pub food and the bar is always a fun place to meet people.
Almost opposite the Irish bar is the Palacio G Cantón, a luxurious museum built between the years of 1904 to 1911 and in 1966 it became the Regional Museum of Anthropology with pieces from the pre-hispanic Maya era as well as fascinating contemporary artifacts. The building is one of the most beautiful and emblematic on Paseo de Montejo and is very well kept.
Palacio G Cantón
- 4.8 Stars on google (441 comments)
- +52 999 3410435
- Hours: 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
We are sure you will love this tour!
Need a Sorbet or Sweet Tooth Break?
Across the street and heading north you will find the very traditional and delicious Sorbeteria Colon, in business for over 100 years. This is an absolute local favorite and a great way to cool off under the Merida sun. It is absolutely packed each evening with locals and you can’t leave Merida without experiencing this delicacy. They serve sweet sorbets, many of which are made from fresh tropical fruits. They also have a wonderful pastry selection where you can find traditional treats cookies, Cuban capuccinos or sopa borracha (sponge cake cones soaked in syrup), cakes with meringue and more. Our favorites are the champolas (milkshakes).
As you continue walking down Paseo de Montejo towards the Monumento a la Patria (the great monument at the end of Paseo), you will find some great spots for photos such as the lovers benches and the sidewalks with large trees providing shade.
On the way to the next mansion, El Miranet, you will pass The Korean Grill and Ice Cream, Marquesitas street food stalls, Happenings Concept Store, banks, and an OXXO convenience store.
A few meters further you can cross the street again and between 35th and 37th streets you will find the beautiful Casona El Miranet. It was built in 1908 with a neoclassical style typical of the 19th century, today it is an artistic center where different artistic, cultural, and private events are held.
El Miranet
- 4.8 Stars on google (441 comments)
- +52 9993410435
- Hours: 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m
After experiencing El Miranet, touring the incredible house and of course snapping a few photos, if you happen to be craving some delicious tacos al pastor head to La Exquina, a Mexican restaurant with a fun vibe and drinks.
On the same side of the street as La Exquina restaurant, you will find another beautiful Italian style mansion that belonged to the very wealthy hacienda owner Peón de Regil and was built in 1905. It was one of the most important houses during its time and today it is known as the Casona Inbursa bank. The bank has preserved it to show off its architectural beauty and the gardens.
Casona Inbursa
- 4.4 Stars on google (24 comments)
- +52 9994799301
- Hours: 08:00 to 17:30
Continuing north and on the same side of the street you will find one of the most popular mansions, the Quinta Montes Molina. This Quinta was built in 1902 and still preserves the European furniture, decoration and picturesque gardens of the time . It has guided tours and is popular for weddings and other events. We definitely recommend taking a stroll through the house and exploring its grounds.
Quinta Montes Molina
- 4.7 Stars on google (1,861 comments)
- +52 9999255999
- Hours: 10:00 a 18:00
After that you finally make it to the Monumento a la Patria, inaugurated in April 1956 under the hand of Colombian sculptor Rómulo Rozo, the Monumento a la Patria has been part of this city for more than 60 years, and its presence has been a fundamental piece in the lives of the people of Mérida ever since. It shows the history of Mexico, the struggles, wars, the indigenous population and the rich history. There are more than 300 carved figures in the monument.
It’s an important tourist attraction and a busy roundabout for Yucatecans, this monument brings hundreds of people together, hosts protests, events, and is a prime spot for the quintessential photo of Merida.
https://www.instagram.com/avelino.y.maria?igsh=MWRiMGp4M3ZxdnN5bw==We are almost at the end of the tour and if you need a moment of relaxation to rest and get more energy, you will find a really nice cafe book shop Avelina y Maria in the backyard of Quinta Montes Molina. It’s a beautiful space to
To finish the tour, cross the four lane road, heading towards the iconic Monument “Monumento a la Patria”. You will pass by Justo Cafe, one of our favorites for sourdough pastries, sandwiches and coffees, Matilda Concept Store, great for shopping and buying top quality products made in Mexico, and La Bottega Wine Bar.
We hope you enjoyed walking along Paseo de Montejo, tag us on your social networks to share your adventure through Mérida Yucatán.
