Things to do in Merida

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Puente Romano
Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre
Merida
Acueducto de los Milagros featuring heritage architecture and a sunset
National Museum of Roman Art featuring heritage elements and interior views
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Merida must see attractions

1. Roman Theatre

When Mérida’s first citizens wanted to be entertained, one of the places they headed was the Roman Theatre. The venue was inaugurated around 15 B.C. and could accommodate up to 6,000 spectators. Allow at least half an hour for a self-guided tour of the well-preserved site. For many centuries, it lay buried underground, until excavations started in 1910.
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Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre

2. Puente Romano

More than 2,000 years after its construction, the Puente Romano is still in use. Cross the Guadiana River on this ancient bridge. This was one of the first Roman structures to be built in Mérida and it is one of the longest Roman bridges surviving in the modern world.
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Puente Romano

3. Plaza de Espana

The Plaza de España has been a central feature of life in Mérida since medieval times. Over the years, it has hosted bullfights, festivals, markets, games, processions and executions. Today, come to the pretty square for a stroll and some relaxation as you watch passersby enjoying sunny days.
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Plaza de Espana

4. Temple of Diana

The Temple of Diana was a sacred place of worship dedicated to the Roman imperial cult, which regarded emperors and some members of their families as gods. The granite structure was built in the 1st century and would have been part of the forum, where the city’s most important buildings were located. Look up in awe at this ancient structure.
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Temple of Diana

5. National Museum of Roman Art

The National Museum of Roman Art is housed inside an impressive-looking building that recreates the grandeur of ancient Roman structures. Within the exhibition halls and galleries, see ceramics, sculptures, tombstones, mosaics and paintings from Mérida’s period as a Roman colony.
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Museo Nacional de Arte Romano

6. Acueducto de los Milagros

Visit the Acueducto de los Milagros, constructed about 2,000 years ago to supply water to the Roman colony of Emerita Augusta, now known as Mérida. Like many Roman aqueducts, it was colossal. A small section remains today and is known as the Aqueduct of the Miracles, because of its awe-inspiring appearance.
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Acueducto de los Milagros

7. Arco de Trajano

During Roman times, people would have walked under the Arco de Trajano to access a colossal temple of the imperial cult, the religion that regarded emperors and some of their relatives as gods. The doorway was one of three gateways to the sacred temple, the remains of which are along Holguin Street. It was the central and biggest arch. See the tall structure that has survived to the present day.
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Arco de Trajano

8. Alcazaba

When Mérida's 9th-century Muslim rulers wanted to protect themselves from local uprisings and revolts, they built the magnificent Alcazaba. See this impressive Arab fortification with its thick walls and 25 towers. While the remaining walls clearly define the overall structure, note that much of the original interior has not survived.
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Alcazaba

9. Circo Romano

The Circo Romano was an ancient sporting arena, where chariots once raced. Visit the site, considered one of the best-preserved Roman circuses to survive to the present day. It features the remains of stands and entrances as well as an on-site museum.
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Circo Romano

What to do in Merida

Discover the most popular places to visit in Merida

Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre

Roman Theatre

5/5(11 reviews)

Explore the well-preserved remains of this 2,000-year-old theater that serves its original function as a performance venue as it has for scores of generations.

Roman Theatre
Puente Romano

Puente Romano

5/5(11 reviews)

Walk across this lengthy Roman bridge, a magnificent structure that has withstood centuries of damage from rain, floods and battles.

Puente Romano
Plaza de Espana

Plaza de Espana

4.5/5(12 reviews)

In the heart of Mérida's historical center is its medieval square. Relax in the restaurants and visit centuries-old buildings that surround this attractive plaza.

Plaza de Espana
Temple of Diana

Temple of Diana

4.5/5(9 reviews)

See the ruins of one of the most important buildings in Roman Mérida, a temple where sacrifices were made and emperors were worshipped.

Temple of Diana
Museo Nacional de Arte Romano

National Museum of Roman Art

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Discover many fascinating Roman works of art, such as sculptures, portraits and inscriptions, and see how Roman houses were decorated.

National Museum of Roman Art
The amphitheatre in Mérida nearby the Theatre.

Amphitheatre of Merida

5/5(3 reviews)

Get tickets for a show at Amphitheatre of Merida, a storied theater in Merida. Experience the area's theater scene and entertainment venues.

Amphitheatre of Merida
Acueducto de los Milagros

Acueducto de los Milagros

5/5(8 reviews)

Marvel at this wonderful example of Roman architecture and engineering, which brought water into the city from a reservoir several miles away.

Acueducto de los Milagros
Arco de Trajano

Arco de Trajano

4/5(5 reviews)

Contemplate the design and structure of this 1st-century Roman arch that once served as a gateway to an important temple.

Arco de Trajano
Alcazaba

Alcazaba

4.5/5(6 reviews)

In addition to its Roman buildings, Mérida has many other historical attractions, including this Arab stronghold from the 9th century.

Alcazaba

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Merida

Puente Romano

Merida Old Town

5/5(20 area reviews)

Historic sites, theaters, and museums highlight some of the noteworthy features of Merida Old Town. Make a stop by Roman Theatre or National Museum of Roman Art while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Merida Old Town
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Distrito 6

Visitors to Distrito 6 appreciate its restaurants. A visit to Puente Romano and Plaza de Espana might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

Distrito 6
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San Antonio

Though San Antonio might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Puente Romano and Plaza de Espana.

San Antonio
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Polígono Industrial Cepansa

While Polígono Industrial Cepansa isn't home to many top sights, Puente Romano and Plaza de Espana are some notable places to visit nearby.

Polígono Industrial Cepansa
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El Prado

Though El Prado might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Acueducto de los Milagros and Puente Romano.

El Prado
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Polígono Industrial Carrión

Though Polígono Industrial Carrión might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Puente Romano and Plaza de Espana.

Polígono Industrial Carrión

Popular day trips from Merida

Plaza Mayor

Cáceres

Frequently asked questions

Is Merida worth visiting?
Merida offers an interesting mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or local cuisine, there are many things here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Merida?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Alcazaba and Los Columbarios, spend some time experiencing Merida's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Merida?
Amphitheatre of Merida is one of the top tourist attractions in Merida and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Merida?
You can easily visit top attractions like Amphitheatre of Merida, Puente Romano and Alcazaba with a three-day stay in Merida. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so linger longer and check out Merida Old Town.
Is Merida a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to do and see in Merida. Several sights, such as Amphitheatre of Merida and Puente Romano, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Merida's best neighborhoods, Bellavista is 2 kilometers away from downtown, while Distrito 6 is 3 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Merida with kids?
Deciding what to do in Merida with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Merida for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Merida, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Casa de Mitreo.
Are there free things to do in Merida?
In Merida, Basilica of Saint Eulalia is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a great way to find out about the best free things to do in Merida.