Merida

Travel Guide

Puente Romano
Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre
Merida
Merida
Merida
Vacation in a captivating city in southwestern Spain that is home to some of the best-preserved Roman sites in the country.

Mérida is a fascinating city with a long history. Founded by the Roman Emperor Augustus in 25 B.C., it was once the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania. Notice the splendor of its past in the 2,000-year-old structures that survive to this day. Journey through history as you visit ancient temples, sites of public entertainment, bridges and museums.

Explore the Archeological Ensemble of Mérida, an extensive collection of historical structures recognized with UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Visit some of the sites for free, such as the Arco de TrajanoOpens in a new window, the Temple of DianaOpens in a new window, the Acueducto de los MilagrosOpens in a new window and the Puente RomanoOpens in a new window. Others charging an admission fee are the Roman Theatre and AmphitheatreOpens in a new window and the Circo RomanoOpens in a new window, where chariots historically raced. Save money by purchasing a combined ticket for these attractions, which are within a short walking distance of each other.

Continue your journey into the city's Roman past with a visit to the National Museum of Roman ArtOpens in a new window. Peruse coin collections, inscriptions, tombstones, sculptures, glassware and ceramics.

Get around to some of Mérida’s other historical attractions. Investigate the AlcazabaOpens in a new window, a 9th-century stronghold built for Muslim rulers. Browse a rich collection of religious art inside the medieval Co-cathedral of Santa María. This religious building sits on the Plaza de EspañaOpens in a new window, the city’s main square.

For a change of scenery, make a short drive north of Mérida to the Cornalvo Nature Reserve. Go hiking in the hills and through oak forests.

When you are back in Mérida, enjoy an evening stroll under the illuminated arch of the Puente LusitaniaOpens in a new window modern suspension bridge.

To experience Mérida’s Roman past and ancient heritage, fly into SevilleOpens in a new window, the location of the nearest international airport. Then travel about 120 miles (200 kilometers) to your vacation destination by car, bus or train.

Where to stay in Merida

Puente Romano

Merida Old Town

4.5/5(8 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

La Heredad

While La Heredad might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Puente Romano and Plaza de Espana.

La Heredad
Default Image

Bellavista

5/5(1 area review)

You'll appreciate the restaurants during your time in Bellavista and you might want to plan a stop by Puente Romano and Plaza de Espana while you're in the area.

Bellavista
AZZ Mérida Medea
AZZ Mérida Medea
4 out of 5
Av De Portugal S/n, Merida, Badajoz
The price is CA $80 per night from Apr. 6 to Apr. 7
CA $80
CA $88 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Merida. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Puente Romano and Alcazaba ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (656 reviews)
"This hotel has so many positives,pool is ausome .. rooms are spacious and have great balconies and close to restaurants and have parking on site"

Reviewed on Aug. 23, 2024

AZZ Mérida Medea
Hotel ILUNION Mérida Palace
Hotel ILUNION Mérida Palace
5 out of 5
Plaza Espana, 19, Merida, Badajoz
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $130 per night from Apr. 27 to Apr. 28
CA $130
CA $143 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Merida. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (843 reviews)
"A spacious and well run hotel."

Reviewed on Mar. 15, 2025

Hotel ILUNION Mérida Palace
Hotel ILUNION Las Lomas
Hotel ILUNION Las Lomas
4 out of 5
Av Reina Sofia, 78, Merida, Badajoz
The price is CA $77 per night from Apr. 7 to Apr. 8
CA $77
CA $85 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Merida. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (493 reviews)
Merida
"Beautiful Hotel well positioned for exploring Mérida, everything good, but it would of been helpful to know in advance that Restaurant and Bar would be closed during our stay."

Reviewed on Jan. 3, 2025

Hotel ILUNION Las Lomas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apartamentos Petronila 1881
Apartamentos Petronila 1881
2 out of 5
Calle Santa Eulalia 20., Merida, EX
Stay at this apartment in Merida. Enjoy laundry facilities, housekeeping, and an outdoor tennis court. Popular attractions Temple of Diana and Plaza de Espana ...
10/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"The location was excellent, close to everything that was worth seeing. The owner was super nice, and the apartments were worth to be featured on architecture magazines!"

Reviewed on Feb. 14, 2025

Apartamentos Petronila 1881
Camping Mérida
Camping Mérida
1 out of 5
Carr de Extremadura, Km 336, Merida, Badajoz
Stay at this campground in Merida. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Circo Romano and Interpretation Center Las VII ...
6/10 (6 reviews)
Camping Mérida
"Des cafards dans le lit, climatisation en panne, pas de couverture, micro onde en panne, plaque de cuisson en panne....."

Reviewed on Nov. 6, 2018

Camping Mérida
CAPITOLIO Apartamentos Turísticos
CAPITOLIO Apartamentos Turísticos
3.5 out of 5
Travesía De Cervantes, 2, Merida, Badajoz
Stay at this 3.5-star boutique aparthotel in Merida. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Basilica of Saint Eulalia ...
9/10 Wonderful! (82 reviews)
Great location
"We had a nice stay at the property. We were a little disappointed that we were given a room with 2 twin beds, after requesting 1 double bed. The rest of the room was great. Very spacious. The location was fantastic! Easily walkable to everywhere we wanted to go. Restaurants, sights, etc. Merida is ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 24, 2023

CAPITOLIO Apartamentos Turísticos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Merida

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Lily

Good waypoint lots to do for a day/night visit.

Cities near Merida