I Never Liked Traveling to Mexico—but This City Made Me Fall in Love With It

I’ll admit it: I had never really liked Mexico.

My visits had been limited to cruise ports, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Cabo, and Cozumel—and each spot left me underwhelmed. The towns felt more curated for tourists than connected to local life, the food leaned Americanized, and in Mazatlán, I didn’t even feel safe stepping off the ship. It was enough to make me wonder if Mexico just wasn’t for me.

But then I went to Mérida.—and from the moment I arrived, I knew this city was different.

Mérida, the capital of Mexico’s Yucatán state, immediately felt unlike any other place I’d visited in the country. Pastel-colored Colonial buildings lined the streets, their facades glowing in the afternoon sun, while the plazas hummed with life. Families strolled together, children played in fountains, and the scent of fresh tortillas and local spices drifted from the nearby markets. It was lively without being overwhelming, colorful without feeling contrived.

What struck me most was the city’s sense of community. People lingered in public spaces, chatting on benches, sharing snacks from street vendors, and enjoying live music that floated through the air. Neighbors knew each other. Families brought their children to the parks. Strangers greeted one another with warm smiles. As a solo female guest of the country, I felt completely safe walking the streets even after dark. But more than that, I felt included in the rhythm of daily life, welcomed into a city that seemed to celebrate connection at every turn.

That spirit of connection was impossible to ignore. On my first night, I stumbled upon a women’s march weaving through the city streets with music, chants, and laughter in the air. On impulse, I joined for a few blocks, swept up in the energy and solidarity of the crowd. It was thrilling and comforting all at once, and a vivid reminder that the city’s heart beats with both courage and joy.

Later in my stay, I found myself in one of Mérida’s parks as the sun dipped below the rooftops. Families spread blankets on the grass, couples danced to live music, and children ran barefoot among food carts selling everything from fresh elotes to sweet treats. I joined in, sampling tacos from a vendor and swaying to the music alongside locals, feeling utterly part of the scene. Every step through Mérida felt like stepping into a community celebration, one that invited participation rather than observation.

And beyond the city, Mérida’s location made it easy to dive deeper into Yucatán’s history and natural beauty. A short drive brought me to Chichen Itza, where the ruins hum with centuries of stories, and to nearby cenotes, natural sinkholes where cool, crystalline water invites quiet reflection and play. These excursions enriched my experience, reminding me that Mérida is not only vibrant today but deeply rooted in the past.

Before Mérida, I hadn’t experienced a side of Mexico that felt so grounded in everyday life. I hadn’t known what it felt like to witness true community, to feel part of a place that lives and breathes beyond its appeal to visitors. Mérida changed that. It welcomed tourists, yes, but without compromising its identity or charm. Here, culture, history, and everyday life coexist in a way that feels effortless.

For anyone whose impression of Mexico has been shaped only by resorts or tourism towns, Mérida offers something different. It’s a city that feels safe, authentic, and full of warmth. It’s a place where visitors are invited to experience life as the locals do.