Visit This City In Mexico For An Affordable Warm-Weather Winter Vacation

The capital of Mexico's Yucatán peninsula, Mérida is a vibrant metropolis with a rich cultural heritage steeped in Mayan and Caribbean roots. Built on the site of ancient Mayan ruins, the peninsula comprises three states: Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo. While the colorful city is just a few hour's trip east of Cancún, one of Mexico's most coveted tourist destinations, don't let that deter you. There are more reasons than one to spend at least a few days meandering Mérida's colorful city blocks and flourishing social scene.

For one thing, Mérida is a budget-saver in comparison to its neighbor's resort-heavy prices. The Yucatán capital was rated as the top choice in "Best Cheap Winter Vacations" by U.S. News. It's also one of Mexico's safest cities, meaning even solo travelers and families will feel comfortable wandering the streets at dusk in search of late-night churros. At its center, Mérida is a rainbow montage of fluorescent boutiques and stylish haciendas embellished with intricate wall art — if you're not convinced yet, keep reading to find out why locals in Mexico flock to this spirited cultural capital.

One of the best parts about Mérida is you don't have to spend every peso in your pocket to immerse yourself in the city's culture — and that includes lodging. Of course, luxury hotels are an option, and in Mérida, it's not uncommon to find upscale, affordable accommodations. For those who prefer to spread their wealth around the cityscape rather than on a bundle of luxury, Mérida offers a host of high-end haciendas whose architecture holds a piece of the city's past with updated renovations.

Gran Hotel de Mérida exudes a taste of luxury without breaking the bank. A room in this hotel will run about $50 per night. Guests will appreciate the traditional Spanish Colonial architecture and Mission-style furniture. Grand gestures are toned down with simple, delicate textiles such as terracotta tiles that convey a sense of warmth in each space. Additionally, Hotel Colonial and Hotel Maison del Embajador both sit in the $40 to $50 per night range. With posh amenities and just a few streets over from Centro (the heart of life in Mérida), each is conveniently located next to some of the city's best sights and tastes.

Speaking of tastes, the cuisine in Mérida is an attraction all on its own. For visual proof, head over to Museo de la Gastronomia Yucateca, the city's gastronomical museum that pays homage to its native foodie scene. Its gallery spaces give a nod to traditional Mayan cooking methods that influenced Mexico's modern culinary scene, and features samples of dishes indigenous to the region.

If you find yourself in Mérida on the weekend (which you should), visit the Sunday market in Plaza Grande to get a taste of authentic Yucatán flavors and artisan goods. A quick trip around the market should make it easy to scope out freshly made Mexican dishes like Cochinita Pibil (slow-roasted pork with notes of citrus) and Queso Relleno.

Mérida is on point when it comes to aesthetic espresso bars that have a reputation for making coffee enthusiasts' eyes open just a smidge wider. When strolling through Centro, check out Manifesto Casa Tostadora — a cherished locale in the city famous for its artisan beans. Order a shot of ristretto from their brew bar and grab a dolce to-go.

Stroll along Paseo de Montejo, a notable avenue in Mérida, home to the affluent's white-washed mansions and pretty tree-lined streets. Intercepting this road on the northern end is Monumento a la Patria, an ancient temple commissioned for the people of Mérida. The monolith chronicles more than 700 years of Mexican history, dating back to the establishment of the Aztec Empire. Today, it remains a living testament to Mérida's cultural heritage, depicting more than 300 chiseled figures and influential scenes that molded Mexico's history.