One of the best things about taking a trip to Merida is the atmosphere. Laid back and welcoming, the people are as warm as the tropical sun. One of the best ways to experience the local culture in a way that many tourists do not is to shop with the local craftspeople. Merida is dotted with amazing little hideaways, colorful shops with more colorful owners. You can find the shop owners haggling with locals over the price of groceries or hand crafted hammocks. Shopping with the local is the best way to enjoy Merida to the fullest and truly get to know these amazing people.
With the whole of the "White City" spread out before you, how do you know where to start? One of the best places to start any shopping trip in Merida is the Central Plaza. This is an ancient area, which has hosted generations of shop owners and street hawkers. In the main plaza, you will find real handmade items that bear the mark of true craftsmanship. You can buy from local masters, artisans that residents of Merida go to for their expertise. One of the best things about shopping with the locals is the fact that you can haggle. In fact, haggling is expected and if you don't haggle over the price of that hat or that hammock or those vegetables, you may well pay three or four times what you would had you taken the time to haggle. This is part of an ancient tradition that goes back to the dawn of civilization. For set prices and price tags, you will need to visit one of the city's several malls.
If you are looking for local produce to make your own Yucatan style meals, check out some of the other amazing markets that dot the city of Merida. The market known as Lucas De Galvez offers you a lively atmosphere and brilliant colors, local life at its best. The city's Santa Ana market and the Garcia Rejon markets offer you more foodstuffs and great handicrafts. From pure vanilla to the ingredients to amazing local dishes, you'll find all of it in these amazing market places.
For a true shopping adventure, visit the central plaza on a Sunday afternoon. Locals converge on this ancient square during the afternoon hours, live music and even more street vendors. Sunday's in the plaza resemble Carnival, brightly clad dancers and laughing musicians. You'll find food vendors scattered everywhere around the square, artists selling hand painted works and much more. Sunday is definitely the best day to make a trip to the plaza for some fun and local flavor.
Food is a huge part of what you will find in Merida market places. From street vendors to vegetable and fruit stands, you will find some of the most remarkable dishes around. Sample what you want without worry, the food in Merida is famed for its quality and quantity, try some of the most amazing dishes while strolling the streets.
