Mérida, Spain

Mérida

Spain's best Roman ruins, including a theatre still used for plays.

  • Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
MonsarazPortugal · Hidden townMonsaraz104 kmMonsantoPortugal · Hidden townMonsanto141 kmÉvoraPortugal · Hidden townÉvora141 kmSevilleSpain · CitySeville173 kmCórdobaSpain · CityCórdoba178 kmTomarPortugal · Hidden townTomar194 kmSerra da EstrelaPortugal · Nature spotSerra da Estrela194 kmDoñana (El Rocío)Spain · Nature spotDoñana (El Rocío)199 km

Things to do

2 days in Mérida

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit the Roman theatre and amphitheatre, among the best preserved in the world.
  2. AfternoonSee the National Museum of Roman Art, then walk across the 790-metre Roman bridge over the Guadiana.
  3. EveningAttend a classical play in the Roman theatre during the summer festival, July and August.

Day 2

Visit the walled old town of Cáceres, 45 minutes away.

What to eat

Iberian ham, Torta del Casar cheese and migas extremeñas.

Local tips

Make the most of Mérida

Beat the crowds

Calm most of the year. The classical theatre festival in July and August is busy.

Best photo spot

The Roman theatre's columned stage, and the long Roman bridge over the Guadiana.

Getting there

Trains and buses run from Madrid, Seville and Badajoz.

Don't miss nearby

Cáceres and Zafra.

Good to know

A combined ticket covers most Roman sites. Summer afternoons are very hot; visit early or in the evening.

Secret spots

1 secret spot near Mérida

Our most hidden places around Mérida: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Mérida to take with you.

62 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Mérida

Getting there

  • Badajoz Airport (BJZ)40 km away
  • Seville Airport (SVQ)170 km away
  • Seville175 km away
  • Córdoba180 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeMar–Jun, Sep–Nov
TypeHidden town
Good forOld towns & architecture
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountrySpain

Questions

Mérida: good to know

Is Mérida worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns. Spain's best Roman ruins, including a theatre still used for plays.

How many days do you need in Mérida?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Mérida?

The best time to visit is Mar to Jun, Sep to Nov. Calm most of the year. The classical theatre festival in July and August is busy.

How do you get to Mérida?

The nearest airport is Badajoz Airport (BJZ), about 40 km away. Trains and buses run from Madrid, Seville and Badajoz.

What is there to see near Mérida?

Nearby hidden places include Monsaraz (104 km), Monsanto (141 km) and Évora (141 km).

More hidden places in Spain (76)