Mérida, Mexico
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Mérida.
More upscale area with colonial buildings, art galleries, and higher-end restaurants. Safe and quieter than Plaza Grande. Prices run higher.
Santa Ana is quieter and more polished than Plaza Grande but still part of Centro. Colonial homes line the streets, many converted to galleries, boutique hotels, and cafes. Parque de Santa Ana (at Calle 60 and 47) is one block from Paseo de Montejo. Thursday evenings bring Yucatecan Serenades - live music and local history since 1965, popular with families and couples. Mercado de Santa Ana has about a dozen stalls serving traditional Yucatec food - cochinita pibil tacos, panuchos - at low prices. This is where locals eat. Cafes are good here: Pan & Køf.feé has a two-story space, Café Cafico roasts their own beans. Restaurants run more upscale than typical Centro - Pizza e Core imports Italian ingredients, Huniik is run by Chef Roberto Solis. You'll see women eating alone, it's normal. The area stays lit and safe in evenings but winds down around 10pm like the rest of the city.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
ExcellentEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
GoodSome mistakes you only make once in Mérida. But you shouldn't have to make them at all. This free checklist reveals the 5 safety pitfalls that catch solo women off guard — so you can avoid them before they happen.
"Felt safe walking in the evening"
"Less touristy than expected but still upscale"
"Good cafes for laptop work"
"Thursday serenades are nice, very family-oriented"
"Costs more but food quality is better"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Grand boulevard with architecture, museums, and upscale dining. Safe, international atmosphere. Good for strolling and museum visits.
Safe residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets and strong community. Quiet and authentic but you'll need transport to Centro for dining and nightlife.
Historic upscale neighborhood with local food, coffee culture, and colonial buildings. Close to center but less touristy feel.
Help other women stay safe in Santa Ana
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.