Babacashee
Into the old center: Arch of Trajan and Temple of Diana
We start on a few ordinary city streets and then head into the old center, where the famous Roman sites begin. The first big one is the Arch of Trajan. It was really a huge gateway into a sacred and forum area of the Roman city. Soon after we pass the so-called Temple of Diana. It just shows up: you turn a corner and there are Roman columns in the middle of town.
Forum portico and the theater from outside
A bit further on is the forum portico, with its columns, statues and carvings. Then we walk toward the Roman theater and amphitheater. Aba always travels with us, so we only saw them from outside. Only assistance dogs or small dogs in a carrier are allowed inside. If there are two of you, one can wait outside with the dog while the other goes in. We'd guess a visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and then you swap.
Plaza de España and down to the Guadiana
Next we head to Plaza de España and the lovely Palacio de la China. It was built in 1928 as a department store for a textile trader people called the Chinese. After all that stone and all those ruins, we walk down toward the Guadiana River. On the way we pass the Alcazaba and the Romulus and Remus statue at the roundabout. From here on, Mérida gets much more interesting if you have a dog with you.
The river park
A big, connected green park runs along the river. It has lots of natural shade, room to walk, water sprayers, and places where dogs can get into the river to cool off. After a hot walk through the city, this is exactly the kind of place Aba loves most. We'll cover the larger riverside park properly in a later video.
A note for birders. The city center is more about streets and buildings, but by the river it's worth bringing a long lens. Egrets and other birds rest and feed on the small islands in the Guadiana. We also found Sawadi, a Thai restaurant near the river and away from the tourist crowds, completely by chance. We recommend it.
Good to know
- If there are two of you, take turns visiting the theater and amphitheater while the other waits outside with the dog. Each turn takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Bring water in summer. The city gets very hot.
- Finish your walk at the river park so your dog can cool off in the shade or in the water.
- Look out for the small parks around the city. They're handy for a quick rest between sights.
Mérida with a dog: questions
Are dogs allowed inside the Roman theater and amphitheater in Mérida?
No. In Mérida, dogs are not allowed inside the monumental enclosures unless they are assistance dogs or small enough to stay in a carrier. Because of that, we only saw the theater and amphitheater from the outside with Aba. If there are two of you, one can wait outside with the dog while the other visits for about 20 to 30 minutes, and then you swap.
Is there shade for dogs in Mérida?
In the Mérida city center you can find some shady spots, but it gets very hot in summer, so bring water. Along the Guadiana River, the park system has a lot of natural shade, room to walk, water sprayers and river access where a dog can cool off.
Are the streets in Mérida good for a dog's paws?
Yes, we found the streets in Mérida paw-friendly and very clean. There wasn't much broken glass lying around. There are also lots of small parks across the city where you can stop for a quick rest.
Do dogs have to be on a leash in Mérida?
In our notes from Mérida, all dogs in the city are on the leash.
Where did we eat in Mérida?
We found Sawadi by chance, away from the most touristy spots and near the river in Mérida. It serves Thai food. We loved it and we recommend it.