Top things to do

Mérida's most spectacular Roman monument, and the only one to once again fulfil its original function – by hosting performances during the Festival Internacional de Teatro Clásico in summer – the Teatro Romano is th…

Don't miss the extraordinarily powerful spectacle of the Puente Romano spanning the Río Guadiana. At 792m in length with 60 granite arches, it's one of the longest bridges built by the Romans. It was constructed in …

Even if you visit only a handful of Mérida's sights, make sure one of them is this fabulous museum, which has a superb three-floor collection of statues, busts, mosaics, frescoes, coins, pottery and other Roman arte…

Relatively fresh on Mérida's culinary scene, popular El Trasiego mixes rustic-chic decor with a fun contemporary atmosphere and exquisite creative dishes infused with local ingredients. Waiters deliver bread in meta…

The halls of Mérida's red-washed 20th-century bullring have been transformed into a busy tapas-style hangout. In each alcove, individual stalls deliver their own specialities, with everything from jamón and croquett…

This large Islamic fort was built in the mid-9th century on a site already occupied by the Romans and Visigoths, probably becoming the first ever alcazaba in Al-Andalus. In the middle of the sprawling complex, its p…

This inviting yellow-washed space, filled with tilework and greenery, serves well-priced, quality meals encompassing Spain's favourite staples. Everything either comes from its garden or is sourced from within 100km…

Beside Mérida's Plaza de Toros, the Casa del Mitreo is a late-1st- or 2nd-century Roman house with a well-preserved fresco and several intricate mosaics. Among the mosaics you'll find the partial but beautiful remai…

Blue-and-white mosaic floors open the show at this modern and elegant grilled-meats specialist. Fresh giant salads (with serving tongs!) and enormous jamón or cheese platters are designed for sharing, while the star…

Starving vegetarians in meat-mad Extremadura will find respite in this sweet, colourful place with bold muralled walls on a quiet street corner. All-veg raciones, given a Spanish touch, fill the simple but tasty men…