The town of Izamal, also known as Mexico’s “Yellow City”,  is an excellent choice for a day trip from Merida or Valladolid. I was so charmed by the beautiful Yucatan town that after arriving, I deviated from my original plan and stayed two nights there. I’ll share all of the best things I found to do over a 2 night stay in Izamal.

Introduction to Izamal

Izamal is a town in Mexico’s Yucatan region that is full of colonial heritage and certainly has a colourful character.

When planning a trip to Izamal, the first good sign is that this destination is a certified ‘Magic Town’, or Pueblo Mágico in Mexico. In my experience of traveling around Mexico, this means that you’re about to step into a place oozing with culture, with tons of interesting – if not scandalous – history.

While you’ve likely seen pictures of the Yellow City in Mexico on Instagram or online travel features, just wait until you actually see it in-person. Everywhere you look the colonial-style buildings and houses really are dripping in a golden egg-yolk yellow.

Is Izamal worth visiting?

Yes, Izamal should absolutely be on your Yucatan, Mexico trip itinerary.

The charms of the colonial city are not to be missed, not to mention the opportunity to enjoy regional dishes and snacks from the great restaurants and food vendors around town.

I’ve created a small guide with recommendations on places to go and where to eat in Izamal, plus general tips to help ensure that you have a fantastic trip there.

What are the best things to do in Izamal?

Here are the very best things to do in Izamal whether you are day-tripping or spending a couple nights there. Admittedly, my list of recommendations for how to spend a magical day in Izamal seems to have evolved to more of a ‘how to eat your way around Izamal’ guide… but even better, right?

Visit Kanche for classic cocktails with a homegrown twist

The best thing to do in Izamal at night is to kick back at the newly-opened Kanche bar. One word to describe their cocktails: amazing. They are infused with fresh herbs plucked right from the garden only feet away.

Which brings me to Kanche’s next big selling point: the gorgeous green space. Lush vegetation is everywhere…the final effect is a certain calm and sophisticated aura.

There is one unexpected twist to the experience – if you want to go to Kanche while in Izamal you will have to find it first! The bar is located in a secret garden somewhere on the grounds of Izamal’s most popular restaurant, Kinich.

Enjoy a traditional meal at Kinich

Ask any local where the best place to eat in Izamal is and you’ll likely be pointed to Kinich. It’s a good spot to enjoy traditional food from the Yucatan region.

Before I get to the food part, a word of appreciation for the decor. I loved the traditional vibe of this place – from the thatched roof to old-school furniture that reminded me of being in my grandparents’ living room. 

As for what you should order, picking from their menu of signature Yucatan dishes is tough. But let’s give it a try anyways…

For a refreshing drink, order the green juice called “Chaya con pina” (Mayan spinach with pineapple).

Food-wise, start with these Mayan specialties: sikil pak, a roasted pumpkin seed dip or the sopa de lima, a soup with tiny bits of turkey that’s bursting with citrus flavours. For the main course, the pollo pibil, a shredded chicken dish, is a top choice. And to top it all off, flan for dessert is a must!

Having a traditional meal at Kinich is definitely one of the best things to do in Izamal so mark this as a must-visit while you are there.

Have breakfast or coffee at San Miguel Arcangel Hotel cafe

Enjoy a quiet breakfast right in the center of Izamal at the cafe in San Miguel Arcangel hotel. Breakfast is served in a small garden area in the rear courtyard. And get this – customer seating is adjacent to an actual Mayan pyramid ruin. Talk about adding a bit of character to the surroundings!

Order a smoothie or frappe here – they are delicious and so refreshing.

Eat Tzic de Venado tacos from Izamal market

Here’s another spin on your breakfast or lunch options. Check out the Izamal market, Mercado Municipal de Izamal. Don’t let all of the bustle of the place put you off. The little market is one of the best places to go in Izamal for a taste of staple Yucatan dishes and, above all, for the local atmosphere. Here, it’s all about community vibes.

Stop by the market on any day of the week or weekend. Outside you’ll see locals pulling up on scooters, shopping bags in tow and exchanging greetings. Inside, groups of families can be seen seated at the snack bars eating and talking animatedly. The place is absolutely buzzing with life. 

Meat lovers will want to try the venison tacos.  Listen out for locals calling for “salpicón de venado” which means shredded venison.

Get a Marquesita in Izamal’s main square

Next is a local sweet treat from the street food vendors around Izamal’s ‘Zocalo’ (main square). Wander over to any of the carts in front of the Convento de San Antonio and ask for a marquesita.

This is a crispy crepe filled with Edam cheese, chocolate, or some other savoury filling like custard.

Once you’ve secured the tasty goods, find a bench in the main square and relax as daily activities in Izamal unfold.

Visit the Convent of San Antonio de Padua by day and by night

The Convent of San Antonio de Padua is the main attraction in Izamal. Of all of the golden yellow buildings adorning the streets of Izamal, this building shines the brightest.  

On your day-time visit to Convento de San Antonio, it’s worth getting a guide to learn the interesting history behind – and under – the building. Get the full scoop around the construction of this Catholic  monastery in the mid-16th century, including how it ended up being built on the top of an ancient Mayan temple! 

If you are still around in the evening, I’d recommend popping back for less educational purposes. Get that night-time photo session in, of course! The old monastery is not only stunning during the daytime, it is positively glowing at night too.

Climb the Kinich Kak Moo Mayan pyramid 

Izamal is said to be one of the oldest Mayan cities in Yucatan, Mexico. And so it should come as no surprise that an astonishing array of Mayan ruins exist here today. According to a Unesco report, at least 163 archaeological structures are known to exist in Izamal’s urban centre and residences. (Remember earlier I mentioned that there are Mayan ruins in the cafe area of San Miguel Arcangel Hotel?)

Kinich Kak Moo spans a total of 700,000 cubic meters, meaning the temple area is pretty darn big. It is free to enter and you are allowed to climb the pyramid ruins. As tempting as it was to see the view of Izamal from the top of the ancient pyramid, it was already way too hot outside for climbing when I went, despite it being the morning.

Also read: Visiting Tikal in Guatemala Without a Guide

Tour Izamal by horse-drawn carriage

Taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around Izamal is a popular tourist activity in the colonial town. The line of horses and carriages are very easy to spot in the town centre.

The tour will take you past all of the town highlights, including the site of ancient Mayan ruins. The hardest thing you’ll have to do here is make the right colour choice for your carriage. (I’m still running high on Barbie Pink energy so easy pick!)

Wander around the cobbled streets of Izamal

Strolling unhurriedly up and down the town’s narrow streets was one of the things I most enjoyed doing in Izamal while there. It was nicest to be out early in the morning before 8am, especially for enjoying the magnificent sight of the monastery without tour groups milling around.

How to Get to Izamal from Valladolid or Merida by Bus

Finally, if you have decided to visit Izamal (excellent choice!) and are trying to figure out how to get there, consider taking a bus or collectivo there. I can help with advising on how to get to Izamal by bus specifically. If you are traveling by car, I did notice that there were lots of parking spaces in town!

Oriente bus has daily service to Izamal from both Valladolid and Merida. Weekday service is fairly frequent in the day time while weekend service is limited.

Plan to leave on a morning bus. It is possible to buy the ticket at the main bus terminal on the day of, however it’s always best to buy bus tickets in advance if it is unlikely your plans will change. The ticket was really cheap given that it was a local bus making several stops. While a direct route is always preferred, I did enjoy getting a glimpse of the small villages we past on the way to Izamal.