Where To Go In And Around Mérida, Mexico

"The city's history and anthropology museum has some very swish digs—which is most of the appeal of this small museum, housed in a pale yellow palace built in 1911 for General Francisco Canton. This grand dame was designed by Italian architect Enrico Deserti (he also designed Teatro Peón Contreras) and engineer Manuel Canton Ramos, who oversaw Casas Gemelas. The mansion-turned-museum is a mix of architectural styles: French Baroque, European neoclassical, and classical. On display are a number of Mayan artifacts, though all the placards are in Spanish. Admission is worth it for the house alone (a lavish, air-conditioned place to take a break). Montejo 485, 8am-4:40pm Tues-Sun, MXN65" - Sophie Friedman