Old Railway Station (La Plancha) - Image 1
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Old Railway Station La Plancha

4.8
·89 reviews·Merida, Mexico

Merida's expansive Parque La Plancha, a revitalized historic railway site offering free museums, playgrounds, and unique dining.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoons

Beat the heat, enjoy sunset

CrowdMedium
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Old Railway Station (La Plancha) - Image 1

Old Railway Station La Plancha

Best Time

Late afternoons

Beat the heat, enjoy sunset

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Merida's expansive Parque La Plancha, a revitalized historic railway site offering free museums, playgrounds, and unique dining.

4.8
(89 reviews)

"A magnificent urban park, a flagship work that rescues an area and offers large spaces and recreational facilities for all."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

This park is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything.

💧 Stay Hydrated

Merida is hot! Bring water or buy it there to keep cool while exploring.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Railway Museum

Railway Museum

Inside the park

Explore vintage trains and carriages, some transformed into unique shops and cafes. A journey back in time!

The Grand Fountain

The Grand Fountain

Central plaza

A stunning water feature that comes alive, especially beautiful during sunset. Perfect for photos!

Children's Play Areas

Children's Play Areas

Multiple zones

Vibrant and engaging spaces designed for kids of all ages to enjoy active play.

Cafes in Train Cars

Cafes in Train Cars

Various locations

Unique dining experiences inside beautifully restored train carriages. A charming spot for a snack.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Sun and Shade

Merida's sun can be intense. While La Plancha offers new trees, many areas are still developing shade. Plan your visit for cooler parts of the day and stay hydrated. Many TikToks show the vastness, so comfortable shoes are a must for exploring! TikTok

Free Fun for Everyone

Parque La Plancha is a fantastic free attraction! Most areas, including the Railway Museum, are accessible without charge. This makes it a budget-friendly gem for families and solo travelers alike. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Late afternoons
Why
Beat the heat, enjoy sunset
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, events
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Un increíble lugar que conserva la memoria de los antiguos espacios de esta ciudad. Video del recorrido completo de "Casa La Plancha" ya disponible en nuestro canal de YouTube 🔥 #arquitectura #diseñodeinteriores #remodeling #homestyle #meridayucatan🇲🇽
@trasmuro
59.1K likes • 656.5K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

This park is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything. TikTokReddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Merida is hot! Bring water or buy it there to keep cool while exploring. TikTok

ya lo han visitado? ✨ esta super bonito #parquelaplanchamerida #meridaquehacer #lugaresmerida #parquesmerida #comidamerida #plandechicas #girlsday #citadeamigas #ideasdecitas
@daranymartinezmx
39K likes • 334.2K views
PARQUE LA PLACHA. MERIDA YUCATAN (lo bueno) QUIEREN PARTE 2 ? #merida #laplancha #parquelaplancha #meridayucatan🇲🇽 #yucatanmexico #viral #viralvideo #viraltiktok #yucatan #mexico #mexicanos #mx #viajes #aventura #trenmaya #quehacer #traveltiktok #merida
@elmorenodefuego27
34.9K likes • 618K views

📸 Perfect for Photos

From vintage trains to the fountain, there are tons of picturesque spots. TikTok+1

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun Guaranteed

Lots of activities for kids, making it a great family outing. TikTok+2

Ya esta la villa navideña en el parque de la plancha y tiene hasta nieve‼️☃️❄️😱 #yucatan #merida #navidad
@travelmaniaco
24K likes • 407.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

This park is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything. TikTokReddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Merida is hot! Bring water or buy it there to keep cool while exploring. TikTok

📸 Perfect for Photos

From vintage trains to the fountain, there are tons of picturesque spots. TikTok+1

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun Guaranteed

Lots of activities for kids, making it a great family outing. TikTok+2

🚂 Unique Dining

Check out the cafes set up inside old train cars for a novel experience. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(89 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Parque La Plancha is widely praised as a beautiful and much-needed urban oasis in Merida, offering a vast array of free activities for all ages. Visitors love the blend of historical elements, particularly the railway museum and vintage trains, with modern amenities like playgrounds and a grand fountain. Some note that while new trees are planted, shade is still developing in certain areas.

"New city park...can't wait for all the trees that they planted to take root and give us a cool place away from the Mexican Sun....lots to see and do...Merida definitely need this park!"

Christopher Kraut

"Ok"

MANUEL SANSORES

"Super"

Guillermo Argaez Sosa

What People Like

Free entry and activities
Historic railway exhibits
Modern family amenities

What People Dislike

Developing shade areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Parque La Plancha via Paseo de Montejo, turning onto 47th Street. The 'Va y ven' bus system also serves the park, with modern, air-conditioned buses. Reddit Some TikToks show easy access by car, with over 300 free parking spaces available. TikTok

Yes, the park offers over 300 free parking spaces, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Absolutely! The 'Va y ven' bus system, known for its modern and air-conditioned buses, stops at the park. You can even pay with a debit or credit card. Reddit

Yes, the park is bike-friendly, with dedicated paths and ample space for cycling. Reddit

Arriving in the late afternoon allows you to enjoy the park as the sun sets, with the fountain area being particularly scenic. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Parque La Plancha is a free public park. TikTok+2 This makes it an excellent option for budget travelers and families looking for affordable fun. TikTok

The park is open all year round. Specific hours for attractions within the park, like museums or cafes, may vary, so it's best to check locally. Reddit

The Railway Museum at Parque La Plancha is completely free to enter. TikTok+1 It features simulations and old train exhibits. TikTok

Yes, the park often hosts events, including seasonal attractions like the Christmas village. TikTok Keep an eye on local listings for current exhibitions. TikTok

As most of the park and its main attractions are free, there's no need to book tickets for general entry. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Parque La Plancha offers a wide range of activities including jogging tracks, playgrounds, skate parks, museums, and even a pet park. Reddit You can also enjoy the large fountain and explore unique cafes. TikTok

Absolutely! It features eight children's play areas, a skating rink, and the free Railway Museum, making it a perfect family destination. TikTok+2

There's an extensive fast-food area with comfortable seating. Reddit You can also find unique cafes located inside restored train carriages. TikTok

Yes, the park has jogging tracks, outdoor exercise equipment, bicycle paths, and a sports garden with multipurpose courts. Reddit

Yes, the park is equipped with toilets for visitors' convenience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The restored locomotives and carriages offer fantastic vintage backdrops. Reddit The grand fountain, especially at sunset, is also a popular photo spot. TikTok+1

One TikTok video showcases drone footage of the park, suggesting it's possible, but always check local regulations before flying. TikTok

Late afternoons and evenings offer beautiful lighting, especially around the fountain. TikTok

The blend of modern park design with the historic railway elements, including old train cars and stations, provides unique photographic opportunities. TikTok

Generally, photography is allowed in museums, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions once inside. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Parque La Plancha is a dream destination for families! With eight dedicated children's play areas, a skating rink, and the free Railway Museum, there's endless entertainment. TikTok+2 The vast open spaces are perfect for running around, and the interactive exhibits at the museum will captivate young minds. TikTok Remember to bring sunscreen and hats, as some areas can be quite sunny. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

This park is a fantastic find for budget-conscious travelers! Entry to the park and the Railway Museum is completely free. TikTok+2 You can enjoy hours of exploration, play areas, and scenic views without spending a peso. Pack a picnic or enjoy affordable snacks from the food court to keep costs down. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will be in paradise at Parque La Plancha. The juxtaposition of modern park design with historic trains and carriages offers unique shots. TikTokReddit Capture the grandeur of the fountain, especially during the golden hour, and explore the intricate details of the vintage locomotives. TikTok+1 The park's transformation from an old railway site to a vibrant public space provides a compelling narrative for visual storytelling. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Transformation of La Plancha

Parque La Plancha is built on the site of the old Merida Railway Terminal, which operated from 1920 to 1974. Reddit For years, this large area was an underutilized, sometimes problematic, vacant lot. The transformation into a modern urban park was a significant project, costing over 1.3 billion pesos and involving the Secretariat of National Defense engineers. Reddit The park's design, a collaboration of local architects, aimed to create a vibrant public space for all residents. Reddit

The park officially opened on November 19, 2023, and has been hailed as a major improvement for Merida. Reddit It successfully blends historical elements, like the preserved locomotives and carriages, with modern recreational facilities. Reddit This thoughtful integration of past and present is a key aspect of its appeal, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city's industrial heritage while enjoying contemporary amenities. TikTok

Exploring the Railway Museum and Exhibits

A major draw at Parque La Plancha is the free Railway Museum. TikTok+1 This museum showcases the rich history of the railroad in Yucatan, featuring restored old locomotives and carriages. Reddit Visitors can explore these vintage vehicles, some of which have been ingeniously converted into boutiques and cafes, offering a truly immersive experience. TikTokReddit

Beyond the static displays, the museum often hosts new exhibitions and interactive elements, such as simulations of train journeys. TikTok+1 This makes it an engaging visit for all ages, providing both educational insights and a touch of nostalgia. The accessibility of this museum, being entirely free, further enhances its appeal as a must-visit attraction within the park. TikTok

Dining and Relaxation at La Plancha

Parque La Plancha offers diverse dining options to suit various tastes and budgets. The park features an extensive fast-food area with ample comfortable seating, perfect for a quick bite or a casual meal. Reddit For a more unique experience, several charming cafes are housed within beautifully restored train carriages, offering a nostalgic ambiance and a memorable dining setting. TikTok

Beyond dining, the park provides numerous spots for relaxation. You can find shaded walkways, benches scattered throughout, and open green spaces. Reddit The grand fountain area is a popular spot to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere, especially during the cooler evening hours. TikTok Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a leisurely break, La Plancha caters to your needs.

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