Mesoporous metal–organic frameworks (meso-MOFs) are emerging as promising functional materials for heterogeneous catalysis due to their high surface area, porosity, readily adjustable structures and tunable functionalities. Their properties and functions are often dictated by the size and shape of pores in their frameworks. Mesopores in MOFs can decline mass transfer and exchange resistance in a confined space, leading to the improvement of their catalytic performances. However, it is challenging to synthesize and apply meso-MOFs for catalysis owing to the requirement of a combination of good chemical stability and large pore size. So far, there have been few efforts to comprehensively discuss these issues. Based on selected recent reports, this review will provide a concise overview in the field of meso-MOFs, associated with their synthetic strategies and intriguing tactics of generating active sites for heterogeneous catalysis.