Querétaro had me at hola. I guess this fascinating metropolis in Central Mexico will solid its spell on you, too. Santiago de Querétaro is the total title of the capital metropolis of the state of Querétaro. By no means heard of it? Many vacationers set their sights on Mexico’s sandy coasts or the mega metropolis power of Mexico Metropolis. However for anybody who craves a spot that feels grounded but celebratory, in a metropolis constructed for magnificence and connection, Querétaro delivers. Use this enjoyable and easy-to-follow information to find the 15 greatest issues to do in Querétaro, from the historic metropolis heart to the adventures ready simply past it.
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1. Wander Centro Histórico
Santiago de Querétaro was designed as a crossroads connecting Mexico Metropolis with the silver mines to the north, which can be why town nonetheless feels so walkable and deliberately laid out at this time. Querétaro’s Centro Histórico appears made for wandering. The truth is, many guests by no means depart Centro and its close by walkable neighborhoods, like Barrio de la Cruz and San Francisquito.
No automobile is important to discover the historic heart in case you get pleasure from strolling and don’t thoughts the occasional Uber journey. It’s enjoyable to hunt out sights and actions, however a lot of the magic comes from getting misplaced, absorbing the attractive buildings, and stumbling upon hidden gems of this historic metropolis.
2. Querétaro’s Plazas
The various plazas in Querétaro’s Centro make it really feel particularly welcoming and simple to linger in. Simply if you suppose you’ve seen all of them, you flip a nook, and there’s one other beautiful sq.. It’s enjoyable to occur upon these spots, however there are some to look out for.
Plaza de Armas
This sq. is surrounded by 18th century mansions that now include authorities workplaces, cafés, and outlets. On the heart is Fuente del Marqués, affectionately often called Fuente de los Perritos (Canine Fountain) for the water‑spouting canines encircling it.
Jardín Zenea
Boxwood bushes and a gazebo add to the picturesque appeal of Querétaro’s liveliest plaza. Locals and guests sit on benches within the shade, chatting and listening to reside music whereas youngsters journey scooters and play with toys.
Jardín Guerrero
A couple of blocks away, Jardín Guerrero gives an open and sunny escape, framed by neatly trimmed bushes. On the heart of this spacious sq. sits a sequence of fairly stone fountains.
Trio of Plazas in La Cruz
Three plazas are grouped collectively on the japanese aspect of Querétaro Centro in La Cruz neighborhood. Usually used for markets, concert events, and different cultural occasions, town’s largest sq., Plaza de la Constitución, options a big central fountain. It’s adjoining to Plaza de la Cruz, proper in entrance of the butter-yellow Santuario de la Santísima Cruz church. Throughout the road is Plaza Fundadores, which is lined by charming sidewalk cafés and bronze sculptures of essential figures from Querétaro’s wealthy historical past.
3. Mirador de Los Arcos
Perched within the Santa Cruz neighborhood, Mirador de los Arcos gives sweeping views of Querétaro’s iconic aqueduct and town. This lookout level is only a few minutes’ stroll from La Constitución, Plaza de la Cruz, and Plaza Fundadores, making it a straightforward add‑on after exploring the japanese aspect of Centro. The scenic overlook faces southeast, which makes it notably fairly within the late‑afternoon golden hour when the solar lights up the aqueduct’s 74 pink arches.
In response to legend, the aqueduct’s benefactor, the Marqués de la Villa del Villar del Águila, fell in love with a nun from the Convent of Santa Clara, so he financed the aqueduct to make sure the convent had a dependable provide of unpolluted water. Usually referred merely as Los Arcos, El Acueducto de Querétaro was constructed within the 18th century and remained in use till the early 1900s.
4. Lele Dolls
As you discover, be looking out for one in all Querétaro’s unofficial metropolis symbols, the Lele, which suggests “child” within the Otomí dialect. These dolls are outfitted in conventional Otomí clothes with a shiny, pleated skirt, an identical embroidered shirt, and a braided ribbon crown. These reasonably priced treasures are sometimes handmade and make significant souvenirs or items. You’ll even spot cute flashing Lele silhouettes on pedestrian site visitors lights.
5. La Danzante Otomí Statue
An often-photographed, placing statue of an Otomí dancer has come to represent town. It’s often known as La Danzante Otomí, however the official title is Danza de la Conquista. Created by Mexican sculptor Rubén Maya and put in in 2003, it honors the area’s Otomí heritage and the dwelling custom of the Conchero dance. Discover it on Plaza Fundadores, proper beside Templo de la Santa Cruz.
6. Querétaro Church buildings
Mexican plazas are sometimes anchored by church buildings, and Querétaro follows this custom. There are dozens of church buildings within the metropolis of Querétaro. Many are small parishes, whereas others are grand cathedrals. Even in case you aren’t Christian or non secular, you could wish to cease inside these locations of worship to understand their aesthetic magnificence and cultural significance whereas being aware of any companies, after all.
In the event you go to solely one “wow” church in Querétaro, make it Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo with its ornate stonework, decorative flying buttresses, and gilded inside. Flanking Jardín Zenea, two different notable choices are Templo de San Francisco, a former monastery with a big dome, and Templo de San Antonio, a pink‑hued church with twin towers.
7. Native Museums
Querétaro packs a powerful mixture of museums for a mid‑sized metropolis, with about 15 to twenty locations to discover. Entry is commonly free or very reasonably priced, making them an accessible and fascinating solution to expertise town’s historical past and Mexican tradition. Beneath are just a few of essentially the most well-known.
Museo del Calendario (Calendar Museum)
This distinctive museum, also called MUCAL, showcases the origins of timekeeping and Mexico’s lengthy custom of calendar artwork. Museo del Calendario is housed in a restored colonial‑period mansion with beautiful courtyards stuffed with crops and fountains. Be sure you cease for a meal or beverage within the backyard café, the place diners obtain a reduction off their tab by exhibiting entrance tickets.
Museo de Arte de Querétaro (Artwork Museum)
The ornate baroque structure of the Museo de Arte de Querétaro (MAQRO) is as spectacular because the art work it shows. Positioned within the Convento San Agustín, a former convent constructed within the mid‑1700s, it options colonial-era New Spanish work and sculptures in addition to modern works by Mexican artists. As an artwork lover, this was my favourite attraction within the metropolis.
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Querétaro (Modern Artwork Museum)
For offbeat shows of latest artistic endeavors, head to the Museum of Modern Artwork of Querétaro (MACQ). The daring fashionable pictures, sculptures, work, and immersive installations by Mexican and worldwide artists at MACQ distinction fantastically with the constructing’s conventional structure.
Museo de los Conspiradores (Museum of Conspirators)
The Museo de los Conspiradores celebrates the combat for freedom by nations all over the world, with a main deal with Mexico’s Warfare of Independence from Spain. Superbly hand-painted murals inform the tales behind the struggles. Many of the signage is in Spanish solely, with just a few shows providing English translations.
Museo Regional de Querétaro (Regional Museum)
Related to Templo de San Francisco, Museo Regional de Querétaro (INAH) occupies a former Franciscan monastery. Displays and artifacts hint the historical past of Querétaro from its pre-Hispanic roots to Mexican Independence from Spain and past. Word that signage is in Spanish solely.
8. Alameda Hidalgo Park
Many inexperienced areas proven on Querétaro’s metropolis maps seem like parks however are literally plazas. For a breath of recent air with a number of shade from leafy bushes, go to Alameda Hidalgo Park. This easy-to-reach inexperienced promenade is positioned within the southern a part of town heart within the Alameda neighborhood. The 26-acre city park (about 10.5 hectares) options huge strolling paths, loads of benches, picnic tables, ornamental statues, and a central fountain. Public restrooms can be found.
9. Teatro de la República
Constructed within the mid-1800s in a largely neoclassical model, Teatro de la República holds deep significance for Querétaro because the place the place Mexico’s 1917 Structure was drafted and signed.
It’s nonetheless a functioning theater at this time, however there isn’t any central field workplace. Positioned only a few blocks from Plaza de Armas on Calle Juárez, that is largely a fairly walk-by attraction except you rating tickets to a live performance or different native occasion going down on this four-level, oval theater. I stumbled upon a bunch of graduates of their caps and robes simply exterior the constructing, presumably awaiting their commencement ceremony inside.
Procuring in Centro is a mixture of low cost department shops, artwork galleries, vendor stalls, and specialty boutiques. We even got here throughout a Harry Potter-themed store, known as Motivos 9 ¾ Tienda Mágica. Pop into dulcerías (sweet outlets) promoting cajeta, coconut candies, and different conventional Mexican sweets. Absorb the flavors at Mercado de la Cruz, an genuine lined Mexican market stuffed with colourful fruits, greens, flowers, meals stalls, and cheap objects on the market. Be sure you browse the Mercado de Artesanías for domestically made handicrafts.
11. Festivals & Occasions
Querétaro loves a celebration, with festivals and group occasions filling the calendar in each season. The town’s most well-known occasion is the Fiestas de la Santa Cruz, held every September, when dancers, processions, and fireworks encompass the Templo de la Santa Cruz. In late October and early November, Día de Muertos honors family members who’ve handed away with ornamental altars, marigold shows, and a colourful parade of Catrinas by means of Centro. The simplest solution to see what’s occurring throughout your go to is to have a look at the Querétaro Calendar of Occasions.
My husband and I had been fortunate sufficient to be in Querétaro for Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day or Epiphany), which celebrates the arrival of the Three Sensible Males each January. In Mexico, it’s the day youngsters obtain items, usually much more than on Christmas. We had been delighted to witness a vacation parade marching by means of city and take part in a family-focused truthful that includes meals cubicles, vendor stands, lights shows, and character visits.
12. Native Eating places
Querétaro isn’t often called a foodie vacation spot, however we undoubtedly discovered loads of scrumptious issues to eat within the metropolis.
La Dulce Compañía Panaderia
The largest problem with La Dulce Compañía Panadería is deciding what to order from their tempting show case. Select from shell-shaped candy conchas, bagels, croissants, truffles, and different delectable pastries. Add a cappuccino, latte, tea, or one other beverage. Sandwiches on artisan bread can be found, too. Throughout the road is their cafeteria for eating in.
Blue Fish Restaurante
Though Mexico’s shoreline is tons of of miles away, the fried fish tacos from Blue Fish Restaurante had been one of many greatest dishes we tried in Querétaro Metropolis. The flaky fish is coated in a superbly crisp batter and served with slaw, sauce, pickled onions, and tangy lime. We found this hidden gem on the outskirts of Centro, because of this Querétaro restaurant overview information by The Nomad Experiment. (Aren’t blogs great?!)
Tikua Sur Este
For a memorable eating expertise, dig into conventional dishes impressed by the Yucatán, Campeche, Chiapas, and Oaxaca at Tikua Sur Este. Adventurous eaters can strive pre-Hispanic dishes made with bugs, equivalent to Tacos de Escamoles. For much less intrepid diners (like me), there are extra acquainted choices like sopa azteca, cochinita pibil, and quite a lot of moles. The setting is luxurious, with garden-courtyard eating and a gorgeous painted mural.
La Boheme Bistro
A French restaurant in Querétaro? Mais, oui! La Boheme Bistro delivers a quaint Parisian eating expertise with Eiffel Tower theming and the greatest French onion soup I’ve ever had exterior of France.
13. Juriquilla
In the event you’d wish to expertise a extra fashionable and upscale aspect of the metro space, take into account Juriquilla, a 20‑minute drive north of Centro, relying on site visitors. Well-liked with professionals and worldwide residents, together with momentary expats, this neighborhood is understood for its gated communities, golf programs, and a number of the metropolis’s most spectacular houses.
Antea Way of life Middle
Juriquilla is residence to Antea Way of life Middle, one of many largest procuring malls in Latin America. Search for acquainted manufacturers equivalent to Zara, Levi’s, Hugo Boss, P.F. Chang’s, and extra.
Metropolis Market
Subsequent door is Metropolis Market, an expansive upscale connoisseur grocery retailer that’s a vacation spot in itself. Along with commonplace meals objects like recent produce, seafood, and meats, you’ll discover an array of connoisseur items, small kitchen home equipment, dishes and glassware, and even eating places the place you’ll be able to pull up a seat to have a chew to eat.
14. Parque Querétaro 2000
Querétaro 2000 is town’s largest park, about two miles from Centro (3 km). This sprawling inexperienced area contains 68 acres (27.6 hectares) and options strolling paths, lakes, sports activities courts, public swimming swimming pools, and playgrounds. Though we didn’t make it right here on our journey, locals persistently suggest Querétaro 2000 as town’s go‑to identify for out of doors recreation. It’s an important place to flee the hubbub of town, get pleasure from out of doors actions, and get a really feel for on a regular basis native life. Households, joggers, and distributors fill the park on weekends, giving it a energetic, group‑targeted vibe.
15. Day Journeys from Santiago de Querétaro
Querétaro Metropolis serves as a gateway to Central Mexico’s wine nation and close by Pueblos Mágicos (Magic Cities).
San Miguel de Allende
One among my favourite locations in Mexico, and the world, is San Miguel de Allende. I like its fairly cobblestone streets, sunset-colored structure, walkable downtown, and a lot extra. Fortunately, this UNESCO World Heritage Website is just about an hour’s drive from Querétaro. Uncover what to do in San Miguel de Allende in my full information.
Able to go? Join a full-day tour of San Miguel de Allende, Dolores Hidalgo, and Atotonilco with my trusted companion, GetYourGuide.
Bernal
Bernal is a small city anchored by La Peña de Bernal, one of many world’s tallest monoliths. This photogenic Pueblo Mágico is positioned about 36 miles (58 km) from Santiago de Querétaro. For a picturesque and bubbly combo, guide a Bernal and Freixenet Wine Caves guided tour.
Tequisquiapan
Tequisquiapan is a captivating village identified for its close by vineyards and scorching springs. This Pueblo Mágico is about 40 miles (64 km) from Querétaro Metropolis, making it a straightforward countryside day journey. Reserve a tour alongside Central Mexico’s well-known Wine and Cheese Route to pattern native wines, artisanal cheeses, and home made ice cream whereas surrounded by bucolic Central Mexican surroundings.
Why I Love Querétaro
I’ve spent years looking for a spot exterior the U.S. that feels thrilling but grounded, stunning but approachable, reasonably priced but comfy. And from the minute I stepped onto Querétaro’s cobblestone streets, it occurred. It was that prompt feeling you get if you meet somebody who provides you electrical butterflies, or if you strive on the marriage gown that’s manner out of your value vary, or when the actual property agent opens the door to the house you already know will grow to be yours. I felt it straight away. Uh oh. I’m in love.
Why uh oh? As a result of, mis amigos, I wish to go. However my husband’s job might maintain us from following this dream. After months of researching and hoping Querétaro is likely to be the steadiness of near household, secure, and full of pleasure, I nearly didn’t wish to affirm my suspicions. That this metropolis is as near excellent for me as I’m going to seek out. It could be simpler to return residence and maintain convincing myself that I don’t want this journey. That I’m completely proud of the consolation and comfort of the U.S., and I don’t must look elsewhere.
However then I went. And I fell. And now I can’t let the dream go.
The place to Keep in Querétaro
If Querétaro is asking your title, too, let’s discuss the place to remain in Querétaro. When visiting for per week or much less, I like to recommend staying in Centro, particularly if it’s your first time within the metropolis. You’ll get an actual really feel for town and revel in one of the best walkable entry to sights, outlets, and eating places.
Casona de la República
I spent manner too many hours looking for the proper place to remain in Querétaro’s Previous City with nice evaluations, interesting rooms, fashionable conveniences, and parking for our rental automobile. Fortunately, I discovered Casona de la República.
This adults‑solely lodge occupies a fantastically renovated 18th-century mansion with a grand courtyard, Spanish-style arches, and Artwork Nouveau touches. Rooms embrace a mini fridge, air con, and every day housekeeping. Request a courtyard-facing room for quiet, peaceable sleep regardless of the lodge’s central location.
Breakfast is included and scrumptious. It comes with espresso, juice, a beneficiant plate of recent fruit with yogurt and granola, and toast with butter and jam. You additionally get a selection of eggs cooked to order or chilaquiles with beans and eggs. (As a chilaquiles fanatic, you’ll be able to guess what I ordered daily.)
Tip: If driving, name the lodge a couple of minutes earlier than arrival so you’ll be able to simply hand over the keys to a valet who will park the automobile in a close-by, safe off-site lot. Entrance workplace employees converse English, so that is actually not intimidating for these not fluent in Spanish.
Guide your keep at Casona de la República now!
Zibatá
In the event you’re planning an prolonged keep or are interested by dwelling in Querétaro, Zibatá’s many trip houses make it an interesting residence base. Since my husband and I had been scouting Querétaro as a potential future residence, we spent a few nights right here along with an extended keep in Centro.
Roughly 25 minutes northeast of downtown, Zibatá is a big grasp deliberate group with a public golf course, grassy parks, and loads of cafés and strip mall conveniences. Word: Except you’re staying right here, it may be tough to enter Zibatá with no restaurant reservation, as there are a number of gated checkpoints.
Discover Extra of Mexico
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Be taught concerning the intriguing Mexican custom of Día de los Muertos with my suggestions for celebrating Day of the Useless in Puerto Vallarta.
From artwork galleries and scorching springs to a distinctive botanical backyard, don’t miss my information to San Miguel de Allende.
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A Word from Colleen: I paid full value for every little thing talked about on this article. I’ll at all times let you already know if I obtain a media price or comp. All opinions are mine, as at all times.
