Things to do in Querétaro: must-see attractions

Visiting Querétaro

Sitting at an altitude of 6,233 feet, Santiago de Querétaro is a city in central Mexico and the capital of its namesake state. This UNESCO World Heritage site is unique for how it has preserved its colonial architecture while maintaining the winding, narrow streets typical of the pre-colonial era. Santiago de Querétaro contains at least 3,000 historic civil and religious buildings that reflect the city's long-standing importance. It has also served as a backdrop for pivotal moments in national history, most notably the execution of the second Emperor of Mexico, Maximilien Ier, and the drafting of the first Mexican Constitution in 1917.

A historic city in Mexico

Querétaro was founded as a Spanish colonial city, built on a foundation of coexistence with indigenous populations. Walk along the Plaza de los Fundadores, where the city was reportedly established in 1531 following an alliance between Spanish conquistadors and local tribal leaders. Another symbolic square is the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by monuments and palaces dating back to the city's 17th and 18th-century golden age. Just a few steps away, you will find the city's most recognizable church, the Temple de San Francisco, with its ochre-colored stone and intricate baroque carvings.

For culture, a few stops are mandatory. The Musée régional de Querétaro displays artifacts tracing the region's history through the 19th-century Mexican Revolution. Housed in the former San Agustin convent, the Museo de Arte is another essential stop. It features a collection of both European and Mexican works. Take time to appreciate the building's architecture, especially the courtyard, which is considered one of the finest in Latin America.

Rich and varied heritage

Another major colonial-era remnant is the Aqueduc de Querétaro. It is one of the largest colonial structures in Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and remains largely intact. The aqueduct consists of 74 arches stretching over 4,258 feet, once used to supply the city with fresh water.

For outdoor space, Querétaro maintains a 143-acre urban park called Cerro de las Campanas. This is where Emperor Maximilien Ier was executed by liberal forces led by Benito Juárez in 1867. The Austrian government later built a chapel here to commemorate the event. Today, the park is a hub for sports and cultural events. From the top of the cerro, you get sweeping views of Santiago de Querétaro.

When to go

Temperatures are most comfortable during the warmer season, which lasts from April through September.

How to get there

From Mexico City, you can take a bus that reaches Santiago de Querétaro in about 3 hours. There are also domestic flights connecting the capital to Querétaro.