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There are great many things to do in Mexico, and so are in Querétaro.
Discovering Querétaro is like unwrapping a beautifully crafted gift box, where each experience is a bright-colored ribbon waiting to be untied.
From the cobbled alleys of the historic center, the magnificent pink facade of the Teatro de la República, to the surreal beauty of Peña de Bernal, there is always something here to captivate your senses.
So, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelt, and let the journey of exploring Querétaro begin!
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Querétaro:
1. Peña de Bernal
A giant monolith rock formation located in the Pueblo Mágico of Bernal, Querétaro, Mexico.
What to see or do: Take a hike up the monolith to get a panoramic view of the town and surrounding areas. Explore the charming streets of Bernal and its artisanal shops.
Don’t miss: Trying the delicious gorditas de nata, a local specialty made with cow’s milk cream.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the hike up the monolith can be demanding. Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Make sure to try the local wines, as Querétaro is a well-known wine region in Mexico.
2. Centro Histórico de Querétaro
The Centro Histórico de Querétaro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Querétaro City, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a stroll through the cobblestone streets while admiring the colonial architecture of the buildings, fountains, and plazas. Some of the notable landmarks include the baroque-style Iglesia de Santa Rosa de Viterbo and the neo-Gothic Querétaro City Museum.
Don’t miss: The Aqueduct of Querétaro is an impressive engineering feat that dates back to the 18th century and spans over 1,200 meters.
It’s a must-see landmark that serves as a symbol of the city’s history and culture.
Insider travel tips: Visit on a weekend when the streets are closed to vehicular traffic, allowing pedestrian-only access to the Centro Histórico. Consider taking a guided walking tour to learn more about the historical significance and cultural heritage of the area.
Also, be sure to sample some of the delicious local cuisine, such as gorditas and enchiladas queretanas.
3. Teatro de la República
What to see or do: Attend a performance or take a guided tour to learn about the theater’s rich history and stunning architecture.
Don’t miss: Admiring the ornate ceiling and intricate murals in the main auditorium.
Insider travel tips: Check the theater’s schedule beforehand to catch a show or concert, and arrive early to take in the beauty of the surrounding plaza.
4. Museo de la Ciudad
The Museo de la Ciudad is a historical museum located in the heart of Querétaro, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the exhibits that showcase the history, culture, and traditions of the city.
The museum has a large collection of artifacts, including clothing, tools, artwork, and photographs that bring to life the city’s rich past.
Don’t miss: Be sure not to miss the beautiful mural by renowned artist Francisco Eppens, which depicts the history of Querétaro.
Insider travel tips: Visiting the museum is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the city’s history and culture before venturing out to explore the rest of Querétaro.
5. Cerro de las Campanas
Cerro de las Campanas is a historic hill located in Querétaro, Mexico, known for its significance in Mexican history and stunning panoramic views.
What to see or do: Take a hike up to the top of the hill to see the Monument to Benito Juárez, which commemorates the famous president who was imprisoned and eventually freed from Cerro de las Campanas.
Visitors can also explore the surrounding natural beauty, including hiking trails, caves, and unique rock formations.
Don’t miss: The panoramic views from the top of the hill, which stretch for miles and offer a breathtaking perspective on the surrounding landscape.
Also, be sure to check out the Cerro de las Campanas Museum, which features exhibits on Mexican history and culture.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water, as the hike to the top of the hill can be steep and challenging.
Additionally, plan your visit for early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
Finally, consider hiring a guide to get the most out of your visit and learn more about the hill’s fascinating history.
6. Templo de la Santa Cruz
The Templo de la Santa Cruz is a beautiful baroque church located in the heart of Querétaro, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive façade, which features intricate carvings and sculptures. Inside, there are several ornate altars and paintings, including a stunning depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the church is the Chapel of San Felipe Neri, which contains a Baroque-style altar and a series of colorful murals that depict the life of Saint Philip Neri.
Insider travel tips: – The church is located in Querétaro’s historic center, so it’s easy to combine a visit with other popular attractions in the area.
7. Plaza de Armas
A historic main square in the heart of Querétaro, Mexico.
What to see or do: Admire the Renaissance-style architecture of the surrounding buildings, such as the Government Palace and the Querétaro Regional Museum. Take a stroll through the lush gardens and fountains of the square.
Visit the Querétaro Cathedral, which was constructed over a period of 75 years and is a breathtaking example of Baroque architecture.
Don’t miss: The evening light show on the façade of the Government Palace, which tells the story of Querétaro’s history. The traditional Mexican food and handicraft vendors who set up shop in the square on weekends.
Insider travel tips: Come in the evening to see the square beautifully lit up. Don’t forget to try the local dessert, called “bollo”, sold by street vendors in the square.
Avoid visiting during the scorchingly hot summer afternoons.
8. Mirador de los Arcos
A scenic viewpoint overlooking Querétaro city in Mexico.
What to see or do: Enjoy the panoramic view of Querétaro from the top of the hill. Take photos of the iconic aqueduct and the charming colonial buildings.
It’s a great spot to watch the sunset.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking view of the city illuminated at night.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as you need to climb a steep hill to reach the viewpoint. Bring water and snacks as there are limited options available on site.
Be cautious as the area can become crowded during peak tourist season.
9. Parque Bicentenario
Parque Bicentenario is a large park located in Querétaro, Mexico.
What to see or do: The park features a lake, playgrounds, sports facilities, gardens, and outdoor art installations. Visitors can rent bicycles or take a boat ride on the lake.
There are also food vendors and picnic areas.
Don’t miss: The park has an impressive view of the nearby Cerro de las Campanas, where Emperor Maximilian of Mexico was executed. There is also a memorial to the 1917 Constitution of Mexico.
Insider travel tips: – The park can get crowded on weekends, so try to visit during the week if possible.
10. Templo de San Francisco
The Templo de San Francisco is a colonial-era church located in the historic center of Querétaro, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the ornate Baroque facade of the church and explore its interior, which features intricate stone carvings and ornate altars.
The church is still in use today and hosts regular Catholic services.
Don’t miss: One must-see feature of the Templo de San Francisco is its impressive pipe organ, which was built in Germany in the 18th century.
The organ has more than 1,700 pipes and is considered one of the best examples of its kind in Mexico.
Insider travel tips: – The Templo de San Francisco is located just a few blocks from Querétaro’s main plaza, making it easy to visit on foot.
11. Jardín Zenea
A charming and picturesque public park located in the heart of Querétaro, Mexico.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and admire the colorful flowers and plants. Relax on a bench and people-watch or have a picnic with friends and family.
Visit the gazebo and listen to live music performances or browse the stands of local artisans.
Don’t miss: The gorgeous fountains and sculptures scattered throughout the park, including the striking statue of Querétaro’s beloved poet, Francisco Cervantes de Salazar.
Plus, be sure to catch one of the many cultural events and festivals that take place in the park throughout the year.
Insider travel tips: Go early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and beat the crowds. Bring sunscreen and a hat during the hot summer months, as there isn’t much shade in the park.
Don’t forget to try some of the delicious street food vendors located just outside the park’s entrance.
12. Plaza de Toros Santa María
A bullfighting arena located in the heart of Querétaro, Mexico.
What to see or do: Watch a traditional Mexican bullfighting event, where skilled matadors face off against fierce bulls in front of a cheering crowd.
Don’t miss: The stunning architecture of the Plaza de Toros, which dates back to 1865 and features a beautiful neoclassical facade and intricate interior details.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to secure a good seat and witness the pre-fight rituals, including the parade of the matadors and the blessing of the bulls.
Be aware that bullfighting can be controversial, and some visitors may find the bloodsport distressing. Consider researching the bullfighting culture and history in Mexico before attending.
13. Casa de la Zacatecana
Beautifully restored colonial mansion in Querétaro, Mexico.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning architecture and interior design of the house, which includes a central courtyard and numerous rooms displaying period furniture and artwork.
Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the house and its previous inhabitants.
Don’t miss: The impressive mural painted on the ceiling of the main salon, depicting scenes from Greek mythology.
Insider travel tips: Visit during weekday mornings to avoid crowds, and consider combining your visit with a stroll through the nearby Jardin Zenea and Centro Histórico.
14. Cementerio de la Cruz
Cementerio de la Cruz is a historic cemetery located in Querétaro, Mexico. It was established in the mid-19th century and became the final resting place for many prominent figures in Querétaro’s history.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the cemetery and admire the beautiful mausoleums and gravestones.
Many of the graves are adorned with elaborate artwork and symbols that reflect the unique personalities of the people buried there.
Don’t miss: One of the most impressive graves in the cemetery belongs to Maximiliano and Carlota, former emperor and empress of Mexico. Their tomb is a stunning masterpiece featuring a white marble sculpture of the couple and numerous inscriptions in their honor.
Insider travel tips: Visit the cemetery during the Day of the Dead celebration if possible to experience a colorful and lively atmosphere.
15. Parque Acuático El Oasis
Parque Acuático El Oasis is a water park located in Querétaro, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy various water activities such as swimming, sliding down water slides, floating in the lazy river, or playing in the splash areas.
There are also food and beverage options available on-site.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss out on trying out the park’s most popular water slide, the Kamikaze, which offers an adrenaline-filled ride.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy shorter lines for the rides. Bring sunscreen, towels, and a change of clothes.
Locker rentals are available on-site for a fee.