10 Best Things To Do In Querétaro, Mexico

Are you looking for the best things to do in Querétaro, Mexico?

Santiago de Querétaro, or known simply as Querétaro, is an exquisite example of a Spanish colonial city. Located in a small state in north-central Mexico that bears the same name, Querétaro’s well-preserved historic center was given a UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1996.

The city of Querétaro was established by Otomi Indians and became a part of the Aztec empire in 1446. This charming city is noted for its wealth of history, colonial architecture, and vibrant culture. Its historic center features colorful buildings and plazas, as well as excellent Baroque churches.

The city is also a foodie’s haven, with sumptuous traditional Mexican dishes you can sample, including like gorditas, carnitas, and barbacoa.

Natural beauty surrounds Querétaro that allows for a number of outdoor activities. Let’s check out the 10 best things to do in Querétaro, Mexico.

10 Best Things to Do in Querétaro, Mexico

1. Start your tour of the city at its historic center

The Historic Center of Querétaro is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring colorful Colonial-era buildings, picturesque plazas, Baroque churches, and a vibrant atmosphere.

You can take a simple walking tour at this historic center to see its landmarks, which include the Cathedral of Querétaro, the Aqueduct, and the Plaza de Armas.

Querétaro is also known for its lively cultural scene and various events that take place here throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, and art exhibits.

The historic center of Querétaro is a marvelous spot for immersing yourself in the city’s history and culture.

2. Visit the Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo

This stunning 18th-century Baroque church features an ornate interior and a bell tower and houses important relics and artworks. If you are an architecture enthusiast and/ or a history buff, this is a must-not-miss in Querétaro.

Learn about the church’s history, take a guided tour, or simply admire its architecture. The garden is also fantastic and open to the public so you can take a stroll and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere.

The Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo also houses a museum with religious artifacts and artwork as well as several exhibits showcasing the history of the building and the surrounding area.

Take your time soaking in the beauty and history of this unique site!

3. Check out the Museo de la Ciudad

If you want to learn about the history and culture of Querétaro, the Museo de la Ciudad is a great place to go.

Here you should take your time exploring the exhibits and getting amazed by the beauty of the building and its surroundings.

If your schedule permits, you may also attend events, and appreciate the beauty of the building and its surroundings.
The Museo de la Ciudad offers an interesting view of the history and culture of Querétaro.

It has exhibits on everything worth knowing from the city’s establishment to its role in Mexican independence.

4. Walk along the Acueducto de Querétaro (Aqueduct of Querétaro)

The Acueducto de Querétaro (Aqueduct of Querétaro) is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Walking along it is a fun way to experience Querétaro’s history and architecture.

Walking along the Aqueduct of Querétaro will afford you to enjoy it up close. There are several spots along the aqueduct where you can stop and take pictures of the city, so don’t forget your phone or camera.

The 1,280-meter long aqueduct forms part of Querétaro’s historic center. It has 74 arches and an average height of 28.5 meters. To learn more about the history of the aqueduct and its surrounding area, it is best to take a guided tour. This will also help you to better appreciate the 18th-century aqueduct.

The best time to visit this historic site is at sunset, when the light is totally stunning.

5. Take in the views from the Mirador de los Arcos

The Mirador de los Arcos de Querétaro is a stone plaza that serves as a viewpoint that offers a breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Apart from the stunning views, the plaza also houses a small museum where you can learn about the water canal system and all the monuments there.

This is a nice spot to take pictures of the old aqueduct and the city, best visited at dawn or at sunset.

6. Tour the Convento de la Cruz

The Convento de la Cruz is a former convent that now houses the Centro de las Artes de Querétaro, a cultural center where exhibitions, workshops, and performances are held.

The historic convent was built on top of an Aztec pyramid. Back in the day, the Convento de la Cruz served as a religious center for the area.

Made of pink stone, it features a combination of Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles, among others. Its interior is adorned with fascinating frescoes and murals. Here you can also view a nice collection of religious art and artifacts.

7. Visit the Casa de la Zacatecana

This elegant Colonial-era mansion now serves as a museum dedicated to the city of Querétaro’s art and culture.

Casa de la Zacatecana is located in the heart of the city. It was built in the 17th century and houses numerous period antiques and furnishings. The mansion is open to the public and offers guided tours where guests can learn about its history as well as its significance to the region.

Since Casa de la Zacatecana is in the historic center of Querétaro, there are many other historic landmarks and attractions in the vicinity of the mansion. Checking out this mansion cannot be missed when visiting Querétaro.

8. Take a rest at the Jardin Zenea

Jardin Zenea is a popular meeting place among locals, with plenty of benches, fountains, and greenery to take in. It is one of the must-see attractions in Querétaro.

This public park sits in the heart of the city and boasts gorgeous gardens, fountains, and statues. A quaint gazebo is situated in the middle of the park where concerts and other events frequently take place.

If you’re visiting with kids in tow, the park has a playground for them to play in. If you want to explore the park, you can ride the small train on a tour of the Jardin Zenea.

9. Visit the Cerro de las Campanas

Cerro de las Campanas, or “Hill of the Bells” in English, is an important site in the history of Mexico as it was where the executions of famous historical figures such as Gen. Miguel Miramón, Gen. Tomás Mejíaz, and Emperor Maximilian I took place.

If you’re visiting Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas must be in your itinerary. It is a fascinating site where you can have a unique perspective on the history of Querétaro and Mexico.

10. Explore the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve

The Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve covers 33% of the state of Querétaro and is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna.

Jaguars and pumas as well as black bears live here, although it is unfortunate that many of the other endemic species are threatened by illegal poaching.

They include the golf-ball cactus and the Querétaro yucca, which are nearing extinction.
The vast reserve has plenty of natural springs of water. You can swin in streams and rivers as well as see lots of different trees, including apple, mango, guava, orange, fig, blackberry, and pecan.

The Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve is great for hiking – highly recommended for those visiting Querétaro, Mexico.