9 Best Things To Do In San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Are you looking for the best things to do in San Luis Potosi?

The Bajo region of central Mexico is home to the Mexican state capital of San Luis Potosi, which is located in San Luis Potos. The city is located about 400 kilometers (250 miles) outside of the capital. It takes its name from King Louis IX of France and the Bolivian city of Potosi, which was famous for its silver mines.

Although San Luis Potosi was founded in 1592 as a supply camp for the nearby gold and silver mines, the city’s origins date back to a Franciscan mission founded in the 1580s on land once inhabited by the Chichimeca.

Traveling to San Luis Potosi means getting a taste of Mexico‘s rich cultural heritage. The area is full of museums and historic landmarks where you can learn about the city’s past, as well as science and the arts in a fun way.

If you love cultural trips and fun outdoor activities, spend a couple of days in this exciting city. Here’s our list of the best things to do in San Luis Potosi to help you plan your visit.

9 Best Things To Do In San Luis Potosi, Mexico

1. Visit the Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe

A visit to San Luis Potosi is incomplete without a stop at the Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of Mexico‘s most beautiful churches. As a result of more than two decades of construction, this magnificent church features a blend of baroque and neoclassical elements.

A statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe graces the center of the building’s magnificent façade. This sculpture tells the story of the church’s role as a place of devotion to the Virgin Mary.

You can’t miss the Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, as this basilica’s towers are the highest in the city. To get into its sacred Neoclassical interior, you’ll walk through a beautiful walkway that leads to a collection of paintings. Francisco Herrera’s fourteen stations of the cross are a must-see.

2. Appreciate Mexican creativity and talent at Centro de las Artes de San Luis Potosí

At one point in its long history, the Centro de las Artes de San Luis Potosí housed some of the most dangerous criminals in the country. Today, this former prison exhibits of local and international artists are held in the quaint rooms and patios at this institution dedicated to the education, production, and distribution of art.

Visit this location and be inspired by the contrast between its bleak past and its present-day artistic renaissance. Everything from Mexican folk art to digital sculptures and jewelry is on display to demonstrate the diversity of Mexican artistic expression.

The Leonora Carrington Museum, a tribute to the world-renowned Mexican surrealist, can be found within this architectural marvel. This collection includes Carrington’s paintings, sculptures, engravings, fabrics, and novels.

3. Discover the UNESCO-listed Centro Historico of San Luis Potosi

From 1598 to 1882, when transporting silver from the mines in the Mexican states of San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas, and Guanajuato to ports and then back to Spain, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Camino Real de Tierra Adentro was used.

The Silver Road, as it is more commonly known, was recognized by UNESCO in 2010. The historic center of San Luis Potosi is part of this route. Explore the area and look for historical markers in both Spanish and English to learn more about the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro’s buildings and structures.

4. Explore Parque Tangamanga in San Luis Potosi

Parque Tangamanga, the second-largest park in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, is a place for thrill-seekers. There are facilities for a wide variety of sports in this park, which was formerly an airport. Parque Tangamanga now hosts many fun and exciting activities.

However, if you just want to take a walk around and admire the well-kept landscape or have a picnic, there are plenty of places to do so. The park is a family-friendly place as well, with attractions for children that include slides and a wave pool.

If you’re not the outdoorsy type, there are plenty of other less physical things to do here as well. You can also visit the planetarium, botanical gardens, theatre, and greenhouse. In this vast and beautiful city park, you’ll never run out of things to do.

5. Get to know a unique aspect of Mexican culture at The National Museum of Regional Masks

Place del Carmen in San Luis Potosi is home to the Museum of Mexican History and Culture. Here, you can see Mexico‘s rich masked dance and ritual heritage up close. And you’ll have plenty to discover as the National Museum of Regional Masques, which houses over 1,300 masks.

An eclectic collection of Mexican masks and costumes from all corners of the country can be found in this Neoclassical-style home’s collection. They have a small collection of Asian masks in the museum as well.

More than half of the masks on display in this exhibit were donated by humanist and mechanical engineer Victor Rubio. Among these masks are depictions of demons and angels, as well as saints, conquistado heroes, and fantastic creatures.

6. Learn about Early Water Systems at Caja del Agua

Caja del Agua is the Neoclassical tank at Jardin Colón in San Luis Potosi. Also called the Water Box, its water came from the Cañada del Lobo Spring via aqueducts. Caja del Agua was also a major source of drinking water for the region in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Near the Water Box, you’ll find “El Aguador,” or “The Water Bearer,” an iconic sculpture in San Luis Potosi. This sculpture commemorates a now-retired job of delivering water from the Water Box to needy families.

While here, you may also visit Jardin Colón’s lovely garden, where you can take in the garden’s clock tower as well as the rest of the property.

7. Learn the history of public transportation in Mexico

The Museo Del Ferrocarril, or Museum of the Railroad, is a great place to learn about early Mexican public transportation. You’ll learn a lot about trains at this special museum, which was built alongside the Mexican National Railroad Station in 1881.

You’ll be transported back in time by the presence of a massive black locomotive at the entrance, as well as by the old photographs, murals, vintage passenger cars, and videos documenting the history of railroad services and routes.

It’s a fun, family-friendly place, where San Luis Potosi visitors with children who enjoy playing with wheeled toys should not miss.

8. Grab essential oils in Botica Alhóndiga

Botica Alhóndiga may have been in business since 1870, but it has maintained its original appearance. In this must-visit store in San Luis Potosi, you’ll still see old medicine and elixir bottles in glass cases and antique cabinets as soon as you walk in.

It used to be that the Alhóndiga Apothecary would independently create their medicine formulas using a variety of herbal extracts and chemicals to treat various ailments.
Up to this day, traditional potions like the “athlete’s scrub” and hangover cures are still made using some of these trademark formulas and recipes. They currently focus on essential oils like jasmine and rose oil, as well as beauty products like perfumes, shampoos, and creams.

9. Shop for local products and handicrafts at Mercado Hidalgo

If you want to bring home some Potosi souvenirs, be sure to swing by Mercado Hidalgo! Since its construction in 1945, the Hidalgo Market has served as San Luis Potosi’s economic hub. Local Mexican food, fashion, handicrafts, and souvenirs can all be found here.

You’ll get a taste of the region’s cuisine and culture as you take in the vibrant colors, sounds, and aromas of this bustling commercial district.

Enjoy a snack of gordita and chilaquiles while perusing the local prickly pear, Mexican textile, silver jewelry, and toy shops.