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Querétaro, the capital of its state, is one of Mexico's most important colonial cities and a fast-growing economic center in the Bajío. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its plazas, baroque churches, and orderly streets. The city also holds a central place in Mexican history, from the independence conspiracy of 1810 to the drafting of the 1917 Constitution.
The long stone Acueducto, built in the eighteenth century, is the city's emblem, its arches striding across the eastern edge of town. In the center, Jardín Zenea and the pedestrian Calle Madero fill with families and street performers, while Jardín Guerrero offers another shaded square. The Teatro de la República is where the constitution was signed, and the Casa de la Corregidora, now the state government palace, recalls Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, a heroine of the independence movement honored in the Plaza de la Corregidora. Among the churches, the Templo de Santa Clara has a lavish gilded interior, the Templo y Exconvento de San Francisco houses a regional museum, and the Templo y Convento de la Santa Cruz is tied to the city's founding. On the Cerro de las Campanas, Emperor Maximilian was executed in 1867.
Querétaro suits history lovers and food-focused travelers. It also makes a strong base for exploring Bernal, wineries, and the Sierra Gorda missions.
WiserMap travel guideQuerétaro Mexico Baroque Center Aqueduct and Wine CountryPlan a trip to Querétaro, Mexico: its UNESCO baroque center, the great aqueduct, Teatro de la República, Cerro de las Campanas and wine country day trips.Read the guide
Built in the 18th century, Querétaro's aqueduct has 74 tall stone arches stretching about 1.3 kilometres across the eastern side of the city. It is the city's symbol. The best view is from the Mirador de los Arcos, which also has a monument to the aqueduct's patron. It is lit at night.
This 19th-century theatre is where the trial of Emperor Maximilian took place in 1867, and where the Mexican Constitution of 1917 was signed. Its horseshoe-shaped hall, boxes and painted ceiling can be visited between events. Guided visits are short, so combine it with a walk to Jardín Zenea.
The former home of Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, a heroine of independence who warned the conspirators in 1810, is now the seat of the state government. Visitors can see the courtyard and the historic rooms on Plaza de Armas. Entry is usually free during office hours.
On this hill, Emperor Maximilian was executed in 1867. It is now a large park with a huge statue of Benito Juárez, a small chapel built by the Austrian government and a museum. Its paths and gardens make a pleasant walk. It is a short taxi ride from the centre.
The main garden of central Querétaro has a fountain with a statue of Hebe, a bandstand and benches shaded by trees, beside the San Francisco church. It is a lively meeting place, with music on Sunday evenings. Street vendors sell snacks and balloons around its edges.
Jardín Guerrero is a leafy square near the city hall, and the pedestrian Calle Madero runs from it through the historic centre, lined with shops, restaurants and colonial mansions. It is an easy way to cross the old town on foot. Evenings are busy, especially on weekends.
This plaza holds a monument to Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, known as La Corregidora, and is surrounded by restaurants and outdoor terraces. It connects with Jardín Zenea and the pedestrian streets. It is a good place to sit for a drink and watch the city go by.
Templo de Santa Clara has one of the most dazzling baroque interiors in Mexico, with gilded altarpieces covering the walls and a delicate iron screen of the former nuns' choir. The plain exterior hides the rich decoration. Visit quietly, and look for the Neptune fountain outside.
This large Franciscan church facing Jardín Zenea is one of the oldest in Querétaro, with a tiled dome and baroque facade. The former convent next door houses the Museo Regional de Querétaro, with history exhibits and colonial art. Allow an hour or more if you visit the museum.
Built on the site where legend says the city was founded after a battle in 1531, the Santa Cruz convent has a garden with a famous tree whose thorns grow in the shape of crosses. Short guided tours run by the friars explain the history. A small donation is appreciated.
Housed in the former convent of San Agustín, the art museum is famous for its baroque cloister with richly carved stone figures on columns and arches. Inside are European and Mexican paintings from the 16th to 20th centuries. The cloister alone makes it worth a visit.
On the southwest edge of the city, El Cerrito is a pre-Hispanic pyramid site, a large stepped mound that was an important ceremonial centre for centuries. A site museum explains its history. It is best reached by taxi, and mornings are cooler for walking around the ruins.
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