Querétaro is a city in central Mexico whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with baroque churches, quiet plazas and an unmistakable aqueduct. It is compact, walkable and easy to reach from Mexico City, which makes it an excellent base for a long weekend.
AT A GLANCE
Best time
Spring and autumn for mild days, with the dry season from late autumn through spring the easiest for walking.
How long
Allow two to three days in the city, plus one or two for day trips to Bernal and Tequisquiapan.
Getting there
Fly into Querétaro Intercontinental Airport, or take a bus or drive about two hours from Mexico City.
Why visit Querétaro
Querétaro was founded as a Spanish city in 1531, and its golden age in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries left an exceptional collection of ornate churches, convents and civil buildings.
The city also plays a large role in Mexican history. The conspiracy of 1810 was discovered here, the 1917 constitution was written here, and Emperor Maximilian ended his reign here.
The historic center
Acueducto
The eighteenth-century aqueduct is a symbol of the city and one of the largest in Mexico.
Jardín Zenea
This is the main garden square, with a gazebo, shade trees and benches for people-watching. It was once the old financial center of the city.
Jardín Guerrero and Calle Madero
In front of the old city hall, this lovely square is linked by a pedestrian stretch of Madero Street to the atrium of the Santa Clara church.
Teatro de la República
Few theatres matter as much to Mexican history. Emperor Maximilian was tried here, the 1917 constitution was written here, and the national anthem was first played here.
Casa de la Corregidora
The government palace was the home of the corregidor, and his wife Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez played a key role in the independence conspiracy by warning Miguel Hidalgo that it had been discovered.
Plaza de la Corregidora
This older plaza has restaurants, gardens and nightlife. It works well for dinner after a day on foot.
Churches, convents and hills
Templo de Santa Clara
This baroque church is covered in gold inside, a reminder that the Royal Convent of Santa Clara was one of the largest and richest in New Spain.
Templo y Exconvento de San Francisco
Construction began in 1589 and the church was completed in 1640, with the cloister following in 1698. The courtyards hold quiet gardens, and the church holds important sculpture and baroque details.
Templo y Convento de la Santa Cruz
On the Cerro de Sangremal, this convent is where Emperor Maximilian spent his last night before his execution. In the garden you can see a tree with cross-shaped spines.
Cerro de las Campanas
West of downtown, this hill is where Maximilian, Miramón and Mejía were executed in 1867.
Museums and El Cerrito
The center has several museums, including the Museo de Arte Sacro, the Museo del Calendario and MAQRO.
Day trips from the city
Peña de Bernal
About 40 minutes by road, the town of Bernal sits under a monolith that rises roughly 350 metres. It is a Pueblo Mágico with cobblestone streets and craft shops.
Tequisquiapan and the wine route
Tequisquiapan is part of the Querétaro Wine Route, and it is known for its handcrafts, baskets, wicker furniture and the annual national cheese and wine fair.
Sierra Gorda
The Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve covers the mountains of northern Querétaro, from semi desert to pine forest.
Parque Joya-La Barreta
This 245-hectare park is far from city light pollution and known for stargazing. Pets and motorcycles are not allowed.
Food and local flavors
Querétaro eats well. Handmade gorditas are the typical snack in the region, filled and griddled at stalls and small restaurants, including around Bernal.
For a meal, Plaza de la Corregidora and the streets around Jardín Zenea hold restaurants and cafes. A pedestrian stretch of Madero Street lets you wander between them. Ask locals which stand or kitchen is their favourite for traditional dishes, since the best places change by neighbourhood.
Popular dishes to try in Querétaro
Where to stay
Centro Histórico is the best base for first-time visitors. Churches, gardens, theatres and restaurants are within walking distance.
Antea is the area around an upscale shopping center, a better fit for travellers who want modern comforts, restaurants and easy road access.
If you plan to visit Tequisquiapan or Bernal for a night, small hotels in those towns offer a calmer pace. Book ahead for holiday weekends.
Where to stay in Querétaro
Best time to visit
Querétaro sits on the high Bajío plateau, so days are comfortable for much of the year and evenings can be cool.
Weekends and national holidays bring many visitors from Mexico City. The Hay Festival fills the city with talks and concerts, and December brings the international cattle fair, so book early and check dates.
Avoid the busiest holiday weeks if you prefer quiet plazas and easy restaurant tables.
Getting there and getting around
The city is 213 kilometres northwest of Mexico City, 63 kilometres southeast of San Miguel de Allende and 200 kilometres south of San Luis Potosí.
Querétaro Intercontinental Airport is 26 kilometres from the center, with flights from several Mexican cities and a few in the United States and Madrid. Buses and the AeroQroBus link the airport to the city.
The historic center is compact and walkable. Uber, Didi and Cabify operate here, taxis are unmetered so ask the fare first, and local buses use the QroBus card.
A suggested itinerary
First day
Start at Jardín Zenea and Jardín Guerrero, visit Santa Clara and the Teatro de la República, then see Casa de la Corregidora.
Second day
Visit San Francisco and the Santa Cruz convent in the morning, then spend the afternoon at the Cerro de las Campanas.
Third day
Take a day trip to Bernal and Tequisquiapan, tasting cheese and wine along the way.
Practical tips
- Check your government’s current travel advisory before you go.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since the center has cobblestones and uphill walks.
- Dress modestly and be quiet inside churches.
- Ask the fare before getting into a taxi, since taxis do not have meters.
- Use a QroBus card for local buses.
