What to do in Queretaro
Beautiful, colorful, vibrant, lively are all words that come to mind when I think of Queretaro. This city is easy to explore, and it’s definitely one of the places I most enjoyed in Mexico. The city has beautiful architecture, colorful buildings, many plazas and churches, many places for eating, and nearby spots to explore.
Most travelers I saw here were local. Therefore foreigners are missing out on the beauty of this place. Here are some ideas on what to do in Queretaro if you decide to visit this truly amazing city.
What to do in Queretaro
Table of Contents
Stroll the Centro Historico
From colorful buildings to antique doors and cobblestone streets, Queretaro’s Centro Historico is where you’ll have lots of fun. This picturesque center is clean, lively, and full of things to do. But, of course, the best thing to do is simply get lost wandering the colorful streets admiring the Spanish colonial architecture.
You’ll find street performers, handicrafts, cafes, restaurants, bars, museums, plazas, and so much more. One of my favorite streets is Cinco de Mayo.
Mirador de Los Arcos
Next to Plaza Fundadores, Mirador de Los Arcos offers spectacular views of the city and the arched aqueduct the city is known for. You can enjoy it during the day or go at night when the arches light up. It is one of the most popular spots in the city.
Check out the Aqueduct
Next to the Mirador de Los Arcos, is Queretaro’s aqueduct that was built in the 18th century. It has 75 arches and decorates the city beautifully. In addition, it is a popular spot for pictures.
Relax at one of the many Plazas
The city of Queretaro has many town squares and plazas where you could sit, watch people, eat snacks, or simply stroll around. Some popular ones are the Main Square, Plaza Constitucion, Zenea Garden, Founders Square, and Mariano de las Casas Square.
Visit the Many Museums
Queretaro City is rich in museums to visit if you’re into learning some history and art. Some of the popular ones include Museo Casa de la Zacatecana, Museo Regional de Queretaro, Museo de Arte Contemporaneo, and Museo de los Conspiradores.
Buy Souveniers
Mexico has beautiful handicraft work everywhere you go, and in Queretaro, you’ll find lots of it. One item, in particular, that’s popular in the state is the famous Otomi Rag Doll.
They are sometimes called Marias and have braided hair with ribbons. They are now associated as part of the Mexican culture but are mostly seen throughout Queretaro.
Visit El Cerrito
The Chichemecas once built their own pyramid in Queretaro. Although you can’t climb it, you can admire it. There is also a free museum to learn about this important place of worship. El Cerrito can be reached in 20 minutes by Uber from the city center.
Admire the Churches in the City
As you walk the city center, you will run into many beautiful churches with beautiful architecture. You can admire them from the outside or step inside to have a peek at the detail from inside.
Drink Coffee
Who doesn’t love coffee!? Queretaro has some great places to have a drink. One spot I checked out was Mas Cafe. They have some great dining and drinking options.
Visit The Old Train Station
Queretaro has a beautiful old railway station that is over 100 years old. Although it no longer carries passengers since the 1990s, it now has a small museum to learn about its history.
Take a Day Trip to Pueblo Mágico Peña de Bernal
The most popular day trip from Queretaro is to Peña del Bernal! You can’t miss this popular tourist attraction that’s only 40 minutes from the city. It is the world’s third-largest monolith.
You can hike up this large rock if you’re up for it, and it has a great view of the town of San Sebastian de Bernal down below. The town itself feels peaceful and has lots of artesanía, or handicrafts.
Travel to Tequisquiapan for the Cheese and Wine Tour
The touristic town of Tequisquiapan is also a pueblo mágico. This charming town is known for its “Ruta de Queso y Vino” which translates to “wine and cheese tours,” as well as its artesanías, or handicrafts.
You can stroll around Plaza Miguel Hidalgo to admire the pretty pink church, Templo de Santa Maria de la Asuncion. You can also take a picture at the Tequis sign or visit the Mercado de Artesanía to get souvenirs. I recommend going on a tour so you can comfortably drink wine or have a designated driver.
Go Wine Tasting at Finca Sale Vive by Freixenet
When you think of Mexico, you probably think of tequila and mezcal. But did you know that Queretaro produces terrific wine? It’s the second-biggest wine region after Tijuana.
So if you don’t go on a Cheese and Wine Tour, go on a wine tour at Finca Sala Vive by Freixenet. It has one of the biggest wine cellars in Queretaro.
I suggest you take one of the daily Wine and Cheese tours. They depart at 9:00 a.m and return at 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be bought from the Queretaro Lindo Tour Company and range around 930 MXN pesos. The tour I took went to Finca Sala Vive by Freixenet and La Mexicana Ole for Cheese. As a solo traveler, this is a great option.
How to get to Queretaro
Getting to Queretaro is relatively easy. It is about a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride from Mexico City, and prices range at about 300 MXN pesos. However, I find it cheaper to reserve ahead of time on Reservamos than showing up at the bus station. Queretaro city also has an airport, and if you book ahead of time, you can find some great prices.
Where to Stay in Queretaro
Definitely, the best place to stay in Queretaro is the city center. Everything will be within walking distance. I stayed in a hostel that also has private rooms. Prices are very low, and I enjoyed my stay here. The hostel I stayed at is called Septimo Hostel.
What to Pack
Here are some travel items to pack for your trip to Mexico.
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
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What to do in Queretaro
