Last Updated on: 4th August 2024, 11:29 pm
Querétaro, the bustling capital of state of the same name, is one of Mexico’s fastest-growing cities. But in the midst of the busy traffic and countless constructions sites, the city’s small historical center remains an oasis of calm. In the following Querétaro guide, we’ll be covering the top museums, churches and other interesting landmarks to check out in the area.
Before the historical center was built, the region was home to a major city known as El Cerrito, home to a massive yet overlooked pyramid. Over the centuries, the area was inhabited by groups like the Chupícuaro, the Toltecs, the Chichimecs, the Otomi and finally, the Aztecs.
The Spanish would successfully defeat the Aztecs in the 16th century, but skirmishes between the conquistadors and indigenous rebels were far from over. As such, Querétaro was established as a segregated city, with the current Centro Histórico being reserved exclusively for those of Spanish descent.
Later in the 19th century, the short-lived Emperor of Mexico, Maximilian I of the Habsburg dynasty, made Querétaro his base while fighting against forces loyal to Benito Juárez. Despite Querétaro being an imperialista stronghold, Maximilian would be jailed and tried (and eventually executed) at various locations throughout the city.
The Museums of The Centro Histórico
The top thing to do in Querétaro’s historic center would have to be museum hopping. Even if you’re not especially passionate about the content, many of the city’s museums are housed in stunning former monasteries.
When it comes to planning your visit, note that pretty much all museums in this Querétaro guide are open from Tuesday to Sunday.
The Querétaro Regional Museum
The Querétaro Regional Museum is housed in a former Franciscan convent that was started in 1540 and continually worked on over the next couple of centuries. Later in the 19th century, the monastery and its tower would be used by both Emperor Maximilian’s forces and his opponents.
The building remains in great condition today, and for some people, it’s the highlight of the visit. But if you also have special interest in the pre-Hispanic and Colonial past of Querétaro, the Regional Museum is arguably the most essential museum in the city.
Just know before you go that all information is in Spanish, while entry costs 95 pesos as of 2024.
The first section of the museum begins on the bottom floor, where you’ll find a plethora of archaeological artifacts from throughout Querétaro and neighboring regions.
Of special note is a Toltec chac mool sculpture discovered at the nearby pyramid of El Cerrito – something you won’t find at the on-site museum there.
Another interesting piece is a sculpture called Adolescente de Tamuín, discovered at the archaeological site of the same name (located in San Luis Potosí, not Querétaro).
This is a replica, however, with the original currently standing in Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology.
The exhibitions continue with information on the modern-day indigenous communities of Querétaro, of which there are over a hundred in total. You’ll find displays of traditional costumes as well as a modern syncretic church altar.
The next section of the museum focuses on the colonial period, detailing the colonization and evangelization of the region. You’ll also find numerous artifacts from the Mexican Revolution and Mexican-American War period.
The Calendar Museum (MUCAL)
Arguably the most unique attraction in this Querétaro guide is MUCAL, or the Calendar Museum. As the name suggests, the museum is dedicated to different calendar systems from throughout the world.
You’ll find informational signboards detailing the Egyptian calendar, the Chinese calendar, the Inca calendar, the Hindu calendar, and of course, the Mayan and Aztec calendars.
The information is all in Spanish. And even regardless of the language, it’s a lot of info to absorb at once. Nevertheless, it makes for an interesting museum concept that you’re unlikely to find elsewhere.
MUCAL even features a large wooden replica of the Aztec Calendar Stone located at the National Museum of Anthropology.
On the second floor, meanwhile, is an interesting collection of various modern calendars from Mexico and several other countries.
As with other museums on this list, the exhibits are housed in a former colonial building – a renovated mansion, in this case. So even if the subject matter may not be your cup of tea, the chance to explore the building and walk along the spacious rooftop is worth the price of admission alone.
Museo de Arte de Querétaro
Querétaro’s main art museum is yet another museum to be located in a former colonial monastery. This particular building used to be the Convent of San Agustín, which stands next to the still-active Templo de San Agustín.
The building was constructed from 1731-43, and upon its completion, it hosted the School of Art and Philosophy of the Augustinians.
After the building was placed in the hands of the state following the reform laws of the 19th century, it was used as everything from a barracks to a post office.
Later in 1988, it was made the city’s official art museum, which is fitting considering its original relationship with art in colonial times.
As for the art itself, you’ll find everything from colonial-era religious art to abstract contemporary pieces. The museum also regularly hosts exhibits by local Querétaro artists.
The City Museum
This museum’s name is rather misleading. Rather than feature information or displays about Querétaro as a city, this is yet another art museum housed in a former colonial structure.
The structure, which was once both a convent and a prison, isn’t as visually appealing as those mentioned above. But interestingly, it was here that Emperor Maximilian was imprisoned upon his surrender in the 19th century.
In regards to the art, the City Museum can’t compete with the Museo de Arte de Querétaro, either. The focus here is on contemporary local artists. And while the exhibits are likely always changing, I can’t say I was too impressed by what I saw.
Some of the featured exhibits were entirely focused on shock value, displaying some of the most grotesque art you can imagine. If you’re planning a visit, it’s probably best to avoid going just before lunch.
More Around the Center
As cliché as it may sound, one of the top things to do in Querétaro is simply walk around the historical center. If you’ve been to other colonial-era districts in Mexico, you’ll largely know what to expect: narrow alleyways, well-manicured gardens, beautiful churches and trendy cafes.
Don’t miss gardens like Zenea Garden and Corregidora. Notable churches, meanwhile, include the Temple of St. Dominic and the Templo de la Congregación de Guadalupe. And among the most beautiful structures in the center is the 17th-century Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo.
Another popular museum in the center is Casa de la Zacatecana, a colonial-era house museum. But having been to so many similar museums throughout the country, and having read less than stellar reviews, I decided to give it a miss.
If you’re looking for a place to rest your legs, the nicest and largest park in the area is Alameda Hidalgo. In its center stands a statue of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (1753-1811), who famously gave the ‘Cry of Dolores,’ the call to arms that set off the Mexican War of Independence.
The Aqueduct & Surroundings
Outside of, yet still walkable from, Querétaro’s Centro Histórico is another iconic historical landmark. The city’s aqueduct was constructed between 1726 and 1738, and it remains in great condition, featuring no less than 74 arches.
While one can, of course, see it from up close, the best place to view it is the Mirador de los Arcos, which you’ll find clearly marked on Google Maps.
In the background, you can get a glimpse of Querétaro’s modern sprawl, including several new high rises with plenty more under construction.
Just to the west of the Mirador, you’ll find a few more notable landmarks, including the Mausoleo de la Corregidora. Here lies Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez and her husband Miguel Domínguez, a Querétaro couple who played an important role in the Mexican fight for independence.
Further west still is the Templo de la Santa Cruz. Construction on it began in 1654, but it was built on the site of an important battle that occurred over a century prior.
The Spanish, following their defeat of the Aztec Empire, still had to deal with Chichimec rebels throughout the region. And according to legend, the two sides were fighting on this hill when a solar eclipse occurred, frightening the Chichimecs and causing them to surrender.
And during the battle, the Spanish also claimed to have seen an image of Saint James (Santiago), which led to the city being officially named Santiago de Querétaro.
Later in the 19th century, it was here that Emperor Maximilian was headquartered while the city, one of the last few imperialista strongholds, was under siege. As mentioned, he would eventually surrender, be imprisoned and then executed by a firing squad upon the order of Benito Juárez.
Just nearby the church is the Museum of Contemporary Art, though hardly anything but a few small spaces were open during my visit.
Additional Info
Wanting to visit all the locations in the above Querétaro guide while also using the city as a base for day trips, I was debating whether to stay in the historical center or closer to the bus terminal. But in Querétaro’s case, the main bus terminal is surrounded by highway overpasses and simply cannot be walked to (at least as far as I could tell).
That leaves the historical center area as the only logical option if you’re visiting Querétaro as a tourist.
One of the top-rated hotels in the center is Hotel Hidalgo (around $40 USD per night plus tax). Those looking for something slightly cheaper may want to consider Hi Hotel Impala Queretaro, while there are also plenty of options on Airbnb.
Short on time, or simply prefer to learn about the city from a local guide? This affordable tour is one of the most highly rated, and it also involves seeing Querétaro from a classic Model T Ford!
Querétaro is quickly becoming a popular place to visit and live, as evidenced by numerous Mexico-based YouTubers and bloggers. It is indeed located in a convenient location, just a few hours north of Mexico City. The weather is pleasant year-round, and it’s also considered to be one of Mexico’s safest cities. So what’s not to love?
While Querétaro is indeed a safe, clean and bustling city, based on ten days or so in town, I failed to see what all the hype is about. As mentioned in the Querétaro guide above, the historical center is beautiful but also quite small, making up just a tiny fraction of the overall city.
Hoping to discover some other interesting neighborhoods, I spent a while walking around the modern city, but found it to be rather soulless and bland. Thinking I was missing something, I asked several locals for recommendations, but everyone just told me to go to the historical center.
Another major issue that one can’t ignore is the traffic. Querétaro lacks any type of metro or tram system, which is something they should’ve already implemented years ago given the city’s growth rate. I did give the public bus system a try, but on a couple of occasions, the bus never showed!
All in all, Querétaro is not a bad place and it seems like an ideal city to raise a family. But after having explored much of the Bajío region, Querétaro’s growing popularity is a bit baffling – at least from a tourist’s perspective.
Cities like San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato and Zacatecas, for example, are all much more interesting if you’re visiting this region with limited time.