The 10 Best Things to Do in Querétaro, Mexico

Wondering how to spend 2 days in Querétaro? Check out the best things to do in Querétaro!

Congratulations! If you’re reading this post, you’ve uncovered one of Mexico’s hidden gems: Querétaro.

For years, nearby San Miguel de Allende has overshadowed Querétaro. But, travelers looking to experience authentic Mexico are quickly catching on that this colonial city is the place to be.

After reading this post, you will know the best things to do in Querétaro.

From one-of-a-kind museums and the best day trips from Querétaro to a secret pyramid and a craft beer garden that would make any hipster swoon, you’ll have everything you need to plan the perfect 2 days in Querétaro.

Is Querétaro worth visiting?

Keep reading to find out!

How to Get From Mexico City Airport to Querétaro

Located in central Mexico, Querétaro is easily accessible. Its UNESCO-listed historic center is worth the small effort it takes to get here.

You can take a bus (Primera Plus) directly from the Mexico City airport. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and costs around $18 USD.

An even more convenient option is flying into Querétaro’s small but well-connected airport. From there, it’s about a 30-minute Uber ride to the city center which costs approximately $15 USD.

How to Get From San Miguel de Allende to Querétaro

If you’re staying in San Miguel de Allende, you can make a day trip to Querétaro. Buses run every 20 minutes or so from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

There’s no need to book ahead. Just buy your ticket at the bus station from either Herradura de Plata or Flecha Amarilla.

From Querétaro’s Central de Autobuses, you can take an authorized taxi to the city center. The journey takes around 15 minutes and costs less than $3 USD.

Once in Querétaro, you’ll have no trouble filling your itinerary.

Whether you decide to come as a day trip, spend two days in Querétaro or begin a life as an expat here, following this comprehensive list of the best things to do in Querétaro will give you an experience you won’t soon forget.

10 Best Things to Do in Querétaro

Before you dive into this list of things to do in Querétaro, let me take a quick second to discuss safety. I understand it’s a concern of many travelers visiting Mexico.

While I would never suggest completely throwing caution to the wind (awareness is key wherever you are in the world), you can take comfort in the knowledge that Querétaro is one of the safest cities in Mexico.

In fact, according to Wikipedia, multiple sources have ranked Querétaro as “one of the safest cities to live in with the highest quality of life in Mexico.”

I have called Querétaro home since Oct. 2018, and in all that time, I’ve never once felt in danger or, even, uncomfortable. I feel confident recommending Querétaro as a safe destination for all travelers including solo female travelers.

For more about how to stay safe while traveling, check out this post with 35 do’s and don’ts for your first time in Mexico.

With that out of the way, here are the best things to do in Querétaro:

#1: Wander the Historic Center

From antique doors and colorful buildings to funky fountains and flower-covered houses, Querétaro’s centro histórico is the destination your Instagram grid has been waiting for.

In addition to being incredibly picturesque, Querétaro’s historic center is very clean. The city’s motto is “Orgullo de Mexico,” and based on the constant presence of street sweepers and lack of litter, Querétaro takes great pride in being the “Pride of Mexico.”

It’s no wonder the historic center of Querétaro is an an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Many of my favorite streets in the city center are pedestrian-only. In fact, the calle I call home is actually an andador. Querétaro’s historic center is a walker’s paradise, and here are a few places you’ll want to stroll:

• Andador Libertad
• Andador Matamoros
• Calle Franciso I. Madero
• Calle Cinco de Mayo
• Calle José Maria Pino Suarez

As you’re wandering the city, stop for a michelada at one of the cafes that line these plazas:

• Plaza Fundadores
• Plaza de Armas
• Jardín Zenea

Here are a few more Instagram-worthy spots worth checking out:

• Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo
  • At nighttime on the weekend, the fountain out front is all lit up.
• Templo de San Francisco
  • Snap a photo with el Danzante Conchero.
• Fuente de los Perritos
  • Dog lovers won’t want to miss this fun fountain in Plaza de Armas.
• Monument of La Corregidora
  • Just be prepared for lots of people trying to get you to come into their restaurant.

#2: Drink Wine and Eat Cheese

Chances are you’re visiting Mexico for the cerveza, tequila and mezcal. But, did you know that Querétaro produces some pretty good wine?

When you’re the country’s second-biggest wine region, it only makes sense to have a dedicated Wine & Cheese Route.

Daily Wine & Cheese Route tours depart from the city center at 9 a.m. and return at 6:30 p.m. You can purchase tickets at the office on the corner of Cinco de Mayo and Plaza de Armas. The tour costs approximately $35 USD per person.

If someone is willing to be the designated driver, you can follow the Wine & Cheese Route on your own. Check out Finca Sala Vivé by Freixnet, Bodegas de Cote and Cava de Queseos Bocanegra.

The first two are wineries and the last one is a cheese cave. All provide options for tours.

#3: Seek Shade in a Museum

Looking to get out of the hot Mexican sun for an hour or two? Dip into one of Querétaro’s many museums.

While this list is by no means exhaustive, here are a few of my favorites:

Museo de Calendario – MUCAL

Perhaps one of the most unique museums in Querétaro, the calendar museum is a lot more interesting than it sounds. Arrive early and have breakfast in the lovely garden cafe as part of your visit.

• Calle Franciso I. Madero 91
• Open Tuesday – Sunday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Closed Monday

Museo de Arte de Querétaro

Housed in a former monastery, the Museum of Art is one of the most impressive buildings in Querétaro. The carved archways are reason enough to visit.

• Calle Ignacio Allende Sur 14
• Open Tuesday – Sunday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Closed Monday

Museo Regional de Querétaro – INAH

Once Querétaro’s cathedral, this building is now home to the state’s regional museum. While most of the text in the museum is in Spanish, you can still enjoy the collection of pre-Columbian ceramics and sculptures.

• Coregidora s/n
• Open Tuesday – Sunday; 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Closed Monday

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo

One of the newest museums in Querétaro, the contemporary art museum opened in Nov. 2018. The building, which houses works from local and national artists as well as international exhibitions, was formerly a convent.

• Manuel Acuna s/n
• Open Tuesday – Sunday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Closed Monday

Museo de la Casa Zacatecana

See how the wealthy lived during the 19th-century in Querétaro. If period furnishings don’t intrigue you, perhaps this mansion’s tale of murder will.

• Calle Independencia 59
• Open Tuesday – Sunday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Closed Monday

#4: Marvel at a Pyramid

Teotihuacán and Chichén Itzá aren’t the only pyramids in Mexico (far from it, actually). Thanks to the Chichimecas, Querétaro has one of its own: El Cerrito.

You won’t be able to climb the pyramid, but you can admire it from multiple sides. There’s even a free museum to learn about this long-buried pyramid which was once an important place of worship in Querétaro state.

El Cerrito is a 20-minute Uber ride from the city center. If you prefer public transportation, you can catch the bus from Avenida Zaragoza.

• Open Tuesday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Closed Monday

#5: Stand in the (Literal) Shadow of a Political Giant

One of the most important historical sites in Querétaro, “The Hill of the Bells” is where Mexico officially took the country back from France. In 1867, Habsburg Emperor Maximilian was executed by firing squad.

It’s not the most cheerful bit of history, but the surrounding grounds are quite beautiful. Cerro de las Campanas is one of two national parks in Querétaro (scroll down to #11 for how to visit the other national park).

At the center of the park, you’ll find a gigantic statue of Benito Juárez, who was president of Mexico both before and after Habsburg rule.

Cerro de las Campanas is located on the eastern edge of the city center, so depending on where you’re staying it could be a bit of a trek. Personally, I enjoy the hour-long walk and think it’s a nice way to get to know Querétaro.

• Open Tuesday – Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Closed Monday

#6: Take a Spooky Stroll & Hear Scary Stories

Get to know the spooky side of Querétaro with Leyendas y Mitos, a nighttime walking tour around the city center.

During the 90-minute tour, you’ll learn about the myths and legends associated with the city. Accompanied by live music, enthusiastic actors take you to historic buildings and retell scary stories.

The general tour is entirely in Spanish, but you can arrange for a private tour in English. Read what other travelers have to say about the tour on Tripadvisor.

#7: Sip Craft Beer in an Old Textile Factory

If after visiting Querétaro’s traditional cantinas (La Selva Taurina is one of my favorites) you decide you want to grab a pinta somewhere with a more hipster vibe, hop in an Uber to Jardín de Cerveza Hércules.

Formerly a textile factory, this beer garden is undoubtedly one of the coolest places in the city. I recommend ordering a pint of the XXX, and you can’t go wrong with a pizza.

• Avenida Hércules Ote 1
• Open every day; 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

#8: Feed All Your Senses at Mercado La Cruz

First time in Mexico? Don’t miss the chance to visit an authentic market. Unlike mercados in popular tourist destinations, Mercado La Cruz is a working market.

Real people do their actual shopping there, and seeing it for yourself is a quintessential experience to have while in Mexico.

Please be respectful about taking photos. Be sure you buy something from the vendor first.

From fresh juices to delicious tacos al pastor, there are lots of places to grab a cheap bite to eat inside Mercado La Cruz.

To see the market at its best and busiest, go on a Sunday.

#9: Admire the Aqueduct

Erected in the early 1700s, Querétaro’s impressive 75-arched aqueduct is impossible to miss.

For the best view, stroll up to the Mirador de los Arcos just beyond Plaza Fundadores. At night, it’s especially spectacular as the arches are all lit up.

For the perfect Instagram snapshot of you in front of Los Arcos, you better wake up early. The road that runs parallel to the aqueduct is one of the busiest in Querétaro.

Position yourself near a streetlight and take advantage of stopped traffic to get your photo.

#10: Enjoy the Nature at El Cimatorio National Park

If you’re looking escape the city and relax in nature, Parque Cimatorio is one of the best things in Querétaro.

This national park is located a 10-minute drive from Querétaro city center. Don’t have your own set of wheels? You can get out there and back using Uber or a regular taxi.

My favorite time of day to visit El Cimatorio is during the morning. There’s not much shade out there (the majority of vegetation are cactuses), so it’s a good idea to plan your hike, run or mountain bike ride for before the hottest part of the day.

Be sure to pack your own water & a snack. You should wear a hat & plenty of sunscreen.

Hours of operation: Thursday-Sunday from 7 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Closed Monday-Wednesday

#11: Hike Up the Peña de Bernal

You can’t visit Querétaro and NOT make the trip out to see the world’s THIRD-LARGEST monolith.

Even if you’re not a geologist, I still highly recommend setting aside a half-day (at least) to check out Querétaro state’s most magical pueblo mágico. The small town of San Sebastián de Bernal and its giant rock won’t disappoint.

Get all the details about how to get there and what to expect for hiking up the Peña in this blog post about planning a Bernal day trip from Querétaro.

Best Day Trips from Querétaro

Because I like hiking, Bernal is my favorite day trip from Querétaro. However, it’s not the only one.

Here are some more of the best day trips from Querétaro that would make great additions to your itinerary if you have the time:

Tequisquiapan

Don’t worry, you can just call it “Tequis” for short.

If your idea of the perfect day trip involves wine and cheese, this is the getaway for you. Check the local calendar to see if your visit coincides with one of the almosts-monthly wine festivals.

Amealco

Looking for the perfect souvenir to remember your time in Querétaro? Plan a day trip to Amealco to visit the birthplace of the Muñeca Queretana.

Indigenous women make and sell these beautiful dolls. The town even has an entire museum dedicated to the handicraft.

Dolores Hidalgo

Located in neighboring Guanajuato state, Dolores Hidalgo is known as the birthplace of Mexican Independence.

After soaking up the history, enjoy some of the town’s famous artisanal ice cream while browsing the shops filled with colorful Talavera ceramics.

How to Spend 2 Days in Querétaro

While many people opt to visit Querétaro as a day trip, I think it’s best enjoyed when you have at least one night to spend here.

With 2 days in Querétaro, you can start with breakfast in Plaza Fundadores. For something sweet, try the pastries at La Vieja Varsovia. If you prefer spicy, the chilaquiles at El Chamizo are incredible.

After breakfast, make your way from one side of the city center to the other with a leisurely stroll over to Cerro de las Campanas. On the way, hit as many of the streets, plazas and churches I mentioned at the start of this post.

When you pass through Plaza de Armas, make a dinner reservation at Chucho El Roto. It’s on the pricier side, but the quality, ambiance and service is more than worth the extra pesos.

From Cerro de las Campanas, order an Uber to take you to Jardín de Cerveza Hércules for lunch. But, don’t indulge too much since you still have a pyramid to see.

Order another Uber to take you from Jardín de Cerveza Hércules to El Cerrito. Make sure you have your sunscreen!

You’ll likely have made an early dinner reservation in order to finish before the Leyendas y Mitos Tour.

If the myths and legends of Querétaro haven’t made you too afraid of the dark, finish your evening with a walk up to the Mirador de los Arcos to see the aqueduct in all its glory.

For a nightcap, I recommend grabbing a drink at either La Selva Taurina (a traditional cantina) or Dodo Cafe (a cocktail bar). Both are located on Calle Independencia as you follow it back from the Mirador toward the city center.

It would be wise to call it a somewhat early night since the next morning you have an early bus to catch to Bernal. Beat the crowds and hike up the Peña first thing.

Your reward for making it to the top (and back down) is Bernal’s famous gorditas.

With 2 days in Querétaro, you can get a taste for what the city has to offer. If you have more time, try to squeeze in the Wine & Cheese Route tour which takes you to both Bernal and Tequisquiapan.

More Posts About Things to Do in Querétaro

• Hiking in Querétaro’s Stunning Sierra Gorda
• How to Get to Guanajuato From Querétaro & Best Things to Do
• Self-Guided Day Trip From Querétaro to Bernal

Is Querétaro Worth Visiting?

Yes, Querétaro is absolutely worth visiting. Querétaro’s historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great hidden gems of Mexico.

While the suggestions in this post will help you figure out how to spend 2 days in Querétaro (or more), tours, historical sites and craft beer aren’t the only reasons to visit Querétaro.

If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys getting off the beaten path and is interested in experiencing the true essence of Mexico for yourself, you will love Querétaro. A visit here is an opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic Mexico.

Who knows, after you visit, you might even want to move here. Many foreigners, myself included, think living in Querétaro is one of the best places for expats in Mexico.

At the very least, you should plan a visit to Querétaro and see this underrated city for yourself. If you have any questions about things to do in Querétaro, leave a comment below.

Best Things to Do in Querétaro, Mexico