As you make your Mexico travel itinerary, why not consider getting off the beaten path? Visit Querétaro, Mexico—one of central Mexico’s hidden gems! Find out what Querétaro is known for, if it’s safe to visit Querétaro and the best things to do in Querétaro, Mexico!
Image Credit & Text Overlay: Backpacking Brunette
When I first considered moving to Querétaro, Mexico, I scoured the internet for information. But, there wasn’t much. The one guidebook I managed to get my hands on only had a sliver of a chapter on the city I was more and more wanting to call home.
Yes, more and more. Because the less I found on Querétaro, the more I wanted to live here.
>> Wondering how I ended up in Mexico? Check out THIS POST! <<
When I lived in Madrid, I had a wealth of information at my fingertips. Best rooftop bars in La Latina? Google. Where to eat in Lavapiés? Google. How to get from Plaza Mayor to Fuencarral? Google. What time to go out in Chueca? Google.
Because Madrid was my first time living abroad, I appreciated (read: relied on) the recommendations. Why wander around and end up in a crap place when you can do a quick search for the top ten brunch spots?! After two years though, I wanted to move somewhere I could discover on my own. I felt up to the challenge.
Popular vacation spots like Cancun, Cozumel and Cabo get a lot of attention. I like snorkeling as much as the next person, but there’s more to Mexico!
If you want to get off the beaten path in Mexico, visit Querétaro.
#1 Location
Pretty much smack dab in the middle of the country, Querétaro makes the perfect base for exploring Mexico. In only a few hours, you can be in some of the country’s biggest cities.
- 132 miles northwest of Mexico City
- 216 miles east of Guadalajara
- 120 miles southeast of San Luis Potosí
- 39 miles east of San Miguel de Allende
- 93 miles southeast of Guanajuato
>> Visiting central Mexico? Check out this super helpful guide for Guanajuato, Mexico! One of Mexico’s most colorful cities! <<
Best day trips from Querétaro
If day trips are your jam, there are several pueblos mágicos (magic towns) nearby. Two of my favorites are San Sebastián de Bernal and Tequisquiapan. If you have a little more time, rent a car and check out the mountainous communities of the Sierra Gorda.
Check out these posts to learn more about awesome day trips from Querétaro!
- Get Your Hike On In Querétaro’s Sierra Gorda Moutain Range
- San Sebastián de Bernal: The BEST Day Trip From Querétaro
#2 Safety
Can we just forget everything you’ve heard about Mexico for a second? With its high quality of life and strong economy, Querétaro is recognized as one of the safest—if not the safest—cities in Mexico.
Is Querétaro safe for tourists?
Personally, I feel comfortable walking around the city center at pretty much any hour. Of course, it’s always important to be cautious when traveling (or living, for that matter), but don’t unnecessarily fear somewhere.
#3 Size
After two years of pushing past people on the sidewalk and waiting in line for everything in Madrid, Querétaro’s roughly 1 million inhabitants is nothing. That’s probably because, in comparison to the sprawling city, the centro histórico seems small.
Not only is it incredibly walkable and easy to navigate, the city center is also beautiful. When you visit Querétaro, you won’t have any trouble seeing why it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. I live in the center and spend most of my time in it, but from time to time, I’ll take a taxi to the big shopping centers in the suburbs. It’s nice having options.
#4 Affordability
Because Querétaro isn’t an international tourist hot spot, you don’t have to worry about tourist prices. In Madrid, I could have spent a week’s worth of pay eating at a restaurant in Plaza Mayor.
However, I can eat (and eat well) in Querétaro’s Plaza de Armas for about $12 USD at El Mesón de Chucho el Roto. Budget travelers who visit Querétaro will go wild for the city’s food stands. Get classic Mexican food for as little as $1 USD. Affordable accommodation abounds with hostels as cheap as $10 USD per night and hotel rooms for less than $40 USD.
Want to know what it’s like to live in Querétaro, Mexico? Check out these posts!
- An Expat’s Guide For Living In Querétaro, Mexico
- How Much Does It Cost To Live In Querétaro, Mexico?
#5 Just enough to see and do
While I was living in Europe, I visited a lot of big cities. Sometimes, with how much there was to see and do, planning out an itinerary felt a bit overwhelming.
Things to do in Querétaro
If you visit Querétaro, it won’t be difficult to see all the main sites in one day. Then, you have the opportunity to customize your visit to your tastes!
The city has no shortage of museums, churches and plazas. Querétaro has some interesting tours as well, including Leyendas y Mitos de Querétaro and Ruta del Queso y Vino.
As you’re making your Mexico travel itinerary, be sure to check out this post with my recommendations for what to do in Querétaro.
#6 People
Even before I found an apartment, I felt at home in Querétaro. The people are so friendly and open! From the chicken stall at the market to the convenient store on the corner, I’m constantly having little conversations (which is great for my Spanish).
People seem genuinely interested in what I’m doing here. Foreigners are definitely still a novelty in Querétaro, and locals will often go out of their way to help.
>> For evidence of just how nice people in Querétaro are, check out the story of how I found my apartment! <<
Even if you’re just passing through, get connected at the weekly Couchsurfing meet up and language exchange which is held at a bar in the center. You’ll get the chance to meet Querétanos and expats (most of whom aren’t American).
To better connect with locals in Mexico, brush up on your Spanish with The Ultimate Spanish Learner’s Resource Guide! All the tips and tricks I used to learn Spanish!
#7 Authenticity
So often, the cities that first come to mind when we think of a country are rarely its truest representatives. Over the years, tourism has shaped and changed many popular destinations. In order to get the full picture of Mexico, you need to leave the resorts.
What is Querétaro known for?
Visit Querétaro for a more well-rounded understanding of this diverse country. Drink in the same bars as locals. Shop at a working market. Be a part of the classic Mexican vibe this underrated city offers.
Some travelers have already discovered Querétaro. When they really start arriving in droves, maybe I’ll regret telling you to visit Querétaro. For now, though, I can’t resist sharing Central Mexico’s best-kept-secret. You’re welcome.
What off the beaten path places have you fallen in love with? Let me know in the comments!
Psst…Don’t forget to pin this post for later!
Anonymous says
Sounds lovely, I can’t wait to visit!
Alex Wittman says
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy your time here!
Alex Wittman recently posted…The Ultimate Guide to Sunday Funday in Madrid
Mick says
What a great thumbnail sketch of one of the most under rated cities in Mexico. We are talking about a city with over a million people with friendly small town charm. Nice post.
Alex Wittman says
Thanks for reading! I wonder if I’ll regret telling everyone how great Qro is. Like I said in the post though, it’s just too great not to share!
Alex Wittman recently posted…The Ultimate Guide to Sunday Funday in Madrid
David Pickett says
Alex,
Wonderful report on Queretaro!
My name is David and I am nearing retirement, so I considering a move to Mexico. I found your comments
both exciting and refreshing!
I cannot wait to learn more about this exciting city.
David
Alex Wittman says
Hi David, congrats on nearing retirement! I am so happy you enjoyed the post. If you have any questions about Querétaro or moving to Mexico, please don’t hesitate to send me an email. You can find my info on my contact page. Take care and thank you for reading!
Louisa says
I moved here 3 months ago.Queretaro is affordable, safe, beautiful & peaceful. Authentic Mexico with all the charm & all the amenities you desire. The weather really IS perfect! 70s and sunny every day. People are kind. It’s pretty amazing!
Alex Wittman says
Hi Louisa, and welcome to Querétaro! I am so happy you are enjoying the city. I’m coming up on my one-year anniversary, and I could not be happier with my decision to move here! If you ever have any questions, feel free to send me an email. You can find my email address on my “Contact Me” page. Thank you for taking the time to read and leave a comment. Wishing you a wonderful day! Cheers, Alex
Alex Wittman recently posted…6 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Becoming An Expat
Jill says
Alex–how have I not run across you before? Queretaro is one of my favorite cities in Mexico–so I’m looking forward to reading about more to love about it (in English . . . because I’m lazy). 😉 Yay for another expat Mexico blogger!
Alex Wittman says
Hi Jill! Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to leave a comment. I’m so glad you found my blog! Isn’t Qro awesome?! I’ve never heard of Saltillo and am looking forward to learning more about it through your blog 🙂
Alex Wittman recently posted…Everything You Must Know About The Camino de Santiago
Jill says
How have I just found you now? Queretaro is one of my favorite cities in Mexico–I’m so glad you’re staying there, so you can write more about it (and I can read more about it . . . in English . . . because I’m lazy). Yay for more Mexico Expat bloggers!
Vanessa says
Hello!
I am seeking an itinerary for one day and a half! I will only be in Querétaro for 3 days. This will be a work trip. But I want to make the best of it. Can you provide a full day intineary to see as much as possible. Please! I’m a staying at the Aloft Querétaro hotel. All advice and suggestions are appreciated! Thanks so much! Will be my first time In Mexico!
Alex Wittman says
Hi, Vanessa! For your day and a half in Qro, I would recommend a bike tour around the city center with RodaModa. You can also make a day trip to Bernal (it’s one of Mexico’s magic towns!) either with a tour or on your own. I have a blog post that details how to get there on your own: A Day Trip to Bernal. More than anything, I recommend wandering around the city center. Since this is your first time in Mexico, you should check out Mercado La Cruz. It’s the city center’s oldest working market. I hope you enjoy your time in Qro! All the best, Alex
Andrea Ramírez says
Hey Alex, loved your blog!
I am from Querétaro actually, proud to be born and raised there! I’ve always been in love of my city and it’s always exciting to see foreigns loving it too! I know you posted this on 2018 LOL but I just ran into your article.