6 Must-See Tourist Attractions in Querétaro – A World Heritage City of the Mexican Central Plateau

Located about 200 km north of Mexico City and roughly a 3-hour ride by high-speed bus, Querétaro is famous for its “Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its colonial-era old town, steeped in history, is very popular with visitors.

In addition to its reputation as a top tourist destination, Querétaro has, in recent years, emerged as an important industrial and commercial hub with many Japanese companies such as Toyota establishing a presence. A large number of Japanese residents live in the city, and compared to other Mexican cities, Querétaro boasts relatively good public safety and a very mild climate, making it a comfortable place to stay.

In this article, we introduce six attractive tourist spots in Querétaro that showcase the charm of this fascinating city.

1. Historic Old Town

The historic center of Querétaro, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is centered around the Cenérea Park and features a wealth of historic churches and colonial streets. With numerous hotels of various price ranges and many restaurants scattered throughout the area, staying in a hotel within the Historic Old Town is highly recommended for those visiting Querétaro.

Restaurants with terrace seating attract many tourists from early morning until late at night. Whether you enjoy a breakfast buffet, lunch, coffee break, or sampling local wine and delicious Mexican beer, there’s a wide range of menus available. In the evening, the churches are beautifully illuminated, making dining with a view of the lit-up buildings an enchanting experience. Moreover, you can find many affordable and tasty eateries offering Mexican staples such as tacos and tortas (Mexican sandwiches) in this area.

2. Aqueduct

No visit to Querétaro is complete without seeing its iconic aqueduct. Although other Mexican cities also have aqueducts, the one in Querétaro is arguably the most famous. It is the image most commonly used to represent the city. Built in the early 18th century, the aqueduct spans 1,280 meters. While it is no longer in use, it remains a landmark beloved by tourists.

From a nearby observation deck in the historic district, you can enjoy a full view of the aqueduct. There are also open-air stalls selling local handicrafts, making it a great spot to pick up souvenirs during your Querétaro tour.

3. Querétaro Regional History Museum

A favorite among visitors is the Querétaro Regional History Museum located on the eastern side of Cenérea Park. The museum houses artifacts from local indigenous sites as well as religious artworks dating from the arrival of the Spanish. The building itself is steeped in history, as it was originally part of the San Francisco Monastery built in 1540.

Not only does the museum offer a rich collection of historical relics and artworks, but the building’s historic ambiance also makes it a tourist attraction in its own right. When visiting Querétaro, be sure to take the opportunity to learn about the region’s fascinating history at this museum.

4. Santa Cruz Monastery

Located on the eastern outskirts of the historic district is the Santa Cruz Monastery, another popular tourist destination in Querétaro. Here, you can see the original rooms and kitchens used by the monks some 300–400 years ago. Beyond its impressive historic exterior, the monastery offers a glimpse into the daily life of its former inhabitants.

The thoughtfully designed courtyard, set amid lush greenery, provides a peaceful place to rest during your sightseeing. It’s a wonderful spot to absorb the serene atmosphere and reflect on the rich history of Querétaro.

5. Texquiahpan

Mexico is renowned for producing high-quality wine. While wines from Baja California on the Pacific side are the most famous, Querétaro also produces exceptional wines.

Every year, from late May to early June, the town of Texquiahpan in southeastern Querétaro hosts a Wine and Cheese Festival. The area surrounding Texquiahpan is home to numerous wineries and cheese factories where visitors can enjoy factory tours, tastings, and sample local cheeses.

Local travel agencies in Querétaro even offer tours covering the highlights of Texquiahpan at very reasonable prices, making it an excellent option for a day trip.

6. La Peña de Bernal

Located 59 km from the center of Querétaro—about a 1-hour and 10-minute bus ride—La Peña de Bernal is a natural wonder where you can truly feel the power of the land. This rock formation is a monolith standing about 350 meters tall and is famous for being the third largest monolithic rock in the world, following Gibraltar and Brazil’s Pandeascár.

La Peña de Bernal is also renowned as a power spot; every year on the spring equinox, March 21, many visitors come to absorb its energetic vibe. While the historic streets of Querétaro are captivating, experiencing the great outdoors at La Peña de Bernal is another distinctive pleasure of visiting this city. Be sure to include this natural marvel in your itinerary when touring Querétaro.

◎Summary

Querétaro is a city steeped in history and natural beauty. From the charming colonial streets of the Historic Old Town and the iconic Aqueduct to museums, ancient monasteries, wine festivals, and awe-inspiring natural formations like La Peña de Bernal, there is much to explore. With convenient access—just about 3 hours by bus from Mexico City and 2 hours by bus from the tourist city of Guanajuato—Querétaro is an excellent destination when visiting Mexico. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the many charms of this UNESCO World Heritage city on your next trip!

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6 Must-See Tourist Attractions in Querétaro – A World Heritage City of the Mexican Central Plateau