11 Best Things to Do in Queretaro Mexico

Want to visit Mexico but not interested in hitting the usual tourist spots? Just under three hours northwest of Mexico City lies the state of Queretaro. It may be small, but there are many things to do in Queretaro for those looking to escape the crowds. In this post, I’ll share the 11 best things to do in Queretaro Mexico.

Its capital city, Santiago de Querétaro, is becoming a top destination. But there’s still time to enjoy the attractions before the crowds rush in. With so many things to do in Queretaro Centro, where should you even start? Don’t worry, though—I’m here to break everything down, including things to do in Queretaro at night.

For brevity, I’ll refer to Santiago de Querétaro as Querétaro City throughout the article. When I refer to Querétaro, I am referring to the state.

Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress. 
Best Queretaro Tours: Click here to check out the top Queretaro tours
Best Queretaro Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Queretaro
Best Queretaro Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Queretaro

11 Best Things to Do in Queretaro Mexico

1. Visit an 18th-Century Aqueduct

What do you get when you cross a wealthy Spaniard with a nun from a convent? An 18th-century aqueduct and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, of course! What were you thinking?

As the story goes, the Marquis of Villa del Águila deeply loved a nun, Sister Marcela, in the convent of Santa Clara. But, because Marquis was married and Sister Clara was in a convent, their love could never be. So, as a testament to his passion, Marquis built Querétaro’s first (and only) aqueduct to help the townspeople.

The story’s validity is questionable, but that doesn’t detract from the engineering marvel. As one of the top things to do in Queretaro Centro, you can’t miss the aqueduct’s tall stature and 75 rounded arches.

For the best photos, catch it after dark when it’s lit up with the city in the background. The aqueduct quickly becomes one of the most fun things to do in Queretaro at night.

2. People-Watch in Plaza de Armas

Of all the things to do in Queretaro, people-watching is an excellent way to absorb the local culture. Plaza de Armas, Querétaro City’s main square, is the perfect spot.

Perfectly trimmed trees form an open-ended rectangle with a statue at its center. Around the statue are benches for people, vendors selling various items, and locals chatting.

If you enjoy history, check out Casa de la Corregidora on the square’s north side. At the end of the 17th century, Miguel Domínguez Aleman, Querétaro City’s mayor, had it built as his home. Today, it serves as a government palace.

3. Roam the Centro Historico

Gardens, statues, fountains, historic buildings…what else can you ask for from a historic center?

Pro Tip: it’s best explored on foot. Taking it slowly gives you the time to appreciate your surroundings. Baroque-style architecture dominates the cityscape, and ornate towers and elaborate archways surround you as you walk the geometric streets.

Wandering the streets for hours and getting lost is one of my favorite things to do in Queretaro. Do you enjoy monuments? There are around 1,400 within a 2.5-square-mile area. Buildings and houses in the region show off their unique archways and architecture. Statues dot the various squares andIf you’re nature-oriented, checkas.

If you’re here briefly, this is one of the top things to do in Queretaro Centro.

4. Visit the Pueblos Mágicos

Suppose you are seeking the best places to visit in Queretaro outside of the capital city. In that case, you will be glad to know it has six pueblos mágicos: Amealco, Bernal, Cadereyta, Jalpan de Serra, San Joaquin, and Tequisquiapan. Each appeals to a different type of traveler.

A pueblo mágico (magic town) is a community in Mexico that has remained the same over time—they often maintain their buildings, culture, and traditions.

Check out Cadereyta, Jalpan de Serra, and San Joaquin. Jalpan and San Joaquin are part of the Sierra Gorda ecological zone, making them an excellent option for outdoor activities.

Are you looking for culture? Bernal and Tequisquiapan are right up your alley. Wines, cheeses, cathedrals, and cuisines make up these historic towns.

Or, visit all six pueblos mágicos and see everything Querétaro offers!

5. Enjoy a Glass of Wine at a Local Winery

Querétaro is a hidden gem despite being the second-largest wine-producing region in Mexico. If you’re a sparkling wine fan, you’ll be in our element.

Wine tours are plentiful, but you can access the wineries by car or public transport. You’ll have your pick of wineries to visit, but some must-visits include:

• Viñedos La Redonda
• Finca Sala Vivé
• San Juanito
• Viñedos Los Rosales

Best of all, the wine is cheap. Cheap wine means you avoid the impossible decision of which variety to choose. In Querétaro, the answer is both!

6. Hike Pena de Bernal

Peña de Bernal sits at a staggering 1,148 feet tall, casting a large shadow across San Sebastián Bernal, the pueblo mágico at its base. San Sebastián Bernal is worth visiting for its unique shops and tourist items.

An excellent way to experience this area is to hike up the side of Peña de Bernal and enjoy the views from near the summit. Then, grab a few blue corn gorditas (a local specialty) at a food stall. After that, it’s window-shopping time.

Whether you enjoy shopping or not, browsing the variety of items on sale is time well spent. And you may come away with a couple of souvenirs. Wondering what to pack for Mexico? Read this.

Quick Tip: View my full Mexico packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Mexico Essentials shopping list here.

7. Get a Glimpse of the Past at El Cerrito

Want to visit one of the most overlooked things to do in Queretaro Mexico? Look no further than El Cerrito. Only four miles outside Querétaro City, these ruins are waiting for you to visit them.

Feeling old lately? These ruins date back to around 300 BCE, and this is reflected in the main pyramid’s appearance. Despite the size of this massive structure, it’s actually on the smaller side compared to other pyramids in Mexico.

Mexico is full of pre-Columbian ruins, but it’s rare you get a set of ruins to yourself. Visiting El Cerrito may be your chance.

8. Wander Mercado La Cruz

If you enjoy sensory experiences, visit the markets. Mercado la Cruz, in particular, offers an array of options.

Clothes, shoes, accessories, fruits, vegetables, meats, and more line the cramped walkways of this market. Owners yell out to customers, and others offer free samples of meat or fruits while live guitar music fills the area.

Querétaro City’s markets offer a local experience while offering the best prices. Don’t miss out on this market when visiting.

9. Get Lost in the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve (Not Literally!)

Head to the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve to get away from the crowds (and almost everyone). The terrain comprises over 1,400 square miles of rivers, forests, and deserts. This area is excellent for hiking, swimming, or relaxing.

While you’re there, watch for the flora and fauna surrounding you. This reserve is one of the most ecologically diverse places in Mexico. It is home to several threatened species.

But that’s not all! More UNESCO sites, ruins, museums, and gardens dot the reserve and are worth seeking. Who knew there were so many breathtaking things to do in Queretaro?

10. Tour Local Museums

Are you looking for the best things to do in Queretaro? As you browse Querétaro City’s streets, you’ll inevitably encounter one of its many museums. Over twenty are tucked away in various buildings, and even more pop up at different times of the year.

Some notable museums to visit include:

• Museo Regional (Regional Museum)
• Museo del Nacimiento (Museum of Birth)
• Museo de Arte de Querétaro (Museum of Art of Queretaro)
• Museo de la Muñeca (Museum of the Doll)
• Planetario Dr. Jose Hernandez Moreno (Dr. Jose Hernandez Moreno Planetarium)
• Museo de la Ciudad (Museum of the City)

One word you can use to describe the city’s museums is variety. From art to planetariums to animals — you name it, and Querétaro City has a museum for it.

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?

The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing

Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.

Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies. 

11. Witness a Sunrise at El Mirador de Cuatro Palos

You won’t find this one on many lists of things to do in Queretaro because it takes you far from Querétaro City. About 90 miles away in the Sierra Gorda mountains is a viewpoint with a spectacular view. But getting there at sunrise is especially beautiful.

El Mirador de Cuatro Palos (Four Sticks Viewpoint) is at the end of a mile hike with about 370 feet of elevation gain. It’s all worth it once you get to the viewpoint as the sun rises above the horizon.

The sky turns a light blue, and the horizon catches on fire in that signature orange as the colors blend. Finally, enough sunlight shines through to light up the mountain peaks surrounding you. Still, the massive bases remain hidden in darkness, and you eagerly wait for the sun to reveal them.

A short hike for an incredible sunrise sounds worth it. This is a can’t-miss activity for nature lovers.

Looking for a place to stay in Querétaro?

Stadia Suites Queretaro
Plaza Camelinas Hotel
Doña Urraca Hotel & Spa
Blue Bicycle House
Septimo Hostal

Mexico Travel Guide Planning

🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Mexico?

Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Mexico which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Mexico on Amazon here.

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Mexico?

I strongly recommend using GottoGo. You can book almost all transport in the major Mexican tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.

🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Mexico?

First and foremost check out all of the amazing Mexico tours Where Sidewalks End has. They are a small local company and they have some really special experiences.

For everything else I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. 

If you are traveling to Cancun you can use GoCity and save up to 55% of the initial cost of entrance tickets to various museums, tours, and attractions!

If you are traveling to Playa del Carmen then I recommend booking through my friend Vanessa at Turismo Channel. You can check out their tours by clicking here and using the following discount codes for the best prices clairecaroff (car rental), claire10off (for 10% off group tours), claireprivate (for a discount on private tours). You can also send her a WhatsApp message quoting the above codes to receive the discount.

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here.

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.

11 Best Things to Do in Queretaro Mexico: Final Thoughts

And there you have it! With these top things to do in Queretaro Centro, you’ll have an authentic experience. From nature to wine, it has you covered. Just pack an extra bag for all the souvenirs you’ll take back!

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