Best Things to do in Querétaro City
Visiting Santiago de Querétaro? Here is your guide to the best things to do in this beautiful city. Whether you are into history, a foodie, a nature lover, or a shop-’till-you-drop kind of person, Querétaro has something for everyone, making it the perfect travel destination for every kind of explorer.
The goal of this list is to help you plan what to do in Querétaro but also know exactly what to expect. I have been coming to this city a couple of times a year to visit Alan ever since 2021, so I have gathered quite the list of things to do, including in nearby towns.
Consider me your friendly guide! I’ve personally done everything on this list—many more than once—and I’m here to share my insights, opinions, and tips. With photos to accompany each recommendation, you’ll know exactly how to make the most of your visit!
Querétaro Guide: Video version
For video lovers, I have the perfect thing for you! Here is one of the many videos I have posted on my YouTube channel about Santiago de Querétaro. In this particular video, my family and I show you several iconic places like the Centro and Mirador de los Arcos. However, for more in-depth recommendations, keep reading! 🙂
Museo de Arte
Do you want to step inside a real piece of history? Adorned with intricate stone carvings, arches, and a large fountain, Museo de Arte is one of the most stunning buildings in Querétaro. It is a beautiful example of baroque architecture, which is originally an Italian style known for drama and luxury. However, it is not just the aesthetics that Museo de Arte is so neat.
Firstly, it is completely free to enter and conveniently in the Centro. Score!
Secondly, it has a mix of historical and contemporary artwork that change every few months. My favourite exhibit was called “Essentialism” by an Italian painter named Fillipo Giustio. He lives in Mexico, so a lot of his artwork is inspired by the beauty of this country. Although he showed his work in 2022, I still think about his stunning pieces like “Swimming back to life”.
If I am in Querétaro, there is a high chance you’ll find me at Museo de Arte de Querétaro because it is such a great place to visit that even impress non-art lovers. You will definitely want to snap a lot of pictures here.
Address: C. Ignacio Allende Sur 14, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Museo de Bichos
If you have arachnophobia, avoid this museum at all costs. Full of insects-alive and preserved—Musueo de Bichos is perfect for creepy crawler lovers. Or, if you just like weird stuff, you will probably get a kick out of this place.
I first need to point out that calling this place a museum is a bit of a stretch. It’s more like a large room with boards of pinned bugs, ranging from beetles to butterflies.
There are also terrariums with more creatures that are alive, particularly a tarantula named Samantha who I got to hold. I am NOT a bug lover by any means, but I have to admit…it was a really neat experience. I learned that she is a fire knee tarantula, which is a species from Mexico.
Truthfully, I was sweating bullets when the guy working placed this tarantula on my outstretched hand, but I tried to breathe and appreciate the fact that this was my first time being around a spider without screaming. I am not sure if Samantha could sense my fear, but she was very calm and stayed still.
The entry fee is 80 pesos per person, and to make the most of your visit, I highly recommend engaging with the staff. When my uncle and I went, we spoke with a university student studying biology who worked there, and his insights about the bugs enhanced our experience. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—it’s the best way to fully enjoy and appreciate everything the place has to offer!
Verdict: Museo de Bichos is a unique ‘museum’, but it is surprisingly really memorable if you let yourself appreciate the odd beauty of insects.
Address: Av. Luis Pasteur Sur 32, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
MUCAL Museo del Calendario
I’ll be honest, I’ve never once thought, “Wow, wouldn’t it be amazing to spend several hours looking at calendars.” It still seems like a strange idea–an entire museum dedicated to something as unassuming as calendars. BUUUT, hear me out–MUCAL Museo del Calendario is actually really neat.
What I love most about this museum is its location. Besides being in the beautiful Centro, it is located inside a beautiful 17th century mansion. Major emphasis on the word beautiful.
Each of its 19 rooms contains varying exhibits. The first exhibit requires you to walk through a dark room with cool astrological-style paintings that glow in the dark. The next one contains huge posters with explanations of calendars from varying cultures. The third exhibit is really cool; it has a huge replica of the Aztec sun stone. Other exhibits include calendars with colourful artwork that shows Mexican culture and figures.
Make sure you go up the winding staircase to check out the terrace, which has cool views that make the perfect backdrop for pictures. There is also a cafe in the garden area of the main floor that I would like to try out if I go back.
This museum could improve by showing more explanations of where the calendars come from as it gets a bit repetitive on the second floor, but it is really unique.
Verdict: MUCAL Museol Calendario is great for those who like looking at art in a beautiful mansion that emphasizes Mexican history.
Address: C. Francisco I. Madero 91, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Plaza de Armas
There are some other lists of things to do in Querétaro that simply say to ‘wander around the Centro’. While that is generally a fun idea, it can be a little confusing to know exactly where to go, especially if you are alone or if it is your first time in this city.
If you want a good place to start, I recommend ordering an Uber/taxi or walking to Plaza de Armas, which is a lovely outdoor area with benches, a fountain, and tons of shops and restaurants. Here, you will be able to people watch, hear live music, and see Querétaro come alive. Even late at night during the week, you will surely find people gathered here.
Almost every single city and town in Mexico has a plaza, so they make for great starting points when you’re in a new area. Plaza de Armas is not an exception. It is quite lovely and safe. The only thing you’ll have to be careful of is the money you will be tempted to spend at cute nearby cafes. Más Café is right across the street.
Querebús
Nothing screams “tourist” quite like a red double-decker tour bus cruising through a city’s most iconic spots. But let’s be real—if you’re visiting Querétaro City, chances are you are a tourist, and there’s absolutely no shame in that. Hidden gems are great, but sometimes it’s just fun to embrace the charm (and a little bit of the cringe) of classic touristy activities.
I’ve done the Querebús tour three times now, and I still enjoy it every single time. Whenever a family member visits, it’s a must-do. The tour is in Spanish, so if you’re not fluent, I’d recommend reading up on the history of the aqueduct beforehand. The guide shares not only its historical significance but also a fun legend tied to it, which is worth hearing.
The tour also takes you along the river—polluted for reasons that are explained on the tour, but still quite scenic. You’ll also stop at Plaza Fundador, where you’ll have about 15 minutes to explore and sample some of the region’s traditional sweets.
Tours depart every hour or so. Just head to the Monumento a la Corregidora, and you’ll spot staff in red shirts selling tickets. At the end of the tour, they’ll kindly ask for a tip, but I’ll leave that decision up to you.
El Cerrito Pyramid
Did you know there is an actual pyramid in Querétaro? Its name, El Cerrito, is slightly deceiving. It translates to little hill, which makes it seem like it’s nothing but a small pile of rocks. That’s what I thought for the longest time, but I was so wrong!
It is actually a very impressive archaeological site. The pyramid was built and used by pre-Hispanic civilizations, likely influenced by the Toltecs and later the Chichimecas.
When you first enter this site, which is on the outskirts of the city, you will see a taquilla (ticket booth) and a rock path lined with cacti and agave plants. It looks so cool! Keep walking and you will see a museum with artifacts like ceramic figures, carvings, and a replica of the pyramid.
After exploring the pyramid, don’t miss the little market just outside the archaeological site. The vendors were all so friendly. I spent like 15 minutes chatting with a woman selling what looked like a milky-white drink. Often called the “drink of the gods”, she explained that pulque is a traditional Mexican fermented drink. There are also vendors who sell all kinds of things like souvenirs and simple but delicious food like gorditas and flautas.
El Cerrito may not match more famous sites like Chichén Itzá’s, but it has its own unique charm and rich history. You can easily order an Uber to get here. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper. My uncle and I randomly visited on a Sunday and found that it was completely free to enter. However, it seems the normal entry fee is 70 pesos. El Cerrito is also a lot less touristy. We almost had the place to ourselves!
Address: Miguel Hidalgo s/n, El Pueblito, 76900 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Peña de Bernal
If you’re already in Querétaro city, why not pay a visit to nearby towns in the same state? Peña de Bernal is a popular choice for Mexican and foreign tourists alike.
Before coming to this beautiful magic town for the first time in 2021 where the peña or monolith in English stands, I had no idea what that was. It turns out that a monolith refers to a large rock formation. Unlike mountains which are typically part of a range and contain different materials, monoliths are singular, standing alone. The one in Bernal is not an exception. It is actually one of the tallest in the world!
You have the option of hiking the Peña de Bernal or driving up with a small car or ATV, which can easily be rented. There are booths set up all around the town with varying prices and packages. Alan and I thought about renting a side-by-side, but we were told that a guide would need to drive, so it felt a little underwhelming and decided against it. However, it could be fun, perhaps if you’re with a group and can split the cost as around 4 passengers can fit.
Besides the monolith, Bernal has a lot to offer. Their speciality is esquites, which is corn full of varying flavours, and gorditas, which are thick dough masa stuffed with meat, potatoes, and other fillings. They also have a ton of restaurants and bars with neat views. I recommend the mango micheladas!
The Hub
The Hub is a multi-purpose building with a unique design that reminded me of shipping containers. Inside, it’s sleek and contemporary, featuring a food court and a variety of activities like a kids’ jungle gym, a tennis court, and even an ice rink. I really want to try ice skating there—it looks so fun!
Alan and I visited when it first opened, and while the overall vibe was cool, the service wasn’t impressive. We went to a burger spot and tried to order at the counter but were told to sit down and wait for someone to take our order. It took about 30 minutes, which was a little annoying, but the food was hearty and delicious. The food options here are basically all American, but that can be fun every once in a while.
I like to be honest about the good and the not-so-good, but I’d definitely recommend The Hub despite how long it took. We spent time looking around and chatting anyway, so it wasn’t a huge deal.
I also love that they sometimes host artisanal markets to support local makers—it’s such a nice touch. Plus, it gives you something extra to explore while you’re there.
MAQRO Museo de Arte de Querétaro
Do you want to step inside a real piece of history? Adorned with intricate stone carvings, arches, and a large fountain, Museo de Arte is one of the most stunning buildings in Querétaro. It is a beautiful example of baroque architecture, which is originally an Italian style known for drama and luxury. However, it is not just the aesthetics that Museo de Arte is so neat.
Firstly, it is completely free to enter and conveniently in the Centro. Score!
Secondly, it has a mix of historical and contemporary artwork that change every few months. My favourite exhibit was called “Essentialism” by an Italian painter named Fillipo Giustio. He lives in Mexico, so a lot of his artwork is inspired by the beauty of this country. Although he showed his work in 2022, I still think about his stunning pieces like “Swimming back to life”.
If I am in Querétaro, there is a high chance you’ll find me at Museo de Arte de Querétaro because it is such a great place to visit that even impress non-art lovers.
Address: C. Ignacio Allende Sur 14, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Premium Outlets Querétaro
Querétaro’s Premium Outlets is a great place to visit if you’re looking to grow your wardrobe. It features a variety of well-known stores that are mid to high range in terms of price and quality. I have quite the collection of Levei’s sweaters, none of which I’ve seen offered at the Levi’s locations in my city, so it is safe to say that they hvae lots of unique options that are not commonly found elsewhere.
I love a good shopping spree every once in awhile, but I need to point out that while many stores promote significant savings, you’re probably not going to find lots of cheap prices. However, besides having more unique options, I’ve noticed they have lots of deals like “buy two, get one free” or other BOGO promotions that make it worth exploring for shoppers seeking value.
My main gripe with this place is its inconvenient location. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the Centro, so it usually takes a bit of time for an Uber to arrive. Luckily, there are lots of bathrooms and restaurants in the food court, so you’ll find everything you need if you are hungry or need a break from all the walking
Address: Carretera Cuota 45D, Querétaro – Celaya KM 6.3, 76904 Corregidora, Qro., Mexico
Visiting a bookstore
One of my favourite things to do in Querétaro (or anywhere in Mexico) is buy books. As part of my Spanish language learning journey, I love how many options are available in bookstores like Librería Porrúa and Librería Cultural del Centro. The only thing I dislike about the former is that you have to put your bags or purses in a locker, which is quite inconvenient.
I usually make going to a bookstore in Querétaro a whole experience: browsing through the shelves, finding a book that matches my Spanish level, and heading to a nearby café to start reading it.
If you’re just starting to learn Spanish, the kids’ section is a great place to begin. That’s where I started! Reading children’s books really did help me build my vocabulary. With consistent practice and active reading—looking up new words and making notes—you’ll notice huge improvements in your language skills as well. Plus, the better your Spanish gets, the more you’ll be able to connect with Mexico on a deeper level.
So, why not make a visit to a local bookstore part of your travels in Querétaro? You might just discover your next favourite book! If anything, you’ll feel proud of yourself for reading in another language.
Address of Librería Porrúa: Calle Benito Juárez Nte. 38, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Address of Librería Cultural del Centro: C. 16 de Septiembre No. 10, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
SkyWalkers
Calling all Star Wars fans! Querétaro has an entire restaurant dedicated to this fun sci-fi franchise. From the moment you walk in, you’ll be surrounded by employees dressed up as characters like Leia, Jedi, and Tusken Raiders. The aesthetics of the restaurant are also so cool, transporting you to different planets!
If you like pasta, you will be directed to go on the left side, which has bright white walls and tables that look like a ship. For burger and pizza eaters, you will go to the left, which has two more super cool themed rooms. I am not sure why they divide the rooms based on what you will order, but that is what we were told our first time there.
One of the funnest parts is the live lightsaber fight where actors duel every hour or so and intense Star Wars music plays.
Truthfully, the food is subpar and quite expensive, but the overall experience is so much fun!
I actually made a whole video showing our experience. My biggest takeaway: DON”T order the black bun. It will do funky stuff to your teeth and stomach. Haha
Since you’ll already be in a ritzy area called Jurica, you may also want to visit Antea Lifestyle Center, which is a nearby luxury mall. I don’t often find myself in this part of the city for obvious reasons (in the words of ABBA: money, money, money). However, I cannot deny–it’s all very beautiful.
Verdict: SkyWalkers is more about the experience than the food, making it a great place for Sci-Fi fans.
Address: Av. 5 de Febrero 9200, Jurica, 76100 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Cinema
You might think, “Why go to the movies in Querétaro when I can do that anywhere?” But trust me, going to a cinema in Mexico is such a fun experience!
Maybe it’s the language nerd in me, but I love getting in some passive Spanish practice by watching movies. Alan and I go to the movies a lot for date night or just for something to chill to do.
If you’re wanting to watch an American film, they have many showings in English with Spanish subtitles—great for beginners or if you just want to chill in an air-conditioned room. Cartoons are usually dubbed in Spanish, but make sure to check online at each beforehand. If your Spanish is more advanced, I’d recommend watching a Mexican movie for some extra practice. They’re usually relatively easy to follow and fun to watch. I made a video here about my favourite Mexican movies.
The popcorn is also a highlight—they have cool flavours like Takis and Dorito popcorn! Plus, it’s relatively affordable; you can catch a regular showing for around 70 pesos or even splurge on a premium experience at a VIP theatre. Alan and I love going to Cinepolis at Esfera since the cinema is really nice, but Cinemex is another option with locations all over the city.
El Mirador de Los Arcos
No visit to Querétaro is complete without coming to El Mirador de los Arcos. This lookout point is fairly simple–it is really more of a sidewalk on the edge of a hill. However, the view is so cool. You get a panoramic view of the aqueduct which is highly representative of the city. I also like looking at the houses from above.
This lookout point serves as an excellent background for pictures.
One thing to note is that there are no bathrooms or covering from the sun, which gets pretty intense at midday. My mom, sister, and I came at around 1pm in June and almost melted from the heat. I’ve noticed many people gathering here in the evenings when it’s cooler.
It’s also surprisingly walkable from Plaza de los Fundadores—closer than I first thought. Just follow the road behind Templo de la Cruz (this is that big yellow church), and you’ll find it!
Address: Ejército Republicano 47, La Santa Cruz, La Pastora, 76025 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Wine and Cheese Tour
Querétaro is known as the wine and cheese region. Thanks to its good climate and fertile soil, grape cultivation is common in this state. Its conditions are also ideal for livestock, which allows for the production of different cheeses.
Wine and cheese? Yes, please! It didn’t take much convincing for me to book a tour that goes to a few locations that specialize in these products. In fact, I’ve even done it twice: by myself and with my mom, sister, and Alan. For more details of what to expect on this tour, I made a video on YouTube.
If you decide to book a tour like the one we did, you will first stop at Tequisquiapan, which is a cute magic town where you will be greeted by a sommelier who will explain how to assess wine while trying different cheeses. Think of it like a one hour crash course on the fundamentals of wine and cheese tasting.
After the tasting, you will also be able to explore Tequis’ centro and a nearby winery and cellar called Freixenet where you will try more wine. You will finish the tour by going to another magic town Bernal for the afternoon.
The only catch is that everything, including the rest of this tour, is completely in Spanish. I looked online and found some other tour operators for English speakers, but they seem to be significantly more expensive. So, if you’re on a budget, you could absolutely follow the wine and cheese tour on your own with public transportation. I don’t know how renting a car works, but that could also be another option.
Tranvía Tour
I love tours, and while Alan works during my visits, I often sign up for them to pass the time. The tranvía tour was one of those.
Did I need another tour of Querétaro City? No. But learning history with a guide is always fun, and understanding it in Spanish feels rewarding.
The tranvía (Spanish for tram) is similar to the Querébus but lower, like riding in a car. One of the routes visits iconic spots like the aqueduct and Plaza Fundadores, but if you’re choosing, I’d recommend the Querébus—it’s more exciting.However, the tranvía also goes to Cerro de las Campanas, which is the route I recommend. You will be brought to a park where you’ll learn the history of Emperor Maximilian. For history lovers, it’s worth the ride! Also, make sure to hit the rocks. They sound like bells, which is where the name of this park comes from.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post on the best things to do in Querétaro City. I hope the information here, based on my own experiences, was helpful. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
If you’re curious about other details like getting to Querétaro, safety tips, and accommodations, check out my in-depth article packed with even more tips and advice.
I love helping others explore the beauty of this city that is full of colonial architecture, activities, and cool things to do. If you have any other recommendations for the best things do in Querétaro, share them below!
