Things To Do
in Querétaro
Querétaro is a beautiful city located in central Mexico, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and historic landmarks. The city is surrounded by picturesque mountains and vineyards, offering stunning natural landscapes. Querétaro is a hub of culture and arts, with numerous museums, theaters, and art galleries to explore.
The city also boasts a vibrant food scene, with a mix of traditional Mexican cuisine and international flavors to savor.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $25 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café. Then, visit the Zenea Garden for a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Head to the Querétaro Regional Museum to learn about the area's rich history. Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant specializing in local cuisine.
Conclude your day with a walk through the historic streets, taking in the beautiful architecture. Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views.
Begin with a visit to the iconic Querétaro Aqueduct, one of the city's most famous landmarks. Take photos and enjoy the impressive structure, then stroll through the nearby botanical garden.
Visit the Museum of Art Querétaro to appreciate local art and culture. Afterwards, enjoy a hearty meal at a traditional Mexican restaurant.
Explore the vibrant atmosphere of the local market and pick up some souvenirs. Dine at a casual eatery and try some street food specialties.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical and cultural heritage, with well-preserved colonial architecture.
- Growing economy with diverse industries, including manufacturing and technology.
- Strategic location in central Mexico, providing easy access to major cities.
- High quality of life with modern amenities, low crime rates, and excellent healthcare.
- Pleasant climate, characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year.
- Friendly and welcoming locals, promoting a strong sense of community.
- Rapid urbanization has led to increased traffic congestion in some areas.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
- Higher cost of living compared to other regions in Mexico, particularly housing.
- Air pollution can be a challenge, especially during certain times of the year.
- Language barrier for non-Spanish speakers, as English is not widely used.
- Occasional water shortages due to seasonal drought conditions.
Best Activities in Querétaro
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic hike to the third largest monolith in the world, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Explore this biodiverse area with activities such as hiking, bird-watching, and visiting beautiful waterfalls.
Soar above the picturesque landscape of Querétaro and take in breathtaking views from above.
Tours
Uncover the best of Querétaro with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Querétaro
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the city and is a great spot for capturing photos of Querétaro's skyline.
A stunning monolith and one of the best places to take photos of the surrounding landscape including the picturesque town of Bernal.
The historic heart of Querétaro with beautiful colonial architecture and a great place for capturing the essence of the city.
Food in Querétaro
Querétaro Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
These thick tortillas are split open and stuffed with a variety of fillings such as cheese, chicharrón, or picadillo. Dona Maria at Mercado Hidalgo is a popular spot to savor authentic and delicious gorditas.
Must-Try!
Querétaro's barbacoa, traditionally slow-cooked lamb, is a must-try. Head to Barbacoa Santiago for a succulent and flavorful experience, served with handmade tortillas and a variety of salsas.
These enchiladas are bathed in a rich guajillo chili sauce and filled with cheese, potatoes, or chicken. For an exquisite taste, visit El Antiguo Mesón de las Estrellas.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Querétaro better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a treasure trove of street food and local delicacies. Indulge in tamales, carnitas, and aguas frescas while taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Nestled in a picturesque alley, this food paradise offers an array of street food delights, from tacos al pastor to quesadillas. The aroma of sizzling meat and spices fills the air, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Querétaro, it is customary to address people using their courtesy titles such as 'Señor' for men and 'Señora' for married women, and 'Señorita' for unmarried women. Using these titles shows respect and polite behavior.
Respecting personal space is an important cultural norm in Querétaro. Mexicans appreciate a certain level of physical distance and may feel uncomfortable with close physical contact if they are not familiar with the person.
When dining with locals in Querétaro, it's important to observe traditional table manners, such as waiting for the host to start eating before you begin, and keeping your hands visible on the table. Respectful behavior during meals is an important aspect of Mexican culture.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Querétaro with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Querétaro
Ensure a smooth experience
In Querétaro, Mexico, tipping is customary and expected in restaurants, bars, and for other services. A typical tip is around 10-15% of the total bill. Some higher-end establishments may include a service charge, in which case additional tipping may not be necessary.
In Querétaro, Mexico, cash is widely accepted for smaller transactions, especially in markets and local stores. However, credit and debit cards are commonly used in larger establishments and tourist areas. It's advisable to carry both cash and cards for flexibility in payment methods.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit with pleasant weather, vibrant festivals, and blooming landscapes.
Expect hot and dry weather, but many cultural events and outdoor activities.
Great time to see autumn foliage and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Cool and comfortable weather with some rainfall, ideal for exploring historic sites and museums.
Querétaro at Night
Hiking in Querétaro
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking spot offering scenic views of Querétaro. The trail is accessible for all skill levels and provides a great chance to enjoy nature.
A large protected area with a variety of trails. Hikers can enjoy diverse flora and fauna along the way, as well as views from the summit of Cerro Cimatario.
Though a bit of a drive, this iconic monolith offers trails of varying difficulty and an opportunity for rock climbing. The views from the top are breathtaking.
A botanical garden with walking trails and educational displays about the region's plant life. It's a more leisurely hike suitable for families.
An eco-tourism park that features hiking trails, picnic areas, and natural water sources, making it a fun family-friendly option for a day outdoors.
Aiports
How to reach Querétaro by plane.
The main international airport serving Querétaro, Mexico.
The largest airport in Mexico located in Mexico City, approximately 200 km from Querétaro.
An international airport located near León, Guanajuato, around 100 km from Querétaro.
International airport located in Aguascalientes, Mexico, approximately 200 km from Querétaro.
International airport in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, roughly 250 km from Querétaro.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Querétaro, representing a mix of Indigenous and European ancestry.
Includes communities such as the Otomi, Purépecha, and Mazahua, who maintain their cultural and linguistic traditions.
A small but recognized demographic group with ancestral ties to Africa, contributing to the cultural diversity of the region.
Mainly descendants of Spanish colonizers who remained in the region, contributing to the area's historical legacy.
Includes a variety of recent immigrant groups from different countries, drawn to Querétaro for economic opportunities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Querétaro, with a strong following for local teams like Querétaro F.C. and a vibrant culture surrounding the sport.
Basketball is gaining popularity in Querétaro, with various local leagues and schools promoting the sport among youth.
Baseball has a significant presence in Querétaro, attracting fans and players alike, influenced by the traditional popularity of the sport in Mexico.
Volleyball is popular in schools and universities throughout Querétaro, with many recreational leagues available for both men and women.
MMA has seen a rise in popularity in Querétaro, with various gyms and training centers offering classes and competitions for enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Querétaro.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Querétaro now offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives, with dishes like enfrijoladas or nopal cactus tacos. Options can be found at places like El Jardín de los Milagros and La Végola.
Several establishments provide gluten-free options, particularly in the historic center of Querétaro. El Mesón de Chucho El Roto offers gluten-free versions of traditional dishes like pozole and enchiladas.