Querétaro

Travel Guide

Bernal
Bernal
Queretaro
Tequisquiapan
Queretaro featuring heritage architecture

From Toltec pyramids to some of Mexico’s finest Baroque architecture, this charming hill city lays at the heart of the nation’s history.

Queretáro is Mexico’s former historical capital. This village in the hills of central Mexico has played center stage in some of the most important chapters of the nation’s history. Visit Queretáro to experience this history and to explore some of Mexico’s most ornate architecture.

During the early 1800s, Queretáro was a headquarters for Mexican revolutionaries, who sought independence from Spain. Later in the century, when France invaded Mexico and established Maximilian I as emperor, Queretáro is where he was captured, tried and executed by republicans. Visit the Hill of the Bells, just west of the historical center of Queretáro, to see where Maximilian was executed.

In 1917, Queretáro was the site of the signing of the Mexican Constitution, which is still in effect today. Visit the 19th-century Teatro de la Republica (Theater of the Republic) in the historical center, where the constitution was ratified. 

The historical center of Queretáro also has several superb examples of Mexican architecture. The Temple of Santa Rosa de Viterbo is a stunning hybrid of Mexican Baroque and Islamic architecture. Marvel at the lush designs inside the 18th-century temple, including walls covered in solid gold picture frames. At the Museum of Arts of Queretáro, admire the courtyard lined with intricate archways.

Outside of the historical center, Queretáro reveals an even more ancient history. Look for the massive Aqueduct, built in the early 1700s, which cuts horizontally through town. Nearly a mile long (1.3 kilometers), the brick waterway still provides Queretáro with running water today. Drive 4 miles (7 kilometers) outside of town to see the archaeological site of the El Pueblito settlement. The centerpiece of the complex is a 100-feet (30-meter) high tiered Toltec pyramid, called El Cerrito, from the third century B.C.

Buses and trains run to Queretáro from Mexico City. You can also arrive by plane at the Queretáro International Airport, with flights to and from Houston. Double-decker buses provide tours around the city. To explore beyond the city center, it’s worth renting a car.

Where to stay in Querétaro

Mexico which includes heritage elements and mountains

Downtown Querétaro

4.5/5(39 area reviews)

Downtown Querétaro is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Zenea Garden and Plaza de Armas while you're in town.

Downtown Querétaro
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Juriquilla

Juriquilla is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Plaza Juriquilla and Bicentennial Park.

Juriquilla
Queretaro featuring a city

Centro Histórico

Unique features of Centro Histórico include the historic sites and museums. Make a stop by Zenea Garden or Plaza de Armas while you're exploring the area.

Centro Histórico
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Jurica

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

Jurica is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Antea Lifestyle Center and Urban Center Shopping Mall.

Jurica
Church of Santa Maria

Downtown Tequisquiapan

You'll enjoy the monuments and shopping in Downtown Tequisquiapan. You might want to make time for a stop at Tequisquiapan Handicraft Market or Church of Santa Maria.

Downtown Tequisquiapan
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Centro Sur

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and historic sites in Centro Sur. You might want to make time for a stop at Corregidora Stadium or Querétaro Civic Center.

Centro Sur
FUJITAYA Querétaro

FUJITAYA Querétaro

3.5 out of 5
No.5001 Avenida Santa Rosa, Fracc. Villa de Juriquilla, Querétaro, QUE
The price is CA $89 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $89
CA $107 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Querétaro. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,884 reviews)
"No"

Reviewed on Jul. 3, 2025

FUJITAYA Querétaro
Real de Minas Tradicional

Real de Minas Tradicional

4 out of 5
Avenida Constituyentes, 124 Poniente, Colonia El Jacal, Querétaro, QUE
The price is CA $63 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
CA $63
CA $75 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Querétaro. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Me hospedé recientemente en el Hotel Real de Minas y la experiencia fue bastante buena en general. Es un lugar agradable, bien ubicado y con un ambiente tranquilo, ideal si lo que buscas es descansar o tener una estancia cómoda mientras conoces la ciudad. Las habitaciones están limpias y tienen lo ..."

Reviewed on May 29, 2025

Real de Minas Tradicional
 Hotel Crown Victoria

Hotel Crown Victoria

4 out of 5
Autopista Querétaro - México #2100, Querétaro, QUE
The price is CA $80 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
CA $80
CA $95 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Querétaro. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,317 reviews)
"Great customer service. Front desk was very nice and had a taxi scheduled for me very early."

Reviewed on Jul. 12, 2025

Hotel Crown Victoria
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Extended Suites Queretaro Juriquilla

Extended Suites Queretaro Juriquilla

3 out of 5
Av. Palma Canaria No 831, Fraccionamiento Valle Comercial, Querétaro, QUE
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Querétaro. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Antea Lifestyle Center ...
8/10 Very Good! (759 reviews)
Good for rest
"Everything was ok, the employeefriendlu"

Reviewed on Jul. 7, 2025

Extended Suites Queretaro Juriquilla
Morelos By Homirent

Morelos By Homirent

3.5 out of 5
52 C. José Ma. Morelos Centro, Querétaro, QUE
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Querétaro. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Aqueduct of Santiago de Querétaro ...
9/10 Wonderful! (129 reviews)
"The hotel was okay overall, nothing too bad, but nothing great either. The service was decent, and the staff were polite. However, the biggest issues were the noise and how hard it was to find the place. On top of that, the room was pretty noisy, which made it hard to relax or get a good night’s ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 7, 2025

Morelos By Homirent
Hacienda Santa Barbara

Hacienda Santa Barbara

4 out of 5
105 Hacienda Sta. Barbara El Jacal, Querétaro, QUE
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Querétaro. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and concierge services. Popular attractions Corregidora Stadium and Aqueduct ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (237 reviews)
"Everything was good except that Wifi didn't offer out of Mexico web service. The counter was kind."

Reviewed on Mar. 6, 2025

Hacienda Santa Barbara
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Querétaro

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
19
5 - Excellent 45%
4 - Good
19
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Super safe place, safest state in Mexico. Very beautiful, warm and friendly people. I’m definitely going to be coming back!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I highly recommend this place; food and drinks were good, and I loved the piano playing

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very nice but there’s some heavy traffic in some areas.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I’d never heard of it but will definitely go back. A hidden gem. Try to eat the purple maize gorditas and drink horchata! As a day trip visit the town of Bernal ( if adventurous and fit climb the monolith!). Plan for a day in this small town.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Great and remarkable restaurants if you are taken to the high-end ones. Lots of history. Traffic is bad

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

We visited the downtown of Queretaro city after arrival at airport, not at the end of our visit to Mexico two weeks later as we departed.

Cities near Querétaro