Where to Visit in Mexico’s Central Highlands
San Miguel de Allende is the best-known city in the Central Highlands of Mexico. Long known as an artists’ enclave and expat paradise, it has been on my radar for over a decade to visit.
When I started to research, I learned it’s not the only gem in the area—in fact, it’s one of three UNESCO World Heritage sites in the area.
Are they all worth seeing? Learn more in this post!
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Santiago de Querétaro
Santiago de Querétaro, more commonly known as Querétaro, is the largest city and capital of the state with the same name. It has nearly 1.5 million people and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
Querétaro offers many of the conveniences of a large city, but the historic city center is the real gem. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, it features well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture.
Just wandering around the old streets of Querétaro is a treat. You’ll fall in love with the incredible architecture, vibrant city squares and gardens, the museums, and the ancient aqueduct.
Top Things to Do in Querétaro
Querétaro is a city where you should get lost wandering around. It’s very walkable and easy to get around on foot. Here are some of the highlights to check out:
- Wander around the historic old town—Take a walking tour to learn the area’s history and see the highlights. This old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason! Get lost wandering and take it all in.
- Visit the many squares—Mexican life often centers around the squares, and you’ll find people enjoying them well into the night. Plaza de Armas, Jardin Zenea, and Plaza Constitución are highlights.
- Explore the exquisite historic architecture—The beauty of this Spanish Colonial area will wow you. Some highlights are the Casa de la Marquesa, La Congregation Church, Republic Theatre, Templo de San Francisco, Ex Convento Santa Clara de Jesus, Templo de San Augustin, Santuario y Exconvento de la Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa de Viterbo Convent and Church.
- Check out the Museo de Arte de Querétaro—This beautiful building was once part of the church, but it was broken off and taken by the government for the people’s use. It houses some interesting and unique local art.
- Learn about the local history at the Museo Regional de Querétaro—From prehistoric times to the Spanish conquest and through the Mexican Revolution, and learn about this area and its vital role in Mexican independence. Exhibits are in Spanish only, so it will help to have some language skills. Either way, it’s still a great spot to visit.
- See Museo Casa de la Zacatecana—This 18th-century mansion is a typical “high-class home” filled with artwork, furniture, and items from the 17th through the 20th centuries. It’s an interesting view of life at the time.
- Shop at the Indigenous Artesanal Development Centre—If you want to buy handicrafts that are truly locally made, check out this shop. There are stalls inside where the indigenous people sell their products directly.
Where to Stay in Querétaro
Querétaro is a fairly-sized city of 1.1 million, so there are a lot of options. The historic center is the best area to stay in if you have limited time to visit. You don’t need transportation here and can walk to your heart’s content!
Budget—Hotel Madero: For a cheap stay in the historic district, I recommend Hotel Madero. You can walk to the Plaza de Armas and Querétaro Cathedral in less than 10 minutes. The rooms are simple and informal, but they have everything you need, including Wi-Fi. They also offer suites if you would like a kitchenette and sitting area.
Mid-Range—La Casas de la Marquesa: This is one of the top recommended hotels in the historic center. It’s a beautiful baroque-style boutique hotel that is both chic and elegant at the same time. On-site, there is a restaurant, bar, and cafe. Breakfast can be added for a small fee, and it’s within walking distance of some of the city’s best attractions.
Luxury—Casona de la Republica Hotel Boutique: If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, Casona de la Republica is an elegant hotel with many amenities. Breakfast and snacks are free; you can enjoy them at the bar on the hotel terrace. It has really lovely views of the city below. They also have a spa on-site and offer free parking.
Where to Eat in Querétaro
There are many great food options in Querétaro, from fine dining to takeaway and everything in between. Here are some of the places I ate and the recommendations I was given.
- Chucho El Roto—This dog-friendly gem is right on Plaza de Armas. Sit outside and people-watch at this vibrant square, the heart of the city. Try the chile en nogada, smothered in a creamy nut sauce and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. And try the pumpkin soup if they have it.
- Restaurante 1810—The first restaurant on Plaza de Armas at a time when it was all government buildings, this 30-year-old standard is a great spot for local cuisine
- La Casita Guerrense—When I saw this pozoleria, I was intrigued and had to try it. They did not disappoint. The service was good and fast, and though I tried to order without translating, I ended up picking up some interesting bits. The flavor was incredible, so it wasn’t a hardship.
- Carranza 50—This hotspot in an 18th-century mansion has great nighttime city views from the terrace.
- Qrosant—This breakfast option really hit the spot! They make an incredible dirty chai and even have almond milk. Grab freshly baked goodies, their chocolate croissant is amazing, or get a bagel or croissant sandwich. Jagger (my dog) heartily approved!
- El JardÃn de Azu—This restaurant features a beautiful garden and some of the most incredible food in the area. Don’t skip the enmolada! And did I mention they are very dog-friendly? Added bonus!
- Santa Cecina TaquerÃa del Barrio—If you want some of the best tacos in the area in a restaurant filled with whimsical artwork, look no further. This is a hotspot for locals, just a block from Plaza de la Familia and Alameda Hidalgo Garden. It’s another dog-friendly spot as well.
Additionally, don’t skip the street food. You’ll find great options, including tacos, gorditas, tortas, and more.
How to Get to Querétaro
Querétaro is served by an international airport (QRO) with regular flights from Dallas and other hubs in the United States. The airport is around an hour from the historic center.
You can take a cab or an Uber from the airport; make sure you agree to the fare if you take a cab. There is a bus that takes you to the city. However, it doesn’t run very frequently.
San Miguel de Allende
Perhaps the best-known city in this region, San Miguel de Allende, is an artist’s enclave and thriving expat community. Though expats comprise nearly 10% of the population, don’t be fooled—this is still a small Mexican city!
I was prepared to like San Miguel but entirely unprepared to fall in love with it! People are warm and friendly, locals and expats alike. The sense of community is amazing.
After only a couple of days there, I had met several people and felt like I was home. It’s hard to explain, but it’s an incredible experience! The locals are also warm and friendly, and they are very forgiving and patient with poor Spanish.
I got over my fear of sounding like an idiot quickly and threw myself into trying to converse with the locals. It wasn’t easy, but it was rewarding!
One thing to know about San Miguel is that it’s often called “the city of falling women.” After clarifying that he did not mean “fallen women” when I was told this, I learned that rough and uneven cobblestone create a fall risk. Be really careful walking and make sure to bring sturdy shoes. This is not a place for cute little sandals, ladies!
Top Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende
Though San Miguel isn’t really a city people think of for tourism, there is still a lot to do there!
- Enjoy the live music— Cafe Rama, Raindog, Monarcha, and more. There are many amazing spots to listen to live music while enjoying a great meal. Check out the Civil List SMA to learn about the thriving nightlife!
- Mander around the streets of Centro — Start your self-guided tour in La JardÃn and take the time to admire the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. This exquisite Gothic and Neo-Gothic church with pink spires is one of the highlights of the city. Don’t miss the Templo de San Francisco, Templo de Nuestra Señora de La Salud, and the Mercado de Artesinas, especially at night. For a fun stop, check out the Toy Museum (Museo la Esquina de Juguete).
- Admire the arts in La Fabrica Aurora — Formerly a textile mill. This building houses many incredible galleries, artistic shops, and restaurants. There’s even a winery here for local wine tastings from a nearby vineyard.
- Wander around El Charco — This botanical garden and nature preserve is a little out of the center, but it’s worth seeing. It’s a tranquil and relaxing place highlighting indigenous plants. You can even see the ruins of an old hacienda, walk on a dam built in 1902, and see parts of the old iron aqueduct built to carry water to the former textile mills in La Fabrica. Spring for an extra 100 pesos (around $5 USD, in addition to the 100 pesos entrance fee) to get a tour of the grounds.
- Chapel of Jimmy Ray — Be sure to make a reservation and take an Uber or taxi there.
- La Gruta — Grab an Uber to the hot springs near San Miguel. You can make a day of it, relaxing and enjoying the restaurant.
- Visit Cañada de la Virgen — This land has over 118 archaeological sites, and the highlight is the pyramid you can climb. Take a tour with Albert Coffee, a Mesoamerica anthropology major who was part of the 2004 site excavation. Learn about the people who once lived here and how they lived their lives off the land.
- Explore the Guadalupe murals — Wow, this area is picture-perfect! Start at the Murales Guadalupe, a wall covered in incredible murals, then meander through the neighborhood to find the many others.
Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende
Centro and the neighborhoods around Centro are very popular. Here are some hotel options that are convenient for exploring.
Budget—Hotel Antigua Casa de Piedra: Set in a local colorful townhouse, this hotel is just two minutes from the arts and crafts district. Each room has a terrace, fireplace, WIFI, and cable TV. There’s also a nice restaurant on-site, as well as a bar.
Mid-range—Mansión San Miguel by Concordia: This hotel is down a little cobblestone street in the city center. There are only eight rooms, so make sure you book in advance. Complimentary breakfast is included in the price and you can enjoy it from your room or the outdoor courtyard. They also have a hot tub on the roof with lovely views of the city.
Luxury—Hotel Amatte: If you’re not on a strict budget for your accommodation, definitely book a night or more here! It’s about a 5-minute drive from Centro, offering a lot more peace and quiet. They also have one of the best restaurants in the city. Every part of the hotel is absolutely stunning, and there are plenty of photography opportunities, whether you need a selfie or a family photo.
Where to Eat in San Miguel de Allende
The number of restaurants and the diversity of the foods you’ll find available in this small city are astounding!
- Fari Trottaria — If you want to mix it up and try some Italian, this place is where it’s at. They have a great menu and fantastic drinks.
- Sucré — Stop at this breakfast and lunch spot when you’re mural-watching in the Guadalupe neighborhood. They have incredible croissants, toasts, and other great dishes, and their coffee is top-notch. They are also very dog-friendly.
- Art Garden Cafe — This breakfast and lunch spot has a gorgeous garden, lovely artwork, murals, and talented musicians. The food is incredible, and they are very dog-friendly!
- Luna Tapas Bar — This fantastic rooftop restaurant is on top of the incredible Rosewood Hotel. Take a few moments to gawk at the luxury of this hotel before proceeding to enjoy one of the best views in town. The food and drinks only add to the experience.
- Cafe Rama — Set in a cafe/bookshop, this hot spot has an incredible, casual ambiance and some of the best music in town. The pozole and the shrimp tacos are to die for.
- San Francisco Steakhouse Restaurant — If you’re seeking an upscale spot with incredible steaks, you’re in the right spot. It’s a fun night in town and right off the main square.
- Hecho en Mexico — For a casual spot with great Mexican food, check out this hot spot. Their dishes are great, and their sides are even better! Their quinoa salad and jicama salads are amazing.
Don’t miss out on the street food, especially in the mercados! Ignacio Ramirez Mercado and San Antonio Mercado both have some great local street food at affordable prices.
How to Get to San Miguel de Allende
To get to San Miguel, you’ll either fly to Querétaro or the Guanajuato International Airport (Leon). Querétaro is a little closer but check both options.
From the airport, you can take a cab or Uber for around $50 USD. You can also take a private car through Heros Transportation, which costs a little more. Last, you can take a shuttle through BaijoGo from the airport to San Miguel (either airport). Both cost $30, and since it’s a shared shuttle, you may need to wait until it’s full.
Guanajuato City
Guanajuato City, the capital of Guanajuato State, is known for silver mining and the beautiful Spanish colonial architecture. In fact, it’s often known as one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico.
It’s located in a narrow valley. The central part of the city is relatively flat and has many pedestrian-only roads, making it a great place for walking around. You’ll see many narrow streets, alleyways, around the center.
There are many tunnels beneath the city, where cars drive and people walk. Some were once a river that was dammed upstream. Others may be from historic mining in the area.
Guanajuato is a young city with a large university here. You’ll see lots of college students and Latin American tourists. There are fewer folks here from North America and Europe than in San Miguel, so practice your Spanish to meet new people!
Top Things to Do in Guanajuato City
- Visit the Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato — For an interesting and slightly creepy unique experience, this museum has 59 exhibits. A local tax was placed requiring a fee for perpetual burial from the mid-1800s through the mid-1900s. Some of the bodies were then disinterred and stored in a nearby building. The climate led to natural mummification. Check them out at this museum, including some with shoes and attire, and sadly, the smallest mummified baby in the world.
- Callejoneadas — These musical parties led by the Estudiatinas (students) wander the narrow alleyways, filling them with music, song, and laughter. It’s a fun and unique thing to do in Guanajuato. Buy tickets in the main square for a festive evening.
- Diego Rivera Museum — Once home to Diego Rivera, Guanajuato celebrates a favorite son in this museum. You can wander the rooms where he grew up and admire his art in the upstairs levels. His artwork shows his influences, and you can see how he grew as an artist in his works here.
- Celebrate life in the JardÃn de la Unión — This central square is as vibrant as any other in Mexico. Dine at the many restaurants surrounding the square while enjoying the live music. Don’t miss the Teatro Juárez and Iglesia de San Diego.
- Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss) — Check out this narrow alleyway that is so narrow that a couple can actually kiss across it from the first-floor balconies.
- Alhóndiga de Granaditas — Located in a former granary, the Alhóndiga de Granaditas is an art and local history museum with pre-Columbian artifacts. This building played a big role during the Mexican Revolution, which you can learn about inside.
- Take the funicular up to Monumento al Pipila — For some of the best views of this colorful city, head up the funicular to this monument.
- Visit the stunning churches — The Basilica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato and the Templo de San Francisco are two of the most beautiful churches and historic structures in this city, though there are more to check out as well!
- Hidalgo Mercado — If you love wandering around a Mercado, don’t miss this one. It was built to be a railway station in the early 1900s; however, the project wasn’t completed, and it became a market.
- Don Quixote Museum — For a fun, quirky, unique thing to do in Guanajuato, check out the Don Quixote Museum. It houses the largest collection of Don Quixote-inspired art in the world.
Where to Stay in Guanajuato City
Budget—Hotel Chocolate Tradicional: For a budget stay with a free welcome hot chocolate, make sure to book a room at Hotel Chocolate. The rooms have comfortable beds, TVs, WIFI, and really nice wood flooring. Every room also has a balcony or terrace. There is a restaurant and bar on-site as well. All the rooms are chocolate-themed, yum!
Mid-range—Hotel Boutique 1850: If you want a chic and romantic hotel, this place is highly recommended. It offers a really nice spa, a cocktail lounge, and rooftop views of the city. It’s in the historic center, so you have plenty of options for bars and restaurants within walking distance. The rooms are also really nicely decorated with different colors and designs in each room.
Luxury—Hotel Edelmira Boutique: This breathtaking hotel is in a historical building from colonial times. It has been renovated but still has some of the original designs and building components from when it was first built. It really combines history and modern elements. They have a restaurant on-site as well as an indoor pool and spa.
Where to Eat in Guanajuato City
Guanajuato City has a lot of incredible restaurants. Though it doesn’t have quite the diversity of cuisine that you’ll see in San Miguel, you’ll find lots of great spots to try.
- Coastal Cultura Cafetera — This was easily one of my favorite spots in the city. They have a unique play on many traditional meals, and their cocktails are unique and inventive. Their mole dish is the best I have had, and they even have a cocktail with mole that is incredible. Don’t miss their pear salad (and add shrimp!), and their chocolate tartufo dessert. Wow.
- Oajillo — This top spot is known for its rooftop views and its assortment of tapas. It’s loved by locals and visitors alike. Their cocktails are creative and fabulous!
- Habibti Falafel — If you’re looking for a casual vegan spot that’s incredible dog-friendly, don’t skip this spot. It’s near the Don Quixote Museum in a cute little neighborhood. The owner is very kind to those practicing their Spanish. Don’t skip their local kombucha, and grab a falafel pita if you’re hungry. They are huge and very filling. The lentil soup is great too.
- El Cerro de las Ranas — This brunch spot is located in the picturesque Plaza de la San Francisco. It consistently has a large crowd, and you’ll see why as soon as you sit. Get a mango smoothie with tajin for a fun treat. You can’t go wrong eating here.
- La Vie en Rose — If you’re a French foodie, you’ll love this cute spot. They make incredible galettes (crepes) and croques that will fill you up for much of the day. Don’t skip their pastry counter.
- Los Huacales — If you’re looking for a great value for local food, check out this spot. It’s a huge hit with the locals. They have a three-mole enchiladas dish that’s a popular option.
As with most Mexican cities, don’t skip the street food. I found a fantastic stand with incredible gorditas right near my place. It’s always packed! Not only are the Gorditas $1 USD each, but they are really good.
How to Get to Guanajuato City
The easiest way to get to Guanajuato City is to fly into Del BajÃo Airport (BJX). Some people also call BJX the Guanajuato City airport.
It’s then super easy to take a taxi or bus from the airport into the city. This option can be a bit expensive, though, since the airport is not very large.
A cheaper option is to fly into Puerto Vallarta and then take a bus to Guanajuato. This bus drive is long, about 7.5 hours. However, it’s a direct bus and is a super cheap option. If you’re already in PV and do not have a strict time schedule, it might be a good option.
Don’t Miss the Mexico Central Highlands
There are so many incredible places to visit in Mexico. While you may be tempted to hit the tourist hotspots like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Cozumel, don’t skip the Central Highlands.
You won’t be near Mexico’s amazing beaches in this area, but they’re a great spot to kick back and live like a local while practicing your Spanish. These stunning Spanish Colonial towns are thriving communities that will spark your love for all things Mexico.
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