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It’s Friday night in a dance hall on the outskirts of Querétaro. The crumbling walls of the old textile factory that once employed this entire neighborhood echo with the rhythms of cumbia music.
Underneath a giant disco ball, beautiful young things flock like birds of paradise. Outside, punters gather to taste craft beers, a Cervecería Hércules (a Mexican brewery) specialty, under a celebration of fairy lights. They spend their evenings in open-air cinema nights, listening to live music or brushing bachata runs on wild room,
The venue symbolizes the new wave of energy that is taking over Querétaro. pronouncing the name of this central mexican The state and its capital, Santiago de Querétaro (known as Querétaro), is the first hurdle. It is believed to roll off the tongue: kay-reh-tar-o,
A city you may never have heard of, it boasts an important heritage, having served as the capital of Mexico twice due to its important role in the struggle for national sovereignty.
As the nexus of Mexico’s data center industry, Querétaro has become one of the fastest growing cities in the Northern Hemisphere, its vast industrial urban sprawl gradually encroaching on the semi-arid plains.
Yet the city retains an undeniable charm. Often overlooked by its charismatic north-western neighbour, San Miguel de Allende, or dwarfed by the appeal of CDMX to the south-east, Querétaro’s star is now on the rise.
Last year, state tourism grew by 17 percent and this is set to continue with the launch of an electric passenger train from CDMX to Querétaro in 2027.
A welcome antidote to the frenetic atmosphere of the megalopolis, it is charming historical center There’s a postcard-perfect patchwork of buildings, with facades decorated with glowing bougainvillea in pale pastel colours.
The city’s skyline is dotted with the elaborate domes of towering Baroque churches, each as grand as the quinceañera dresses hanging in the town’s shop windows.
I spent an afternoon wandering the streets decorated with street art, browsing antique markets and artisan markets. There are plenty of quaint cafes to sit at (try to). in the company) praising the local interest in the old Volkswagen Beetle.
Jardin Xenia There is a central place to go and stop at the Saturday market for some street food. Do as I did and taste the local cuisine grasshoppers (Grasshoppers), or go to the quaint Bandstand on Thursday evenings to take free dance classes with live music.
Despite the peaks of the Sierra Gorda in the distance, Querétaro is mercifully flat, walkable and compact, following a simple grid layout initially laid out during the Spanish occupation. Strike up a conversation with any local and they’ll tell you how safe it is compared to other parts of the country, while questioning why more tourists don’t visit.
City center with a small town feel, traffic lights flashing like neon shadows Lele – Colorful handmade doll that is native to the region and is a state symbol.
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A huge pink stone aqueduct nearly a mile long and 75 feet high spans the city. This 18th-century engineering marvel once provided Querétaro with clean water. Its origins are linked to the legend of a local nun who promised her hand to a rich marquis on the condition that he would deliver water to her convent.
Once firmly planted on modern soil, cross the river to Alamos, an industrial neighborhood where a cultural shift is taking place. Find cute metropolitan cafes like Bracco BakeryBrowse aesthetic independent bookstores like semicolonWatch a live jazz show here Café MoserOr visit a theater performance and pop-up market at a diverse cultural venue factory,
If learning about history is your hobby, Museo Regional Unveils Querétaro’s role in the fight for national independence. Housed in a former Franciscan monastery, its exhibits include the desk where the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, ending the Mexican–American War and sentencing the short-lived Austrian Emperor Maximilian to death.
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A short distance away, the Cerro de las Campanas (Hill of the Bells) is a beautiful spot where giant green butterflies float peacefully and a small chapel commemorates the site of Maximilian’s execution. The hill takes its name from the endemic volcanic stone, which produces an unusual metallic sound when struck.
Or you can turn back the clocks even further to pre-Hispanic Mexico with a visit to El Cerrito, an ancient pyramid and museum complex. Sure, it’s not Chichen ItzaBut it offers a fascinating insight into a nationally important ceremonial center (and is only a 15-minute Uber ride away.)
About an hour’s bus ride away, the small town of Bernal also offers a respite from the city. This sleepy place is one of Mexico’s magical cityA place that offers “cultural richness, historical relevance, food, art crafts and great hospitality”.
A climb to the summit of its monolith will always yield tales of mysterious alien encounters. Nearby, you can enjoy Querétaro’s status as Mexico’s second-largest wine-producing region with a tour of the famous Cheese and Wine Route.
Querétaro may get a bad rap for its food, but the city offers a diverse selection. I find the best way to start the day is with bread or pastries nervousness And a drink-over from El Apacho, a bastion of quality Mexican coffee.
Meanwhile, trendy Monono Cafe Complements the city’s thriving digital nomad scene – you won’t regret having a slice of their signature avocado pie, paired with a local glass of orange wine.
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When the craving for tacos hits, join an evening pilgrimage to the famous local stall El Feo – you’ll recognize it by the queue winding around the block on Calle Corregidor and the mouth-watering smell of chorizo.
Even though this is central Mexico, there is surprisingly good seafood; Effort of palm for extraordinary aguachiles and a decent shouted For reliable hangover cure.
Meaning of Sunday in Querétaro Barbecue – a type of pit-roasted lamb that is Mexico’s answer to the Sunday roast – or carnitas,
For an authentic experience, if you can stomach the aroma of meat and unhealthy amounts of pork, visit Don Chamorros in the Mercado de la Cruz. Don’t be surprised to see some curious glances and be prepared to dust off your high school Spanish.
In Hercules, the night has just begun, as the reggaeton calls of the city’s newest nightclub arrive. Next to me, a group of revelers pick up a tall pole against the wall, reach for the disco ball with applause and spin it.
how to do it
Querétaro’s international airport (QRO) is well connected with direct flights to major US hubs and Mexico City. American Airlines Flights from London Heathrow via Dallas Fort Worth start at £773 return.
Within Mexico, the city is easily accessible by coach (about three hours from CDMX) and has good connections with other destinations including Bernal, Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende.
historical center It is best to reach it by taxi, Uber or Didi (the latter is usually cheaper) from the airport or central bus station.
where to stay
Design-forward, five-star Hercules Hotel Located a 15-minute taxi ride from historical centerHere you can enjoy the Buenavista Social Club and have easy access to a beer garden with great dining options, Prices start from £130 per night,
For a more centrally located location, Hotel Creole Has a contemporary feel with a variety of room options, pool access and spectacular rooftop views. Prices start from £140 per night.