Queretaro Points of Interest

(click map for details!)

Santiago de Queretaro is a very clean, cultured, sophisticated and activity-filled city. My guesthouse "HOME" is in the heart of the Historic Center. The historic center, developed as a beautiful Spanish colonial city, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This is also where Maximillian was captured and executed and the Constitution of Mexico was drawn up and signed. Lots of fascinating history. There are many things to see and do, at a calm pace. Tourists love it.

Cities that were colonized by the Spanish viceroyalty and for a time, the French, are typified by the affects that were left behind including their Baroque or Neoclassical architecture. The pathway to the "Silver Cities " is particularly lush, having been inhabited by the wealthiest. These cities are also known to have had a great hand in the War of Independence in 1810 and the Revolution of 1910. They are therefore of great historical importance, filled with museums, monuments, tours and galleries.

Queretanos have ensured that cultural pursuits continue through the ages. It is perhaps the most sophisticated city in the country. It is commonly agreed that it is the cleanest and safest. 47% of the state population has more than secondary school education, the highest in Mexico. Michoacan, for an example has 49% illiteracy. Queretanos earn more per capita than any other state. That represents a heavy balance of the well-heeled. There is work to be found here for the locals, unlike many other depressed areas in Mexico. The population of the city is comprised of a majority of Queretanos, born and raised here, mixed with migrants from Mexico City, especially after the earthquake in 1986 and other parts of the country, but there's also a broad mix of Spanish, French, German, Dutch, Korean, Japanese, Irish, American and Canadian immigrants . All feel fortunate to have found Santiago de Queretaro.

Many North Americans come from San Miguel de Allende to do their shopping at Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, Office Depot, Home Depot, as well as shopping in Queretaro's modern upscale malls and fine food and wine shops. The city is so much more than that however! Live theater and comedy clubs, rhythmn & blues, Cumbia or any variety of jazz clubs, reign supreme. Cinemas, large-scale events, dance competitions and exhibitions, guitarists, and live concerts , whether it is a performance of the symphony in the beautiful concert hall Teatro de La Republica or free Saturday night concerts and dancing in one of the many squares are all here for the taking.

A large portion of the population of this state is educated to a secondary school level, employed well and living comfortably.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic center is kept fastidiously clean and according to city plans.

Initiate a conversation in English and discover how many Queretanos speak it and would love to practise. They're far too polite to change to English while tourists are practising their Spanish.

Streets are well-lit and well patrolled. Women can walk confidently alone in the evenings. Bear in mind that young women should observe the attire which is worn here that represents a good family upbringing, otherwise perceptions, however false, will result in wolf whistles.

There are any number of cinemas with current films, many in English with Spanish subtitles or art films in a variety of languages, live theaters, comedy clubs, concert halls, nightclubs, shopping centers, galleries, museums, classes.... to amuse even the toughest critic. The climate is year-round great. One is sure to love it here!

"HOME" is in the best part of the touristic historic center of Queretaro, close to Hotel Méson de la Merced and Hotel Spa Doña Urraca. "HOME" is not as fancy or in that price range. It is comfortable and homey.

When planning a trip to Queretaro for a day, week or month, call "HOME". If you would like further information about "HOME" and would like to make a reservation or just need help to find a more expensive luxury hotel (one right across the street), call or email.