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Top 10 Best Things to Do In Morelia Mexico

October 7, 2018 By John Widmer 46 Comments

While exploring the beautiful pink stone colonial architecture of Morelia’s historic center, we couldn’t help but feel like we stumbled into yet another place in Mexico that is clearly flying under the radar.

Anchored by the glowing cathedral, this historic city is one of Mexico’s 34 Unesco World Heritage Sites and deservedly so. Much of Morelia was built back during the 1700’s and the city remains well preserved and absolutely stunning today! There are over 200 historic buildings scattered throughout the alluring historic center. (More about Morelia’s Unesco criteria can be found: here .)

Morelia is the capital of Michoacan and the largest city within the state, with a population of over 600,000 people in the city proper. So although Morelia proudly boasts its historic charms, it also has all the modern amenities of any sizable city in Mexico. Nice hotels, great restaurants, and interesting tours all abound.

The city is well set-up for tourism and there are plenty of things to do in Morelia. Yet it appears that most people who are visiting this special place travel here from within Mexico, rather than from abroad.

We found there to be very few foreigners visiting Morelia. Despite a fairly central location in Mexico, a Unesco designation, and being a stunning city with so much to offer, the city has somehow eluded many international travelers from enjoying all the great things to do in Morelia.

In fact, as we perused through the visitor ledger of one of Morelia’s many free museums, I had to flip back through six pages, filled with hundreds of names, before finally spotting a listing outside Mexico.

Despite this lack of outside visitors, we found Morelia to be particularly welcoming. Morelians are well-known for their friendliness. As we explored this enchanting city, we found that certainly holds true.

We now want to help spread the good word about this striking Mexican city that tends to go underappreciated. So we want to show off what we found to be the most interesting, fun, and unique things to do in Morelia! This picturesque place is very worth traveling to and spending at least a few days to soak in all its charms. So here is what we can suggest as some of the best things to do in Morelia.

The Best Things To Do in Morelia Mexico

1) see the morelia cathedral.

You really can’t miss it.

The Morelia Cathedral is the city’s shining star that ties the historic center together. It’s not just another church in Mexico. The Morelia Cathedral stands out.

We may even dare say that this Baroque-style cathedral is the most beautiful in all of Mexico. The Morelia Cathedral took 84 years to build until completion in 1744.

You can venture inside the Morelia Cathedral to see notable paintings, sculptures, and a massive German-made organ. It was the largest organ in all of Latin America when it was installed in the early 1900’s and remains of importance in Mexico today. Linger here long enough and you may even hear the organ in action!

If you do take a look, be sure that your dressed modestly and remember to be silent in this place of worship. The Cathedral is still actively used today and there’s a fairly good chance that there will be some sort of service occurring at any time.

While it’s worthwhile to take a look inside, the Morelia Cathedral shines brightly from the outside. Literally, at night the cathedral is beautifully floodlit and illuminated. So be sure to take a stroll by the cathedral after the sun goes down to see this grand cathedral in a completely different light.

Venture over to the Cathedral on a Saturday night for a particularly interesting display! There’s a new LED display that occurs each Saturday, with fireworks overhead to complete the sound & light show. Don’t miss it if in Morelia over the weekend.

Morelia Cathedral Information: 🕒 Hours : Daily, 6:00am-9:00pm 💵 Cost : Free, there is a donation bin

2) Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Morelia’s Candy Market

Morelia is well known throughout Mexico for its local sweets. It’s a tradition in Morelia that dates back to the city’s colonial times when these candies were produced in the convents around town. They may not be produced there anymore, but thankfully the candy-making in Morelia continues today! So trying these unique regional candies is certainly an advisable thing to do in Morelia!

So where exactly do you go in Morelia to try these local treats?

You can find all the Morelian candies being offered from the many stalls inside Mercado de Dulces , or Candy Market. From fruit-based candies to chewy caramels or nutty indulgences, you can pick up a wide assortment of local candies, many of which are unique exclusively to Morelia. While the market is known for its candies, there are also crafts and sweet liquors on offer too.

There’s also a Museo de Dulce , or Candy Museum, in Morelia centro. It’s really more of a candy store than it is a museum. There is somewhat of a museum in the back, but most people just come here to shop for candy from the store clerks who are dressed in period clothing.

Many of the same famous Morelian sweets can be found at the Museo de Dulce as the Mercado de Dulces . Yet we prefer and recommend the local vendors at the mercado . We found that the Candy Market tends to have better prices and homemade specialties abound.

Mercado de Dulces Information 🕒 Hours: Open daily, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm 💵 Price: It’s free to visit the Candy Market. Small candies range from as little as $5 pesos into hundreds for larger quantities.

3) Go for a Sunday Bike Ride in Morelia: Ciclovia Dominical

Every Sunday, starting at eight in the morning, Morelia shuts down a scenic two-kilometer stretch of roadway that slices right through the historic center of the city. This segment of streets becomes off-limits to vehicular traffic. Instead, bicycles are able to fill the picturesque streets.

Rollerbladers, skateboarders, joggers, and dog walkers all join in the fun. Joining the Ciclovia is THE thing to do in Morelia on a Sunday morning. There’s always such a fun & relaxing mood filling the air as families come out for a day of leisure.

The Morelia Coclovia is such a great concept that fosters community, friendship, and fitness! This bike route passes by some of Morelia’s most famous points of interest, so it’s a fun way to see many of the city’s sights that we further elaborate on in this post of things to do in Morelia.

It’s easy to take part in the Ciclovia too and you don’t need to arrive to Morelia with a bike. Instead, there are rental stations available where a mere $10 pesos, which gets you a bike loaned for 45-minutes. That’s plenty of time to ride the entire length of the Morelia’s Ciclovia and back.

You must have identification to rent the bikes though, so don’t forget to bring an id. There is a bike rental station located adjacent to the glorieta (roundabout) at the location of the famous Fuente de Tarascas (Tarascan Fountain).

Morelia Ciclovia Dominical Information: 🕒 Hours : 8:00 am to 1:00 pm 💵 Cost : $10 pesos to rent a bike for 45-minutes

4) Stroll Along the Morelia Aqueduct

It’s an odd sight to find an attractive Roman-style aqueduct running down a street in Mexico. Yet while roaming around Morelia, that’s exactly what you’ll find. A nearly 2-kilometer aqueduct with over 200 arches stretches outward from the center of Morelia.

The Morelia aqueduct has become nearly as iconic to the city as the Cathedral and the city founder. In fact, the Morelia aqueduct can even be found depicted on the back of a 50-peso note.

It makes a pleasant stroll to walk alongside this the 300-year old aqueduct to admire it. We suggest starting at the Tarascan Fountain and taking a stroll that follows the aqueduct for roughly a half-kilometer to Plaza Morelos.

There are some great photo ops along the way. The aqueduct runs between some notable monuments and is also the location of the Morelia sign.

Morelia Aqueduct Information: 🕒 Hours : It’s always there. We suggest going during daylight hours, although portions are lit up at night. 💵 Cost : Free

5) Check Out Some of Morelia’s Best Museums

There are many museums to visit throughout Morelia. The city holds lots of history yet Morelia has also become an artsy place too. So galleries highlighting history, art, culture, and more all abound in Michoacán’s capital.

We visited all of the most popular museums throughout Morelia and landed on these five as our favorites:

Centro Cultural Clavijero

This free museum in Morelia has interesting contemporary art pieces. Yet we found that the column-filled 400-year-old building is an attraction unto itself. Even if you’re not into the artwork that lines the interior halls, it’s still extremely worthwhile to pop in to wander around the open-air halls of this former monastery and university.

💵 Free.  🕒  10:00 am -6:00 pm. Closed Mondays.

Museo Casa Natal de Morelos

There are two different museums dedicated to the city’s namesake, José María Morelos y Pavón. The Museum of Morelos Birthplace allows visitors a glimpse into the home where he was born. It’s now filled with documents and a Disney-esque animatronic version Morelos himself that comes to life to give an impassioned speech (in Spanish, of course).

💵 Free.  🕒 9:00 am – 7:00 pm. Daily.

Museo Casa de Morelos

The Museum of Morelos’s former home provides a more complete picture of this Mexican hero. The centuries-old mansion is full of information (in English too) and exhibits to provide a nice background of the man himself while touring the period furnishings of his former home.

💵 $45 pesos.  🕒 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Closed Mondays.

Museo Regional Michoacano

The Michoacan’s Regional Museum houses a wealth of regional artifacts throughout another atmospheric building.

💵 $50 pesos.  🕒 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Closed Mondays.

Museum of Contemporary Art

See some funky exhibits and sculptures scattered throughout a beautiful old mansion.

💵 Free. 🕒 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Daily, although closes early at 6:00 pm during weekends.

6) Explore Morelia’s Architecture from Inside the City’s Public Buildings

Morelia has many interesting historic structures to discover while exploring the city. These spectacular colonial buildings are now public spaces, most of which are free to wander into. You’ll even see historic buildings that have been transformed into businesses, such as modern commercial banks. Don’t hesitate to pop inside and see where old meets new.

Yet there are a handful of public buildings that are worth seeking out specifically. Admire Morelia’s emblematic pink stone architecture and step back in time. Be sure to take a wander into these structures in Morelia.

Government Palace

The Palacio de Gobierno is a stunning palace with some detailed murals depicting Mexican independence. The two-story building is filled by spacious patios and has the practical function today as the seat of Michoacan’s executive branch of government. Yet the Government Palace further holds historical significance as the place where Morelos was ordained as a priest. There is also a tourism office and public bathrooms too.

💵 Free.  🕒 Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Public Library of the Michoacan University

The Biblioteca Pública de la Universidad Michoacana is an impressive historic building on its own merit. Yet the treasure here is the volumes of ancient books that date back to the 15 th century. In fact, it’s the third largest of its kind in Mexico. Don’t bypass perusing through this distinctive library as a thing to do in Morelia.

💵 Free.  🕒 Open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Justice Palace

The Palacio de Justicia is another impressive building within Morelia’s historic center with more stairwells containing elaborate murals of Mexican history. The building also holds some historical documents relevant to the state’s supreme court.

💵 Free.  🕒 Open Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 6:00.

The Rose Conservatory

The Conservatorio de las Rosas name may be misleading. This former convent is much more about music than it is flowers. While wandering through the airy halls, you may hear tunes blaring from the interior rooms as musicians practice. The Rose Conservatory is a music education institute. This former convent is actually touted as the first music conservatory in the Americas.

7) Go To Church in Morelia

While a visit to the Cathedral takes a top position of things to do in Morelia, there are many other historic churches throughout the city that are likewise worth seeing from the inside and out. There are 21 historical churches within the Morelia’s historic center. The following are some of the must-see churches to check out while ambling around town:

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

If you only visit one other church in Morelia after the Cathedral, make it the Santuario de Guadalupe . What looks like just another regular Mexican church from the outside, dazzles on the inside. Lavish displays of color and gold line the ornate interior.

The Temple of the Roses

This pretty church lining the garden of the roses is worth popping into to see the elaborate interior and the baroque wooden altar.

Templo de San Francisco

Founded in 1536, this is the oldest church in Morelia.

Templo del Carmen

This pretty baroque church has an attractive bell tower and often hosts cultural events.

8) Take Day Trips from Morelia

There are a handful of fantastic day trips to embark on from Morelia to explore further around the state of Michoacán. Whether you’re seeking nature, culture, or adventure, there are some awesome excursions to pursue from Morelia. Local tour operators within Morelia each offer day trips to the following fascinating locations!

See the Monarch Butterfly Migration

For anyone who happens to be roaming around Morelia between October-March , you must take a day trip out to the Reserva Mariposa Monarca , the Monarch Butterfly Reserve. It’s here where millions of monarch butterflies migrate during the winter. Several tours from Morelia are on offer to witness this specular natural event.

Explore the Magic Town of Patzcuaro

The pueblo magico , magic town, of Patzcuaro is only about an hour away from Morelia, which likewise makes for a great day of exploring. This town is renown in Mexico for its Day of the Dead celebrations, yet is a charming setting year round. In addition to discovering the town itself, the most popular activity here is taking a boat trip out to the mystical island of Janitzo. It’s easy to get from Morelia to Patzcuaro by taking one of the regular buses. The trip takes about an hour each way. But day tours can provide a more convenient way to go, with a set itinerary that easily hits all the main sights once in the Lake Patzcuaro area.

Summit the World’s Youngest Volcano: Volcan Paricutin

Did you know that the youngest volcano in the world is just a stone’s throw from Morelia? Seeing this natural wonder and the lava-covered church that laid in its path, is an awesome journey to embark on from Morelia. While it would be difficult to reach Volcan Paricutin as a day trip utilizing public transportation (due to timing), there are a number of day tours from Morelia to Volcan Paricutin that’ll get you there on a full day of adventure!

9) Amble Through a Forest Within the City: Cuauhtémoc Forest

The Bosque Cuauhtémoc , or Cuauhtémoc Forest, is a great place to take a stroll, feed the ducks, or grab a snack from the food vendors. It’s a broad park space that’s a great place to be able to connect with nature from within the city center.

The Cuauhtémoc Forest is more of a city park than a true “forest.” It serves as a nice place to relax, picnic, or simply soak in local life in Morelia.

10) Roam Around Morelia’s Most Famous Pedestrian Alleyways & Plazas

Simply wandering around the picturesque city itself is a great thing to do in Morelia. Yet there are some particularly charming alleyways to seek out while exploring the city.

Jardin de las Rosas – The Rose Garden is a long & skinny plaza in Morelia that is a tranquil space in front of the church and conservatory that shares its name. Benches under leafy trees, flower gardens, and a fountain adorn the pleasant thoroughfare. Lining one side of the Rose Garden is a row of outdoor cafes that make a most perfect spot to stop in more a coffee or beer.

Callejón del Romance – The Alley of Romance is a romantic little alleyway to stroll down. Fountains and flowers add charm to the alleyway that is entrapped by Morelia’s historic buildings. At the end of the alley is a new food hall with some tempting options for a snack or meal.

Calzada de Fray Antonio de San Miguel – The Walkway of Fray Antonio de San Miguel is a pedestrian street that stretches nearly a half kilometer and connects several sights in Morelia. On one end of the walkway Morelia’s most famous sculpture, the Tarascan Fountain. Meanwhile, the walkway flows into Plaza Morelos on the other end, with a monument to the city’s namesake hero. The walkway itself runs almost perpendicular to the aqueduct and is shaded by a canopy of trees.

Plaza de Armas –  This big festive plaza surrounds the Morelia Cathedral acts as the heart of the city and its main square. There are plenty of benches along the nicely landscaped plaza to relax amidst the historic setting and admire that grand Cathedral. Many street vendors pass through here offering everything from paletas  (popsicles) to balloons.

11) Eat and Drink All the Local Morelian Specialties!

Oops, did we say 10 best things to do in Morelia? Let’s add one more.

As in most cities in Mexico, eating is a thing to do! In addition to delicious Mexican food, there are some interesting dishes local to Morelia and Michoacan to taste while in the area.

Here are a few specialties to keep an eye out for while roaming around Morelia:

Morelian Gazpacho – Don’t expect the Spanish tomato-based cold soup. Morelian gazpacho consists of a fruit and cheese! Plastic cups are filled with chopped fruits like jicama, mango, and pineapple, which is then mixed with citrus juice, chili, and a local white cheese.

Corundas – Corundas are a regional type of tamale that is popular in Michoacan. So we suggest trying them here in the capital city. Corundas are made from corn flour and steamed for about an hour and a half while wrapped in cornhusk or banana leaves. They come out of the pot hot, moist, and even a bit buttery. Also look for uchepos, another tamale that’s also a specialty in Michoacan.

Paletas – Did you know that these popsicles are said to have originated in Michoacán? So what better place to try this frozen treat than on the sunny streets of Morelia! There are many paleterias throughout Morelia and you’ll further find pushcart vendors hawking homemade versions throughout the city’s plazas. With origins of simply frozen fruit juice, now there are gourmet paleta shops with all sorts of interesting flavors and gooey fillings.

Pollo Placero – This chicken dish that originated in Morelia is topped with a deliciously spicy chile sauce and served with potatoes, carrots, and enchiladas. Don’t miss this tasty local dish!

Mexican Sushi? Oddly enough, there is an abundance of Japanese-style restaurants throughout Morelia. It’s a relatively new trend in the city that is now completely flourishing in Morelia. These sushi places have become so popular in Morelia that we think there may even be more maki joints than taco stands within the historic city center. These sushi rolls in Morelia are a very Mexican take on Japanese sushi. They’re often stuffed with common taco filling like arrachera  (steak) or al pastor (pork), then topped with a ridiculous amount of mayonnaise or chipotle sauce.

Morelian Craft Beer – Cerveza La Bru is a local craft beer in Morelia that can be found in many popular restaurants and cafes. But if you like beer, then go directly to Taproom Nacional Morelos , where you can find two dozen taps of tasty cerveza artesanal (craft beer). Many of them are brewed on site in the historic building that also boasts a pleasant outdoor beer garden. In addition to typical offerings like lagers and pale ales, keep an eye out for beers that play up regional ingredients like stout with flavors of  cafe de olla  (a special local coffee with cinnamon and brown sugar).

Traveling To Morelia, Mexico?

So those pursuits are what we found to be the best things to do in Morelia. It’s a great place in Mexico to venture out to. There is so much wonderful local culture and Mexican history that abounds throughout this stunner of a city.

We hope this travel guide to Morelia helps to show why it deserves being added to a Mexico travel itinerary. And we hope this post may have provided some ideas of things to do in Morelia for those planning a trip to this historic capital city.

If you’ve been to Morelia, drop a comment below and let us know your favorite things about this city. Or feel free to ask us any questions if planning a trip to Morelia.

For more travel tips, be sure to check out our our in-depth look into the 75+ Best Mexico Travel Tips to Know Before Your Trip in 2022 . It reveals how to save money, avoid hassle, stay safe, respect cultural etiquette and have fun all throughout this wonderful country!

Happy travels amigos!

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April 19, 2023 at 6:38 PM

What airport do you fly into for Morelia?

May 10, 2023 at 2:33 PM

MLM – General Francisco Mujica International Airport

March 8, 2023 at 12:18 PM

In my personal opinion Morelia us one of more safety city in the world, I visited different places and the people was very friendly, I recommend to visit Morelia, specially to see the migration of the Monarch butterfly, was very memorable experience.

September 20, 2022 at 3:14 PM

I am going to Morelia in december and would like to hear some music. Are there concerts associated with the Conservatorio de las Rosas around Christmas? Who would I contact?

January 3, 2021 at 6:58 PM

This post is 100% true! Love it! I lived in Morelia for about five years back in the early 2000 when I was younger and nothing hurt! My husband and I love to visit in winter time, the weather is phenomenal. Summer not so much as it rains every day, but it does give the city certain air of melancholy that is also appealing. Spring time is hot hot hot! We have been back every year, expect 2020 for obvious reasons. Thanks for sharing your recommendations, they are spot on!

August 16, 2020 at 1:50 AM

Lovely city! Were there many cojetes & barking dogs at night?

August 25, 2020 at 5:17 PM

No barking dogs or cojetes stand out from our last few visits to Morelia. Of course, like anywhere in Mexico, the cojetes will depend on the time of year. Mexico loves its cojetes and Morelia is certainly not immune to this. You can definitely expect them around holidays, or perhaps just random occasions. Barking dogs can depend on the barrio or the neighbors of wherever you’re staying. We don’t hear any barking where we stay in Centro.

May 28, 2021 at 11:15 AM

I believe it call cohetes and you’re right only in festivities

October 10, 2019 at 12:58 PM

Any thoughts about the weather in mid-December?

October 12, 2019 at 3:05 AM

December is one of the cooler months for Morelia. Expect temps down to 40°F (4°C) during the overnight hours and mid-70s during the day. It also tends to be dry, clear, and sunny. You can see more info for weather averages in Morelia here: https://weatherspark.com/y/4452/Average-Weather-in-Morelia-Mexico-Year-Round

November 20, 2019 at 10:38 PM

70 -80 in day 50-60 at night. Rain when we go near christmas and new Years.

May 19, 2019 at 9:23 PM

Hi John, love the post I will be going to Morelia for the first time this coming weekend. It is it easy to get a tour once I am in town, or should I book ahead? Not sure if you have been to Guanajuato but in Guanajuato I was able to get a tour once I arrived I did not need to plan ahead. I am interested in doing a city tour and Patzcuaro tour, I have seen both tours on Viator.

Thanks! Carla

May 23, 2019 at 6:01 PM

Yes, there are tours on offer in Morelia. There are some tourism agencies around the Cathedral and some of the hotels can connect visitors with tours too. They aren’t quite as in abundance as we found in Guanajuato, yet city tours and day tours most definitely can be found in Morelia. But Viator can always be a great way to go too, as they connect travelers with local tour operators. I just recently noticed Viator tours were added to Morelia, as this is new. (I’m actually planning to update this post soon to include some of their offerings.) It can be a good idea to book in advance to take away the hassle uncertainty of searching for a tour once you’re there. Their Patzcuaro tour looks like a good one to pack a lot into one full day trip. Hope you have a great trip!

May 11, 2019 at 12:12 PM

Well written w beautiful photos. Thank you.

May 10, 2019 at 11:34 AM

Just wanted to give feedback. Was thinking about Morelia to visit in September, but speak Spanish only a little. Do you think that would make us uncomfortable. We’ve spent a lot of time in San Miguel de Allende, but the altitude is no longer working for us. Any thoughts? And thanks for the blog, it’s very helpful.

May 13, 2019 at 6:44 PM

Compared to San Miguel de Allende, there is definitely much less English spoken along the streets and attractions of Morelia. That said, I wouldn’t let that hinder a visit to Morelia. There are still restaurants and hotels in Morelia that do have English-speaking staff. And we usually find that even just a tiny knowledge of Spanish can really go a surprisingly long way in combination with some smiling, pointing, and miming. In addition to that, be sure to have Google Translate downloaded on your phone (free app) which can be a lifesaver when communicating or trying to comprehend words on a menu, sign, or museum plaque. Personally, I think it’s always important to make some small effort, even if it’s just a simple greeting (Hola, Buenos dias/tardes/noches) along with a friendly smile. You certainly don’t need to be fluent to enjoy Morelia’s beauty! 🙂 Will you run into some linguistic challenges along the way? Probably. But I think most Morelians will be patient and friendly enough to not make you feel uncomfortable. With even knowing some very limited basics, I think it’s quite possible to get by with no problemos!

April 28, 2019 at 11:01 PM

What a great summary! I wondered if you happened to take note of anything in Morelia (in addition to some sites you highlight above) that may be of particular interest to families with young children? Thanks!

May 4, 2019 at 4:56 PM

For kids, I’d imagine they’d enjoy the candy market! 🙂 The Cuauhtémoc Forest (the city’s main park) has some playgrounds and there will likely be other niños running around playing on the weekends. Also at the Cuauhtémoc Forest is a zoo, a pond to feed the ducks, and rowboats to paddle around in that the kiddos may enjoy. So I’d definitely suggest the Cuauhtémoc Forest to be of particular interest with young children.

May 10, 2019 at 12:56 AM

Hi I’m a mom with a young child and yes this is very disappointing, there is a planetarium here for children, adjacent to the planetarium is a free play area with a club house, toys, etc, there is a garbage museum where kids can learn how to create stuff out of garbage,compost, recycle etc, there are also a number of water parks down the road from Morelia, there is also one of biggest zoos in the area located here in Morelia, we have lived here in Michoacan for almost five years now <3 if you need any help please let me know <3

February 4, 2024 at 8:24 PM

Thank you for this post! I am considering a trip with my kids (10 and 12) this summer for a few weeks. How is the weather in July-August? I saw a reply above that said it rains every day during that time. I appreciate all of your suggestions for kids! If you have recommendations for classes or tutors to help my kids with their Spanish while we are there, I would very much welcome your ideas. Thank you!

November 20, 2019 at 11:00 PM

We have been 2 times and going again this year. We travel with 5-6 children. And drove there from Tn. 38 hour drive but loved it! We have been to the zoo twice that is really nice, a bunch of museums, shopping, oh I love shopping. We went to the beach 4 hours away, my kids just like the differences in the two countries. And to appreciate the small things in life. One suggestion, travel with your own toilet paper and wipes. And many coins.

September 2, 2020 at 9:49 PM

I am not sure what it is called these days but I went to a park that was referred to as “En Donde Nace Un Rio” the rest of the park was nice too.

April 22, 2019 at 3:56 PM

Hi John, great site you have here, you make Morelia sound so lovely. I am seriously considering it for a few months next winter. I am wondering how one might find accommodation there since there are not many tourists. I like something small, nothing touristy, eg swimming pool etc, and in old town. I’ve been ripped of by the big internet companies so would like to find local sources to arrange for a place. Any suggestions? Thanks,

April 23, 2019 at 7:08 PM

There are still are a fair amount of hotels from a steady stream of domestic tourism and other people traveling. During our last visit we stayed at “Hotel Real San Juan” and were quite happy with it. It’s a centrally located hotel of about 3-star standards with very reasonable rates around $25-$30 per night, booked through Booking.com, without incident. No swimming pool, but very good breakfast. If staying for months, you may want to consider an apartment rental or try Airbnb. I’ve actually been meaning to expand this post to add an accommodation section and other logistical info, so thank you for the added motivation to get to that soon. 🙂

April 19, 2019 at 10:13 PM

Awesome advice!! Thanks for all the wonderful details. I am in Morelia now, and you have nailed each and every discription! This place is a must see!

All the best! Annie/Pablo Revelstoke B.C

April 23, 2019 at 5:05 PM

So glad to hear! 🙂 Morelia is such a beautiful city and so glad you’re enjoying it. ¡Buen viaje!

March 12, 2019 at 11:08 PM

Thank you so much for sharing this! I am currently planning a wedding in Morelia, and will link my guests to this post. Would you be able to share your travel method? e.g. did you fly into Morelia’s airport (a bit outside of the city) and take a taxi into the city center??? Many thanks in advance!!!

March 14, 2019 at 5:54 PM

Awesome, what an amazing place to have a wedding! We traveled to Morelia by bus. But catching a taxi from the airport is easy. The airport is a bit outside of the city and may take over 45-minutes, pending traffic. After departing the luggage area, there is a kiosk inside the airport where you can buy a ticket for a taxi to Morelia and the city center will be at a set price. Expect to pay about $200 pesos (~$10 USD).

March 10, 2019 at 4:31 PM

What travel source did you use from the airport to the hotel? Also, was the lake community the farthest you went outside of the city center? Did you notice people traveling at night? We’re there many people out at night? Headed there in 2 weeks.

March 14, 2019 at 10:05 AM

Personally, we arrived by bus and took a taxi from the bus station to Morelia city center. But at the Morelia airport, there is a kiosk inside the airport where you can purchase a taxi ticket, then just walk outside to the taxi area, hand the next driver your ticket and you’ll be whisk to the city center. The ride should take about 45 minutes depending on traffic. We use taxis often in Morelia and found that they tend to be inexpensive and honest.

We did travel a bit further throughout Michoacan beyond Lake Patzcuaro, going to places like Uruapan and Tacambaro too. (Hoping to write more about all those places later this year). We don’t like to travel at night, so all such adventures were pursued during the day and we’d recommend that.

Yes, there are lots of people out in Morelia’s city center at night, particularly so on weekends. It tends to carry a festive atmosphere, the Cathedral lights up beautifully, and there are even strolling night tours with acting, music, and comedy (all in Spanish). We always felt fine walking at night in the city center of Morelia. Have a great trip and hope you enjoy Morelia!

May 9, 2019 at 5:14 PM

Is there also a ya I stand inside the bus station or should I uber?

I’m headed to Morelia in 2 weeks.. and I wrote down all your suggestions – muchas gracias!

May 13, 2019 at 6:18 PM

Yes, there’s a taxi stand inside the bus station. We’ve used the taxis from the bus station there ourselves many times and they were always honest, friendly and positive experience. Uber is a viable option too, but we found the Uber drivers to be far and few in Morelia, so there was usually a wait. Taxis will be ready to whisk you away. And prices between the two are comparable. Expect some traffic in centro, either way.

Have a great trip to Morelia – enjoy! 🙂

January 15, 2019 at 5:11 PM

Have heard bad things in respect to safety in Morelia. What do you think?

January 15, 2019 at 5:23 PM

Throughout the greater state of Michoacán, there may be some valid safety concerns to be advised of. But personally, we found Morelia itself to feel quite safe. We felt safe even walking around in the evening throughout the historic center. We did some light research on safety in Morelia beforehand and didn’t find anything glaringly alarming. Even the US State Department actually excludes Morelia from their Michoacán travel advisory. It’s a beautiful and clean city that never once felt dodgy or unsafe to us. There are lots of people out and about in the historic center just enjoying life.

January 29, 2019 at 2:02 PM

Hi John, Great suggestions – thanks for providing. I was seriously considering traveling to Morelia, but s of today, Michoacán is on their Do Not Travel list according to the US Dept. of State Travel Advisory website (see copy/paste below). Are you suggesting that if one travels to Morelia, it is suggested to stay within the town (and confines of Patzcuaro) ?

Do not travel to:

Colima state due to crime. Guerrero state due to crime. Michoacán state due to crime. Sinaloa state due to crime. Tamaulipas state due to crime.

January 29, 2019 at 2:38 PM

This is just my personal opinion after spending about two months in Michoacan last year, but I think those travel advisories covering the entire state are a bit overbearing. While there are legitimately some trouble spots within the big state of Michoacan to avoid, we largely felt perfectly safe in Morelia Centro and Patzcuaro. We further have many expat friends who have been living there for years who have never had any safety issues. An analogy would be like saying don’t travel to the state of Illinois because there are some really bad neighborhoods with high murder rates in South Chicago. But even though I disagree with the broadly sweeping travel advisory, there are some considerations to take when traveling somewhere that is on the “Do Not Travel list.” For example, travel insurance may become void. As for where to go vs where to avoid, I can’t draw any definitive lines in the sand, but I can just say that both Morelia and the Lake Patzcuaro area felt perfectly safe to us.

January 29, 2019 at 6:57 PM

Thanks again John. I appreciate your thoughtful and timely response. I’m looking forward to visiting some (if not all) of your recommended spots!

March 6, 2019 at 11:22 AM

If you stay in the Morelia, you should not have any troubles unless you go looking for it. Even Patzcuaro / Janitzio would be fine for a day trip. For those who love shopping, check out Santa Clara del Cobre. The problems are in the mountain villages; definitely stay away from those areas. Those locals will warn you not to travel in areas that are dangerous. They are not happy about what is going on.

Morelia is the most beautiful Mexican city you have never heard of. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Definitely worth a visit for cultural tourists. If you are looking for a Cancun / Cabo San Lucas vacation, you will be disappointed.

July 27, 2019 at 6:01 PM

Santa Clara DEL COBRE? IS IT CLOSE BY AND SECURE AND WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE THERE?

August 4, 2019 at 12:11 PM

Yes, the town of Santa Clara del Cobre is nearby. There are tours from Morelia that include Santa Clara del Cobre. It’s also accessible by bus. First to Patzcuaro (about and hour), then transfer to Santa Clara (less than 30 minutes). People go there to buy copper. Lots and lots of copper products, furniture, dishes, jewelry, and more. It’s a neat little town with many copper shops, some with working artisans in the back who demonstrate the interesting copper-making process. If looking to buy Mexican copper products, that is THE place. We’re not much into shopping, yet still very much enjoyed our visit.

June 13, 2019 at 8:12 PM

We traveled to Morelia from Guanjuato with two small children. Had a blast. NEVER felt unsafe. I have felt unsafe countless times in Atlanta, GA (where I live now), but never in Mexico. We spend 6 weeks every summer, have been doing so for 17 years!

June 13, 2019 at 8:13 PM

added comment to say- we went with our kids last summer, 2018

December 29, 2018 at 1:48 AM

What a great travel blog… I’m sold. Planning trip to Mexico City next year…might have to stay a few days longer to head over to see Morelia. Thank you.

January 5, 2019 at 2:49 PM

Thanks for the kind feedback! 🙂 We certainly think that a side trip to Morelia would be well worth it, of course. Buen viaje! 🙂

October 8, 2018 at 4:02 PM

I’m sold. Might try to plan a visit here with my parents and definitely want to see the monarchs!

October 8, 2018 at 8:15 PM

Would be a great place to bring the parents! Lots to enjoy here for everyone. We’re already plotting to potentially come back to the area ourselves to try to catch that monarch migration in the winter. 🙂

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Morelia Travel Guide

Morelia, the capital of the state of Michoacán in central Mexico, is one of the country’s most underrated destinations for lovers of food, art and culture.

In the early 1800s, travel writer Frances Calderón De La Barca wrote that Morelia “seems to have started up as by magic in the midst of the wilderness, yet bearing all the traces of a venerable old age.”

Today, the city retains that same magic. 

The gorgeous pink-stone city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is packed with restaurants, museums and historic buildings, but it rarely gets featured on the itinerary of international travelers, despite there being plenty of things to do in Morelia.

Fun fact: The pink stone (cantera rosa) that was used to construct the buildings in Morelia’s historic center can also be seen in other colonial cities in the region, like Zacatecas and San Luis Potosí.  

Michoacán is also worth a visit for its mezcal, its artesanías, and Day of the Dead celebrations centered around Lake Pátzcuaro that are unlike anywhere else in Mexico. 

Although there are some security concerns in Michoacán, Morelia itself and all the areas we are mentioning in this guide are just as safe to visit as other popular destinations in Mexico. With a population of around a million people, Morelia is the perfect long weekend trip from Mexico City, Guadalajara or San Miguel de Allende. 

If you have more time, you can get to know the nearby pueblos and the cultures of the region.

This Morelia travel guide includes everything you need to know to help you fall in love with Morelia. 

Who are we?

We’re Molly and Kevin, an Australian and a Mexican currently living in Mexico City. We put this Morelia travel guide together to share the best of Morelia, Kevin’s hometown, by highlighting our favorite places to eat, shop and explore in the city, as well as things to do nearby.

Kevin grew up in Morelia and provides all the local knowledge we’ll be including here. He’s a taco addict who likes to spend time in the outdoors and currently works in the nonprofit sector. 

Molly is a travel writer who has spent plenty of time in Morelia over the past three years. She’s a vegetarian obsessed with mezcal, textiles and little-known history. Together, we’ll cover the city from both a local and a visitor’s perspective. 

Morelia Throughout History

Morelia is an important but often overlooked city in Mexico’s history. Here, Kevin will explain a basic timeline of the city and its landmarks.

The Tarascan Empire

In the 15th and 16th century, the city of Tzintzuntzan (around 40 miles from Morelia) was the most powerful in the region. From the shores of Lake Pátzcuaro, the Purépecha people (also known as Tarascans) controlled an empire of over 46,600 square miles , the second largest in Mexico after the Aztecs, and had been living in the area for over 2000 years . Other groups in the area paid tribute to the Purépecha but maintained their own languages and cultures.  

The Purépecha used irrigation and terracing to maximize their agricultural production and support such a large population. They also controlled significant silver, gold, copper and obsidian mines, as well as forestry and fishing. As their empire expanded, the Purépecha came into conflict with the Aztecs and became known as fierce warriors who were never conquered by them. 

When the Spaniards attacked the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán (now Mexico City), the Purépecha ignored requests for support from the Aztecs. In 1522, they surrendered to the Spaniards instead of facing the same destruction. 

At that time, Tzintzúntzan alone had a population of around 35,000 people , alongside at least 90 other settlements around the lake, which all fell under Spanish rule. The Indigenous languages spoken in Michoacán today include Purépecha, Náhuatl, Otomí and Mazahua. 

The Foundation of Morelia

Vasco de Quiroga, the first bishop of Michoacán, established religious missions around Lake Pátzcuaro in the 1530s to try to convert the Indigenous peoples to Catholicism. In 1540, he founded the oldest higher education institution in the Americas, the Colegio de San Nicolás Obispo , to train priests in Indigenous languages.

Nearby, the city of Morelia, which was originally called Valladolid, was founded in 1541 on the instructions of the first Viceroy of the colony of New Spain, Antonio de Mendoza. The area was chosen to be a city where the Spanish could live away from the Purépecha Empire, in conflict with the ideas of Vasco de Quiroga who had already begun building a capital in Pátzcuaro. 

In the beginning, the city struggled to gain inhabitants and was in danger of disappearing, due to political conflicts between Vasco de Quiroga in Pátzcuaro and the Viceroy. In 1580, the Viceroy finally succeeded in moving the religious and civil institutions of the region from Pátzcuaro to Valladolid. From then on, the city began developing quickly. 

The 17th and 18th centuries are considered Morelia’s architectural Golden Age , as wealth poured in from the agriculture and mines of the surrounding region. The Morelia Cathedral, constructed between 1660 and 1744 , is the crown jewel of this time, alongside the new, mile-long aqueduct. 

Independent Mexico

At the beginning of the 19th century, Valladolid (known as modern-day Morelia) became a hotspot for the Mexican Independence movement, alongside neighboring cities like Guanajuato and Querétaro. In 1809, a group of military and religious men organized what became known as the Valladolid Conspiracy . They decided to rebel against the French occupation of Spain but were betrayed by one of their members and imprisoned before they could carry out their plan. 

A year later, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, launched the Mexican War of Independence in Guanajuato. After Hidalgo was executed, other working-class leaders, including José María Morelos y Pavón of Valladolid, took up the fight. Mexico finally secured its independence in 1821 and Morelia was renamed after José Maria Morelos in 1828 . 

The instability of the Mexican-American War, the Reform War and the French Invasion of Mexico slowed Morelia’s development until 1867 . The full name of the state Michoacán de Ocampo pays tribute to a liberal intellectual and politician named Melchor Ocampo , who served as Michoacan’s governor and in the government of Benito Juarez during this time.  

The city started to grow again throughout the Porfiriato period until the Mexican Revolution in 1910. After another period of conflict and change, Mexican politics began to consolidate under what would later become the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI), which would go on to hold power for 71 years from 1929 to 2000. 

Another politician from Michoacán rose to be state governor and then the president of Mexico from 1934 to 1940: Lázaro Cárdenas .

Cárdenas carried out the social and economic reforms of the Mexican Revolution, including distributing land and financial loans to poor Mexicans and nationalizing the country’s railways and oil industry. 

Modern Morelia

Today, Michoacán is a large agricultural producer, growing strawberries, blackberries, limes and most of Mexico’s avocados.

Fun fact: The volcanic soil in Michoacán makes it a very fertile region for avocados and other agricultural products. Michoacán, which produces  85% of Mexico’s avocados , exported  $2.4 billion worth  of avocados last year, mostly to the US.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Festival Mezcalmanía (@mezcalmania) on Aug 26, 2019 at 2:43pm PDT

Image: Mezcal from the mezcal festival in Morelia

Morelia is a popular arts and culture destination, especially during traditional Mexican holidays. A mezcal festival takes place in September, followed by the Morelia International Film Festival in October.

Since the 2000s, Michoacán has also suffered a surge of violence related to organized crime. These criminal groups concentrate their activity between the Tierra Caliente region and the coast of Michoacán, far away from Morelia. As in most large cities, it is recommended to take precautions like not carrying valuables or walking alone at night in Morelia, but you are unlikely to encounter any problems as a tourist. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Julie Sperling (@sperlingmosaics) on Oct 4, 2017 at 10:49am PDT

Image: Callejón del Romance

Things to do in Morelia

Historic sites.

In Mexico, twelve cities are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Morelia has the highest number of historic monuments of them all, with 1113 properties officially catalogued. The city center stands out due to its advanced urban planning and pink cantera facade, with many buildings in the Baroque style.

When wandering around the Centro Histórico, make sure to check out the Cathedral and the Plaza de Armas, the Callejon del Romance, the Jardín de las Rosas and the pedestrian Calzada Fray Antonio that runs from the Fuente de las Tarascas to the Plaza de San Diego. These places to visit in Morelia all offer gorgeous views and very Instagrammable architecture. 

Morelia’s many 17th and 18th-century religious buildings are also worth a visit, including the Templo de San Francisco, the Parroquia de San José, the Templo de las Rosas and the Templo de San Diego. In Tzintzuntzán, an hour’s drive from Morelia, you can visit the Yacatas archaeological zone, which was part of the pre-Hispanic Purépecha capital. 

The Centro Cultural Clavijero is Morelia’s top museum, with temporary exhibitions housed inside a beautiful building which was once a Jesuit monastery. You can also visit the birthplace of independence hero José Morelos, the Colegio de San Nicolás de Hidalgo , the Museo Regional Michoacano , the Casa de las Artesanías , the Biblioteca Pública Universitaria and the Alfredo Zalce contemporary art museum. 

What to eat and drink in Morelia

Morelia’s traditional dishes take inspiration from Purépecha recipes and local ingredients, making them unique in Mexico.

Uchepos and Corundas

An uchepo is similar to a tamal, but a little smaller, sweeter and softer in texture as it is made from sweet corn instead of maize. It can be served as a savory dish with salsa verde, cheese and cream, or as a dessert with cajeta. A corunda is a triangle-shaped tamal that is often served as a side, topped with cream, cheese and salsa.

Molly’s pick: In the back of Mercado de San Juan , there is a stall with amazing corundas, including different types of meat and vegetable fillings. The same family has a small restaurant called Antojitos Mexicanos Charbel where you can get uchepos, corundas, pozole, atole and tamales. Insider Tip: You can even buy fresh corundas to freeze and take home with you.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Turismo Morelia (@turismomorelia.mx) on Nov 20, 2019 at 12:00pm PST

Image: Enchiladas Placeras

Enchiladas Placeras

Similar to enchiladas mineras, this tasty and filling dish is a speciality from Central Mexico. It consists of tortillas fried in salsa roja, topped with chicken, potato, carrot, onion, shredded lettuce, cream, cheese and jalapeños. 

Kevin’s pick: La Lupita is Morelia’s most beloved regional restaurant, with a menu full of traditional dishes and a laid-back atmosphere. You can also get uchepos and corundas here.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by victoria (@fulminant) on Feb 1, 2016 at 6:44pm PST

Image: Gaspacho from Gaspachos de la Merced

Morelians are obsessed with gaspachos, a type of refreshing fruit cocktail that is often sold from street food stands. A traditional gaspacho is made with chopped pineapple, mango and jicama served in a plastic cup, topped with orange juice and lime juice and sprinkled with chile verde, onion, grated cheese and vinegar. (You can request it with other fruits or without onion, cheese or vinegar if that sounds a bit much!)

Kevin’s picks: I like Gaspachos del Boulevard because they have five locations throughout the city, but Gaspachos de la Merced is the most traditional spot. My favorite combination is watermelon, mango, cucumber and jicama with a little bit of cheese and chile verde. Y sin vinagre ni cebolla por favor (and without vinegar or onion please).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Culinaria Mexicana (@cmexicana) on Mar 28, 2018 at 10:30pm PDT

Image: Tacos de carnitas from El Infierno

Tacos de carnitas

If you’ve watched Taco Chronicles on Netflix, you’ll know that the best pulled pork tacos are found in Quiroga, a 45-minute drive away from Morelia. During the December vacations, the taqueros of Quiroga have been known to sell over 2600 pounds of carnitas each day. You can also find great tacos de carnitas in Morelia. 

Kevin’s pick: If you can’t make it to Quiroga, try the carnitas Don Raúl in Morelia.

Bonus taco pick: Kevin’s favorite restaurant in the world is El Infierno , which serves Tierra Caliente-style carne asada tacos. For other classic tacos head to J. Campos or El Compa .  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Turismo Morelia (@turismomorelia.mx) on Feb 19, 2020 at 1:51pm PST

Image: Sopa Tarasca

Sopa tarasca

This soup is similar to the sopa tortilla or sopa azteca that is found in other parts of Mexico, but with a slightly different texture and flavor thanks to added frijoles and epazote.

Kevin’s (mom’s) pick: We have it on good authority that the restaurant at Hotel de la Soledad, Marogui , serves the best sopa tarasca in town. 

Tacos de charales

Charales are tiny fish found in Lake Pátzcuaro that are often served dried and salted in tacos. They are rarely on the menu of restaurants in Morelia, but you may be able to find them in the market or at a street food stand in Pátzcuaro.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nevería "La Pacanda" (@neverialapacanda) on May 12, 2020 at 6:25am PDT

Image: Ice cream from La Pacanda

Nieve de pasta

This mysterious ice cream flavor is so delicious that Morelians will make the two-hour round trip to Pátzcuaro just to get a taste. Nieve de pasta is made from a secret recipe, but is generally agreed to contain milk, almonds, honey, cinnamon and vanilla. 

Kevin’s pick: If you visit Pátzcuaro, you must try the original pasta ice cream from Nevería La Pacanda under the portales of the main square. This ice cream place has been around since 1905 and sells many other flavors as well, like tequila and mango. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fer Estrada (@itsferestrada) on Oct 30, 2015 at 4:54pm PDT

Image: Candy from Museo del Dulce

Dulces típicos

Michoacán is home to dozens of traditional sweets, made from fruit paste ( ate in Spanish), tamarind or chile . They come in all different shapes and sizes and are a great snack when you’re exploring the Centro Histórico. In Michoacán, many people drink mezcal accompanied by fruit paste and hard cheese, instead of the chile and lime that is common in other places. 

Kevin’s pick: At the Museo del Dulce you can see how the sweets have been made since the Calle Real store opened in 1840, as well as try all the different flavors.

Michoacán is the only state with three official ‘Denomination of Origin’ that certify the authenticity of its mezcal, tequila and charanda.  The Denomination of Origin is a label awarded by the Mexican Government to indicate authentic local products, like feta cheese from Greece or champagne from France. 

Mezcal production here uses specific types of maguey that aren’t found in Oaxaca, like the maguey cupreata and the maguey manso de Sahuayo. To learn more about local mezcal, take a tour of the Don Mateo vinata, an hour’s drive south of Morelia.

Charanda is an alcohol made from sugarcane grown around the city of Uruapan. While it is nowhere near as popular as mezcal and tequila, you might see it for sale in the market or on the menu at cocktail bars in Morelia. Since 2006, Morelia has put itself on the map when it comes to craft beer, thanks to microbrewery La Brü . 

Kevin’s pick: Taproom Nacional Morelos has a huge selection of cerveza artesanal. 

Molly’s pick: Tata is a must for mezcal and innovative Mexican food. 

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Image: A man dressed as a viejito for Danza de los Viejitos

Arts and Culture

Danza de los viejitos.

If you haven’t seen the Danza de los Vejitos, you haven’t been to Morelia. One of the best things to do in Morelia is visit the Plaza de Armas where you'll find a group of ‘old men’ wearing comical masks and colorful hats, showing off their dancing skills. They can often be found in Pátzcuaro, too.

This funny performance is said to have originated with the Purépecha people as a ritual to honor the gods and then developed into a way of poking fun at the Spanish conquerors with their pink faces and white hair. If you see a performance, make sure to tip the viejitos a few pesos.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lord Francisco. (@darth_fco) on Nov 1, 2019 at 5:45pm PDT

Image: Día de los Muertos in Morelia

Día de Muertos

In Pátzcuaro and the surrounding pueblos of Tzintzuntzan (Janitizio, Jarácuaro, Ihuatzio and Tzurumútaro) the night of November 1 is a very special event. The tradition has evolved out of the combination of Purépecha religious rituals and Catholic ideas brought by the Spaniards. 

Each town celebrates in a slightly different way, but most use cempazúchitl flowers, or Mexican marigolds, to create altars to those that have passed away. Throughout the night, the cemeteries overflow with flowers, music, dancing and drinking as families spend time with their loved ones who have passed away. 

Keep in mind: People come from all over Mexico and the world to witness the Day of the Dead in Michoacán, so accommodation can book out months in advance. There is also heavy traffic in and out of these tiny pueblos for most of the day and night, so we recommend staying within walking distance of the town center if possible. Ninety-five percent of accommodation in Pátzcuaro is already booked out for Día de Muertos 2020, but there are a couple of hotels and Airbnbs still available. (Of course, you can also stay in Morelia and book a tour or organize a taxi to pick you up.) For next year, book early at  La Siranda ,  Casa del Naranjo  or  Hotel La Parroquia . 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fer Sarmiento🦀 (@fersarmnt) on Apr 5, 2017 at 12:38pm PDT

Image: Mercado de Dulces y Artesanías

Where to shop in Morelia

In Morelia, you can find amazing textiles and other artesanías. Cross-stitch and geometric designs are popular on blouses, and you’ll also find plenty of decorated pottery and copper jewelry. The Mercado de Dulces y Artesanías is a great place to start.

For those who’d rather go straight to the source, the Mercado de Artesanías de Madero in Pátzcuaro is full of more unusual wooden creations, containing everything from furniture to viejito masks. The Casa de los Once Patios has a pretty souvenir market, too. On your day trip to Pátzcuaro, stop by the pueblo of Santa Clara del Cobre for copper and Capula for ceramic Catrinas and pretty dishes. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Departures (@departuresmag) on Jul 26, 2019 at 4:31pm PDT

Image: Hotel de la Soledad

Hotels in Morelia

We recommend staying in the historic center, near all the top Morelia attractions. Next door to the cathedral, Cantera Diez and Casa Grande have the best location in town. For luxury, try Hotel de la Soledad with its imposing marble and cantera rooms or Hotel Casa Madero ’s spacious suites. 

If you’d rather be tucked away in one of the city’s more exclusive neighborhoods, Maja Boutique Hotel offers a modern oasis with great views. For something a little more affordable, we love the friendly and colorful Hotel Casa del Fraile in the city center. 

How to Get Around

There are multiple daily buses from Mexico City to Morelia with ETN , Autovías and Primera Plus . Most depart from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Poniente, but there are some from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte as well. The trip takes around four hours. 

When you arrive in Morelia, you can take a registered taxi from the booth inside the bus station to your accommodation. The center of Morelia is very walkable, and taxis and Uber are available for longer distances. 

There are two tourist routes (or itineraries for visitors to follow developed by the local tourism board) around Michoacán that can be helpful when planning your trip, la Ruta Don Vasco y la Ruta del Mezcal . If you would like to visit Pátzcuaro, the island of Janitzio or other pueblos with a guide, you can take a tour like this one with Mich Mex Guides . 

How Long to Spend in Morelia

Morelia is a small city, perfect for a two or three-day escape to enjoy the Morelia attractions at your leisure. If you plan to visit Lake Pátzcuaro, you should add at least another day onto your visit.

During Día de Muertos , you can easily spend a week in and around Morelia, although the night of November 1 is the peak of the celebrations.

Kevin Pöll Garduño

Born and raised in Morelia, Kevin works at a nonprofit in Mexico City and spends his spare time in search of Mexico’s best rock climbing spots and taquerias. Even though he is half-Austrian and half-Mexican, he feels a strong connection to Morelia and its people, and through traveling he has gained a new appreciation for the beauty of his hometown. 

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Chelita Huarache Slides

We are so in love with these modern huarache slides! Perfect to throw on for the grocery store or to take on your dream trip to Mexico.

• 100% handmade Mexican huaraches
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Pick Up Orders: For local customers based in Brooklyn, pick-up is available at checkout at no additional charge. If you are charged shipping at checkout, send us an email and we will refund you the shipping cost. Pick-up is available during business hours Monday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Please allow 24 hours for orders to be processed. If you have any questions about your order, please email [email protected] and we’d be happy to help!

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30 Best Things to Do in Morelia

• by Nellie Huang

For those planning a trip to the capital of Michoacan, here is our complete guide and detailed list of things to do in Morelia.

Morelia, the state capital of Michoacán , completely took me by surprise. It’s one of the most beautiful and dynamic cities I’ve been in Mexico, and yet it’s completely gone under the tourist radar. There’s so much to explore in this stunning colonial city, from the plethora of museums and cultural institutions to the nearby hot springs and lakes.

Situated in the region of the ancient Purépecha civilization, Morelia held significant religious importance during the colonial era. For that reason, a legion of churches and temples were built here and still stand today. In fact, the historic center is so well preserved that it was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1991. 

Because of the surrounding attractions, Morelia makes for a great starting point for a Michoacán road trip. The colonial city is just a hop away from the famous Lake Pátzcuaro and Janitzio Island, renowned for their lakeside landscapes and vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations. For those who want to take a deep dive of Michoacán, here’s our super detailed guide on things to do in Morelia.

Table of Contents

1. Start at the Historical Center

2. visit the cathedral, 3. visit the old aqueduct, 4. admire the fuente de las tarascas, 5. visit the santuario de guadalupe, 6. tour the government palace, 7. admire the house of patriotic hero morelos, 8. visit the ancient hospital san juan de dios, 9. snap photos at the callejón del romance, 10. visit the centro cultural clavijero, 11. visit the museo regional michoacano, 12. go to teatro ocampo, 13. stroll around the jardín de las rosas, 14. visit the conservatorio de las rosas, 15. enjoy the candy museum, 16. shop at the mercado de dulces, 17. gaze at the stars in the planetarium, 18. go on a legends tour, 19. buy some local artesanías, 20. get a taste of michoacan cuisinie, 21. have fun at the zoo, 22. check out morelia’s international film festival , 23. experience the procession of silence , 24. dance at the jazztival , 25. experience the monarch butterflies, 26. escape to the mountains of cerro hueco, 27. visit the magical town of pátzcuaro , 28. celebrate dia de los muertos on janitzio island, 29. navigate zirahuén lake, 30. explore michoacán’s second most important city, how to get to morelia, how many days to visit morelia, best time to visit morelia, is morelia safe, casa embrujo morelia, casa en el campo hotel & spa morelia, hotel de la soledad, restaurante san miguelito, restaurante la mandarina, cenaduría la inmaculada, what are your favorite things to do in morelia, things to do in morelia.

Morelia is known as “the city of the pink quarry” and its historic center splendidly exemplifies the reasons behind this name.

Over 200 historical buildings are constructed from the pink-toned rock sourced from the quarries in the Michoacán region.

Interestingly, Morelia’s historic center is the only one among all Mexican colonial cities that lacks a main square or zócalo. The historic center of Morelia was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Morelia’s main temple is a majestic baroque building crafted from pink quarry stone, dating back to the 18th century. Its two towers, standing at a height of 67 meters (220 ft), dominate the historic center.

Inside, the Cathedral houses artistic and religious treasures, including the country’s largest organ, fitted with 4,600 pipes. The Cathedral itself is majestic, with two towers so tall they can be seen from nearly every corner of the Morelia Valley. 

One of my favorite things to do in Morelia is watching the world-class light and sound show at the Cathedral. It takes place every Saturday at 8:45 pm. Arrive early to secure an excellent spot to relish in this display of lights and sound prepared by the same company that illuminates the Eiffel Tower. 

This impressive aqueduct, erected in the 18th century to supply water to Morelia, stands as one of the city’s most significant and well-preserved civil engineering feats.

It was constructed to replace the rudimentary canal built as a water supply system in the 16th century, comprising 253 semicircular arches, some reaching heights exceeding 9 meters. The 1,700-meter-long (5577 ft) aqueduct remained in service until 1910.

Tourist trams traverse the streets on both sides. They leave hourly from Plaza de Armas. Alternatively, this is a great spot for a stroll, especially at night when its lights cast shadows on the surrounding buildings. 

Morelia’s most famous fountain is the Tarascas Fountain, a bronze sculpture installed in 1984. It features three bare-chested Purépecha women carrying a large bowl full of fruits, honoring indigenous princesses Eréndira, Tzetzangari, and Atzimba. 

The current Tarascas Fountain is the work of sculptor José Luis Padilla Retana. In the early 20th century, the site housed a clock, later relocated to the end of the Aqueduct.

While the cathedral of Morelia is undeniably beautiful, it doesn’t hold the title of the city’s most beautiful.

That honor would go to the Santuario de Guadalupe, also known as the Templo de San Diego. A seemingly ordinary church on the outside conceals the true interior attraction: the astonishing inside of the church.

A dazzling combination of pink paint and golden embellishments. Taking a visit to the church to take it all in is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Morelia.

Morelia boasts beautiful palaces that have witnessed notable events in Mexican history. The 18th-century baroque-style Michoacán Government Palace, once the seat of the Tridentine Seminary, hosted figures like Agustín de Iturbide and José María Morelos. Iturbide became the first Mexican emperor after the independence from Spain, and Morelos was an insurgent hero. 

This palace has a beautiful baroque-style facade. On the inside, you’ll find a set of amazing murals portraying different scenes from the history of Mexico and Michoacán state, made by a famous Mexican painter in 1962.

The Mexican patriot José María Morelos lends his name to the city of Morelia, where he was born on September 30, 1765.

The hero’s birthplace, a single-story house with two interior courtyards, is now a museum dedicated to Morelos, showing the various episodes of his career.

If you want to learn about this Mexican hero and visit this beautiful house/museum, it’s open all week (except for Saturdays) from 9 am to 7 pm.

In the 17th century, the bishop of Michoacán commissioned the construction of this beautiful building with baroque and neoclassical lines to serve as the Episcopal House.

Little did he imagine that its magnificence would derail his plans. The community began to question such Christian luxury in a city with deficient health services, leading to the palace being handed over to the Juaninos monks, who transformed it into a hospital.

Interestingly, a year after the birth of Michoacán’s first medical school in 1866, the palace was converted into a hotel, named “Los Juaninos” in honor of the monks.

If you’re seeking romance in Morelia, head on down to the Callejón del Romance (Romance Alley). Wander around the stone walls and bubbling fountains to soak up the undeniably romantic ambiance.

Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged because you’ll capture Instagram-worthy photos in Romance Alley. It’s renowned as one of the best spots in Morelia for photography.

Morelos wasn’t the only hero of the Mexican War of Independence with strong ties to Morelia.

Miguel Hidalgo, also known as the father of the independence movement, was educated in the building that now houses the Clavijero Cultural Center . This baroque-style building with murals and spacious courtyards served as a Jesuit convent for over half a century.

Today, the impressive structure is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a venue for concerts, festivals, workshops, and rotating exhibitions.

Dating back to 1886, this museum is one of the country’s oldest museums. Since 1916, it has been housed in a beautiful 18th-century baroque mansion, formerly the residence of notable families, including that of Ana Huarte, the wife of Emperor Agustín de Iturbide.

The museum is dedicated to the history of Michoacán, and among its most valuable works is the monumental painting “ El Traslado de Las Monjas Dominicas a Su Nuevo Convento de Valladolid” a superb testament to the colonial period in the city.

One of the most beautiful landmarks of Morelia is the Teatro Ocampo , that was built in 1830. On June 3, 1861, during a performance, news arrived about the execution of liberal leader Melchor Ocampo, prompting the attendees to rename the theater.

The neo-baroque construction has undergone several modifications, the latest in the year 2000, aimed at enhancing the acoustics of its majestic 403-seat hall.

Take a break from the historical crash course to stroll around this peaceful and picturesque rose garden, with its many fountains and sculptures.

Situated between the Santa Rosa de Lima Temple and the Conservatorio de las Rosas, the garden features several restaurants and cafes. 

This musical institution opened its doors in 1743, making it the first conservatory in the Americas.

The building in the historic center where the conservatory currently operates, with its stately simplicity, dates back to 1595 and has served successively as the Dominican Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena, the College of Santa Rosa, the Higher School of Sacred Music, and finally, the Conservatorio de Las Rosas.

It is currently the headquarters of the Children’s Choir of Morelia and the City Chamber Orchestra.

Morelia is one of the biggest producers of candy in Mexico. Those traveling with kids should definitely check out La Dulcería de la Calle Real , a candy museum offering a variety of over 300 Michoacan and Mexican candies.

They run a fun and engaging guided tour every day, and it’s included in the entrance fee. The museum spans five rooms, showcasing the history of traditional Mexican sweets , from their original artisanal crafting in convents and monasteries to the industrialization of production.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, you can’t leave Morelia without visiting the Mercado de Dulces . This sprawling market sells all kinds of traditional Mexican desserts and sweets , from alfeñique to churros.

This is a real paradise for candy lovers and kids! Even if you’re not a big fan of sweets, there’s something here that you’ll surely want to try out of curiosity. The prices here are much better than at the Candy Museum, so save your shopping for here.

Looking for unique things to to do in Morelia at night? Head over to Morelia’s planetarium, Lic. Felipe Rivera.

The planetarium boasts the only functioning Karl Zeiss MARK IV projector in the country, and its spectacular sky allows the observation of more than 8,000 stars in the night sky.

One thing that I love about the colonial cities of Mexico is their legends, and Morelia is no exception.

There’s a legends tour that brings you around the Historic Center of Morelia every night, and delves into the history and architecture of old temples, mansions, and palaces. You’ll be led by a guide who’s dressed as a Franciscan friar.

This nocturnal tour allows you to experience the mysterious side of this beautiful city and its ghosts. The tour costs 450 MXN (US$260) and includes pickup from your hotel.

Morelia is well known throughout Mexico for their production of crafts, and the Casa de las Artesanías is a perfect place to learn about their artisanal work and buy some of them to bring home. The museum is housed in a Franciscan convent that dates back to 1531.

In the Casa de las Artesanías, you will find all kinds of Michoacan art work such as water jugs, platters, carved masks, maque work, and embroidery. There are also green ceramics from Patamban, lacquered chests from Uruapan, copper vases from Santa Clara, and musical instruments from Paracho.

Traditional Michoacan cuisine bears a strong influence from the pre-Columbian culinary customs of the Purépecha people, blended with the European culinary art introduced by Spanish conquistadors.

Among the most representative dishes of the regional cuisine are:

• cornudas (tamales filled with cheese and cream)
• sopa tarasca (soup made with ground beans, pasilla chili, and tomato puree)
• and enchiladas morelianas

Other Mexican antojitos worth trying here include Michoacán-style carnitas (chopped up meat). 

Those traveling with kids would be thrilled to know that one of Morelia’s attractions is the Benito Juárez Zoo , which stands as one of the largest in Latin America, boasting a diverse range of species.

This zoo witnessed the remarkable birth of a caracal in January 2016, believed to be the first feline to be born in captivity in Mexico. In December 2015, rare winter births occurred, including a scimitar-horned oryx, a Lechwe antelope, and a llama. 

This significant event occurs in October and is Mexico’s most renowned film festival. It brings filmmakers from all over the world to present their work at this festival.

The movies featured in the festival can be seen in Cinepolis all across Mexico, but there’s nothing like being in Morelia and taking part in the festival.

On Good Friday, a solemn procession takes place in the historic center of Morelia. For 43 years, Michoacán’s devoted Catholics have maintained a silent vigil on Madero Avenue, commemorating Jesus Christ’s death. Illuminated by candles, the penitents, dressed in symbolic attire, march slowly, offering heartfelt prayers for Christ’s crucifixion. 

The Silent Procession in Morelia, second only to the one in San Luis Potosí, holds immense significance. This year, 24 brotherhoods in Morelia carried 14 religious images, some crafted with the ancient cornstalk paste technique, reinforcing Holy Week traditions.

In March, Morelia transforms into a city of jazz, featuring performances by Mexican, European, and alternative artists. The JAZZtival Michoacán is a jazz extravaganza featuring concerts, master classes, workshops, kids’ activities, and the National Jazz Student Ensemble Competition. 

Founder Juan Alzate, an acclaimed saxophonist, highlighted the festival’s unique support for emerging groups. The symphonic concert, starting the Jazztival, promises a 100% jazz repertoire.

Don’t miss this traditional yet innovative program with high-quality performances. For details, visit jazztivalmichoacan.org .

Things to Do Near Morelia

One of the best things to do in Morelia is to take a trip to the surrounding mountains to witness the annual migration of monarch butterflies .

Every year, from December to April, millions of butterflies travel from Canada to the forests of Michoacán. It is one of the largest animal migrations in the world, and one of the most spectacular natural wonders of Mexico.

There are eight monarch butterfly reserves in Mexico, with five open to tourism. All are remote, which means that unless you have a rental car, the best option is to take a guided tour from Morelia. Book your private tour here .

Read my guide on how to see monarch butterflies in Mexico .

You don’t have to go far from Morelia to immerse in nature. Just a two-hour drive away is Cerro Hueco, an ancient volcano standing at 2,700 meters above sea level. ​​

It’s known as the place to practice extreme sports such as rappelling. Many locals go hiking, mountain biking and camping here.  Ideal for family or friends, the Cerro Hueco Ecological Park boasts pine-covered landscapes and views of La Alberca’s volcanic crater.

Ecoturismo Morelia Tours organizes rappelling day trips here, including transport from Morelia.

Just an hour’s drive away from Morelia lies the legendary Lake Pátzcuaro and the eponymous town. Pátzcuaro itself is a beautiful pueblo mágico (magic town) incredibly rich in culture, traditions and architecture that has surprisingly remained unknown among foreign tourists.

Mexicans however flock here in droves during Dia de los Muertos, one of the biggest Mexican holidays of the year. Pátzcuaro has a big Purépacha population, who have kept many of their Day of the Dead traditions and continuesto celebrate this festival with centuries-old rituals.

Some must-sees in Pátzcuaro include the Old College of San Nicolás (now home to the Museo de Artes y Industrias Populares ), Casa de los 11 Patios  (perfect for buying crafts), and the expansive Vasco de Quiroga Square. If you’re interested in visiting with a guide, book a tour here .

A trip to Pátzcuaro is incomplete until you visit Janitzio Island. A few minutes from downtown Pátzcuaro is the pier where you can catch a boat to explore Lake Pátzcuaro. There are seven islands dotted around the lake – but the most famous is Janitzio Island. The journey takes approximately half an hour and costs 50 MXN (US$2) per person. 

On the way there, you’ll be able to see fishermen at work, hauling in tiny anchovies with their nets. Once the boat docks, make your way up the hundreds of steps that weave their way around the island. Janitzio’s main attraction is its cemetery, renowned throughout Mexico as one of the best places to experience the Day of the Dead celebration . Every year on 1st and 2nd November, locals fill the cemetery with flowers, candles, and music. This experience is one of the best things to see in Morelia and all of Mexico.

Continue climbing up to the monument of José María Morelos, that dominates over the island. This iconic statue features the Morelia-borned national hero, who despite not having a military background became a successful insurgency leader.

This beautiful and serene lake is located approximately an hour’s drive southwest of Morelia. Upon arrival, you’ll immediately enjoy a sense of peace, which you may want to balance with the activities available at the lake’s adventure park. Perfect time to disconnect from the daily hustle, even allowing time for a refreshing dip in Lake Zirahuén.

If you plan to spend a significant part of the day or even a whole weekend there, you also have the option to engage in activities like mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV rides, and even zip-lining, among other things.

Uruapan, the second-largest city in Michoacán, stands out as one of the finest places to visit near Morelia. Just over 1.5-hour drive from Morelia, Uruapan is another beautiful historic city that few have heard about. Its main attractions include the beautiful Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park – showcasing numerous native plant and animal species amidst abundant water – and the “La Tzaráracua” waterfall, offering opportunities for rappelling. Book a day tour here.

Morelia Travel Guide

Morelia International Airport (MLM) is small but it serves quite a few destinations including Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Jose and Oakland. You can also fly there direct from Mexico City, Tijuana, Cancun and Monterrey. Search for flights here.

You can get there on comfortable buses from nearby cities like Mexico City, Queretaro and Puebla. Mexican inter-city buses are usually well-priced, punctual and comfortable with bathrooms and even Wifi included. Search for buses here.

Getting Around Morelia

If you’re staying in the historic center, it’s easy to explore the city on foot as the historic center is compact. Wander through the well-aligned streets, uncovering historical gems, art shops, and majestic mansions at your own pace. 

You won’t need a car when you’re within the historic center, but if you’re planning to do a road trip around Michoacan, I definitely recommend renting a car. I always book my car rental from  Discover Cars  as they offer the best prices and excellent customer service. An  economy rental car in Morelia  costs around $200 for a whole week, which is  less than $28 a day . The current price for gas is 23.50 MXN (around $1) per liter.

A three-day visit to Morelia is enough to enjoy all of the amazing things you can do there. One day is enough to explore the historic center and all the museums located in the center of the city. On your second day, you can explore other attractions like the zoo and the planetarium. A third day can be dedicated to visiting the surrounding magical towns and lakes or natural landscapes.

In the heart of Morelia, temperatures follow a consistent rhythm, creating a climate that remains stable year-round. The peak performance occurs in May and June, with temperatures soaring to around 90°F in May. Embracing a humid ambiance, especially in the summer, Morelia invites occasional rain showers to join the symphony.

For those desiring a cooler encore, the prime time to take the spotlight in Morelia is from December to February. During this period, the climate adopts a refreshing chill, providing not only a visually captivating experience but also a pleasantly temperate one. It allows visitors to savor the city without the sweltering notes of summer.

Morelia is generally considered a safe city for visitors, with a welcoming atmosphere and a strong focus on tourism. Like any urban area, it’s advisable to exercise common-sense precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and safeguarding personal belongings. 

The historic center, where many attractions are located, is well-patrolled and often bustling with tourists. While incidents can occur, violent crime rates are comparatively lower than in some other Mexican cities. Overall, we felt very safe throughout our time in Morelia.

Where to Stay in Morelia

After a challenging yet thoroughly enjoyable day, it’s time to unwind, a task not taken lightly. Here are some hotel recommendations in Morelia:

Nestled in the hills of Morelia, this charming hotel is perfect for those seeking tranquility and excellent service. Magnificent views of Morelia can be enjoyed from the luxurious suites, and the staff goes above and beyond to provide top-notch hospitality. Check rates here .

Dedicated to nature enthusiasts, this exclusive hotel boasts a Mexican minimalist style, surrounded by extensive gardens and fountains amid the countryside, making it one of the finest hotels in Morelia. Check rates here .

Worthy of its 4-star status, this gorgeous historical hotel has been immaculately restored to house charming rooms with lavish stone walls and marble bathrooms —all at affordable prices. Check rates here .

Where to Eat in Morelia

A unique gallery and dining spot renowned for the “Rincón de las Solteronas” altar with over 800 Saint Anthonys. The culinary experience is equally impressive, with must-try dishes like the “plato mezcalero” and smoked trout “solteronas.” Read reviews here.

Found in Hotel Holiday Inn Morelia, La Mandarina surprises with traditional Morelian dishes. Indulge in Morelian enchiladas, arrachera dishes, corundas, uchepos, and tempting desserts. Read reviews here.

A hidden gem and locals’ guide, this spot operates kermesse-style. Purchase tickets at the entrance and trade them for a variety of local delights, from pozole to enchiladas, uchepos, corundas, pambazos, quesadillas, enchiladas morelianas, and buñuelos. Read reviews here.

Thank you for reading this far! I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of things to do and places to visit in Morelia Michoacan!

Have you tried any of these things to do in Morelia, and which ones have you already experienced? Let me know if you have any questions in the comments field below. I’ll be more than happy to answer them!

For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:

• How to See Monarch Butterflies in Mexico
• 10 Best Hot Springs in Mexico
• 10 Spectacular Waterfalls in Mexico
• How to Visit La Gruta Hot Springs San Miguel de Allende
• Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende
• 30 Fun Things to Do in Guanajuato
• 10-Day Guanajuato Itinerary
• Visiting Grutas Tolantongo Hot Springs
• 30 Things to Do in Oaxaca
• 30 Things to Do in San Cristobal de las Casas
• Best Restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casa

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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4 Days in Morelia – A True Hidden Gem

Located in central Mexico halfway between Mexico City and Guadalajara , Morelia is a truly hidden gem. You don’t find too much information about it, and it’s often overlooked by international tourists. Most tourists in Morelia are Mexican, so if you’re looking for an authentic Mexican experience, this is the place to go.

Morelia is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico. Walking along its streets is like traveling back in time. It doesn’t surprise us that its historic center was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. There are plenty of things to do and see there. That’s why today we will share with you a lot of ideas to spend 4 days in Morelia. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Day 1: morelia’s historic center, day 2: morelia’s historic center.

• Day 3. Pátzcuaro

Day 4: Janitzio and Santa Clara del Cobre

Best time to visit, how to get there, how to move around, where to stay, where to eat, suggested budgets, tips for saving money, how to stay safe, apps to download.

Jardín de las Rosas. I bet you’re hungry upon your arrival in Morelia. I recommend you head over to Jardín de las Rosas to eat something. It’s a beautiful plaza with gardens, a fountain, restaurants, and cafes. The prices are reasonable, and the views are stunning. We ate at Viandante and really loved it. After your meal, you can sit for a while on one of the benches available or continue with your itinerary.

Museo del Estado. Right across the street, you will find this museum. The building dates back to the 18th century and houses artifacts from all over the state. Some of them date back to pre-Hispanic times.

Museo de Arte Colonial. You will find an impressive collection of religious paintings and 100+ Christs.

Templo de Nuestra Señora del Carmen. This is one of the oldest temples in Morelia. It dates back to the late 16th/early 17th centuries. It’s notable for its domes, its bell tower, and its interior paintings.

Casa de la Cultura. This building is located behind the Templo de Nuestra Señora del Carmen and was a Carmelite convent many years ago. It is now a cultural center where you can find art workshops, exhibits, concerts, among other cultural activities.

Mercado de Dulces. A large market with lots of candy, handicrafts, and typical clothing. This is the best place to buy souvenirs at good prices.

Palacio Clavijero. If you could only visit one museum in town, I recommend this one. It’s a beautiful Baroque building that dates back to the 18th century. It is divided into 8 rooms that house temporary and permanent art exhibits. It’s a must when visiting Morelia.

Gazpachos. Morelia locals love a fruit salad named gazpacho. It has nothing to do with the Spanish soup. Instead, this salad has jicama, mango, pineapple, watermelon, onion (yes, you read it right), orange juice, and is topped with Cotija cheese, salt, and ground hot pepper. It’s delicious! You can find them all over town, but the ones we tried and can recommend are known as La Cerrada.

Plaza de Armas. The main square is the heart of Morelia and a gathering place for locals. It is beautifully decorated for special occasions like the Day of the Dead and Christmas. Also, you can ride the trolley from here or take a walking tour around town. My favorite tours are legend tours where they act out the stories for you while visiting historic places.

Aqueduct. Morelia is famous, among other things, for its pink stone aqueduct. It has 253 arches and reaches a maximum height of approximately 30 feet. They stopped using it around 1910.

Bosque Cuauhtémoc. If you want to escape a little from the city, you can head over here. There are shady trees and playgrounds for the whole family. Locals visit this place to play soccer, work out, or simply relax.

Plaza Jardín Morelos. This is the largest public square in Morelia. There is a sculpture of Morelos, one of the pioneers of Mexican Independence, in the center. It was designed by the Italian sculptor Giuseppe Inghilleri.

Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. The exterior may be nothing remarkable, but don’t let that fool you. The inside is breathtaking. It is one of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever seen. The interior is decorated in red, pink, and gold tones. It’s a true masterpiece.

Calzada Fray Antonio de San Miguel. This esplanade leads the way from the previous church to the aqueduct in the Historic Center. It’s a nice place to take a stroll. I had to return at night to see it light up. It looks beautiful!

Fuente de las Tarascas. This fountain is a popular landmark in Morelia. It features sculptures of three women holding a basket with fruit This is the perfect spot to take some photos with the fountain and aqueduct as the background.

Callejón del Romance. This alley is popular among local couples. It feels like walking along an old Italian street. You will find plants hanging from the walls as well as pieces of a poem written by a local author. You will find plenty of photo opportunities. At the end of the alley, there are some cafes where you can relax and eat something.

Museo del Dulce. Morelia is famous for its sweets. Both young and old will love this museum. Not only will you learn about the history of local sweets but also about their making process. At the end of the tour, there is a large shop with all kinds of sweets imaginable. If you have a sweet tooth, you don’t want to miss out!

Instituto del Artesano Michoacano. This building dates back to the 16th century and was a convent back then. It is now a place dedicated to preserving the arts and traditions of Morelia. You can find exhibits, conferences, workshops, and, of course, buy local handicrafts.

Casa Natal de Morelos. Did you know that Morelia was named after Mexican Independence hero Morelos? You can visit the place where he was born and learn more about his life and contributions to Mexican history.

Cathedral. The iconic cathedral is a work of art. It boasts a Baroque style and has a monumental organ inside. This organ was imported from Germany in 1905 and was the largest organ in the Western Hemisphere at the time.

On Saturdays, you can admire a cool video mapping show on the cathedral’s facade. This event takes place every Saturday at 8 p.m. By the way, this show was made by the same company that was in charge of lighting up the Eiffel Tower in Paris. How cool is that?

Day 3: Pátzcuaro

From Morelia, you can easily do day trips to two nearby pueblos mágicos : Pátzcuaro and Santa Clara del Cobre. Let’s see what you can do in Pátzcuaro:

Templo de San Francisco. This is one of the most visited temples in town. There is a Christ inside that was made of sugar cane and the way it was shaped and positioned makes it look too real. Some locals claim that it has even moved.

Santuario de Guadalupe. This sanctuary was built by a former slave that was brought from Cuba to Mexico during the 19th century. It is known for its seven sculptures representing seven virtues.

Plaza Gertrudis Bocanegra. Known by the locals as Plaza Chica, this is one of the two main plazas in Pátzcuaro. It’s surrounded by hotels and restaurants. On the west side, you will find the local market where you can buy fruits, vegetables, herbs, and traditional clothing.

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud. This basilica was built on top of a former Purépecha pyramid. It was built during the 16th century. Inside you can find the remains of the first bishop, Don Vasco de Quiroga.

Centro Cultural Antiguo Colegio Jesuita. This former Jesuit college is now a cultural center with permanent and temporary art exhibits. You can also attend art workshops and courses on site.

Templo del Sagrario. This temple was built in the 16th century and boasts a Baroque style. It is an icon in Pátzcuaro. By the way, this is probably the most instagrammable spot all over town. You will see lots of people trying to take the perfect selfie, so it’s better to visit early.

Casa de los Once Patios. This 18th-century building hosts a large crafts market. Although there are only five courtyards left, originally, there were eleven. Only the name remained. There are plenty of photo and shopping opportunities inside.

Plaza Vasco de Quiroga. Better known as Plaza Grande, this plaza is a gathering place for locals as well as a location for cultural events. Here you can watch the international dance of the old men ( danza de los viejitos ), where young men wear old men’s masks and dance. This tradition goes back to the Spanish Colony times and was a way to mock the Spanish conquerors anonymously.

By the way, don’t forget to try the nieve de pasta ! It’s some kind of caramelized ice cream. You can find it in front of Plaza Grande. It’s delicious!

This is our last day, so we’d better make the most of it. How about the following?

Pátzcuaro’s pier. To go to the island of Janitzio, you have to take a boat. There are several piers at each of the towns surrounding the Lake of Pátzcuaro. However, most people take the boats at Pátzcuaro´s pier ( embarcadero ). There are several dining and shopping options in the area if you haven’t bought anything yet.

Boat to Janitzio. The ride takes approximately 25 minutes. On the way to the island, you will eventually run into the mariposeros . They are fishermen that catch fish by using a butterfly-shaped net, hence the name.

Janitzio Island. This island hosts a large market where you can find food, clothing, and handicrafts. Many tourists visit the local cemetery during the Day of the Dead festivity in November.

Morelos Statue. On top of the island, you will find a giant statue of Morelos. Inside the statue, there is a museum with an observation deck at the very top. There are no elevators, so it can be hard for some people to reach this place.

After spending a few hours in Janitzio, it’s time to move on. You have to take another boat back to the pier, and from there, take a colectivo to go to Santa Clara del Cobre.

Santa Clara del Cobre takes its name from copper. There are many artisans in town that make different objects with this material.

Museo del Cobre. Our first stop will be the Museo del Cobre or Copper Museum. Here you will learn about the history and importance of coppersmithing in town.

Visit a Coppersmith Shop. There are many places in town where you can buy all sorts of copper products and even watch an artisan at work. It’s an interesting and educational experience.

Main Plaza. This is a gathering place for locals and is the heart of the town. There is a large copper casserole where you can take a cool picture.

Templo de la Inmaculada Concepción. This church dates back to the 16th century. It boasts a Baroque style. It is said that this was the place where Pito Pérez told his stories to the writer José Rubén Romero, who published a book about him in 1938.

The average yearly temperature in Morelia ranges between 24°C and 30°C (75.2°F – 86°F). Mornings are chilly, but the temperature rises quickly during the day.

The rainiest months are June-October. If you want to enjoy dry weather, then the best time to visit is between November and May. This coincides with the arrival of the monarch butterflies in Michoacán.

Another good time to go is around Día de Muertos in early November. If you plan to visit during those dates, you have to book a room months ahead as they fill up fast everywhere.

Morelia is served by General Francisco Mujica International Airport. It is located 30 km (19 miles) northeast of downtown Morelia.

Domestic destinations include cities like Monterrey, Tijuana, and Cancún, while international destinations include Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Jose, Fresno, and Oakland.

The bus companies that serve Morelia are ETN, Flecha Amarilla, Grupo Herradura Occidente, Omnibus de México, Parhikuni, Purhépechas, Excelencia Plus, Grupo Estrella Blanca, Línea de Oro, and TAP.

Once at the airport, you have basically three ways to get downtown:

• Take a Herradura de Plata bus outside the airport and get off at the bus station. The fare is around 20 pesos ($1). From there, take another local bus or a taxi.
• Take a taxi. It will cost you between 350 and 420 pesos ($17.50 – $21).
• Rent a car.

Put on comfortable shoes because you will do a lot of walking. It’s easy to move around downtown on foot.

If you need to travel longer distances, you can take a local bus or combi (a type of van). They charge 10 pesos ($0.50). You can check the routes here .

Taxis are not metered in Morelia. They charge per zone. The minimum fare is 30 pesos ($1.50). You will have to negotiate the price with the driver before starting the trip.

Uber is available in Morelia, so that’s another good option.

For our stay in Morelia, we chose Casino Morelia in front of the main square. It’s a nice hotel with large rooms, comfortable beds, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, among other amenities. The staff was very attentive to our needs. Besides the location and service, the price was unbeatable! The rooms are as low as $42.

Of course, there are other hotels and lodging options in case you want something different. In any case, I recommend you use Booking to get the best rates.

There are several options where you can eat authentic food at affordable prices:

• The local markets such as Mercado Independencia, Mercado Nicolás Bravo, and Mercado Revolución ($). You will find all sorts of dishes like tacos, corundas, carnitas, and more.
• Cenaduría La Inmaculada ($). They have lots of food stalls that offer different dishes. You have to buy tickets and then exchange them for what you want. Only open at night. Address: 58230, Madrigal de Las Altas Torres 218, Vasco de Quiroga, Morelia, Mich., Mexico.
• Viandante Café ($$). Located at the Jardín de las Rosas, this small cafe offers options for lunch, breakfast, and dinner. They have chilaquiles, tacos, pasta, soups, coffee, and beer, among other things. Address: C. de Santiago Tapia 305, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico.
• Mercado de Antojitos de San Agustín ($). Enchiladas, pambazos, pozole, and other dishes. Address: Calle La Corregidora 232 Centro, Morelia 58000 Mexico.

As always, remember to use Yelp, Foursquare, and Tripadvisor to look for more recommendations that suit your needs.

If you’re backpacking, you’re looking at around 1,000 pesos ($50) per day. This includes accommodation at a hostel/cheap hotel, a combination of street food and home-cooked food, local transportation, and a few attractions per day (museums, parks, etc).

A mid-range budget is around 1,850 pesos ($92.50) per day. This includes accommodation at a 2-star hotel/Airbnb, cheap restaurants, a few more attractions than the backpacker budget, and a taxi if need be.

Finally, if you don’t want to limit yourself, then a luxury budget will cost you at least 4,300 pesos ($215) per day. This includes staying at a 4-star hotel, eating at nice restaurants, taking taxis/Uber everywhere, and taking tours/guided trips.

Keep in mind these figures are just estimates. Some days you will spend less, while others you will spend more. This will give you a foundation to plan your budget and adjust it as necessary.

For your convenience, I created a table comparing the budgets we mentioned above. The prices are in Mexican pesos ($1 = 20 pesos).

If you’d like to save some money when visiting Morelia, you can try some of the following:

• Stay at a hostel or use Couchsurfing (an app that connects travelers looking for free lodging).
• Eat at the local markets, cenadurías , or street food stands. They’re the cheapest and most delicious options you will find.
• Walk and/or use public transportation as much as possible.
• Uber is generally cheaper than taxis. However, if surge pricing is active, it might be better to take a taxi.
• Look for free walking tours online. You just have to tip your guide at the end of the tour.
• On weekends, there is always something going on outside the cathedral. For instance, the viejitos dance here at certain times of the day. There are also comedy shows or other performances going on. You just have to tip the performers, but it’s way cheaper than attending a formal show.
• For free activities, visit the churches, parks, and markets.
• To buy cheap souvenirs, head over to the Mercado de Dulces y Artesanías.

Michoacán is on the U.S. Government Black List (Do not travel). Now, you may be concerned about safety because of this. The truth is, the media tends to exaggerate the news about Michoacán. I’m not saying nothing bad ever happens there, but it’s not like they rob, kidnap, or kill people on every corner.

The area of Morelia and touristy towns (Pátzcuaro, Tzintzuntzan, Santa Clara del Cobre, Janitzio, etc.) is relatively safe. The most problematic part of Michoacán is south of Uruapan, especially along the coast between Lázaro Cardenas and the state of Guerrero. This area is known as Tierra Caliente.

When driving, stick to toll roads and drive during daylight hours. Do not drive at night under any circumstances.

Morelia and the touristy areas are safe for the most part but don’t bring expensive stuff with you and watch your belongings at all times.

Avoid dark alleys or streets. Do not go out alone late at night.

If you ever find yourself in an emergency, you can dial 911.

Do not drink tap water. Use a filter or buy bottled water instead.

Remember to buy travel insurance to cover any unforeseen events.

To make the most out of your visit to Morelia, I recommend downloading the following apps:

• Uitsi Transporte Morelia. Find information about the local bus routes in town.
• Uber.  The most important rideshare service in Mexico.
• Google Maps.  Find driving directions and download maps for offline use.
• Google Translate.  If you don’t speak fluent Spanish, then make sure you have this app.
• TravelSAFE.  Connect to an emergency hotline by just pressing the SOS button.
• MyCurrency.  Find the latest exchange rate to know how much something is costing you.
• Tripadvisor.  Learn about other travelers’ experiences and recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and other places in town.
• Busbud.  Find bus schedules (when traveling to other cities) and book cheaper tickets online.
• Travello.  Find other travelers on the road and make new friends.

There you have it. Your 4 days in Morelia will fly! There are many things to see and do all year round. Whether you’re into nature, old traditions, Colonial architecture, history, art, you name it, you will find something interesting for you in Morelia.

Feel free to adjust this itinerary and please let me know if you have any questions about it. I will be more than glad to help.

Morelia is one of my favorite destinations in Mexico. I hope you visit it someday if you haven’t. If you have, what would you add to the itinerary? Let me know in the comments section below. Bon voyage!

Book your trip now!

Book your flight

The first thing you have to do is find cheap flights. But where do you find those? There are many search engines, but the one I highly recommend is Skyscanner . Here you can compare fares from all over the world and pick the one that suits you best.

Book your accommodation

The next thing you have to do is secure your lodging. Whether you prefer a hostel, a guesthouse, a B&B, or a hotel, you can find them all on Booking . You can find lodging of all kinds ranging from cheap to expensive and somewhere in between. Many people have scored good deals using it.

Another popular option is Hostelworld . This website focuses on hostels as opposed to hotels.

Book a tour

In some places, you might want to hire a tour. Not all places are equally accessible to visit by oneself. It helps enormously when you visit with a local guide who can show you around and answer any questions you might have…all in your native language. My to-go place is Viator as they offer tours of all kinds and have a presence all over the world.

Public transportation is usually cheaper than renting a car, but it’s sometimes more complicated and time-consuming. That’s a reality. In some cases, it’s more convenient to rent a car. My recommendation is Rentalcars.com . Here you can compare rates and choose the one that fits you best.

Book your bus tickets

You can save money by booking bus tickets online. My favorite site to do this is Busbud .

Get travel insurance

Never travel without a travel insurance policy, especially during these days! Travel insurance can save your life. My recommendations are World Nomads and Insured Nomads . Both companies cover COVID-19 related incidents, which is crucial these days.

More resources

Just click on the “Plan your trip” tab at the top of this page, and you will find more resources like getting Mexican insurance for your foreign car, buying travel accessories, and learning Spanish. And, of course, don’t forget to check back often to read about more tips on Mexico travel.

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• Destinations

6 Replies to “4 Days in Morelia – A True Hidden Gem”

Hi. A place that is popular with local tourists is definitely my kind of place to visit. By the sound of things, if the city is very walkable as you say, I am guessing that it isn’t very large. I remember reading about how important copper was. In fact, if I recall correctly, the historical accounts say that the locals tried to fight off the conquistadores with copper weapons. I guess that was hardly a match for an armored combatant mounted on a horse brandishing a lance and a well-tempered steel sword. Thanks for sharing, it sounds like a delightful place. Best regards, Andy

Morelia is not as large as other Mexican cities, but besides that, most attractions are located in the Historic Center. To travel to nearby towns, there is public transportation available, so I don’t see a point in renting a car here.

I see you’re a history buff just like me. It’s always nice to meet people with similar interests. 

Hope you visit Morelia someday. You will love it.

Thanks for commenting.

Morelia indeed looks like a hidden gem and if it was named a World Heritage site, there must be a very good reason for it. I have never been to Mexico, but after reading this post, I have put it on my bucket list and will certainly visit Morelia once travel restrictions have been lifted more. 

Taking the boat trip to Janitzio and seeing the fishermen with their butterfly shaped nets, seems like a highlight. Thanks for sharing a great itinerary and lots of tips on visiting Morelia and surrounding towns. 

I hope you visit Mexico sometime. You will fall in love with it.

Morelia is one of my favorite destinations, and I’m sure it will be one of yours as well.

In the meantime, feel free to check back my site often to stay up to date with the latest information and tips on Mexico travel.

I mean, where do I sign up? Reasonable prices and stunning views… There’s kind of nothing I’m into more. And my wife is an absolute sucker for places like those. Jardín de las Rosas is something that we’ll absolutely have to visit.

Overall, Morelia sounds so incredible. I would love to see those paintings at Museo de Arte Colonial, see the pink stone aqueduct with my own eyes, experience the breathtaking Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, take the perfect selfie at Fuente de las Tarascas, and boat to the Pátzcuaro’s pier. I would really enjoy visiting that Morelos Statue. My wife absolutely adores places like that.

I mean, I absolutely agree; Morelia sounds like such a gem. Also, loved those tips there at the end. 🙂

Hey, Matiss,

Glad you liked it. Hope you visit someday. You will love it.

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Getty Images/Hemis.fr RM

The state capital of Michoacán and its most beautiful and dynamic city, Morelia is an increasingly popular destination and rightly so: the colonial heart of the city, with its gorgeous cathedral at its center, is so well preserved that it was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1991.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Morelia Cathedral

Morelia’s cathedral, considered by many to be the country's most beautiful, dominates the city center, where it flanks rather than faces the central plaza…

Palacio de Gobierno

This 18th-century palace, originally a seminary and now housing Michoacán state government offices, has a simple baroque facade. Inside, its soaring…

Centro Cultural Clavijero

From 1660 to 1767, the Palacio Clavijero, with its magnificent minimalist main patio, imposing colonnades and pink stonework, was home to the Jesuit…

Museo Regional Michoacano

Housed in a dozen rooms of a renovated late-18th-century baroque palace, this museum contains an impressive array of pre-Hispanic artifacts, including a…

Santuario de la Virgen de Guadalupe

A standard baroque structure on the outside dating from 1708 to 1716, this hushed sanctuary to Mexico's patron is a different story within. Get ready for…

Colegio de San Nicolás de Hidalgo

This building is now part of the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, which produced such scholars as Morelos, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and…

Museo Casa de Morelos

This museum, arguably Morelia's best on the subject of José María Morelos y Pavón, resides in the former house of the independence hero, who bought the…

Museo de Arte Colonial

This ambitious museum contains five rooms chock-a-block with religious paintings and sculptures, including more than 100 depictions of the crucified…

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12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Morelia

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Meagan Drillinger Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Morelia, the magnificent capital of the state of Michoacán, lies on the banks of the Rio Grande de Morelia between Mexico City and Guadalajara, Mexico's two largest cities. Settled by the Spanish after their conquest of the native Tarascans in 1541, Morelia has managed to retain the character of a distinguished colonial town.

Whether you choose to stay overnight or for an extended getaway, the city will delight you, thanks to such highlights as its beautiful main square and the Plaza de los Mártires, with its fine arcades and terraces. Another architectural gem is the Baroque Palacio de Gobierno, with its enormous murals by native artist Alfredo Zalce depicting the history of independence and Mexico's revolution.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site , Morelia's historic city center and fine colonial buildings are well worth exploring. Learn more with our list of the top things to do in Morelia.

See also: Where to Stay in Morelia

1. Morelia Cathedral

2. the government palace, 3. santuario de guadalupe, 4. clavijero palace, 5. the church of santa rosa de lima, 6. the morelia aqueduct, 7. the house of culture and del carmen convent, 8. morelia's historic heart: plaza de armas, 9. the city's hero: jose maría morelos, 10. michoacán regional museum, 11. benito juárez zoo, 12. day trip to patzcuaro, where to stay in morelia for sightseeing, morelia, mexico - climate chart.

Dominating the city skyline, magnificent Morelia Cathedral (Catedral de Morelia) is a must-see when visiting this fine old colonial city. Set overlooking the city's beautiful main square, this huge structure is notable not just for its size but also for its unique pinkish-brown color, the result of being built of local trachyte stone.

Although construction began in 1640, it took more than 100 years before the cathedral was completed in its now largely Baroque style with a striking azulejo-decorated dome.

Interior highlights include its Neoclassical retablos; a silver font; a crucifix by Manuel Tolsá; and a number of paintings attributed to leading artists of the 18th century, including Juan Rodríguez Juárez, José Maria de Ibarra, and Miguel Cabrera. Also of interest is an Indian figure of Christ wearing a golden crown donated by Spanish King Philip II, and an imposing organ built in Germany in 1903 that is featured during the city's international organ and music festivals.

The cathedral also serves as the backdrop for a spectacular light and firework show that's held regularly.

Address: Av Francisco I. Madero Pte. S/N, Centro, 58000 Morelia, MICH

Directly opposite Morelia Cathedral , on the other side of the Avenida Madero Oriente, stands the large Baroque Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno). Constructed between 1760 and 1770 as a seminary, the two-story building is currently home of the state legislature and boasts one of the finest façades in the city, along with three large courtyards.

Of particular interest are the building's fine murals painted in the 1960s by Alfredo Zalce, one of Mexico's most famous native artists. These enormous scenes depict many pivotal moments in the history of both the state and the country, including the history of its independence from Spain and later reforms, as well as the Mexican revolution.

Address: Avenida Madero Poniente, #63, Morelia

Don't let the fact that its exterior looks a little plain prevent you from visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, known locally as Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. After walking the long cobblestone path leading to this 18th-century church, pop your head inside, and you'll be rewarded with a glimpse of one of the most spectacular church interiors in Mexico. Widely regarded as a national treasure, the interior was sumptuously decorated in the brightest of colors by European and native craftsmen, including countless fine plaster rosettes rising up the walls to the gold leaf covered ceiling.

Once you've had your fill of this remarkable building, visit the nearby Church of St. Francis , built around 1540 and the city's oldest sacral building. Of note are the entrance façade, built in the Renaissance style with Plateresque elements, and the bell-tower with its small dome covered with azulejos.

Address: Vasco de Quiroga, Morelia, MICH

Opposite Colegio de San Nicolás, part of the city's old university, stands the massive Clavijero Palace and its large courtyard. Named after the Jesuit teacher Francisco Javier de Clavijero, part of this immense complex is the Iglesia de la Compañía , a Jesuit church built in 1681 that now houses the city's Public Library (Biblioteca Pública).

Also of interest - especially for those with a sweet tooth - is the Mercado de Dulces , also known as the Sweet Market, famous for its many sugary delights including candied coconut and sweetened fruits and vegetables, as well as traditional local handicrafts.

Another of Morelia's religious sites worthy of a visit is the Church of Santa Rosa de Lima (Templo de Santa Rosa de Lima). Tucked away in an attractive little square called Rosas Garden not far from the city center - a pleasant place to visit for its quaint fountain and cafés - this attractive church was constructed in the late 16th century and is notable for its exquisite double portal showing Renaissance influences.

Also of interest is the upper façade and the gilded and painted retablos, dominated by the Baroque style in its Churrigueresque form. A conservatoire, the oldest college of music in America, adjoins the church.

Address: Santiago Tapia, #334, Morelia

The Morelia Aqueduct (El Acueducto) is one of the city's most important landmarks , and one of the best-preserved examples of its type in the world. Located in the eastern part of the old city center, this remarkable feat of engineering was built between 1785 and 1789 and measures 1,600 meters in length. It is supported by 253 arches, some as high as 10 meters.

Distinguished by its unique pink hue - the result of using locally quarried rock - the structure was commissioned to carry drinking water to the city after a two-year drought, as well as to provide employment for the region's Indigenous population. Some of the best views of the aqueduct are from the cobbled trail that runs alongside a lengthy portion of it, a particularly pleasant experience at night when it's lit up.

Morelia's House of Culture (Casa de la Cultura), near the early 17th-century del Carmen Church, is a must-visit for those with an interest in the history of the Catholic faith in Mexico. The museum itself is housed in the large former Carmelite convent adjoining the church, a building begun in the late 16th century and which took almost 300 years to complete.

Much of the complex has been fully restored, and in addition to the House of Culture, with its many archaeological objects, the beautiful exhibits in the Museum of the Mask (Museo de la Máscara) , and statues of Christ from across Mexico, the facility offers workshops along with a theater and café.

Address: Avenida Morelos Norte 485, Morelia

Morelia is unique in Mexico for having seen so little change to the layout and architectural makeup of its historic city center since its establishment in 1541. Of the 200 historic buildings protected under its UNESCO World Heritage Site status in the downtown core, the majority are to be found in and around Plaza de Armas , the city's largest square.

Designed in the 16th-century and remodeled far fewer times than it has been renamed - it was for a spell known as the Plaza of the Martyrs ( Plaza de los Mártires) in honor of executions performed here during the Mexican War of Independence - it's here that you'll find the old Town Hall along with numerous cafés and restaurants, many with fine views over the park and towards the cathedral.

Two buildings in Morelia's old town are now dedicated to the memory of the hero of independence and the city's namesake, Jose María Morelos. The first of these impressive monuments to one of Mexico's greatest heroes is Casa Natal de Morelos , a large rectangular building that looks as much like a fortress as it does the home where Morelos was born. On the corner of Corregidora y García Obeso, this museum displays letters and other memorabilia related to his life and deeds.

The other tourist attraction to visit is Museo Morelos, in his later home at Av Morelos 323, with its displays of Morelos' weapons, uniform, priest's robes, and documents, as well as an adjoining library and auditorium. Also of interest is the wonderful statue of Morelos mounted on a steed and located in (where else) Plaza Morelos .

Housed in a lovely mid-18th-century Baroque building that once belonged to Emperor Maximilian I, the Michoacán Regional Museum (Museo Regional de Michoacán) is one of the city's must-see attractions. Founded in 1886, its large collection includes many important Pre-Columbian artifacts, as well as fine paintings, weapons, and furniture from the Spanish colonial period.

Also of interest are the large murals in the building's stairwells, painted by local native artists Alfredo Zalce, Grace Greenwood, and Federico Cantú. Of particular note is Traslado de las Monjas , believed to be the finest painting dating from the city's colonial period.

Another collection worth seeing is housed in the State Museum (Museo del Estado) with displays relating to the state's history, archeology, and ethnology, as well as collections of Indian costumes, precious stones, and minerals.

A fun Morelia attraction to visit for those traveling with kids is the Benito Juárez Zoo (Zoológico Benito Juárez). Established in 1970 and named after popular Mexican President Benito Juárez, the grounds were in fact planted some 100 years earlier and make for an attractive backdrop. In addition to its collection of larger animals - including tigers, bears, monkeys, and zebras - the zoo boasts over 530 different species, making it one of the largest such attractions in Mexico.

Also fun for kids is the petting zoo, and exploring the playgrounds and park-like setting, which also includes a good-sized lake offering boat rentals. The zoo also operates a well-stocked aquarium.

Address: Calz. Juárez S/N, Félix Ireta, 58070 Morelia

If you thought Morelia was a time warp, just drive an hour southwest to the Magic Town of Patzcuaro , and you'll really feel what it's like to turn back the clock. Patzcuaro is much older than Morelia - it was founded in the 14th century as part of the Tarascan empire. Today the red-tile roofs, white-washed buildings, and winding cobblestone streets help tell the story of its Indigenous past.

Start at the gorgeously manicured Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, and meander the quiet streets. Patzcuaro is known for its artisans who are masters in wood carving and pottery.

If you're able to arrange a visit around Mexico's Day of the Dead (end of October to early November), brace yourself for one of the most vibrant celebrations in the country. Just be sure to pack appropriately - Patzcuaro has a higher altitude, which means that winter can be chilly.

The town is also not far from the Lago de Patzcuaro, which is just three kilometers away. A series of small villages known for their handmade crafts dot the shoreline, and are also worth an exploration.

To help you find a suitable place to stay in this beautiful Mexican city, we recommend these unique hotels in Morelia near the city's top historical attractions.

Luxury Hotels :

• Hotel de la Soledad is a good choice of luxury hotel, in an attractive 18th-century mansion in an evocative setting, featuring a lovely courtyard with a fountain and stone accent walls.
• The Cantera Diez Hotel Boutique is another good option, and is set in a building dating from the 1600s that features 11 comfortable and upscale suites, some with views of the cathedral.
• And check for hotel deals at Villa Montana Hotel & Spa , set in an attractive hacienda with a mix of elegant rooms and multi-bedroom suites, some with spacious terraces.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• A great choice for those seeking mid-priced accommodations, Alameda Centro Historico Hotel is set in a great location with an illuminated courtyard and free buffet breakfast.
• The Hotel Horizon Morelia offers good quality three-star accommodations at very reasonable rates, too, and features bright modern décor, a hot tub, plus an airport shuttle.
• A comfortable stay in a historic old building with views of the cathedral can be expected at Los Juaninos , along with room service, a rooftop patio, and a restaurant.

Budget Hotels :

• Casa Jose Maria Hotel heads up our selection of cheap hotels with its budget-friendly rates, helpful staff, large family rooms, and free parking.
• A very affordable (and well-above average) stay can also be enjoyed at the Hotel Portico , offering pension-style accommodation in clean, bright rooms within an easy walk of the city's main attractions.
• Also worth a look is Hotel y Suites Galeria , offering a mix of rooms and suites, some of which come with kitchens and balconies.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

An Ancient Past : Mexico's ancient past can be explored in places like Chichén Itzá near Cancún, an important archaeological site that was inhabited by the Mayans for over 700 years. And Cancún also serves as an excellent base to explore other historic sites, including Tulum , a coastal fort built by the Mayans.

Mexico's Cities : Mexico City is big and chock-full of fun things to do, with attractions such as Constitution Square (Zócalo) and the National Museum of Anthropology being reasons enough to visit. Mexico's second largest city, Guadalajara is not without its own fair share of top-rated attractions, including its lovely cathedral and government palace. Also interesting is Monterrey , popular for its modern feel, seen in places like the Museum of Contemporary Art and the lovely Santa Lucia Riverwalk.

Mexico Travel Ideas : Mexico is famous for its magnificent beaches. Top-rated beach vacations in Mexico include beautiful Cozumel on the Mayan Riviera, popular for its lush vegetation and crystal-clear water. Beach vacations can also be enjoyed in Cabo San Lucas , popular for its beaches and the amazing sunsets over Land's End. For something a little different, check out the old colonial city of Guanajuato , famous for its amazing underground road network.

More on Mexico

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Watch: As mega Buc-ee's opens between San Antonio and Houston, Greg Abbott flirts with career change

"The state's greatest fan" of Beaver Nuggets, Gov. Greg Abbott, attended the opening of the  world's biggest Buc-ee's in Luling.

In fact, he's such a big fan that he considered ditching the Texas Capitol for a job managing the travel stop between San Antonio and Houston. At least that's what he said Monday at a ribbon-cutting  that WOIA-TV livestreamed .

Related: National ranking tells us what we already know: Buc-ee's is one of the nation's best gas stations.

Before heading inside the 750,000-square-foot location for a tour, Abbott applauded the Luling Buc-ee's for creating over 200 well-paid jobs. General managers can make up to $225,000, while governors get a measly $150,000, he joked.

"If this governor thing doesn't work out, Beaver, I may be coming to you, applying for a job to be a manager and get a pay raise," he said to Buc-ee's president and CEO Arch "Beaver" Aplin III. 

Related: Man brought his service duck to World's Largest Buc-ee's. Now he's banned from all stores for life.

Luling was the site of the first ever Buc-ee's travel center, making it the perfect place to build the biggest of them all. Bringing the title of world's largest Buc-ee's back to Texas is a great source of pride, Abbott told the crowd.

"They spread Texas hospitality, great barbecue and Beaver Nuggets wherever they go," the governor said.

After thanking Abbott for the rave review, Aplin turned down the governor's generous job offer.

"I do appreciate you offering to manage a store, but I'd rather you keep managing the state of Texas," he said.

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Parent item expand the sub menu, what jacquemus’ anniversary show in capri tells about the brand’s future, louis vuitton continues watch repositioning, rag & bone’s dream team: robert geller and andrew rosen, ashlyn’s resort 2025 collection updates design codes for a traveling customer.

Ashlynn Park updated her uniform dressing styles with functional fabrics and design details.

Senior Reporter, Men’s and Accessories

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Ashlynn Park’s second resort collection continued her brand’s ethos of refined uniform dressing by offering new versions fit for her traveling customer.

“The aesthetic goal for the season is to add some different layers of different categories in the wardrobe for my client that I’m always missing during the main season,” Park said. “I set the theme as travel and journey, so we can add things in there for everyday life.” 

Park focused on craftsmanship rather than ornamentation, something she’s become known for since launching her namesake label in 2021.  

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Park continued to play with peplum styles for resort 2025, which added interest to simple silhouettes. This was seen in standout styles like a ribbed knit polo shirt with a matching skirt and a black crepe shirt with an ivory peplum detail. 

The designer strived to offer a layer of functionality through elements such as hybrid fabrics and design details like pockets. One such piece was a hybrid wool carsey jacket, which was lightweight yet offered the warmth of wool. She also designed several styles with multifunctional pockets, which was a first for the usually minimal designer. 

Altogether, Park’s resort 2025 collection displayed her ability to update her uniform dressing with new silhouettes and subtle details that showed her craftsmanship. 

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