The endless cultural experiences and cities filled to the brim with colonial history aren’t just places to be marked on a traveler’s map — they’re windows that allow you to peek into the country’s soul. With their centuries-old churches, colorful markets, and hidden corners, colonial cities are full of stories just waiting to be discovered by curious travelers like you. If you want to explore Mexico beyond its beaches and resorts, this guide is your invitation!
We’ll hold your hand as you walk through the cobblestone streets, experience local delicacies, and explore Mexico in a way that most tourists don’t.
Let’s get started!
1. Start in the Midst of Mexico City
Mexico City, the famous capital of Mexico, is a great starting point for your tour through the country’s colonial cities. This one is home to a wealth of history, with the Zócalo (main square) painting in vivid detail the country’s interesting colonial past.
We suggest you start out with the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Palace of Fine Arts. Consider spending a couple of days exploring the Historic Center, housing some of the oldest buildings in the country.
Are you into art and culture? If so, the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Frida Kahlo Museum are not to be missed. You could also hop off to the nearby colonial towns such as Teotihuacán (with its ancient pyramids) and Taxco (famous for its silver mining heritage).
2. Head to Puebla, Our Second Stop
From Mexico City, consider taking a short bus or car ride to Puebla. This spot is considered one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the country. In fact, the city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You may not be able to explore Puebla through and through, but if there’s one place you must experience it is the Puebla Cathedral, located in the Zócalo. The architecture is simply breathtaking and the Rosary Chapel is a remarkable add-on to the adventure (a masterpiece of Baroque art).
P.S. If you are in the region, don’t forget to try the Puebla delicacy mole poblano (a rich sauce served with chicken).
3. Discovering Mexican History in Oaxaca
An article on Mexican colonial tours is incomplete without the mention of Oaxaca. Once you have toured Puebla, consider a short trip to the Santo Domingo Church, one of Oaxaca’s main attractions, as well as the nearby cultural center.
This gets you well-acquainted with not only the region’s history and art but also its exciting markets, filled to the brim with traditional handicrafts, local textiles, and mezcal. You could also take a short detour to the Monte Albán archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Zapotec ruins over a mountaintop overlooking the city.
Guanajuato, Mexico / Photo by Jorge Gardner on Unsplash
4. Guanajuato: The City of Color
Hold your breath as we make our way to Guanajuato next, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site that is well-known for its picturesque colonial cities. Here’s all you can enjoy:
- Alhóndiga de Granaditas: A historic building that serves as a reminder of the Mexican fight for independence
- Callejón del Beso: Also known as Alley of the Kiss, famous for its romantic legend
- Museo de las Momias: A famous museum which hosts mummies discovered in the nearby cemetery
- Cerro del Cubilete: For the famous Christ the King statue and panoramic views of the entire city
5. San Miguel de Allende
Frequently featured in the Forbes Travel Guide, San Miguel de Allende is well-known all around the world for its architecture, artistic community, and chill vibes. It’s not far from Guanajuato and is a major tourist attraction due to its beautiful Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a neo-Gothic church that dominates the town’s skyline.
Along with the interesting history, you also get quaint cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings (the true mark of Mexico) as well as boutique shops and art galleries. This city is a famous attraction for artists, writers, and creatives from around the world.
6. Your Final Stop: Morelia
The perfect balance between colonial and modern vibes, Morelia should be celebrated for its charm just as much as any other city. Here you can visit the Morelia Cathedral or walk down Avenida Madero, a tree-lined street filled with cafes, shops, and beautiful colonial architecture.
If you find it difficult to squeeze all of the above into an itinerary, consider booking colonial Mexico tours. Guided by experts, these tours take you through Mexico, ensuring you get the best historical and cultural experience the region has to offer!
The Colonial Cities Await
Visiting merely the mainstream attractions of Mexico is no match for a tour through the colonial cities. While the former gives you a surface level experience of what Mexico might look like to the inexperienced traveler, the latter provides a much deeper dive into the true Mexican culture and colonial history.
The colonial cities introduce you to “what once was” and, through this exploration, allow you to marvel at a city that has managed to fuse modernity with tradition. Whatever your itinerary may look like, you must dedicate a day to simply walking through the streets of Mexico and meeting the locals to immerse yourself in their stories and enjoy Mexico through their eyes!
Morelia, Mexico / Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash
