One of the best feelings we get to experience as travellers is discovering a hidden gem of a destination. A world that is yet to be diluted with tourism, away from the commercialism and jadedness that we so often find in the popular travel destinations. Morelia is one of these hidden gems, known only amongst locals for its beauty and grandeur. Built from the bottom-up in the 18th century, the city will transport you back to history, with its untouched old architecture, quaint cobblestone streets, and gardens filled with fountains and stone statues. Bringing tourism to an unknown city is always beneficial to both the locals and the travellers themselves, and it is important that the aura and charm of a city like Morelia are preserved, and do not go unappreciated. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next vacation to Morelia, and read on as we bring you amazing ways to fill up your itinerary with our list of things to do in Morelia, Mexico.
1. Pay your respects at Catedral de Morelia (from USD 27.0)
This three-hour city tour takes you to a variety of historical and culturally significant sites, including the famous Catedral de Morelia. You will be accompanied by a professional and friendly English-speaking guide, who will take you to various cathedrals and churches, public squares and gardens, as well as natural scenic points in Morelia. This is a walking tour so make sure to wear comfortable footwear and bring your own water and snacks.
Morelia Small-Group City Sightseeing Tour
Duration: 3 hours
2. Buy tons of candy at Morelia’s Candy Market
Morelia’s Candy Market is truly a landmark destination that is just now gaining the popularity it deserves. Known amongst locals as “Valentín Gómez Farías Market,” this market is bound to be a huge hit with your little ones. You can buy a wide assortment of various candies and chocolates, and take some back home as souvenirs. Aside from this, there are also options in small baubles and interesting handicrafts you can buy here. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the first place you should visit in Morelia.
Morelia’s Candy Market
Address: Valentin Gomez Farias, Centro Historico, Morelia, Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Go community bicycling at Ciclovia Dominical Morelia
como hoy no hubo ciclovia la postal salio en el camino espero sea de su agrado
Posted by Paseo Ciclista Dominical Morelia on Sunday, 7 September 2014
Ciclovia Dominical is an extremely popular sport in Morelia that takes place only on Sundays. Just like marathons, the city shuts down a popular street in Morelia to traffic, where people driving non-vehicular means such as skaters, skateboarders and bicycles are allowed to take over for a whole six hours. You can rent a bicycle for yourself at very affordable rates. The stretch is really beautiful to cycle down with your friends or even alone, as you are sure to make new ones on the road.
Ciclovia Dominical Morelia
Address: México 15, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Ciclovia Dominical Morelia
Opening hours: Sun: 8am - 1pm (closed on Mon - Sat)
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4. Check out the Roman-style Morelia Aqueduct
Aqueduct in Morelia
Posted by AMPI Morelia on Sunday, 5 August 2018
This aqueduct is a very old Roman building that has about 200 arches and was built in the 18th century. Situated in the midst of Morelia, it has become a tourist attraction as it makes for a great place to take a pleasant evening walk, as well as a great Instagram-friendly spot. This can be a great spot to cycle along as well, if you are looking for a more sporty activity during a lazy evening.
Morelia Aqueduct
Address: Av Acueducto 1464, Chapultepec Nte., 58260 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Explore the contemporary art pieces at Centro Cultural Clavijero
Posted by Centro Cultural Clavijero on Sunday, 26 February 2017
This is an old government office that has a free museum that is open to the public. Built in the 17th century, the museum section opened to the public in 2008 and is filled with some of the most contemporary interesting artefacts you will find. The old-school building is sure to charm you as well so do give this place a visit if you are an art or architecture enthusiast.
Centro Cultural Clavijero
Address: El Nigromante 79, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Centro Cultural Clavijero
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
6. Witness the grandeur of Palacio de Gobierno
Posted by Palacio de Gobierno de Michoacán on Friday, 7 October 2016
The Palacio de Gobierno is an architectural marvel and one of the biggest landmark buildings in Morelia. Covered with stunning murals that tell the tale of how Mexico gained independence, this building today holds an important government post as well as a culturally significant structure. It is worth it to explore the beauty of this building so don’t miss it!
Palacio de Gobierno
Address: Av. Morelos Sur, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Palacio de Gobierno
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 8pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
7. Read books from the 15th century in the Public Library of the Michoacan University
This library contains specimens that date back to the 15th century. The building has beautiful architecture overlooking a quaint old-school garden and a huge collection of books and volumes that is accessible to the public, along with restricted artefacts and antiques spanning three floors of the building. What better way could there be for a bookworm to spend time than perusing such a huge library?
Public Library of the Michoacan University
Address: Av. Francisco I. Madero Pte. s/n, Col. Centro. 58000 Morelia, Morelia
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 8:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
8. Visit the home of José María Morelos at Museo Casa Natal de Morelos
The Museo Casa Natal de Morelos is another grand building that originally used to be the home of, and is now dedicated to the person who gave Morelia its beautiful name, José María Morelos. You can learn various interesting facts about his life, as well as discover a unique life-size robot of the man himself. The robot is animated and will speak about his life so give this museum a go if you are interested in a more personal and less generic history trip.
Museo Casa Natal de Morelos
Address: La Corregidora 113, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm
9. Admire the elaborate murals of Mexican history in Palacio de Justicia
The Palacio de Justicia is another beautiful building that hosts important historic documents that played a part in the creation of the Supreme Court of Justice of Morelia. In addition, the building also has interesting audiovisual shows and unique exhibits on display for tourists. If you are lucky, you can catch a few events and festivals that they host here as well.
Palacio de Justicia
Address: Allende 267, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
10. Wander through the airy halls of Conservatorio de las Rosas
Considered as one of the first music conservatories on the continent, the Conservatorio de las Rosas is a premier music school that was the alma mater to many professional musicians today. This is also a tourist site where many people can enjoy the soothing music as the students practise their art. So pay this beautiful conservatory a visit and spend a relaxing afternoon here just enjoying the gorgeous garden outside as you listen to the soulful music.
Conservatorio de las Rosas
Address: Calle de Santiago Tapia 334, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Conservatorio de las Rosas
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
11. Browse through the interesting exhibits in Michoacan Regional Museum
Filled with interesting and unique artefacts from the past, this building is another great find if you are interested in Mexican history and architecture. The beautiful archways throughout the building make for a very photogenic place indeed. At a reasonable 50 pesos, this is truly a great place to check out if you love grand ancient buildings.
Michoacan Regional Museum
Address: Allende 305, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Michoacan Regional Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 2.60 USD
12. Feed the ducks at Bosque Cuauhtémoc
This is the largest park in Morelia, making it a must-visit destination if you enjoy spending some relaxing time in nature. Bosque translates from Spanish as forest, and those are the vibes this park gives you the moment you step in. You can have a picnic by the lake, feed the ducks, or just take a long walk or jog in the evenings. Or, find yourself walking over the gentle dewdrops on grass early morning, watching the sun rise.
Bosque Cuauhtémoc
Address: Rafael Carrillo 138, Cuauhtémoc, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Walk through the cobblestone streets of Calzada de Fray Antonio de San Miguel
Also known as “Calzada de San Diego,” this is a gorgeous and charming cobblestone street that was built as far back as the 17th century. The road was built to lead to a chapel but it ended up becoming a focal point with tourists. Relax in the shade of huge arching trees that cover this path or go for a walk along the road capturing great pictures. Along the way, you can see lovely vintage buildings built in the classic colonial style.
Calzada de Fray Antonio de San Miguel
Address: Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Take in the mesmerising Renaissance-style architecture of Santuario de Guadalupe
Also known as the Shrine of Our Lady Of Guadalupe, this chapel has been touted as the most beautiful building in all of Morelia, which is saying something for a city that is filled with colonial-era buildings! Adorned with breathtaking floral decor and incredible paintings all over in warm tones, this church gives a regal yet cosy feel when you visit it. Every aspect of the church’s architecture, from the doors, and ceilings, up to the columns, are decorated with murals and flowers. Don’t miss this one when you are in Morelia!
Santuario de Guadalupe
Address: Jardín Fray Antonio de Lisboa Núm. 2, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Santuario de Guadalupe
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
15. Pay a visit to Palacio Municipal de Morelia
Here we have another incredible ancient building filled with classic elements of the colonial era. This building is famous for being the main headquarters of the tobacco sale, as well as the venue where a priest gave a famous speech on the abolition of slavery. Today, it is Morelia’s municipality seat, and a great tourist spot frequented by many travellers every year. Don’t miss marvelling at the beautiful architecture of this historically significant building when in Morelia.
Palacio Municipal de Morelia
Address: 58000, Allende 403, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Palacio Municipal de Morelia
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
16. Take photos in front of Fuente Tarascas
If you are looking for the most photogenic spot in Morelia, look no further than the Fuente Tarascas. Adorned with a statue of three indigenous women holding a basket, this sculpture is truly a sight to behold. It was renovated as recently as 1984, and it is surrounded by a great walkway to go for a walk and enjoy the gorgeous surroundings.
Fuente Tarascas
Address: Av Acueducto 890, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Fuente Tarascas
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
17. Visit the creatures of Benito Juárez Zoo
Who doesn’t enjoy zoos? Take a trip to this enormous zoo that is filled with a variety of different species of animals, especially if you have little ones with you. You can bring your own food here to enjoy a nice quiet picnic or buy some from the shops here. The tickets are quite inexpensive, and you are guaranteed to have a fun outing.
Benito Juárez Zoo
Address: Calz. Juárez S/N, Félix Ireta, 58070 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Benito Juárez Zoo
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4:30pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5:30pm
Price: 1.50 USD (general admission)
18. Enjoy a day out at Morelia Zoo Aquarium
The Morelia Aquarium is a part of the zoo, and is a fascinating collection of various water creatures such as unique fish species, octopi, and other marine and freshwater creatures. This is another excellent place to take your little ones and teach them about the wonderful underwater creatures and encourage a fascination for nature.
Morelia Zoo Aquarium
Address: Calz. Juárez S/N, Félix Ireta, 58070 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4:30pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5:30pm
19. Walk hand-in-hand with your partner at Alley Romance
Sometimes the simplest vacation experiences can also be the most memorable. A short walk is common and routine for any couple, but this walk will remain in your hearts for years to come. The Alley Romance, also known as the Callejon del Romance, is a well-known picturesque walkway adorned with flowering plants, making it a very romantic place to hold special events in your relationship, such as a proposal or a pre-wedding shoot.
Alley Romance
Address: 58000, Del Romance 48, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
20. Hike through The Old Filters Morelia
Bring out the inner adventurer in you and go hiking or bird watching along this beautiful nature trail. You will trek through a forest, several lakes, and a moderate climb. If you want to take this experience to the next level, bring along your camping equipment and set up camp near the road, although you may need to look out for wildlife. This is a great way to spend an early morning to get your blood pumping right before a relaxing city tour.
The Old Filters Morelia
Address: The Old Filters, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
21. Relish Mexican cuisine at Restaurante Los Mirasoles
Posted by Los Mirasoles on Saturday, 8 December 2012
Possibly the greatest experience you could have in Mexico is enjoying the delicious Mexican fare, that is so popular all over the world today. Why not go authentic with this amazing restaurant that focuses only on providing a genuine Mexican experience to all its guests? Aside from the food, the decor is breathtaking, with beautiful colonial architecture complemented with a fine dining experience set in a forest theme with plenty of natural plants. This is the first place you must visit for your first meal in Morelia!
Restaurante Los Mirasoles
Address: Av Francisco I. Madero Pte 549, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Restaurante Los Mirasoles
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 1pm - 11pm (closed on Sun)
22. Sip great cocktails at Zacarias Live bar
Posted by Zacarias Karaoke on Wednesday, 26 June 2013
What better way to spend a happening evening than going dancing to some amazing live music? This bar specialises in live music brought to you by experienced artists, and on some nights, you can even treat yourself to a karaoke session with your friends or family. Another thing you can enjoy is the drinks selection, which is quite varied here. Overall, this place promises a great time.
Zacarias Live bar
Address: Calle Juan José de Lejarza 20, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Zacarias Live bar
Opening hours: 1pm - 3am (daily)
23. Enjoy a jig at Sense Club
If you are looking for a more electrifying and incredible way to spend your night than a relaxing bar, this is the perfect spot to hit for a great night out. Sense Club is one of the most frequented clubs in the city and boasts of great DJs and high audio quality. Because of its sheer popularity, you might have to make reservations ahead of time especially on weekends to avoid a long wait. But once inside, you can enjoy dancing all night and sipping a wide variety of delicious cocktails.
Sense Club
Address: Avenida Jefferson s/n, Santa Maria del Guido, 58350 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Sense Club
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 2pm; Fri: 9am - 2pm, 9pm - 3am; Sat: 9pm - 3am (closed on Sun)
24. Pamper yourself at Azul Spa
Posted by Azul Spa Morelia on Tuesday, 4 September 2018
While vacations are always an amazing experience, they can get quite exhausting quicly. While in Morelia, you must take advantage of the amazing spa experience at super affordable rates. From foot massages to hot stone therapy to aromatherapy, this spa offers a wide variety of services that you can choose from, and you are sure to end the session completely relaxed and rejuvenated. If you bring your spouse along, this can make for a very romantic and unique way to bond with each other!
Azul Spa
Address: Calle Aquiles Serdán 606, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Azul Spa
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
25. Shop till you drop at Las Américas Morelia
If you are a shopaholic, vacation represents fresh new options for you in shopping. Unfortunately, a lot of the street markets tend to be overcrowded, and it is impractical to spend a whole day at with the hot Mexican sun shining down on you. So take a trip to Las Américas and spend a whole day exploring the huge range of options at this mall. You can choose from clothing, accessories, home decor, and more. If you get hungry, pop over to the food court here for a quick bite or for a cup of coffee, or plan to have your lunch or dinner here to give yourself a break from the shopping for a bit. This mall is so huge that it’s virtually impossible for you to check out all the shops in one day so you are sure to return here once more.
Las Américas Morelia
Address: Las Américas, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
Opening hours: 10am - 2am (daily)
26. Catch a movie at Cinépolis Morelia Centro
One of the most awesome moments is waiting with bated breath for the release of your favourite movie, then catching it as soon as possible in theatres. Don’t miss this experience while on vacation and check out the movies playing at the Cinépolis Morelia Centro website so you can catch your favourite flicks when you are here. With the classic Cinepolis experience, luxurious seating and exceptional service, you are sure to have a wonderful time along with your loved ones. You can bring your kids along for a fun children’s movie, or if you are travelling with your spouse, spend some quality time with each other enjoying a romantic movie together as a part of the classic dinner-and-movie date idea.
Cinépolis Morelia Centro
Address: Calle de Santiago Tapia, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Cinépolis Morelia Centro
Opening hours: 8am - 12am (daily)
27. Play a round or two at Tres Marias Golf Club
Posted by Club de Golf Tres Marías on Saturday, 6 April 2019
Whether you are a total beginner at golf or a seasoned veteran, it is always a fascinating experience to explore a brand new turf. Tres Marias Golf Club offers a luxurious 27-hole club cum residential experience, lined with trees and filled by varied terrain. This golf course also hosts interesting events that you can take part in, and you are sure to make a few friends along the way!
Tres Marias Golf Club
Address: Av. Tres Marias 1000, 58254 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Tres Marias Golf Club
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 7am - 10pm; Sun: 8am - 5pm
28. Have a thrilling experience at Tobogán Gigante
Posted by Tobogan Gigante on Wednesday, 6 June 2018
An amusement park is always a thrilling experience for people of all ages. Whether you are travelling with children, friends, or with your spouse, a trip to an amusement park always creates incredible memories and brings the complete package with regards to a day trip. So be sure to reserve one day from your vacation to Morelia to come to Tobogán Gigante, which promises a fun-filled adventure full of haunted houses, hall of mirrors, rollercoasters, and all the amusement park classics that we all remember from our childhoods! If you are travelling with kids, this park also has a ton of child-friendly ride options, as well as a restaurant in case your little one gets hungry.
Tobogán Gigante
Address: Perif. Paseo de la República 2000, La Huerta, 58080 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Tobogán Gigante
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 8pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 9:45am - 8pm
29. Enjoy a live performance at Teatro Stella Inda theatre
Who wouldn’t enjoy a classic live theatre experience? Instead of going to the same worn-out tourist spots, try something unique while in Morelia with Teatro Stella Inda, which holds interesting and breathtakingly magnificent live performances throughout the year. You can book your tickets on the spot on a whim, or book them beforehand online as well. This will make for a very magical and romantic evening, and is the perfect way to spend some quality time with your spouse enjoying a show together.
Teatro Stella Inda
Address: Av Francisco I. Madero Pte 1200, Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Teatro Stella Inda
Opening hours: 8am - 12am (daily)
30. Try your hand at archery at Club Corzos de Morelia
This is a unique and interesting opportunity to take part in while in Morelia–come and enjoy some archery! Even if you are new to this, it can be a very fulfilling and incredible experience that will create memories for a lifetime. So come on down to this club, and learn archery from a trained professional teacher who will guide you through the basics, and then allow you to shoot at targets with supervision and safety. After all, there is a reason why this amazing weapon has been such a ubiquitous part of human history, whether it was war or animal hunting: it is effective and thrilling at the same time.
Club Corzos de Morelia
Address: Batalla de Casa Mata 635, Chapultepec Sur, 58260 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
Website: Club Corzos de Morelia
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 2:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Experience paradise-on-earth in Morelia
Whether you are just looking for your next vacation spot, planning a destination wedding to a unique place, or discovering unknown secret gardens all over the world for your next solo trip, consider the well-deserved city of Morelia. With beautiful infrastructure that has remained as it is since the 18th century, friendly and welcoming locals that are not jaded by tourists, and an opportunity to make memories to last a lifetime, we are sure you will not pass up on this city while booking your next travel plans!
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