A Historic City: 10 Best Things To Do In San Luis Potosi, Mexico

1. Catedral de San Luis Potosí

Built between 1670 and 1730, Catedral de San Luis Potosi in Calle De Morelos is considered to be first building in the city to feature Baroque architecture. The interiors were changed to a neoclassical style during the late 19th century, making it even more spectacular. Take a trip to this historic chapel and be captivated by the towers and the façade’s marble statues of the apostles. The sculptures are similar to the ones found in St. Peter Basilica.

Catedral de San Luis Potosí

Address: Calle De Morelos 620, Centro, Centro Historico, 78000 San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico

2. Templo del Carmen

Barroco Churrigueresco is a beloved Spanish architectural style, and Templo del Carmen is the perfect representation of it. After admiring the façade’s intricate stone carvings, head inside for an up-close look at the 18th century paintings and the awe-inspiring altarpieces such as the Camarin de la Virgin del Carmen and Retablo de los Arcangeles. Camarin de la Virgin del Carmen is made of gold and features magnificent statues of the Virgin Mary, Santa Ana, and San Joaquin while Retablo de los Arcangeles will enthrall you with detailed effigies of the archangels. Indeed, art lovers will have a memorable time here.

Templo del Carmen

Address: Peatonal Manuel Jose Othon # 410, San Luis Potosi 78000, Mexico

3. Palacio de Gobierno

Palacio de Gobierno in Garden Hidalgo used to be the residence of well-known political figures such as Antonio López de Santa Anna and Benito Juárez, and it remains to be one of the state’s most important buildings. Upon arrival, let the well-preserved neoclassical architecture leave you in awe. Head inside to see the different rooms where the most significant events in the country took place. Another highlight is the clock in the main balcony, which was placed to commemorate the beginning of the war for Mexican independence.

Palacio de Gobierno

Address: 78000, Garden Hidalgo 1, Centro Historico, San Luis, SLP, Mexico

4. Museo del Ferrocarril

Opened in 2009 and located in the city’s historical center, Museo del Ferrocarril is where you can revisit the former train station of San Luis Potosi. You will see not only vintage trains and their various parts up-close, but an impressive miniature replica of the station as well. Along the way, get to know more about the country’s locomotive history and its impact in transportation. The museum is also famous for its beautiful wall paintings, which were illustrated by beloved local artist Fernando Leal.

Museo del Ferrocarril

Address: Manuel José Othón, Centro Historico, 78000 San Luis, S.L.P., Mexico

Website: Museo del Ferrocarril (Spanish Website)

5. Teatro de la Paz

Teatro de la Paz opened in December 1894, and it’s one of the country’s four main theaters. It hosts different awe-inspiring plays, concerts, dance performances, and many other shows. You can buy your tickets for these spectacles at the booth outside. If you’re not in the mood to watch a show, then you can just roam around and admire the beauty of the building, which was designed by famous architect Jose Noriega. The theater also consists of stunning artworks such as Fernando Leal’s mural and a sculpture of dancer Celica Arias.

Teatro de la Paz

Address: Calle Villerias 205, Centro Historico, 78000 San Luis, S.L.P., Mexico

6. Museo Nacional de La Mascara

Masks have always been part of the country’s culture, and you will learn more about them in this beloved museum. Be astounded by Museo Nacional de La Mascara’s well-preserved 19th-century architecture and then, head inside to marvel at its impressive collection. There are 5 rooms here, each of which houses masks from different parts of Mexico. Not only will you see the items up-close, but you will also find out what they symbolize.

Museo Nacional de La Mascara

Address: Villerías No 2, Centro Historico, 78000 Centro Histórico, S.L.P., Mexico

Website: Museo Nacional de La Mascara (Spanish Website)

7. Museo Regional Potosino

It’s another museum located in the historical center, and it perfectly represents Novohispana architecture. After admiring Museo Regional Potosino’s façade, come inside and explore the four rooms for a memorable history lesson. In the first room, you will see various artifacts related to the first inhabitants of the Huasteca region. The Mesoamerica section will expand your knowledge about the different cultures of not only Mexico, but also other Central America countries. Continue to the Foundation hall for an up-close look at the well-preserved documents detailing the origins of San Luis Potosi. On the upper floor is the Chapel of Aranzazú, which promises to enthrall you with its Baroque features.

Museo Regional Potosino

Facebook: Museo Regional Potosino (Spanish Page)

8. Centro de las Artes

It was a prison from 1904 to 1999, but in 2009, it became an institution dedicated to the arts. Centro de las Artes in Calzada de Guadalupe retained the features of the old penitentiary, making it a truly unique structure. After marveling at the architecture, visit the gallery to check out some of the finest contemporary artworks in town. Prepare to be mesmerized by paintings, sculptures, and many other masterpieces. You will also have a chance to see the cell of Mexican revolutionary Francisco I. Madero, who served a brief sentence in the prison. The garden not only contains exotic plants, but an imposing statue of Madero as well.

Centro de las Artes

Address: Calzada de Guadalupe 705, Col. Julián Carrillo, San Luis Potosi

Facebook: Centro de las Artes (Spanish Page)

9. Tangamanga Park I

This 1,016-acre (4,111,606 square meters) site opened in 1985, and it’s Mexico’s second largest urban park. Tangamanga Park I offers different kinds of activities, all of which are sure to give you a wonderful time. You can explore the forested parts on foot or by bike to fully enjoy the lush scenery or visit the zoo to see the lovely animals. If you’re not in the mood to move around, then just unwind by the lake. As for the kids, they will surely enjoy the well-maintained playground. At the water park, you can go for a refreshing swim or try out the exciting slides. The park is also famous for its theater, which hosts amazing orchestra performances. Other highlights include sports fields, a planetarium, and an arts and science museum.

Tangamanga Park I

Address: Dr. Salvador Nava Martínez s/n, San Luis Potosí, Mexico

10. Alameda Park

Alameda Park located in San Luis Potosi’s historic center, and it remains to be popular with both locals and tourists. Fall in love with nature even more as you walk through the tree-lined paths and the huge flower gardens. At the gazebo, you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the lush scenery and tranquil atmosphere. The center of the park features a fountain and an artificial lake where you can see the adorable ducks up-close. It also contains the monument dedicated to Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, who is often referred to as the father of Mexican independence.

Alameda Park

Address: Avenida Constitucion y Avenida Universidad, Centro Historico, San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Enjoy San Luis Potosi now

Getting around the city is easy because trolleys, buses, and taxis are abundant, and they’re relatively cheap. You can reach most of the famous attractions on foot as well. San Luis Potosi is also known for its friendly atmosphere, so expect nothing but good vibes all throughout your trip. Now that you know what to do in this charming metropolis, let the epic vacation begin.