A charming city characterized by beautiful pink quarry stone and sitting in the shadow of a magnificent hillside, Zacatecas is a wonderful place to experience. This unique destination offers several historical heritage, architectural excellence and vibrant culture for you to explore. As one among the northern-most of Mexico’s silver cities, Zacatecas is very peaceful and has an almost magical ambiance. There are several places for tourists to visit – including a large historic city center filled with majestic colonial buildings, wonderful museums, large scenic parks, mazy streets and alleys, and also the chance to experience the numerous traditions and festivities that abound in the town. Formerly a significant mining city, the entire Zacatecas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site too. And when you visit, try out this list of things to do in Zacatecas, Mexico, for an exciting getaway.
1. Wander through the imaginative Museo Rafael Coronel
During your time in the city, a trip to the excellent Museo Rafael Coronel should not be missed. This exciting museum is strategically housed in a vintage 16th-century Ex-Convento de San Francisco, which adds to its artistic feel. The museum is filled with beautiful Mexican local art collected by famous Zacatecan artist Rafael Coronel, as well as other impressive local craftworks. Wander through the halls and see the various displays of masks, paintings, and remarkable collections of craftworks, pottery, totems, puppets, and other captivating objects.
Museo Rafael Coronel
Address: S. Francisco 65, Zacatecas Centro, 98000 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Website: Museo Rafael Coronel
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 10am - 5pm (closed on Wed)
Price: 2 USD
2. Get your adrenaline pumping at Tirolesa 840 Zacatecas
If you are an outdoor person in this city, then you can’t afford to miss visiting Tirolesa 840 Zacatecas. This exciting place is a hub of thrilling outdoor activities. It is most famous for the exhilarating zip-lining experience. The impressive zip lines (two in number) are up to 840 meters (2700 feet) long and stand as high up as 80 meters (262 feet) above the city. You can take a cab up the hill to the start of the zip-lines or hike up the mountain and enjoy the natural pure landscape views.
Tirolesa 840 Zacatecas
Address: Cerro De La Bufa, 98000 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Website: Tirolesa 840 Zacatecas
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
3. Explore a real-life mine at Mina El Eden
Mina El Eden is one place that fully encompasses the rich mining heritage of this city. Also known as the El Eden Mine, this place is, in fact, one of the main attractions in the city. A site once mined for its precious silver, gold, lead, and zinc deposit, El Eden has now been converted into a fascinating tourist destination. Explore the inside of this mine by going on an underground train ride through it, learn about its history in the museum on-site and appreciate where men and women worked tirelessly back then.
Mina El Eden
Address: Antonio Dovali Jaime s/n, Zacatecas Centro, 98000 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Website: Mina El Eden
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
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4. Appreciate the panoramic views from Teleferico
Initially opened in 1979, this sightseeing ride is one of the most visited places by tourists, and locals love it too. The trip involves going on a mountain cable car across two stations over the city. It lasts for about 7 minutes and spans over 650 meters (2132.5 feet) across the town. The Teleferico de Zacatecas is very secure, having had its facilities upgraded over the years it offers unbeatable views of the impressive surrounding areas. See the beautiful landscape and enjoy bird’s-eye views of the remarkable buildings and monuments.
Teleferico
Address: Del Grillo S/N, Bancomer, 98140 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Website: Teleferico
Opening hours:10am - 6pm (daily)
5. Visit the iconic Cubo Aqueduct
Completed in the 18th century to carry water from the El Cubo mine area to Zacatecas Centro, The El Cubo Aqueduct has a historical tour in place for you. Although the aqueduct was retired from active use in 1910, it has remained standing as one of the historical attractions in the city. What makes this spot awesome to see is its stunning arches, and beautiful brick structure made up of pink stones. This impressive architectural structure lights up at night, giving it a grand and magnificent appearance. So, don’t leave too early.
Cubo Aqueduct
Address: González Ortega, Centro, Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Admire the diverse artworks on display in Museo Pedro Coronel
Museo Pedro Coronel is a fantastic site to explore. This museum is situated in a beautiful historic building in the center of the city. Opened in 1983, the institution started as a place to display the stunning art collection donated by Pedro Coronel and has now grown to become so much more. It’s now home to up to 25,000 antique books, remarkable white Roman figures, and sculptures, pieces of art with Greek, Roman, Italian, Spanish, and Asian origin and beautiful original works by Picasso, Delacroix, Miró, and so much more.
Museo Pedro Coronel
Address: Plazuela de Santo Domingo S/N, Zacatecas Centro, 98000 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
7. Enjoy a peaceful day out at Sierra de Alica Park
Sierra de Alica Park is one of the most impressive grounds in the city. This location offers a large area of lush land with green hills and relaxing features like a gazebo, footpath for those who would like to take a scenic stroll around, a human-made stream with a small wooden bridge crossing over it, a stage and a large fountain. Several beautiful flowers are lining the park, and the creek offers a calm place to observe natural fauna. It’s a beautiful place for a time out with the family.
Sierra de Alica Park
Address: J. Jesús González Ortega 304, Sierra de Alica, 98050 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Stroll through Museo de Arte Abstracto Manuel Felguerez
Located in a 19th-century building, this museum is a must-see for art lovers in the city. Museo de Arte Abstracto Manuel Felguerez is an incredible institution dedicated to displaying beautiful abstract artworks. It started with the personal collection of Manuel Felguérez but now boasts of being home to several attractive collections. Stroll through the place and admire the different exhibitions or works from both Mexican and international artists. There is an occasional temporary collection also on display here from time to time.
Museo de Arte Abstracto Manuel Felguerez
Address: Cristóbal Colón, Zacatecas Centro, 98000 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Website: Museo de Arte Abstracto Manuel Felguerez
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 5pm (closed on Tue)
9. See the indigenous art collection at Museo Toma de Zacatecas
This museum is the go-to place for the most beautiful indigenous works of art in the city. The institution houses a remarkable collection of Huichol art; as well as much more information about the people from this region. Enjoy a real insight into the lives and works of the Huichol people, their culture and their art in this important place. See images and listen to audios detailing the history of the community. See historical items, local craft and so much more.
Museo Toma de Zacatecas
Address: La Bufa, 98069 Zacatecas, Mexico
Website: Museo Toma de Zacatecas
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
10. Relax by the iconic Plazuela Miguel Auza
Plazuela Miguel Auza is a little plaza sitting quietly in a corner within the city. This site boasts of being home to an iconic monument in the town and offers you a place to relax and chill out. Serene and quiet, this place is not usually crowded during the day. And at night, this tranquil spot is transformed into a charming place to dine at the few patio dining restaurants around the area. Whether you visit this plaza during the day or at night, you will have an exciting time out.
Plazuela Miguel Auza
Address: Miguel Auza, Zacatecas Centro, 98000 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
11. Take a trip down history at Museo La Casa Del Inquisidor
The Casa Del Inquisidor Museum is a place dedicated to displaying how life was back in the days when harsh laws reigned and severe prosecutions were dished out in this region. Located in the Historic Center of the city, this venue offers its visitors a chance to see items and artifacts from the time of the Holy Inquisition trails. Take a guided tour of the institution and see the courtroom, masks, and replicas of the mummies discovered in the Temple of Santo Domingo.
Museo La Casa Del Inquisidor
Address: Av. Hidalgo 510, Zacatecas Centro, 98000 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Website: Museo La Casa Del Inquisidor
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 9pm; Mon - Fri: 12:30pm - 8:30pm
12. Go on a refreshing hike to Centenario Ecological Park
As an eco-park, Centenario Ecological Park is a spot for a healthy recreational time. This all-natural park is spacious and beautiful. It boasts of features like a beautiful suspension bridge, a large pond, a lot of walking courses and a large open area of land. It is a great place to spend some time with nature, admire the views of the pond, the open landscape and also enjoy the natural fresh air. It’s safe to camp or have a nice picnic with friends and family.
Centenario Ecological Park
Address: Zacatecas, Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Drop by the magnificent Ex Templo de San Agustín
The Ex-Templo de San Agustín is a superb temple that was built for Augustinian monks in the 17th century. Since it was built, the place of worship has served as a cantina, a Masonic lodge, and in 1882, the American Presbyterian missionaries took it over. Although its once stunning main façade was destroyed and replaced with a blank white wall, the holy place is still an impressive sight to behold. It has incredible architectural finishing, outlines of brilliant quarry carvings and moldings, and high domes and arches - which remain for visitors to admire.
Ex templo de San Agustín
Address: Plaza, De San Agustin, Miguel Auza S/N, Zacatecas Centro, 98000 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
14. Savor authentic Mexican dishes at La Cantera Musical
La Cantera Musical is a much-loved dining spot in the city. This exquisite restaurant in the heart of the town offers the best traditional Mexican food with yummy flavors. There is a variety of cultural meals on their menu, and they also offer chilled drinks and beers to go with your meal. Savor the delicious meals – made in front of you – and enjoy live music at this authentic Mexican dive restaurant. It is an ideal place to enjoy that special cultural dinner during your vacation.
La Cantera Musical
Address: Tacuba 2, Zacatecas Centro, 98000 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Website: La Cantera Musical
Opening hours: 12am - 10pm (daily)
15. Enjoy a fun day of picnicking at Parque Recreativo La Encantada
This park is one of the main attractions in Zacatecas. Parque Recreativo La Encantada is blessed with lush wooded areas and features – including recreational sites, large beautiful murals, and a zoo. It has all you need to keep you engaged and much more. Its zoo is home to over 40 different species and about 182 animals. Spread over an area of over 5 hectares (12.4 acres), you can enjoy a picnic in its open spaces, go on a mini-train ride, an exercise in the yoga area, or take a walk along its tartan track.
Parque Recreativo La Encantada
Address: Paseo la Encantada 102A, Zona A, La Encantada, 98088 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Website: Parque Recreativo La Encantada
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
16. Party hard all night at La Mina Club
If you have never experienced partying all night in an underground night club, now you can. Inside the El Eden Mine lies a unique and different night club – La Mina Club. This venue found underground offers you a place to enjoy a pleasant partying experience, with great music and beverages. La Mina Club even has features like flashing lights and wall videos to keep you fascinated all night. It’s located 180 feet (55 meters) into the mine and only accessed by an underground train. If you love to party, then you must check out this place.
La Mina Club
Address: Calle, Antonio Dovali Jaime S/N, Zacatecas Centro, 98000 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Website: La Mina Club
Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 4pm - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 3am (closed from Sun - Wed)
17. Watch an interesting play at Fernando Calderon Theater
Built in the 1800s, The Teatro Calderon is a remarkable stage theater in the heart of this city. This playhouse is the premium entertainment center in the town as it plays hosts to several entertaining shows and stage performances every week. The venue is richly decorated with exotic items like oil lamps, tapestries, Venetian glass mirrors, etc., it has a vast attractive lobby, and its main hall is a sight to behold. You can catch a play right in the friendly and inviting environment of this theater.
Fernando Calderon Theater
Address: Av. Hidalgo 503, Zacatecas Centro, 98000 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Website: Fernando Calderon Theater
18. Check out the toy-art collection at Museo del Juguete Popular Mexicano
For all tourists visiting Zacatecas with children or those that are young at heart, the city has somewhere unique for you. Museo del Juguete Popular Mexicano is a modern museum that is home to a fantastic collection of toys. The dolls in this store have been collected for over 50 years and preserved in top-notch condition for display. There are several types of toys made from different materials like plastic, wood, fabric, glass, etc., it’s an excellent place to explore with the kids, and also reflect on your childhood memories.
Museo Del Juguete Popular Mexicano
Address: Abasolo 1013(16), Zacatecas Centro, 98000 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Website: Museo Del Juguete Popular Mexicano
19. Shop for your needs at Galerías Zacatecas
You should not go on vacation without shopping; who does that? Galerías Zacatecas is the number one shopping destination in the city. This mall has over 80 stores that offer a wide range of quality items to shop. From clothes outlets to departmental stores, fashion shops, and traditional stalls, the mall has everything you want in the city. Shop for souvenirs and gift items, and if you get hungry, there are lots of places to grab a quick snack or meal on-site.
Galerías Zacatecas
Address: Blvrd El Bote 202, Ciudad Argentum, 98040 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Website: Galerías Zacatecas
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
Enjoy pure Mexican fun in Zacatecas
Zacatecas is a place of natural beauty. A World Heritage Site, this city is known for its impressive architecture, attractive buildings, urban arrangement, and charming lifestyle. The city has a rich history and inviting culture, making it a great place to spend time off stress. With several tourist attractions, exciting places to visit and numerous things to do in Zacatecas, Mexico, your comfort, hospitality, and fun is guaranteed.