Querétaro is a colonial city with lots of historical sights. It is very much oriented towards tourists within Mexico as well as foriegn tourists. Even if you already have a guide book with you, it is a good idea to pick up a tourist map from the tourism office. The tourist maps include all the important streets in the "centro" and mark all the sites of interest. They include information about buildings and sites as well, and are more usefull than any map you might have to pay for. The address of the tourism office is Pasteur norte 4 and Its located in the corner of Pasteur and 5 de Mayo opposite "La Casa de la Corregidora" also known as "La presidencia" because it's the building where the governor of the city and various government officials work. Its the most prominent building in "Plaza de Armas," so once you find that plaza you'll have no problem finding "La presidencia" and "turismo." The plaza has a fountain with four water spouting dogs as seen in the picture at right. La presidencia is off camera on the right side of the fountain.
Apart from it's historic and governmental relevance, "La Casa de la Corregidora" is interior archetectually impressive and it has a public restroom that you can use for free without having to feel obligated to buy anything. There are always about 3 or 4 police officers outside of the building, but don't let that deter you, the building is open to the public and they won't say anything when you enter. Next to the restroom you will notice two funny little notched out areas. These used to be very small jail cells for wrongdoers: tour guides always take people to this area and explain this. The historic downtown offers the visitor over 460 years of history and tradition through its aqueduct, temples, mansions and palaces that make of this city one of the most beautiful colonial spots. History fills the essence and backs up the tradition of Santiago de Queretaro, where an important part of today's Mexico was forged. Its indoor and outdoor monuments constitute a real museum under the intense blue of Queretaro's sky. Parallel to this historical environment is the fresh and fun Queretaro, offering attractive options of music to dance or listen, different sorts of live shows and a great variety of international an Mexican cuisine. The historic downtown callejoneadas (night promenades by the alleys or narrow streets) accompanied by estudiantinas or rondallas are famous, as well as the performances of music from all times by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Queretaro. Queretaro City is characterized for its colonial architecture and its beauty. You shall not miss the city tour by trolley, a guided visit through the main sites, monuments, legends and most important issues of the city. There's no doubt that the tour in a Panoramic trolley will be a greater experience, traveling through the city in a lovely two story trolley. |
