The 16 Best Historic and Colonial Cities in Mexico

Situated in the state of Chiapas, San Juan Chamula isn’t far from the equally awesome colonial city San Cristóbal de las Casas. However, if you thought San Cris was a tightly knit and still very indigenous place, San Juan Chamula is another level. Despite principally being home to indigenous peoples (and serving as a key Zapatista base), San Juan Chamula still bears the markers of a colonial past though, most notably in the famed San Juan church.

Veracruz is one of Mexico’s most historic and important cities, principally thanks to its strategic coastal position and influential trading port. In fact, it was at the port of Veracruz where Cortés allegedly arrived, on Good Friday in 1519. Nowadays though, Veracruz is less about fighting off pirates and more about its lively African- and Caribbean-influenced culture. As you’d imagine, there are also plenty of colonial buildings to visit too, like the Casa de Cortés.

Modern-day Querétaro is now a thriving yet calm city situated at the heart of one of Mexico’s smallest states. However, in the Colonial Era it was considered the ‘third city of New Spain’ and actually (kind of) played a huge role in endingthe Spanish rule over Mexico. How? Well, it was in Querétaro where the first plots for Mexican independence were put in motion; so, if you’re into Mexican history, Querétaro makes for an unmissable destination.

We’ve already touched on Veracruz, but that wasn’t the only important port city that had a historic role during Spanish rule. No, there was also Campeche. Now often overlooked by visitors, despite charming pastel facades and a laidback vibe, Campeche was once awash with pirates (hence the huge fort which now encases the walled city). The colonial influence can be seen in both that aforementioned wall, as well as buildings throughout the historic centre.

Mérida enjoys a prime location on the Yucatán Peninsula and, while managing to keep the Mayan culture alive even in the heart of the city, also displays clear signs that it was once colonised by the Spanish. For example, the buildings are blatantly European in design (in fact, there’s even a street which was inspired by France’s Champs-Elysees) and the grid layout so typical of many Mexican cities really gives the game away.

Guanajuato is one of Mexico’s most famous and beautiful colonial cities and is definitely a little different to many of the country’s other colonial hotspots. Take, for example, the peculiar system of subterranean streets and winding callejones (alleyways) that sets it apart. However, the influence of New Spain is everywhere, in everything from the baroque churches to the impressive Teatro Juárez building and beyond.

Puebla is something of an anomaly, historically speaking. While many of what we now consider Mexican colonial cities were already established when the Spanish arrived, Puebla was actually one that the Spanish themselves founded, making it far more European in feel than many of our other entries. But why did they bother creating it in the first place? Well, Puebla’s location was designed to be strategic, connecting the port cities of Acapulco and Veracruz.

Taxco in the present day is a charming city, which (not unlike Guanajuato) is arranged in a somewhat higgledy-piggledy manner, with cobbled streets that wind round corners and definitely don’t stick to any logical pattern. It was also once one of the most important mining towns in the country, known for silver. Well… it still is known for silver, except nowadays you can just buy it rather than dig it up. Handy.

Cuernavaca, a.k.a. the city of eternal spring, might not seem like it was once hugely important, given that it’s now less of a tourist attraction, and more of a place for Mexico City-ites to retire to of a weekend. Even so, Cuernavaca is historically very significant and to this day houses a classic example of colonial architecture—the Palacio de Cortés. Fun fact: The Spanish built it smack bang atop an Aztec pyramid.

San Luis Potosí is another underrated colonial destination that visitors are quick to write off, favouring instead the lush Huasteca Potosina further east. However, if you’re interested in immersing yourself in Mexican history, then you should strongly consider stopping by. While the appeal of San Luis was once, like Taxco, the plentiful silver mines, the draw nowadays comes in the form of the spectacular and well-preserved colonial architecture on display in the historic centre.

This favourite with out-of-towners and retirees is another classic example of a Mexican colonial city and one which you should definitely add to your Mexico bucket list. After all, we’ve all seen the photos of San Miguel’s breathtaking pink-hued church, so why not go and see it for yourself? Even if the church doesn’t take your fancy though, San Miguel is also known for tin handicrafts and an artsy vibe.

The entire state of Oaxaca is littered with architectural remnants of Mexico’s colonial past, but the capital, Oaxaca City, is perhaps where you’re likely to find some of the most impressive examples, such as the Templo de Santo Domingo, the Basílica de la Soledad and the cathedral. Aside from exploring the colonial baroque buildings that dot the capital city though, you should also indulge in sampling Oaxaca’s renowned food scene.

San Cristóbal de las Casas, in the state of Chiapas, is a backpacker favourite and with good reason. However, this colonial city is also a worthy destination in and of itself that you should consider visiting if you like affordable and abundant artesanías and rich cultural history. Aside from that, San Cris is also home to some magnificent buildings, such as the famous mustard-coloured cathedral.

Tlaquepaque is a municipality which extends much further than its petite and well-trodden historic centre. However, many people write it off as just a day trip from Guadalajara, when it really deserves a couple of days exploration at least. Relaxed, picturesque and full of artsy surprises at every turn (like tile shops, galleries and museums), Tlaquepaque is unbearably pretty. And the colonial architecture? Look no further than the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad.

Zacatecas rarely factors on most Mexico itineraries, given that it’s a bit further north than most of the main sights and doesn’t have the same reputation of, say, Guanajuato. However, if you’re truly determined to visit some of Mexico’s best colonial cities, you have to stick Zacatecas on your bucket list for the ornate basilica alone. After you’ve done gawking at that though, don’t forget to try a local favourite dish in the form of tacos envenenados.

Finally, we’ll wrap up this guide to Mexico’s top colonial cities with Cholula, which is just twenty minutes away from Puebla. It may be more of a town than a city, but don’t underestimate compact Cholula; after all, it was one of the most historically important colonial sites in Mexico and remains a must-visit for those of you who are into cute centres, good nightlife and interesting museums. Oh, and it’s home to the world’s largest pyramid (by volume).

Mexico is one of the most exciting countries in North America, if not the world, with its lively city streets brimming with culture, music and some of the best street food you’ll find anywhere. But it’s also a country of fascinating history and amazing natural wonders, with Aztec and Mayan temples found right next to mystical cenotes.