Order a mantecado shake at La Mariposa, open since 1940

Querétaro Intercontinental Airport is about 32 km east of the center, so budget 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Inside arrivals, the official concessioned taxi service sells prepaid rides at marked booths, so pay there before you get in. Intercity buses to the bus terminal leave from counters in the terminal…

La Casa de la Marquesa is a baroque mansion on Madero street, built in the 18th century and now a boutique hotel with 13 suites, each named after a historical figure or theme. The patios and salons are the draw, and it sits within walking distance of the main plazas and museums. Book ahead for long weekends, and ask…

The Feria Internacional Ganadera Querétaro runs through much of November at the EcoCentro Expositor, with livestock shows, food stands and concerts at the Teatro del Pueblo, which organizers say come with the general ticket. Confirm that on the official channels before buying. A free Qrobús route runs from the Centro…

On Good Friday the Silence Procession leaves the Santa Cruz church in the late afternoon and loops through Centro Histórico streets including Pasteur, Reforma, Juárez and Corregidora. Authorities remove parked cars from the route from the afternoon, so leave the car outside the center. Arrive at least two hours early…

Casa Queretana de las Artesanías sits on the pedestrian Andador Libertad and sells crafts made across the state: ixtle weaves, clay pots, wool rebozos and sarapes, papier-mache alebrijes, wood pieces and carved pink stone. The state promotes it as a place where registered artisans can exhibit and sell, so you compare…

The Mirador de los Arcos is a viewpoint near the aqueduct where the pink stone arches stand out against the city. Arrive about 40 minutes before sunset to watch the arches catch the last light, and stay as the sky darkens. Wear comfortable shoes and a hat, because you walk and wait in the open. Addresses vary between…

Cerro de las Campanas is a hilltop park on Avenida Tecnológico where Emperor Maximilian was executed in 1867. A chapel built in 1900 marks the spot, a plaque shows where he surrendered, and a tall statue of Juárez stands nearby. The park closes in the early evening, so come in the morning or early afternoon. A…

The Museo Regional de Querétaro is run by INAH and occupies the former convent of San Francisco, a viceregal building in the Centro Histórico. It opens Tuesday to Sunday, so do not plan it for a Monday. Go in the morning, ask about the guided visits on offer, and leave time for the cloister, which is as much a part of…