Location: Morelia
Top Things to do in Morelia
8 Walking Tours in Morelia That You Shouldn't Miss
Morelia (Spanish pronunciation: [moˈɾelja]; from 1545 to 1828 known as Valladolid) is a city and municipality in the north central part of the state of Michoacán in central Mexico. The city is in the Guayangareo Valley and is the capital and largest city of the state. The main pre-Hispanic cultures here were the Purépecha and the Matlatzinca, but no major cities were founded in the valley during this time. The Spanish took control of the area in the 1520s. The Spanish under Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza founded a settlement here in 1541 with the name of Valladolid, which became rival to the nearby city of Pátzcuaro for dominance in Michoacán. In 1580, this rivalry ended in Valladolid’s favor and it became the capital of the colonial province. After the Mexican War of Independence, the city was renamed Morelia in honor of José María Morelos, who hailed from the city. In 1991, the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved colonial buildings and layout of the historic center.
Restaurants in Morelia
1. Colonial Treasures: San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Zacatecas and Guadalajara
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Enjoy a wonderful 10-day, 9-night tour from Mexico City to visit some of the most important colonial cities in Mexico filled with culture and history. See San Miguel de Allende and its historical downtown. Stop at Guanajuato and learn about its subterranean avenues. Go to Zacatecas and head to La Bufa Hill, taste tequila in the town of Tequila when you visit Guadalajara and see the World Heritage Site of Morelia. This trip includes breakfast, a professional guide and transport.
Inclusions: Nine nights accommodation, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Round-trip shared transfer to and from Benito Juarez International Airport, Breakfast, Local English- and Spanish-speaking guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By Ksksksksks
Festive weekend atmosphere, plenty of artisanal shops inside this monetary bazaar. Fresh tacos Made in the courtyard, beer, live music.
2. Morelia City Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 30 reviews
**WALKING TOUR** Walk around historical downtown with an expert. Visit a world heritage city side by side with the experts.
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Certified Tour Guide, Walking tour
Exclusions: Snacks, Breakfast, Dinner, Bottled water, Transportation
Reviewed By Jerome1117
I contacted Ricardo ahead of our visit to Morelia. It was extremely easy to book a walking tour of the city that suited our needs. Ricardo picked us up at our hotel and drove us to the outskirts of the old center. From there, we walked through the city. Rodrigo built our experience around Morelia’s historical landmarks. He spent time providing us a very thorough historical background of Morelia. His expert knowledge of the conquest of Mexico by Spain and the Catholic Church helped put in perpective how Morelia has developed into the urban center it is today. Rodrigo also took us to a phenomenal artisans center. As we parted ways, he was kind enough to walk with us to a very nice restaurant he recommended for lunch. He also shared with us the names of a few places to shop on our own. It was a phenomenal tour! Morelia is a wonderful city. Rodrigo’s prices are extremely competitive. I can’t recommend Yei Tours enough!
3. 09 Days: Great Viceregal Cities
Overall Ratings
3.3 based on 3 reviews
Enjoy a wonderful 09-day, 8-night tour from Mexico City to visit some of the most important viceregal cities in Mexico filled with culture and history. See first the World Heritage Site of Morelia. Go at Patzcuaro, which is famous for its colonial beauty and its unique traditions. Taste tequila in the town of Tequila when you visit Guadalajara, and with a little of luck you could meet the famous “Rancho Los 3 Potrillos”. Stop at Guanajuato and learn about its subterranean avenues. Moreover, see San Miguel de Allende and its historical downtown. This trip includes breakfast, a professional guide and transport.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Eight nights accommodation. Local bilingual English- and Spanish-speaking guide, Round-trip shared transfer from airport, City Tour, land Transportation Mex– Patz—Gdl-Gto—Sma -Mex.
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, gratuities
Reviewed By Ksksksksks
Festive weekend atmosphere, plenty of artisanal shops inside this monetary bazaar. Fresh tacos Made in the courtyard, beer, live music.
4. The Best of Morelia Walking Tour
Discover the best of Morelia! Gaze at one of the most beautiful spots on the Occidental Region of Mexico. Enjoy the cultural and iconic attractions of interest. Morelia is history, colors, and fun. It has so many great locations, each with its own fascinating tale. You will see the most important Morelia’s sights: Jardin de las Rosas, iconic Tarascas Fountain, Morelos Square, Aqueduct of Morelia and Cathedral. Discover the local and authentic side of Morelia, a privileged city full of the authentic Mexican Culture.
Inclusions: Guide Service
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 10sforlife
Sandra was lovely to deal with and she introduced us to our guide (Johnny Bravo) as she was unavailable that day. We did it with just 4 of us and the timing was completely up to us (ie. More snorkel time etc). This was my favorite excursion to date - Johnny was knowledgeable, fun and entertaining. No loud music, booze etc. Like the party boats! Very easy 20 min hike (horses were available) to beautiful waterfall in Quimixto. Had a nice lunch on the beach and snorkled a 2nd time heading back to PV. Excursion was about 9:00 - 3:30 pm. Next time I want to bus to Boca Tomatlan and then hike ( 2 hrs each way mountain/coast) to Quimixto. Anyways, strongly recommend Sandra and Johnny. Bruce
5. 10-Day Trip in Mexico: History, Tequila & Pacific
OVERVIEW Join our 10-day "Mexico: Fun & Adventures Tour" to experience & visit the main cultural & natural attractions of 5 Mexican states. HIGHLIGHTS Stroll UNESCO-listed colonial centers of Mexico City, Queretaro, San Miguel de Allende, Guadalajara, Zacatecas & Morelia. See La Quemada - one of the best conserved and most mysterious prehispanic cities of Mexico. Visit the hometown of tequila & learn how this drink is made. Take a boat trip to Marietas Islands’ beaches hidden in a small volcanic archipelago protected by the UNESCO. Snorkel, surf & enjoy fine-sand beaches in Riviera Nayarit.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Transportation: private vehicle, Walking tours/orientation walks in all visited towns/cities (as per itinerary), Service of a Tour Leader , Guided visits: National Anthropology Museum; La Quemada Archaeological Zone; tequila factory tour , Accommodation: 9x nights in conveniently located, locally-owned B&Bs/hotels
Exclusions: Flights; airport pick-up & drop-off; travel insurance; personal expenses & tips
Reviewed By Claire S
I did the private tour to Grutas Tolontongo with my partner and I highly recommend it. We were picked up on time by our tour guide and the entire day felt so looked after. It was a fantastic experience and I highly recommend to anyone thinking of visiting Grutas Tolontongo,.
6. From Mexico City: Private Guided Tour to Morelia
OVERVIEW During this private 13 h tour from Mexico City, you will get acquainted with the rich historical & cultural heritage of Morelia that retains a fantastically well-preserved UNESCO-listed historic center, dozens of beautiful churches & nationwide famous cuisine. WHY GO WITH US The time of the tour is spent purely on sightseeing: no visits to souvenir shops & restaurants (unless you ask). We are flexible: departure time, program & route can be adjusted while the duration of the tour can be always extended for an extra fee.
Inclusions: Pick-up & drop-off , Transportation: private vehicle, Service of a private guide, Non-alcoholic drinks & snacks
Exclusions: Travel insurance, meals, tips
Reviewed By Claire S
I did the private tour to Grutas Tolontongo with my partner and I highly recommend it. We were picked up on time by our tour guide and the entire day felt so looked after. It was a fantastic experience and I highly recommend to anyone thinking of visiting Grutas Tolontongo,.
7. Romantic tour in Morelia
An exclusive tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. What legends are hidden in Cathedral of Morelia? You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. Have you heard about Garden of The Roses? What’s so romantic about Alley that it even makes to its name of “Alley Romance”? This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!
Inclusions: Professional local guide services
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 10sforlife
Sandra was lovely to deal with and she introduced us to our guide (Johnny Bravo) as she was unavailable that day. We did it with just 4 of us and the timing was completely up to us (ie. More snorkel time etc). This was my favorite excursion to date - Johnny was knowledgeable, fun and entertaining. No loud music, booze etc. Like the party boats! Very easy 20 min hike (horses were available) to beautiful waterfall in Quimixto. Had a nice lunch on the beach and snorkled a 2nd time heading back to PV. Excursion was about 9:00 - 3:30 pm. Next time I want to bus to Boca Tomatlan and then hike ( 2 hrs each way mountain/coast) to Quimixto. Anyways, strongly recommend Sandra and Johnny. Bruce
8. Morelia City Tour
Enjoy walking downtown in a city listed from 1991, as one of Mexico's 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to admire the local baroque style, which goes like a combination of Madrid-Rome in architecture. As you discover the good state of conservation of pink stone buildings, learn about art, education & history of this colonial city, established by the Spanish 1541. #Hidalgo & #Morelos, both students & priests in the local Seminary became leaders of the struggle of Independence in #Mexico started 1810. Great murals painted 1962 by a local artist can be found inside buildings to know more about the #Mexican past history. Every October, the Morelia Film Festival welcomes #Hollywood people & film directors on the competition next to the Mexican youth. Note: If you are a larger group, don't hesitate to contact me for a new quotation. . . It's possible to customize the tour to more than 3 people.
Inclusions: Professional guide
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By H2022HWjonathanv
Alfredo is a super friendly and knowledgeable guy. Rest assured he's an excellent choice to take you around Michoacán.
