Location: Morelia
Top Things to do in Morelia
Top 10 Things to do in Morelia, Mexico
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. Guadalupe Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5 based on 464 reviews
Reviewed By cheshrgato - Riverside, CA
This chapel has a fantastic interior full of gilding and flowers. It is very much worth the walk from centro historico. In fact, if you walk from the Cathedral area, you can see / shop at Museo Del Dulces, see the Fuente de Las Tarascas, the Aqueduct, and stroll the beautifully decorated street that ends at Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe. (All those sites are worth maybe ten minutes a piece). Please be sensitive to the parishioners as this is an active Catholic Church. While the people were welcoming, they show up early for mass, so be sensitive about what day / time you go, especially if you want to take photos.
2. Centro Historico de Morelia
3. The Aqueduct
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 598 reviews
Built of stone in 1785, this Aqueduct with 253 arches is one of Morelia's biggest attractions.
Reviewed By whygoback - Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
We returned from the contemporary art museum via this way, we had terrific Quesadillas at one end, And enjoyed a stroll with the happy crowd along this peaceful place.
Overall Ratings
5 based on 172 reviews
5. Tarascas Fountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
This Fountain, featuring sculptures of three women holding fruit toward the sky, is a popular city landmark.
Reviewed By Sandy S - Albuquerque, New Mexico
For our return, when we reached the arches, we headed straight onto bustling Avenida Madero, past one of the city’s better-known monuments – the Fountain of three topless Tarascan women supporting a broad round roof. It was worth a second glance but wouldn’t have merited a side trip.
6. Museo Michoacano de las Artesanias en Exconvento de San Francisco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By cavedodger - Mexico
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to what amounts to a combination gallery/market. The goods on display are from all parts of Morelia and there is a wonderful variety of arts and crafts, many of which take your breath away with their intricacy. And to make it even more special the building itself is an old convent.
7. Jardin de las Rosas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 397 reviews
Reviewed By whygoback - Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
Relax with a drink, and if you're lucky, Carlos or one of the many talented musician's in this area will show up and make your day. Great vibe, scenery and local people.
8. Callejon del Romance
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By Gringuita - Wisconsin
For Día de Muertos, this alley is transformed into something spectacular. The Fountains and planters are covered in flowers and sparkly skulls--colored by school kids--hang above and blow in the breeze. Go at a quiet time, early in the day, and sit and relax. We sat while the baby played and it was relaxing, after a few busy days. Passersby were friendly and would chat for a moment. Beautiful spot!
9. Casa Natal de Morelos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By washwestcc
I hate to have to write this since the house is dedicated to a hero in Morelia's history, but the museum is small and not well lit. The documents are hard to interpret since they are not English friendly and there isn't anyone to help or translate. Not a must-see.
10. Museo Del Dulce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By chazdews - Erongarícuaro, Michoacán, Mexico
Michoacan dulces or sweets are delicious. Here you can learn more about how they are made. The place is right in the centro and well worth the visit.
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