Things To Do
in Aguascalientes
Aguascalientes sits in central Mexico as a compact, welcoming city known for its plazas, baroque churches, and a warm, family-centered vibe. It blends colonial charm with modern neighborhoods, tree-lined boulevards, and a lively arts scene. The downtown is walkable and safe, with plenty of cafés and small museums to explore, while surrounding countryside makes for easy day trips.
The city hosts the famous San Marcos Fair, a festival that showcases regional cuisine, music, and traditional culture, giving visitors a true sense of local life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey in the Historic Center of Aguascalientes, where you can marvel at the stunning architecture of the Palacio de Gobierno and the Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. Stroll through the picturesque Plaza de la Patria, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps enjoying a local breakfast at a nearby café. As you wander, don’t forget to capture photos of the beautiful colonial buildings that line the streets.
After a leisurely morning, head over to the Museo Aguascalientes, which features a collection of both contemporary and traditional art. Enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the local eateries where you can savor local specialties like birria or enchiladas. Post-lunch, take a relaxing walk through the Jardín de San Marcos, where you can enjoy the serene environment and observe locals enjoying their day.
As evening falls, visit the vibrant Mercado de San Marcos, where you can sample local street food and shop for handmade crafts. The market comes alive with music and laughter, offering a unique cultural experience. End your day with a leisurely stroll along the riverwalk, soaking in the beauty of the illuminated city.
Start your day with a visit to the Museo de Artes Visuales, where you can immerse yourself in the local art scene. Explore the diverse exhibitions showcasing both contemporary and traditional Mexican artists. Grab a coffee at the museum café to fuel your day of cultural exploration.
Head to the Centro Cultural y de Convenciones Teatro Aguascalientes to catch a live performance or art exhibition, depending on the schedule. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant that specializes in regional cuisine, sampling dishes like tacos de papa or quesadillas. Afterward, take a leisurely walk to the nearby Plaza de la Identidad, where you can admire local sculptures and engage with street performers.
As night approaches, dine at one of Aguascalientes’ renowned restaurants, where you can indulge in a gourmet meal featuring local ingredients. Optionally, attend a cultural event or concert at the Teatro Aguascalientes, experiencing the vibrant arts scene. Conclude your day with a nightcap at a local bar, mingling with friendly locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕️Coffee at a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🥗Lunch for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🚌Local transport ticket | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🏨Hotel night in mid-range | $40-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable historic center
- Friendly locals and strong culinary scene
- Good base for day trips to Calvillo and surrounding areas
- Year-round mild climate compared to other interior regions
- Less nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Public transportation can be limited outside the center
- Heat in summer can be intense
- Some tourist infrastructure concentrated in the Centro
- "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please.
- "¡Gracias!" - Thank you!
- "Buenas tardes" - Good afternoon
Places to Visit in Aguascalientes
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic neoclassical church with a grand façade and atmospheric interiors; ideal for dawn or dusk photography.
Historic square framed by administrative and religious architecture—great for street photography.
Lush garden with ponds and decorative walkways; a calm setting for portraits and nature shots.
Wide green space with monuments and modern sculptures; good for wide-angle cityscapes.
Food in Aguascalientes
Aguascalientes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Potato-stuffed peppers with tomato sauce, a comforting staple often found in local eateries.
Must-Try!
Slow-simmered meat tacos popular in central Mexico; look for stalls near the Centro.
Grilled corn on the cob or kernels with mayo, cheese, chili, and lime—classic street snacks.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market offering fresh produce, meats, regional snacks, and prepared foods.
Local market with aguas frescas, tostadas, and staple Mexican dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings (hola, buenos días) and the use of señor/señora are common; handshakes are typical among strangers in formal contexts.
Be courteous and listen actively; avoid loud conversations in public spaces; wait to be invited before discussing personal topics.
Dress modestly to visit churches and respectful venues; remove hats indoors and avoid inappropriate behavior.
Safety
Tipping in Aguascalientes
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tip 10-15% if service is not included. Small tips for hotel staff and taxi drivers are appreciated.
Cash is widely accepted; major credit/debit cards are common in hotels and many restaurants; ATMs are widespread.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with possible afternoon thunderstorms; stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Pleasant temperatures and occasional rain; ideal for walking and photography in golden light.
Mild to cool mornings and comfortable days; layering is recommended.
Warm days; the San Marcos Feria can draw crowds and raise prices; plan ahead for accommodations.
Aguascalientes at Night
Hiking in Aguascalientes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle day hikes through peach groves and scenic canyons near Calvillo, about an hour's drive from Aguascalientes.
Moderate trails with panoramic valley views just a short drive from the city.
Airports
How to reach Aguascalientes by plane.
Located in Aguascalientes city; serves domestic flights and some international routes; accessible by car and taxi from the city center.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily families and young professionals; a student presence from local universities.
Domestic and international visitors drawn by the San Marcos Fair and the historic center.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Club Necaxa is the region's prominent team; matches are common on weekends.
Local arenas host games; community leagues and school events are frequent.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aguascalientes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose beans, fresh vegetables, corn-based dishes, and cheese; ask for vegetable-based options and avoid lard-based preparations; many places can adapt recipes.