Sometimes, when you hear too many good things about a destination, it’s impossible for the place to live up to your expectations once you finally visit. That was not the case with Morelia.
Friends and fellow travelers had always praised the beauty of this historic city, which was founded in 1541 and has a spectacular downtown that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After my recent visit, I’m happy to confirm what I had always heard: Morelia is one of Mexico’s most beautiful small cities.
Located about halfway between Mexico City and Guadalajara, Morelia is the capital of the state of Michoacan, and it’s an ideal destination for fans of history, architecture, culture and cuisine.
Here are some of the best activities to include in a first-time visit to Morelia, along with recommendations for side trips, hotels and more.
Morelia's Centro Cultural Clavijero is home to contemporary and modern art exhibits.
Credit: 2025 DepartureLevel.comThings to Do in Morelia
The city’s historic downtown is the logical hub for travelers looking to explore the best of Morelia. I spent hours admiring the well-maintained historic architecture here, including the dramatic cathedral, which was built between 1660 and 1744 and presides over a stately main plaza where street performers entertain locals and visitors. I was dazzled by the weekly fireworks show that takes place at the cathedral on Saturday nights. And nearby, the 18th-century Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) is another much-photographed structure. Then, as an art enthusiast, I also enjoyed visiting Centro Cultural Clavijero (Clavijero Cultural Center), which exhibits contemporary and modern art in a massive former Jesuit school complex that dates to 1660.
Morelia, indeed, is home to several noteworthy cultural institutions, including Museo Regional Michoacana (Michoacan Regional Museum), which exhibits pre-Hispanic artifacts in an 18th-century baroque palace, and Museo Casa de Morelos (Morelos House Museum), which is set in the former home of Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, a hero of Mexico’s independence movement (and for whom the city is named).
Another must-see site in Morelia is the aqueduct, which was built between 1785 and 1788 to provide water to the city. It’s no longer in use, but its stately arches are decidedly photogenic, by day and night. Near the aqueduct, I strolled the appropriately named Callejon del Romance (Romance Alley), a picturesque narrow walkway, and Calzada Fray Antonio de San Miguel, a peaceful, tree-lined pedestrian street built in the early 1700s. Also nearby is Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Alfredo Zalce (Alfredo Zalce Contemporary Art Museum), which is set in a beautiful, late 19th-century mansion.
Foodies will find tantalizing and flavorful eats in Morelia. Head to Mercado de Dulces y Artesanias (Sweets and Handicrafts Market) to sample locally produced candies. And don't leave town without trying tarasca soup, a local favorite made with pinto beans and tomatoes that is served at many Morelia restaurants.
Side Trips from Morelia
There’s lots to see and do in the towns near Morelia. I was more than satisfied with my experience during an eight-hour day trip with Pikis Tours, a Morelia-based tour company with reasonable prices (bilingual guides are available upon request).
My day trip included some of the best-known small towns in the region, including Quiroga, which some call the “carnitas capital of the world” (the mouthwatering, slow-cooked pork is a must-try if you eat meat) and Tzintzuntzan, which is home to a 16th-century former convent and where the Indigenous Purepecha culture is still present.
Boats on Lake Patzcuaro take visitors to the island of Janitzio.
Credit: 2025 DepartureLevel.comThe next stop was a place I had long dreamed about visiting: Janitzio, the largest permanently inhabited lake island town in Mexico. A 25-minute boat ride took us to this fascinating community, which clings dramatically to the sides of the steep island. The number varies, but it’s at least 300 steps to the top of the island, where a 130-foot statue of Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon looks out over the surrounding region — a perfect photo opportunity.
After that, our group headed to Patzcuaro, a government-designated Pueblo Magico (Magical Town) where the verdant central plaza and charming streets are wonderful for strolling, and the many small shops, restaurants and hotels led me to contemplate a return visit.
At the top of Janitzio stands the statue of Jose Maria Morelos.
Credit: 2025 DepartureLevel.comBest Times to Visit Morelia
The region’s generally pleasant climate makes it feasible to visit Morelia year-round, although June to September are the rainiest months. Travel demand is especially high around Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), which takes place in early November and features a parade, exhibits and other activities in Morelia, as well as on the island of Janitzio.
From November through March, the arrival of monarch butterflies to the state of Michoacan also draws travelers, although the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is about two hours from Morelia.
Michoacan’s official tourism site provides more information about the destination, although it’s only published in Spanish.
Hotels in Morelia
Downtown Morelia is home to several attractive hotels set partially or completely in historic buildings. Hotel Los Juaninos, for example, is housed in a 17th-century palace across the street from the cathedral. Additional options include Casa Grande Hotel Boutique, which is set in an 18th-century mansion; Cantera Diez, where the features of a 17th-century former home and convent provide a lovely backdrop; and Hotel de la Soledad, which dramatically illuminates its 18th-century courtyard every night.
Traveling Safely in Michoacan
An educated traveler makes the best decisions, and travel advisors should inform clients that the state of Michoacan is on the U.S. Department of State’s “Do Not Travel” list, due to crime and violence. However, the U.S. government does allow its employees to visit the city of Morelia by air and by land using certain main highways from Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Nonstop flights are available to Morelia's airport, General Francisco Mujica International Airport, from Dallas/Fort Worth on American Airlines; Houston on United Airlines; and Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Oakland and Fresno, California, on Volaris.
I traveled with ETN, which operates a first-class, double-decker bus service direct from Guadalajara, and found it to be quite comfortable. Advisors and clients can visit the U.S. Department of State’s Mexico listings for the latest travel safety updates.
