I didn't like Mexico City; found better city nearby instead: Querétaro

I planned a two-week trip to Mexico after looking beyond Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, and Cozumel, and put Mexico City at the top after hearing great reviews. The metropolis of about 22 million people felt overwhelming—an influx of tourists for Día de Muertos probably didn't help—and I found myself preferring Santiago de Querétaro, a smaller city of around 1.5 million located three hours by bus away.

Querétaro's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, charmed me with tree-lined public squares that act as meeting points for commerce, culture, and dining. Its pedestrian-only streets invite relaxed walks; outdoor meals were often accompanied by soft piano music.

The Museum of Arts impressed with Baroque-style architecture, and the small Calendar Museum sits in a restored mansion with manicured gardens. The city also made a convenient base for day trips. I took a one-night visit to San Miguel de Allende, wandering cobblestone streets, dining at rooftop cafés, and admiring the prominent pink cathedral.

Mexico, Querétaro

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