Is Queretaro Mexico Safe? Everything You Need to Know in 2024
Located a few hours north of Mexico City, Santiago de Querétaro is a city that deserves to be taken seriously as an alternative for travellers preferring somewhere quieter and less hectic than the capital, while still having the benefits of a big city.
As the capital of the state of Queretaro, this city is home to an International Airport which is far more user-friendly than Mexico City. We also discovered while renting a car in Mexico the prices were cheaper in Queretaro.
Located about 220km / 140 miles north of Mexico City, Santiago de Querétaro is easily accessible by plane, bus and car making it a perfect Mexico road trip stop, a short getaway, or even a longer stay.
When we were researching our recent trip we liked the convenience and the cheaper prices than Mexico City, but we had to ask the question, “Is Queretaro Mexico safe?”
Is Queretaro Mexico Safe for travellers?
Santiago de Querétaro is widely considered one of the safest cities in Mexico. That being said, please remember that a little common sense goes a long way towards having a safe trip.
Making sure to avoid poorly lit areas at night, keeping out of known problem suburbs, and always being mindful of your belongings are some of the things to keep in mind.
Is Queretaro Safe to Walk Around?
The majority of the tourist areas of Santiago de Querétaro are quite flat and you will find beautiful parks, restaurants and cafes, and stunning colonial architecture all within walking distance of the Centro area.
The city centre and other popular tourist areas are well-patrolled, making them safer for visitors. Overall, Queretaro should feel welcoming and safe.
The strong economy in Santiago de Querétaro has kept petty crime low but moving further out from the popular tourist areas may increase the risk of crime, especially at night.
Is Queretaro Mexico Safe At Night?
Santiago de Querétaro is considered very safe at night as long as you stay around the Centro and more touristy neighbourhoods. The centre is a perfect place to enjoy an evening stroll and experience the nightlife, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and entertainment on hand.
But it’s important to exercise care and stick to well-lit and busy streets, avoid secluded areas, and keep an eye on your belongings, as you should be doing anywhere you travel.
What Is the Queretaro Mexico Crime Rate?
Santiago de Querétaro is reputed to have one of the lowest crime rates in Mexico, particularly when it comes to violent crime. There is still the possibility of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, so take care of your belongings.
However, it is rare to hear of incidents involving tourists and even then, they are generally minor. The police presence around the city centre and tourist areas contributes to making this a safer environment.
While specific crime rate statistics can vary, Queretaro is widely considered a safe destination for travellers as long as you take care and exercise common sense.
Best Safety Tips for Travel to Queretaro Mexico
We’re sure you will find that visiting Santiago de Querétaro will be a rewarding and memorable experience, but as with anywhere, it’s essential to take certain precautions. Here are some of the best safety tips for a worry-free visit:
- Stay in Well-Reviewed Accommodations: Choose reputable hotels or vacation rentals with positive reviews from other travellers. Well-established places are more likely to have additional security measures and be located in better neighbourhoods.
- Be Mindful of Your Belongings: Petty theft can occur in crowded places, so keep an eye on your belongings. Use a money belt or a crossbody bag that zips up securely. Avoid displaying valuables like expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash.
- Stick to Well-Lit and Busy Areas at Night: While Queretaro is considered safe, it’s best to stick to well-lit, busy areas after dark. The city centre and popular tourist spots are generally safer for evening exploration.
- Use Reliable Transportation: When travelling around the city, use reputable taxi services or rideshare apps like Uber, which are generally safer than hailing a cab off the street. If renting a car, ensure it’s from a trusted company and be aware of local driving conditions.
- Stay Informed About Local Conditions: Keep up-to-date with local news and any travel advisories from your home country. This will help you stay informed about any areas to avoid or potential risks.
- Respect Local Customs and Laws: Familiarise yourself with local customs, traditions, and laws to avoid inadvertently offending anyone, and showing respect for the local culture can enhance your safety.
- Emergency Contacts: Have a list of emergency contacts, including the local police, your country’s embassy, and your accommodation’s contact information. In case of any issues, knowing who to contact can be crucial.
- Health Precautions: Make sure you have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. Also, be cautious with food and water—stick to bottled water and eat at reputable restaurants or street food vendors that are popular with locals.
- Travel in Groups When Possible: There’s safety in numbers, so exploring with a companion or in a group makes sense. This is particularly advisable when visiting less crowded or more remote areas.
- Trust Your Instincts: Finally, always trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Is Queretaro Mexico a Good Place to Visit?
Santiago de Querétaro is an interesting place to visit, it turned out to be one of the most surprising towns we have visited in Mexico. Renowned for its important role in Mexican history, exciting and colourful Centro area, and interesting and unique architecture.
The city’s diverse architecture, historic landmarks, and colourful neighbourhoods provide the ideal backdrop for a memorable visit. Queretaro also has some unique and unexpected sights including a massive aqueduct running through the centre of the city.
Queretaro is also a great place when you want to eat like a Mexican as you will find everything from street food to fine dining. Try delicacies such as enchiladas Queretanas or gorditas made with broken bits of corn, for a traditional food experience when visiting the city.
Best Queretaro Mexico Hotels
Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico has a wide variety of accommodations, from small motels to private apartments and luxury 5-star hotels where you can spoil yourself. Here are our recommendations for your trip:
✅ Hostel Option: Septimo Hostal is a highly-rated hostel in a handy location location. It features budget-friendly prices and is within walking distance of many restaurants and the best things to do in the city.
✅ Budget Option: Morelos By HomiRent is only a few blocks from the Centro area. This aparthotel is highly-rated and offers large comfortable rooms at crazy cheap prices.
✅ Apartment Option: Increíble loft en el centro de la ciudad is within easy walking distance of Centro and all major attractions. It includes all the facilities you would expect from a self-contained property including fast internet, a kitchen and a washing machine.
✅ Mid-Range Option: Hotel Boutique Casa Loreta is a 4-star hotel located just a couple of minute walk from Centro. The hotel features a rooftop area and pool. Breakfast is included.
✅ Luxury Option: Hotel Patio Santiago is a 5-star colonial building in the centre of Queretaro, less than 2 blocks from the San Francisco temple. The rooms feature high-end appointments and the hotel has a rooftop with great views.
Getting Around Queretaro Mexico Safely
While the main tourist section of the city is quite walkable, especially in the there are several other transportation options available for exploring further afield.
For short distances within the city, walking is often the best way to take in the sights and sounds of Queretaro. The tourist centre is relatively compact, and many of the main attractions, restaurants, and shops are located within a small area.
They also have the cutest tour cars we have ever seen and offer various routes. We took one of these tours and found the driver knowledgeable and friendly.
However, when your destination is a bit farther, or if you’re travelling late at night, you may decide that other options become preferable.
Taxis are a convenient and generally safe choice, particularly if called through your hotel or a reputable taxi company. These taxis are metered, and you will find you pay a fair price for the distance travelled.
Additionally, ride-sharing apps may be another option in Queretaro. Uber is commonly used in and around the city and is a value-for-money way of getting your crew to and from the airport.
Uber can also be an option for those looking to explore other towns around Santiago de Querétaro, like Bernal or San Miguel de Allende. And renting a car can also be a good option.
If you are wondering if it is safe to drive in Mexico read this post for all of the answers.
Car rentals are available at the airport and within the city but we prefer to book online, providing flexibility for day trips. Always ensure you have proper insurance and be aware of local driving habits and road conditions.
Public transportation, including buses and colectivos (shared taxis), are widely used by locals and can be an economical way to travel. These are generally safe and cheap, but they can be less comfortable and more challenging to navigate if you’re not familiar with the routes.
That being said, if your goal is to immerse yourself deeper into the local way of life then this is a great way to achieve that goal.
Queretaro Mexico FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this interesting destination:
- What is the best time of year to visit Queretaro?
- The mild climate from October to April makes it a popular time, especially in March when the wine festivals happen and the beautiful Jacaranda trees are in full purple bloom.
- May to July can be very hot and very wet, so keep that in mind when planning your Mexico trip.
- Is Queretaro safe for tourists?
- Statistically it is one of the safest cities in Mexico, especially in tourist areas, but standard precautions still are advised.
- What are the must-visit attractions in Santiago de Querétaro?
- Key attractions include el Centro, Los Arcos (the aqueduct), Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo, and the important historical site of Cerro de las Campanas.
- What is Queretaro famous for in terms of food?
- Santiago de Querétaro’s traditional dishes include enchiladas Queretanas; tortillas stuffed with a stew made of chicken, carrots, and potatoes and dipped in a guajillo chile salsa and Pedos de monja (translated as nun farts) is the silly and disturbing name of arguably the most famous chocolates in Queretaro.
- Can I drink the tap water in Queretaro?
- It is generally advised to drink bottled or filtered water and any decent accommodation will provide you with some during your stay.
- What are the options for day trips from Queretaro?
- Popular options include Peña de Bernal, San Miguel de Allende, the surrounding vineyards and cheese producers in the surrounding countryside.
- What is the local currency, and where can I exchange money?
- The local currency is the Mexican Peso, and while USD is accepted in some parts of Mexico, we recommend arriving with some local currency on hand. You can also use ATMs, money changers, hotels, and banks to obtain more pesos.
Our Opinion: Is Queretaro Mexico Safe?
We spent a little over a week in Santiago de Querétaro and would most definitely return if the opportunity ever arises. We enjoyed the blend of history, great food, and how pleasant it was to walk through the city.
At no stage did we feel unsafe even when walking around in the evenings. It is a city that provides a great alternative arrival point to Mexico City and has more than enough going on to make a great weekend getaway or a week-long family adventure.
So if you were to ask us “Is Queretaro Mexico safe?” we would tell you that, we are concerned by the increase in violent crime across Australia, USA, and other countries, visiting Queretaro is probably safer than staying home!
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