Morelia, Mexico: travel guide
Pink-stone colonial capital of Michoacán, with a grand cathedral
The pink-stone capital of Michoacán, a UNESCO World Heritage colonial city famed for its majestic cathedral, candied fruit, butterfly sanctuaries, and traditional crafts.
About Morelia
Morelia is the capital of Michoacán, a dignified colonial city built in a warm pink stone. Its historic centre has a grand cathedral, arcaded plazas and a long aqueduct, and it carries a quiet, scholarly atmosphere because of its universities and music traditions.
Walk from the cathedral to the Palacio de Gobierno, with its murals, then stroll the Callejón del Romance and the Fuente Las Tarascas. The Casa Natal de Morelos tells the story of one of the leaders of Mexican independence, and sweet shops sell the city's candied fruit and fruit sweets. Outside the city, the region is known for its crafts, lakes and, between late autumn and early spring, the overwintering monarch butterflies.
Morelia suits culture lovers and travellers who like quieter colonial cities. The mild climate means the dry months from November to April are the best time to visit.
- Country
- Mexico
- Currency
- MXN
- Time zone
- America/Mexico_City
- Nearest airport
- MLM
Last updated
Top places to visit in Morelia
Morelia Cathedral
church · 4.8 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
One of Mexico's most impressive cathedrals — twin 63m towers of pink volcanic stone over the Plaza de Armas. Construction 1660–1744. UNESCO World Heritage site.
Centro de Convenciones & Planetario
Activity · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Cultural complex with a planetarium, orquidario and the José María Morelos monument.
Acueducto de Morelia
Heritage · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
253-arch 18th-c. pink-stone aqueduct, floodlit at night, a symbol of the city.
Palacio de Gobierno
Heritage · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
18th-c. former seminary with dramatic historical murals by Alfredo Zalce.
Templo y Conservatorio de las Rosas
Church · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
Baroque church beside the Americas' oldest music conservatory.
Callejón del Romance
Cultural · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Flower-filled cobbled alley with fountains and inscribed verses.
Mercado de Dulces y Artesanías
Market · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Sweets-and-crafts market famed for Morelia's ate, cajeta and morelianas.
Santuario de Guadalupe (Templo de San Diego)
Church · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Astonishing pink-and-gold interior, one of Mexico's most ornate church naves.
Casa Natal de Morelos
Museum · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Birthplace museum of independence hero José María Morelos.
Fuente Las Tarascas
Heritage · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Emblematic fountain of three Purépecha women at the head of the aqueduct.
Things to do
- Michoacán Sweets & Market Tour Food Tour · 2 h · from MXN 300 per person
- Morelia Historic Centre Walking Tour Tour · 2.5 h · from MXN 350 per person
- Pátzcuaro & Janitzio Day Trip Day Trip · 7 h · from MXN 900 per person
- Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Excursion Day Trip · 8 h · from MXN 1,100 per person
Where to stay in Morelia
Hotels
- Hotel de la Soledad 4-star · MXN 2,200 to MXN 4,500 per night
- Hotel Los Juaninos 4-star · MXN 2,000 to MXN 3,600 per night
- Cantera Diez Hotel Boutique 4-star · MXN 2,200 to MXN 3,800 per night
- Hotel Casino Morelia 4-star · MXN 1,800 to MXN 3,200 per night
- Hostel Allende Morelia 2-star · MXN 280 to MXN 800 per night
Where to eat
- Los Mirasoles mexican, michoacano · about MXN 300 per person
- Lu Cocina Michoacana Michoacan, Contemporary · about MXN 850 per person
- Fonda Marceva Michoacan, Mexican · about MXN 180 per person
- San Miguelito Michoacan, Mexican · about MXN 450 per person
- Cenaduría Lupita Michoacan, Mexican · about MXN 160 per person
- Onix Restaurante Contemporary, International · about MXN 500 per person
- Café Catedral Cafe, Mexican · about MXN 120 per person
Getting to Morelia
Airport: Morelia (MLM)
Getting around
- Bus
- Taxi
- Walking