Things to do in San Luis Potosí

Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, San Luis Potosí’s Historic Center still preserves untouched, with an enthralling charm that will make you step back to the grandeur of the Viceregal period. The city’s most impressive Baroque and Neoclassical buildings and churches are spread across the seven neighborhoods that originally gave life to the city, and are all within easy reach. Besides the splendid Saint Francis Church and Convent and the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Expectación, we recommend you pay a visit to Municipal Building, whose architecture and art collections will immediately transport you to the Viceregal era, the neoclassical Government Palace, and the Plaza de Los Fundadores. The historic square is surrounded by imponent buildings that were pivotal to the state’s development, including the Central Building of the University, the Parish of the Tabernacle, and the Parish of Loreto, whose majestic baroque facade is representative of the Jesuits’ evangelization in Mexico. Other treasures in San Luis Potosí’s historic center include the Teatro de La Paz, the Temple of Carmen, the Viceregal buildings of Casa de la Gandara, and the House of Felix Maria Calleja. Do not miss the National Center for the Arts, hosting local surreal masterpieces in a former prison building, and, if you just want to relax in the open air, visit Tangamanga Park, San Luis Potosí’s green lung and one of the most extensive urban forests in the country. Lovers visiting San Luis Potosí cannot skip a walk through the picturesque Callejón del Cariño (Affection Alley), a quaint and colorful passageway that reminds us of the Callejón del Beso (Kiss Alley) in Guanajuato.

Among the most remarkable landmarks in San Luis Potosí is the majestic metropolitan cathedral Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Expectación. Located in the central Plaza de Las Armas, also known as Hidalgo Garden, the Baroque and Neoclassical-style church is a national monument, boasting an impressive quarry facade whose eclectic décor attests to the different phases of its construction. A quarry sculpture of the Virgin Mary and the 24 marble and stone sculptures of the Apostles are the distinctive hallmarks of the cathedral. The sumptuous interiors display baroque architectural elements and paintings and also include a wind organ and choir stalls carved in fine wood. While visiting the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Expectación, take some time to enjoy the beautiful surrounding Hidalgo Garden. The square, including a kiosk and beautiful magnolia trees, is an excellent spot to relax and enjoy an ice cream, especially in the warm season.

The Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco (also known as Templo de San Francisco) is another unmissable stop while you discover San Luis Potosí’s cultural and artistic heritage. Situated in the Plaza San Francisco, just a few blocks from Plaza de Las Armas, the church is a Baroque jewel attesting to the Novohispanic era. During this period, the Franciscans moving to Mexico started the evangelization of many Mexican territories including San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, and Jalisco. One of San Luis Potosí’s most prominent examples of viceregal architecture, the Templo de San Francisco hosts an amazing collection of art pieces by some of the most valued New Spain artists, such as Juan Correa, Francisco Martínez, Antonio de Torre, and Miguel Cabrera.

Built at the end of the 19th century, the imposing Teatro de la Paz was appointed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its lavish architecture, melting sumptuous Baroque elements with Neoclassical features, and the important role it played in the city’s cultural expansion. As its inauguration coincided with the construction of San Luis Potosi’s railway, the theater opened to the public with a gala function and a masterful performance of the opera Lucrecia Borgia by Gaetano Donizetti. The Teatro de La Paz boasts marvelously decorated interiors that feature a Neoclassical ballerina sculpture by the local artist Joaquín Arias and a wide collection of artworks attesting to San Luis Potosí’s history. Among the other works, make sure you catch a glimpse of Fernando Leal’s murals depicting the development of theater since pre-Hispanic times.

Mezcal, such as tequila and pulque, represents part of the essence of Mexican culture. To discover more about the production and history of the iconic spirit, we recommend you join a Mezcal Tour. The so-called Ruta del Mezcal, starting in the municipality of Venado, not too far from Real de Catorce, is one of the best ways to learn about mezcal and taste samples of this ancient drink from various factories along the way. If you do not have time to reach Venado, though, you can enjoy excellent sorts of mezcal in all of San Luis Potosí.

In Bocas, only one hour drive from San Luis Potosí, you will come across another landmark that well represents country's essence and its development through the past centuries. The Hacienda de Bocas farm was built during the Viceregal period, after the end of the Chichimeca war, and served as a defense of the fortress of Bocas de Maticoya. The hacienda will give a prime insight into life in San Luis Potosí from the 16th to the 19th century. You can visit the still well-preserved church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, located within the Hacienda de Bocas, or enjoy hiking and horseback riding in the hacienda’s surroundings.

Your itinerary in San Luis Potosi cannot be complete if not including a gastronomic tour to taste the best of the local cuisine. Among the diverse specialties, we recommend you try the enchiladas potosinas, traditional corn masa, similar to empanadas, filled with varied ingredients such as cheese, chili, onion, and herbs and served with guacamole sauce and lettuce. No matter how long your stay in San Luis Potosí is, treat yourself to one of the most delicious sweet specialties in the region. The exquisite campechanas from Santa María del Río, sweet puff pastries covered with caramelized sugar, are one of the distinctive hallmarks of the potosina gastronomy: make sure that during your exploration you try this delicious classic.

Although it is not in San Luis Potosí’s proximity, the enchanting Pueblo Mágico of Xilitla is an unmissable stop when you stay in SLP for a long vacation. Nestled right in the middle of the Huasteca Potosina, this fascinating Magical Town is among the most alluring villages to visit in Mexico, combining culture and arts with extraordinary natural landscapes. The most emblematic attraction you will come across in Xilitla is the renowned Edward James’s Surrealist Garden Las Pozas, with evoking sculptures and installations set in the mysterious frame of the Huasteca jungle amidst waterfalls and crystal-clear lagoons. When visiting, also check out the Leonora Carrington Surrealist Museum and the Edward James Museum, where you can learn about the Scottish artist’s life and the history of Las Pozas and the different phases of its construction.

Located around three hours from San Luis Potosí, the Pueblo Mágico of Real de Catorce boasts a unique charm that earned it its almost mystical reputation. Despite the town hosting many abandoned buildings, Real de Catorce is not a real ghost town and still preserves its mining and colonial heritage. To get to this quaint Magical Town you will need to cross the Túnel de Ogarrio (Ogarrio Tunnel), a subterranean passage that you can traverse on foot or by car. The evoking beauty of Real de Catorce permeates all its venues. Make sure you take a picture in Plaza Hidalgo, featuring an elegant iron kiosk surrounded by a beautiful garden, and browse the many stands and local shops selling traditional items and souvenirs. Other notable attractions include the colonial City Hall, the Casa de Moneda, the Real de Catorce Museum, and the town square. The area around Real de Catorce offers chances for zip-lining, exploring the old mines still open to the public, and getting familiar with the traditions and rituals of the Huichol community by visiting the center of the Cerro del Quemado, a few kilometers from Real de Catorce.

The enchanting Laguna de la Media Luna (Media Luna Lagoon) is another great option when you stay in San Luis Potosí with no time restrictions. Located three kilometers southwest of the municipality of Rioverde, the lagoon is an amazing state park that offers countless chances for fun and adventure: diving, snorkeling, swimming, and camping are some of the activities you can enjoy in the area. Originating from six water sources, the Laguna de la Media Luna will fascinate you with its incredible water landscapes and unique autochthone flora and fauna.