Create meetup in Aguascalienteschevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
explore Aguascalientes Guides
bar_chart Trends in Aguascalientes
Things to Do in Aguascalientes (2026)
Begin your visit in the Plaza de la Patria, the heart of the city, surrounded by the Cathedral Basilica and the Government Palace. The palace's murals by Chilean artist Oswa… 🏛️ Start at the Center
Begin your visit in the Plaza de la Patria, the heart of the city, surrounded by the Cathedral Basilica and the Government Palace. The palace's murals by Chilean artist Oswaldo Barra Cunningham are a must-see, and they're free to view. Arrive early, around 9 a.m., to beat the heat and the crowds, then wander the adjacent pedestrian streets for a feel of daily life.
🎭 Catch a Cultural Show
The Teatro Aguascalientes, on Calle Nieto, hosts ballet, opera, and theater performances throughout the year. Check the schedule online before your trip, as tickets for popular shows sell out quickly. For a more intimate experience, visit the Casa de la Cultura on Avenida Carranza, which often has free concerts and art exhibitions in its courtyards.
🍴 Taste Local Flavors
Don't leave without trying the city's signature dish, pollo borracho, a chicken stew cooked with beer and spices. Head to El Mesón de los Laureles on Calle 5 de Mayo for a traditional version, or visit the Mercado Juárez for street food like gorditas and tacos de barbacoa. For a sweet treat, stop by Dulces Típicos de Aguascalientes on Avenida Madero to sample local candies like jamoncillo and cocadas.
🚂 Ride the Historic Tram
The Aguascalientes tram, or tranvía, is a charming way to see the city's historic landmarks. It departs from the Plaza de la Patria every hour from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the 40-minute ride costs about 50 pesos. The route passes the San Marcos neighborhood, the Temple of San Marcos, and the beautiful Jardín de San Marcos, which is especially lively during the San Marcos Fair in April and May.
🌿 Explore the San Marcos Neighborhood
This historic district is a short walk from the center and is famous for its gardens and the baroque-style Templo de San Marcos. Stroll along the Andador J. Pani, a pedestrian walkway lined with cafes and shops, and relax in the Jardín de San Marcos, a peaceful green space with a central kiosk. In the evenings, the area comes alive with mariachi music and families enjoying the cool air.
🎨 Visit the Museums
The Museo Nacional de la Muerte, located in the former convent of San Diego, offers a unique look at Mexico's Day of the Dead traditions through art and artifacts. It's open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is 60 pesos. Another gem is the Museo Posada, dedicated to the engraver José Guadalupe Posada, creator of La Catrina, on Calle Jardín del Encino.
♨️ Soak in Hot Springs
Just outside the city, the town of Tepezalá is known for its natural hot springs, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The Balneario Los Arquitos offers thermal pools and mud baths for about 100 pesos per person. You can reach it by bus from the central terminal, which takes about 45 minutes and costs 30 pesos each way.
🚌 Getting Around
Aguascalientes is a walkable city, but for longer distances, use the city's efficient bus system, which costs 10 pesos per ride. Taxis are affordable, with a typical ride within the center costing 50 to 80 pesos, but agree on the fare before getting in. For a day trip to nearby attractions like the Calvillo Pueblo Mágico, rent a car or take a first-class bus from the central station.
honestly the tranvia is cute but i'd skip it if you're short on time, the route is walkable and you'll see more going at your own pace. instead grab a bike from the biciaguas stations near the plaza, it's like 30 pesos for an hour and you can loop through san marcos and down to the rio san pedro path without waiting for the next tram.
for the hot springs, tepezalá is fine but the ones in san josé de gracia are quieter and the water feels cleaner to me. the bus from the central terminal takes a bit longer, maybe an hour, but it's the same price and you'll have the pools almost to yourself on a weekday. bring your own towel tho, they charge extra for rentals.
also the cathedral at sunset, go up to the roof if they let you, the caretaker usually opens it around 6 p.m. for a small tip. the light on the plaza and the hills behind it is way better than any of the murals inside, and you get the whole city spread out below.
seconding the pollo borracho but go to la casa de la abuela on calle rivero instead, it's a tiny family spot that's been there since the 80s and they serve it with handmade tortillas and a side of pickled onions that cut through the beer richness. the meson version is fine but touristy, this one's got locals packed in every sunday and the portions are huge for like 90 pesos.
if you're here in late november don't miss the festival de las calaveras, it's not as famous as the san marcos fair but it's way more authentic. the whole centro gets covered in papel picado and they do these giant puppet parades at night, plus the museo nacional de la muerte sets up a temporary altar contest that's honestly better than their permanent collection. check the dates before u book, it shifts a bit year to year.
one thing nobody's mentioned, the plaza de las tres centurias on the east side has this huge neon sign that lights up at dusk, it's a leftover from the old textile factory and makes a great photo spot without any crowds. grab a paleta from neveria san marcos on the way and sit on the steps, the reflection in the fountain is unreal when it's dark.
You've got a solid list here, but I'd add the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo No. 1 on Avenida Independencia for a quieter afternoon. It's in a converted mansion with this gorgeous central courtyard, and the rotating exhibits lean toward local and Latin American artists you won't see elsewhere. Admission is like 30 pesos and it's almost always empty, so you can actually take your time without someone hovering.
For a drink after the San Marcos stroll, find La Chopería on Calle Nieto, it's a tiny bar with maybe six tables that does a killer michelada with chamoy they make in-house. The owner's a retired bullfighter and will happily tell you stories if you ask, but the crowd is mostly regulars so don't expect a scene. Go around 7 p.m. before it fills up with the dinner crowd.
One thing the guide glossed over, the Mercado Juárez gets crazy busy by noon, so hit it right when it opens at 9 a.m. if you want a shot at the best barbacoa before it sells out. The stall at the far north corner, the one with the yellow tiles, does a version with salsa verde that's worth waking up early for, and you'll beat the tour groups that roll in around 11.
3 Days in Aguascalientes: Itinerary 2026
Start your trip in the heart of the city, the Centro Historico. Begin at the Plaza de la Patria, where you can admire the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumptio… 🗺️ Day 1: Centro Historico
Start your trip in the heart of the city, the Centro Historico. Begin at the Plaza de la Patria, where you can admire the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. From there, walk two blocks to the Palacio de Gobierno, which houses stunning murals by Chilean artist Oswaldo Barra Cunningham. For lunch, head to the Mercado Juarez, just a 10-minute walk south, and try the local 'torta ahogada' at one of the bustling food stalls.
🏛️ Day 1 Afternoon: Museums
After lunch, visit the Museo Nacional de la Muerte, located at Rivero y Gutierrez 45, which is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM. It offers a fascinating look at Mexican death rituals and art. Next, walk 15 minutes east to the Museo de Aguascalientes, at Zaragoza 505, to see works by local artist Saturnino Herran. Both museums have an entrance fee of around 50 pesos, with discounts for students and seniors.
🌆 Day 1 Evening: San Marcos
In the evening, take a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride (about 40 pesos) to the Barrio de San Marcos. This neighborhood comes alive with the famous San Marcos Garden, where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll among the fountains. For dinner, try the traditional 'carnitas' at El Pescadito, a local favorite on Avenida San Marcos, open until 11:00 PM. If you're up for it, catch a live mariachi performance at the Plaza de Toros Monumental, which often hosts evening shows.
🚌 Day 2: Getting Around
On your second day, use the city's efficient public bus system to reach the outskirts. Buses run frequently from the Centro to the Feria National de San Marcos grounds, with a fare of 10 pesos. Alternatively, use Uber or Didi, which are widely available and cost around 60 to 80 pesos for a 20-minute ride. Plan your route in advance, as traffic can be heavy during rush hours, especially between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
🎡 Day 2: Feria Grounds
Spend the morning at the Feria Nacional de San Marcos, the city's iconic fairgrounds. Even outside the fair season, you can visit the Isla San Marcos, a large park with a lake and walking trails, open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. For a unique experience, take a ride on the 'Rueda de la Feria', a Ferris wheel that operates year-round, with tickets at 80 pesos per person. Nearby, the Museo Posada, dedicated to the engraver Jose Guadalupe Posada, is a must-see, open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
🍽️ Day 2 Lunch: Local Flavors
For lunch, head to the Mercado de la Feria, a 5-minute walk from the fairgrounds, where you can sample regional specialties like 'enchiladas estilo Aguascalientes' and 'birria'. The market is bustling and affordable, with most dishes costing between 60 and 100 pesos. If you prefer a sit-down meal, try La Casa de la Abuela, a family-run restaurant on Avenida de la Convencion, known for its generous portions and homemade salsas.
🏞️ Day 2 Afternoon: Parks
After lunch, take a bus or taxi to the Parque Tres Centurias, a former railway complex turned public park, about 15 minutes from the fairgrounds. The park features old locomotives, a small museum, and beautiful gardens, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Entry is free, and the park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For a more active option, rent a bike at the park's entrance and cycle along the scenic paths.
🌙 Day 3: Hidden Gems
On your final day, explore the less-touristy neighborhoods. Start in the Colonia del Valle, a residential area with charming streets and local cafes. Visit the Templo de San Antonio, a beautiful 19th-century church, then stop for coffee at Cafe del Valle, a cozy spot on Calle 5 de Mayo. For a unique souvenir, browse the artisan workshops in the Barrio de la Purisima, where you can watch craftsmen create traditional pottery and textiles.
🚗 Day 3: Day Trip Option
If you have extra time, consider a day trip to the nearby town of Calvillo, about 45 minutes by car or bus from Aguascalientes. Calvillo is famous for its guava orchards and the beautiful Señor del Salitre sanctuary, a hilltop church with panoramic views. Buses leave from the Central de Autobuses every 30 minutes, with a fare of around 50 pesos. Return by late afternoon to catch a final sunset at the Jardin de San Marcos.
solid itinerary, day 2's park tip is good but i'd swap tres centurias for the museo del juguete (toy museum) if ur at all into weird stuff. it's like 10 min walk from the feria grounds, 30 pesos entry, and it's this chaotic collection of vintage mexican toys, lucha libre masks, and old arcade machines. way more memorable than the trains honestly, and it's open till 7pm which gives u more time to wander the market after.
also, for day 1, skip the palacio de gobierno if ur pressed for time and go straight to the museo de aguascalientes rooftop instead. the murals are fine but the view from the terrace over the centro, especially at golden hour, is the real hidden gem. no extra fee, just walk up the stairs near the saturnino herran room. and if u need a bathroom break mid-afternoon, the san marcos garden has a clean public one behind the kiosk, costs like 5 pesos but beats the ones at the mercado juarez.
fwiw, if u do the day trip to calvillo, dont sleep on the 'pan de guayaba' from the panaderias near the main plaza. it's like a sweet bread roll stuffed with guava paste, fresh out the oven around 4pm, costs like 15 pesos. way better than the stuff they sell at the feria grounds, which is usually stale by noon.
also for day 1, the walk from the museo nacional de la muerte to the museo de aguascalientes is more like 20 mins if ur taking it slow, and theres a killer taco stand on the corner of zaragoza and galeana about halfway. name escapes me but it's the one with the red awning, get the 'suadero' tacos, theyre 20 pesos each and way better than anything in the mercado juarez. just sayin.
parque tres centurias is free but the bike rental closes at 6pm sharp, i learned that the hard way. if u want to cycle, go before 4pm so u got time to actually enjoy it. and the little museum inside, the old train station one, is tiny but has some cool old photos of the city from the 1920s, worth the 10 min detour.
The guide's spot on about the Museo Nacional de la Muerte, but don't rush through it. I spent two hours there and still felt like I missed half the exhibits. Also, if you're there on a weekday, the Palacio de Gobierno murals are best seen right when they open at 9 AM, before the school groups roll in around 10:30.
One thing the guide misses: grab a 'nieve de guava' from the stands near the Jardin de San Marcos in the evening. It's a local specialty, about 30 pesos, and way better than any dessert you'll get at a restaurant. For the day trip to Calvillo, I'd take the bus rather than drive, the road's scenic but the parking near the sanctuary is a nightmare on weekends.