Queretaro City is characterized for its colonial architecture and its beauty and in 1996 it was declared a United Nations World Heritage Site. The historic downtown area offers the visitor over 450 years of history and tradition with palaces, temples, mansions and its aqueduct. A guided city tour can be made on a trolley taking you through the palaces, monuments, legends and other historical sites of the city.

The buildings have a variety of different architectural styles. The temples of San Agustin and Santa Clara have a baroque style while the temple of the Capuchinas takes a neoclassic form. Casa de Don Bartolo the home of Don Bartolo has the architecture and ornamentation of the 18th and 19th centuries. It currently houses the State's Education Ministry. Another example of superb architecture is the 'Theater of the Republic', where the Mexican constitution was signed.

The Government Palace is located in the Plaza de Armas and was built in 1770. It was the house of magistrate Sir Miguel Dominguez. It currently houses government offices of the State executive branch. The Aqueduct is a symbol of the city that was built in the 1730's. The 79 arches were used to conduct water throughout the city. 'Pantheon de los Queretanos Ilustres' is a cemetery which holds the bodies of several important personalities of Queretaro's history. 'Plaza de Armas' or the Square of Independence is considered as one of the most beautiful spanish style squares in Mexico.

There are several other famous colonial towns around Queretaro which can be visited in a day which have fantastic architecture. San Miguel de Allende, Tequisquiapan,Peña de Bernal and Sierra Gorda are a few.