Aguascalientes City

The city of Aguascalientes was founded in 1575 as a way station for the traders traveling the Ruta de la Plata that connected the silver mines in the area. Meaning “hot water,” the city was named for the area’s hot springs. Today, it is known for its striking architecture, both civil and religious, especially the structures built in the 18th and 19th centuries. It blends baroque, neoclassical, and eclectic styles. 

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Aguascalientes is split into neighborhoods, each with its own personality. They are anchored by a church, a lovely park, or a community—they may be bullfighters, printmakers, or craftspeople—that gives each area its own special charm. 

The state’s capital is also famous for its array of cultural offerings. You can find visual art museums displaying the work of world-famous artists such as the great sculptor Jesús F. Contreras and the iconic printmaker José Guadalupe Posada, creator of the La Catrina figure and native of the city. 

Aguascalientes is also a city that knows how to party. Its streets have an animated air coming from the numerous cafés, neighborhoods, and outdoor dining options, especially on weekends. It is also home to the Plaza de Toros Monumental, one of the largest bullrings in the world. However, festive feelings are at their peak in April during the Feria de San Marcos—Mexico’s oldest state fair. During this event, locals and tourists turn this quiet colonial city into an entertainment hotspot for partying, with great music and bullfights. 

10 Can’t-Miss Spots in the City of Aguascalientes 

1. Isla San Marcos. This is the mainfairgrounds and family-friendly space. Take a boat ride on its artificial lake, walk through the green spaces, and have fun on the rides. 
2. Plaza de las Tres Centurias.Learn about the city’s railroading past while wandering through these olden-day facilities. Pop in to the gallery, and try one of the workshops. 
3. You can’t leavethe city without having a traditional temascal sauna or a massage in Baños de Ojocaliente. 
4. Museo Nacional de la Muerte.Join the party and discover the iconographic collection all about death and Mexican funerary arts in its ten galleries. And, appreciate the work of printmaker Octavio Bajonero Gil. 
5. Museo José Guadalupe Posada.Headquarters of the Concurso Nacional de Grabado (National Printmaking Competition), this art museum is home to more than 3 thousand pieces from a range of masters—Posada, Manilla, Fors, Tamayo, and more. The museum also puts on workshops, projections, and cultural outreach activities. 
6. As long as you are in the area,head to Cenaduría San Antonio at 6 pm sharp. They have been dishing up traditional suppers for more than forty years. Try the pozole soup, crunchy tacos, enchiladas, and maize sopes. 
7. Historic Center.This is the backdrop for the Desfile de Calaveras. Take in the parade of skulls from a café on Madero street. 
8. If you are onNieto Street, treat yourself to a piece of delicate pulled thread work, embroidery, or traditional handicraft. 
9. Stroll towardsPlaza de la Patria and hop on the tourist trolley that will take you by the city’s main attractions.
10. Museo Descubre.If you’re traveling with kids, head to the south of the city. This children’s museum has interactive exhibits, an area with games, a cactus garden, radio and TV sets, workshops, and an IMAX theater. Little ones will surely let their imaginations fly.