Things to do in San Luis Potosi

If you want to spend your vacation away from the chaos of the city, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, is one of the best spots!

It is a beautiful city in Mexico, located about five hours north of Mexico City, known for its gorgeous landscape and serenity. While San Luis Potosi is not as popular as Huasteca Potosina as a tourist destination, those who know, love how amazing it is. The limited number of visitors makes it even better as you do not see a massive crowd in the region. What else do you need?

The best part is that tourists from Canada, America, Japan, or different countries of Europe do not need a visa to visit this part of the world.

Fun Things to do in San Luis Potosi

San Luis Potosi is a magnificent, historic region of Mexico. It has everything from colorful gardens to ancient buildings and unique entertainment centers, giving you an authentic, majestic flavor.

This attractive part of Mexico is known to have the Eternal Spring climate, so you do not have to worry about the temperature any time of the year. You will never find Mexico San Luis Potosi too hot or cold; it’s just perfect!

However, visiting San Luis Potosi between October and March is best; April to September can be quite rainy, and you might not be able to enjoy many activities due to continuous showers. Surprisingly, San Luis Potosi is not hot and humid like other cities such as Cancun. Instead, you will find it slightly colder if you visit the area during winter.

While on your honeymoon in San Luis Potosi or a fun family vacation, you cannot help but get mesmerized by the regal architecture. The area has everything from modern plazas, such as the Plaza de San Francisco, to museums and parks, including Museo Laberinto and Parque Tangamanga.

It is a fun-jammed space to make the best out of your time while in Mexico.

Let’s quickly tell you about places to eat and things to do in San Luis Potosi, one of the most gorgeous cities in Mexico.

Walk Through the Historic Downtown

Most people begin their trip from the Historic Center or Historic Downtown, which has splendid architecture to treat your eyes. The grandeur makes you feel lost in the beauty of the buildings around the center. It is one of the most monumental places in the city and is a UNESCO world heritage site.

The Historic Downtown was established around Founders Square in 1592 and has some of the most significant historical monuments. They include the House of the Viceroy, the Loretto Chapel, the Garden of San Francisco, and Templo del Carmen. Besides the breathtaking day view of these monuments, you can also see them illuminated at night; it’s a spectacle to remember!

Start your day by visiting downtown as you will find numerous splendid spots around this area that you surely do not want to miss. As you move around the historic center, you will come across the Plaza de Armas, the main area. It has gardens to sit in and enjoy the city’s rich architecture. Furthermore, it offers a wide variety of authentic finger-licking good Mexican street food to satisfy your cravings.

Learn Historical Water Systems at Caja del Agua

Caja del Agua, which translates to “Water Box,” is the magical water tank at Jardin Colón in the downtown area of San Luis Potosi. While visiting a water tank might not seem the most attractive, it connects to the history of San Luis Potosi. The water in the Caja del Agua came from the Cañada del Lobo Spring, among the main drinking water sources in the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

This water tank is one of the most prominent landmarks in the city, exhibiting the region’s water transport history. It is a round pink structure with four flower pots around it. You can also see the water bearer, “El Aguador,” next to Caja del Agua. It represents the job of a water bearer delivering water from Caja del Agua to needy families in the old days.

You will be fascinated by how many interesting landmarks like Caja del Agua tell you more about the region in old times and how it has evolved over decades.

Enjoy Activities at the Parque Tangamanga

While you are at Parque Tangamanga to visit the Museo Laberinto, why not explore the park as well?

Parque Tangamanga in San Luis Potosi is a delight when you have been roaming in the city of arts and history. It gives you a break from the enormous buildings and allows you to indulge in nature before heading to your next destination. The park has a variety of wildlife, including ostriches.

Parque Tangamanga, or Tangamanga Park, is among the largest urban parks in the country and the second-biggest in Mexico. Established in 1985, it is a popular recreational site for locals and tourists. It is perfect for taking a stroll with your partner or taking your kids for fun activities.

The park has a wave pool, slides, zoo, dance school, science museum, botanical garden, planetarium, lake, and much more for kids and adults. Besides the motorbike tracks, you can enjoy soccer, football, and basketball. The park also offers running and hiking trails for thrill lovers.

Parque Tangamanga opens all days of the week at five in the morning. Enjoy all the amenities in the park till 11 pm on Mondays and up to 6 pm from Tuesdays to Sundays. The best part? It is free to enter and enjoy all these activities and is completely safe.

Visit the Museo Laberinto

Whether you are going to San Luis Potosi alone or with family, Museo Laberinto is a must-visit!

The museum welcomes you with a walkway having a wooden-like structure. Museo Laberinto or Laberinto Museum is in Parque Tangamanga (Tangamanga Park). Compared to traditional museums, Museo Laberinto does not only focus on artifacts but promotes arts, science, and technology. You can walk through various rooms to learn more about these.

The first room displays pieces about the connection between humans and animals and how animals influence human lives. It is an excellent place to understand the advances of science and changes in the universe. It offers various activities that children and adults enjoy. Observe alterations in chemical bonds or race with a robot in forming a structure. Work fast, though; the robot is fast. The other rooms have animals, including rabbits, ducks, turtles, and space exhibits.

Besides the exhibitions, there is something interesting for children and adults of all ages, including a play area and a petting zoo. You can also take your kids to the Imax theater. The weekends at Museo Laberinto are busier as kids have more activities, such as crafts. On the other hand, there are not many visitors during weekdays. Also, you can bring a stroller for kids under five.

Entry to the museum costs 2 USD for children and 3 USD for adults, while children under three have free entry. This ticket price includes admission to the museum, 3D film, and temporary exhibitions.

The Museo Laberinto is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Weekday timings are 9 am to 4 pm, whereas weekend visitors may enter at 11 am and leave by 7 pm.

Explore the Museum Nacional de la Máscara

The Museum Nacional de la Máscara at Plaza del Carmen is another important location in Mexico San Luis Potosí.

The Museum Nacional de la Mascara is the Museum of Mexican History and Culture, where you can enjoy the Mexican masked dance and observe the heritage closely. There are over 1,300 Mexican-style masks in the museum for you to get amazed with. These masks exhibit different personalities and subjects, including angels, demons, heroes, saints, etc. You can also find a collection of Asian masks in the Museum Nacional de la Mascara.

The museum building is as old as the nineteenth century, and the masks are displayed in five rooms. This beautiful nineteenth-century building exhibits the masks and promotes studying and disseminating this important part of Mexico’s history. Besides the masks of the country, you can also find Potosinas masks and those from other parts of the world in designated rooms. These masks at the Museum Nacional de la Máscara San Luis Potosí take you to a world of magic and mystery.

The museum is open throughout the week. Visit the museum on Sundays and Mondays between 10 am and 3 pm. Visitors are welcome between 10 am to 6 pm from Tuesday to Friday, and Saturday timings are 10 am to 5 pm. The Museum Nacional de la Mascara has an admission fee of 1 USD for adults and 0.55 USD for children. Entry is free for children under five.

Buy Perfumes from Botica Alhóndiga

One of the loveliest experiences in visiting San Luis Potosi, Mexico, is finding numerous old buildings and manufacturing sites that are not essentially historical points. One such spot in the city is Botica Alhóndiga. Botica Alhóndiga emerged in 1870 and has been among the locals’ top perfumes and essential oils choices.

Despite growing their business, you can see the antique cabinets and elixir bottles at Botica Alhóndiga to get a feel of the times when they started. This well-known name in the city is popular for its herbal extracts, medicines, scrubs, and even hangover cures. Botica Alhóndiga is home to the finest essential oils, perfumes, and creams.

Centro de Las Artes de San Luis Potosi Centenario

If you have never visited a prison-turned-art center, immediately put the Centro de Las Artes de San Luis Potosi Centenario on your list.

The Centro de las Artes de San Luis Potosi Centenario was a town prison previously and was turned into an art center by Taller 6A. The building that once had the most dangerous criminals in the country now spreads the message of harmony and art. You can see gorgeous sculptures and vibrant displays of art throughout the museum.

The architecture is a beautiful sight, but you can also check out the exhibitions at the center. There are sculptures, paintings, novels, and engravings from old times, including the work of Leonora Carrington in the Leonora Carrington Museum. The center also offers academic programs and training in Visual arts, popular art, literature, performing arts, and new technologies.

Check the website before visiting the Centro de las Artes de San Luis Potosi Centenario though it is typically open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 8 pm, with a break between 2 pm and 5 pm. It has a $15 entry fee, but children under ten and adults over 60 are exempted from the entrance fees.

Don’t forget that it offers free entry on Wednesdays!

Indulge in the Sweets from Factory of Sweets and Chocolates Costanzo

If you are fond of sweets, visiting the Factory of Sweets and Chocolates Costanzo is a must!

Don José Costanzo welcomed people to his house to offer chocolates and sweets in 1930 and has become a well-known name in the country now. You can relish over 150 products at Costanzo. There is a lot more to enjoy at this gorgeous place; some top choices include sponges, screws, nuts, and red tablets.

Costanzo is not an ordinary chocolate shop you might find in your residential block but is an important element of the historic center in all Mexican cities. Pincesa de Fresa, Esponja, and Menta Blance are yum. Don’t forget to try the all-time favorite Duquesa when you visit Costanzo.

The sweets are yummilicious, and you will want to have more of them!

Visit the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

It is said that the visit to San Luis Potosi is incomplete without going to the “Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe” or “Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe” in the local language.

The Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most globally visited catholic churches in the city’s historical center.

In 1531 Our Lady of Guadalupe instructed a peasant to build the church. The structure was constructed between 1772 and 1800 AD. It comprises three towers, each of which is 53 meters tall. The construction spanning over two decades has resulted in a spectacle you would not want to miss.

You can find the statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the center of the building, which pays homage to the Virgin Mary. The interiors have a gorgeous walkway leading you to an exquisite collection of paintings.

Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most accessible tourist locations and caters to visitors of all ages. It is suitable for children and is also easily accessible with a wheelchair. Families can park their vehicles in the parking area and spend time in the indoor or outdoor seating according to their preference.

Experience Local Shopping at Mercado Hidalgo

Shopping locally is one of the most memorable experiences of visiting a new country. It helps you learn more about the culture and get acquainted with unique elements you might not know otherwise.

Mercado Hidalgo is the biggest local market in the city and one of the best choices for San Luis Potosi shopping. It was constructed in 1945 and has become San Luis Potosi’s economic hub. You can find everything from local cultural souvenirs to delicious food. Buy clothes, jewelry, and anything else that attracts you, or fall in love with Mexican cuisine – the choices are endless!

There’s a wide variety of local food, including chilaquiles, quesadillas, and gordita, in this bustling market that you can enjoy while shopping.

Revisit History through the Tunel de Ogarrio

While a tunnel might not apparently seem the most exciting tourist spot, the Tunel de Ogarrio has a special place in Mexican history.

The Tunel de Ogarrio was one of the mines constructed during the millennial bloom in the 18^th century and was completed at the beginning of the 19^th century with the movement of revolution. It was primarily constructed between 1897 and 1901 to ease transportation and connect to Real de Catorce. It now acts as a transition space between past and present for the visitors.

The tunnel is 2.3 kilometers long and takes around 8 minutes to cross in a car. It is a beautiful exhibit of history, just like landmarks in the city. You can see water dripping through the mine’s ceiling beside flooded areas.

Walk the tunnel to experience how it was back in the day, or take the horse carriage ride for twenty pesos per person.

Enjoy a Luscious Breakfast at Café Corta’o

Besides the never-ending street food in San Luis Potosi, Café Corta’o is a local favorite!

Situated around the Plaza Aranzazu in the Historical center, you will always find this café crowded – especially at breakfast. It is considered #1 in coffee and tea places in San Luis Potosi. The architecture speaks nothing less than the surrounding grandeur, and the hospitality is unmatched!

The owner Alfredo is absolutely sweet and welcoming and will send you the best breakfast of your life. They have enchiladas, chilaquiles, fries, frappes, and much more. Try one of their Platos to get a little taste of everything best.

Relax at the Plaza de San Francisco

The Plaza de San Francisco allows you to spend some quiet time among the museums and art centers in the city.

The Plaza de San Francisco is located on the tourist trail but is not among the most popular locations among visitors. It is in the city’s historic center, amongst many other attractions, that take away the limelight from this spot. You can sit around the fountains, enjoy food in some of the best restaurants in San Luis Potosi, or visit stalls selling local crafts.

Go Shopping at Plaza San Luis

Now if you move towards the Plaza San Luis, you will see another side of the city entirely different from the historic center. A 5-minute drive from Parque Tangamanga towards the upscale part of San Luis Potosi will take you to the mall.

The Plaza San Luis is a shopping center with over a hundred stores where you can buy everything, including clothes, shoes, jewelry, electronics, etc. It is the best mall in the city, but not as big on the inside as it looks on the outside. It is a clean, pristine mall with activities for children and adults.

More About Visiting San Luis Potosi

There is much more to explore than the places mentioned above when you visit San Luis Potosi! Whether it is you alone or with a group of people you’re close to, this state proves to be wonderful. Here is what you need to know more about San Luis Potosi:

• Getting a car for rent would be an amazing idea if you love waterfalls. The surrounding areas have gorgeous waterfalls, including the Cascada de Minas Viejas, which are around 5 to 6 hours away. If your family loves getting into the water, take them to this place – just near the main city.
• The Coolican trolleys are perfect for enjoying a quick city tour and deciding the places you want to visit later. They only cost 70 pesos per person and give you a 45 to 60-minute ride around the city. So, we definitely recommend this too.
• Remember that most museums are closed on Monday for maintenance, and the tickets run out soon. So, book them weeks in advance before heading out to San Luis Potosi.

The Bottom Line

San Luis Potosi, Mexico, is a beautiful city exhibiting the local Mexican heritage in the best possible way. It has museums and buildings that take you to the old times. The city has rich architecture with structures from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Some of Mexico’s most popular tourist locations, San Luis Potosi, include Teatro de la Paz, Museo Laberinto, Centro de Las Artes de San Luis Potosi Centenario, and Caja del Agua. Alternatively, you can visit the Plaza de San Francisco to experience something different from the hustle or visit the Mercado Hidalgo market for a typical San Luis Potosi shopping feel.

FAQs

What is San Luis Potosi famous for?

San Luis Potosi is well-known for its historical center, which has numerous historical buildings on the right and left. The prison-turned-arts center, Centro de Las Artes de San Luis Potosi Centenario, is one of the most popular tourist locations in the city.

Is San Luis Potosi City worth visiting?

San Luis Potosi is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist cities and is absolutely worth it. It has various tourist attractions, including museums, perfume factories, local markets, and parks. Also, it is not very expensive, making it a preferred choice among tourists.

What food is San Luis Potosi known for?

San Luis Potosi has a wide variety of local food choices including chilaquiles, quesadillas, gorditas, tacos, enchiladas, and tamales. Enjoy the loaded tacos in the local markets to taste Authentic Mexican street food.

Does Uber work in San Luis Potosi Mexico?

Yes, you can use Uber in San Luis Potosi. Other options include using taxis or SLP shuttles in areas they work. Understanding the transport system can help save money and time when visiting San Luis Potosi.

Is it safe to travel to San Luis Potosí Mexico?

While San Luis Potosi is one of the most favorite tourist attractions in Mexico, you may have to take added caution due to the high crime rate in the region.

Is San Luis Potosí a city or state?

San Luis Potosi is the capital city of the San Luis Potosi estado or Lan Luis Potosi state in Northeastern Mexico. The area has a temperate climate and numerous attractions and activities for tourists.