Morelia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Morelia Cathedral featuring a city and night scenes
The capital of Mexico’s state of Michoacán is known for well-preserved historic buildings, lakeside scenery and millions of migrating butterflies.

The biggest draw for the Mexican city of Morelia is its well-preserved historic centre. Amble along downtown streets filled with Spanish colonial churches, palaces and mansions, all built with pink volcanic stone. Today, many of these buildings house restaurants, museums and hotels.

Morelia was one of the first cities built by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Originally called Valladolid, its name was changed in 1828 to honour José María Morelos y Pavón, a hero of Mexican independence.

Start your historic tour in the colossal baroque Morelia Cathedral with two 230-feet (70-metre) towers. Inside are frescoes and an organ with 4,600 pipes. Return on Saturday nights to see the lighting of the cathedral accompanied by music and fireworks.

Visit the 18th-century Government Palace to see large murals depicting the history of Mexico’s independence movement. Nearby is the Museo Casa Natal de Morelos where the revolutionary leader was born. The house is now a museum chronicling his life. A short walk east, marvel at the ancient aqueduct supported by more than 200 arches.

In late October, more than 60 million monarch butterflies migrate from Canada and the U.S. to western central Mexico’s forests. Take a daytrip to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a protected area 2 hours east of Morelia in the mountains of Michoacán. Observe colonies of colourful flying insects in pine and oyamel firs.

Less than an hour’s drive from Morelia is Lake Pátzcuaro. Browse artisan shops in the lakeside villages. Take a boat to the Isla Janitzio, a small island in the lake. Stroll up the hill to see the statue of Morelos. Along the way, visit restaurants and souvenir shops.

Fly into Morelia’s international airport and explore the city by bus, taxi or rental car. Enjoy other attractions besides history and nature. Listen to the boys’ choir at the Conservatory of the Roses, sample fruit “ates” in the museum dedicated to sweets and dine in restaurants serving regional specialties. Plan to enjoy Morelia’s warm days and cool nights year-round.

Where to stay in Morelia

Morelia Cathedral showing a church or cathedral and a city

Historic Centre

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

Unique features of Historic Centre include the live music and historical sites. Make a stop by Morelia Cathedral or Plaza de Armas while you're exploring the area.

Historic Centre
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Las Americas

While Las Americas isn't home to many top sights, Espacio Las Américas and Palace of Art are some notable places to visit nearby.

Las Americas
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Vista Bella

Visitors to Vista Bella enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Government House is worth a stop.

Vista Bella
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Chapultepec Sur

While Chapultepec Sur may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Morelia Aqueduct and Espacio Las Américas.

Chapultepec Sur
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Juárez

Juárez might not have many top sights, but Plaza de Armas and Morelia Cathedral are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Juárez
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Morelos

The monuments and cocktail bars are a few reasons travellers visit Morelos. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighbourhood, you can visit Rose Garden and Plaza de Armas, a few notable attractions nearby.

Morelos
Hotel Casino Morelia
Hotel Casino Morelia
3 out of 5
Portal Hidalgo 229 Centro, Morelia, MICH
The price is ₹5,361 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
₹5,361
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Morelia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Cleanliness was very important and they were amazing, only thing I didn’t like there are no A/C’s and the fans are not the greatest.."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Hotel Casino Morelia
Best Western Plus Gran Hotel Morelia
Best Western Plus Gran Hotel Morelia
4 out of 5
Av Ventura Puente Esq Camelina, Morelia, MICH
The price is ₹5,715 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
₹5,715
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Morelia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,054 reviews)
"Service was excellent. Roberto was especially helpful!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Best Western Plus Gran Hotel Morelia
Hotel & Spa Mansion solis by HOTSSON
Hotel & Spa Mansion solis by HOTSSON
4.5 out of 5
344 Av Acueducto Chapultepec Norte, Morelia, MICH
The price is ₹24,381 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
₹24,381
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Morelia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (248 reviews)
"Beautiful decor. Finely appointed furniture. The towels were a little scratchy. I wish our room had a dedicated vanity area and a larger mirror."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2024

Hotel & Spa Mansion solis by HOTSSON
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cozy Apartment in the City of Morelia
Cozy Apartment in the City of Morelia
3 out of 5
Morelia, MICH
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Morelia. Enjoy free parking, an airport shuttle and a TV. Popular attractions Estadio Morelos and Jardín Gaviota are located ...
Cozy Apartment in the City of Morelia
Cabaña AmorAmor
Cabaña AmorAmor
3 out of 5
Avenida Independencia SN, Colonia Santiago Tzipijo, Morelia, MICH
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Morelia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Calzada Fray Antonio and Villalongin Garden are ...
Cabaña AmorAmor
Audiozon, 2 Cuadra Catedral
Audiozon, 2 Cuadra Catedral
2 out of 5
Morelia, MICH
Stay at this apartment in Morelia. Enjoy 2 bathrooms and 2 bedrooms. Popular attractions Museum of Colonial Art and Plaza del Carmen are located nearby. Discover ...
2/10 (1 review)
"This was a scam when we arrived other people was already in the property.the owner say they did not deal with Expedia ."

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2023

Audiozon, 2 Cuadra Catedral
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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