10 Colorful and Cultural Year-Round Things to Do in Zacatecas Mexico

Key Takeaways:

• Zacatecas blends colonial architecture, mountain landscapes, and artistic flair into an unforgettable destination all year long.

• From panoramic cable car rides to underground mine tours and vibrant festivals, the city offers a mix of history and adventure.

• Travelers love Zacatecas for its walkability, dramatic scenery, and the unique way it showcases Mexican heritage and creativity.

Located in north-central Mexico, Zacatecas is a colonial treasure built into the mountains and packed with color, culture, and charm. Once a booming silver mining town, the city has preserved its rich history while evolving into one of Mexico’s most visually striking and artistic destinations. With its pink stone buildings, cobbled alleys, and sweeping mountain views, Zacatecas is unlike anywhere else in the country.

Visitors come for the beauty, stay for the culture, and return for the experiences — from baroque cathedrals and contemporary art museums to mountain hikes and lively local festivals. Whether you’re riding a cable car across the city or exploring the tunnels of a centuries-old mine, Zacatecas delivers magic in every season.

Table of Contents

1. Ride the Teleférico Cable Car Over the City

2. Tour the Historic Mina El Edén

3. Admire the Zacatecas Cathedral and Surrounding Plazas

4. Hike to the Top of Cerro de la Bufa

5. Explore Contemporary Art at the Museo Rafael Coronel

6. Stroll the Callejón de las Campanas at Night

7. Attend the Zacatecas Cultural Festival or Feria Nacional

8. Visit the Guadalupe Museum and Ex-Convent

9. Try Local Cuisine and Mezcal in a Traditional Cantina

10. Take a Day Trip to La Quemada Archaeological Site

1. Ride the Teleférico Cable Car Over the City

The Teleférico is one of Zacatecas’ most iconic experiences, offering panoramic views of the city from high above its terracotta rooftops. This cable car connects Cerro del Grillo to Cerro de la Bufa, gliding smoothly over the historic center and providing a bird’s-eye view of baroque cathedrals, pastel alleys, and surrounding mountains. It’s an ideal way to get oriented in the city or to cap off a long day of walking.

Rides are short but scenic, especially at sunset when golden light bathes the city in warm hues. For photographers, it’s a dream come true — and for families, it’s an exciting, kid-friendly adventure. At the top, you can continue exploring Cerro de la Bufa or relax and take in the view. No trip to Zacatecas is complete without this soaring ride.

2. Tour the Historic Mina El Edén

Mina El Edén is a window into Zacatecas’ mining heritage, offering a fascinating underground tour through one of the region’s oldest and most productive silver mines. Visitors walk through damp tunnels and stone chambers, guided by former miners who share stories of life beneath the city. The museum portion includes mineral displays, old equipment, and even ancient skeletons found in the mine.

At the end of the tour, you’ll exit via a small subterranean train and may be surprised to find a nightclub housed deep within the mine’s caverns — open on weekends. This mix of history, geology, and quirky fun makes Mina El Edén one of the most memorable attractions in the city. Whether you’re into science, culture, or just a good story, the mine delivers an unforgettable journey.

3. Admire the Zacatecas Cathedral and Surrounding Plazas

The Zacatecas Cathedral, located in the heart of the city’s historic center, is one of Mexico’s most stunning examples of baroque architecture. Its intricate pink stone facade, carved in dazzling detail, is a must-see both day and night. Step inside and you’ll find a tranquil interior with religious art, golden altars, and stained-glass windows that glow in the sunlight.

Surrounding the cathedral are several vibrant plazas, perfect for people-watching, live music, or grabbing a snack from a local vendor. Plaza de Armas is particularly lively in the evenings, often filled with street performers and festive gatherings. You can also hop into nearby museums or cafés for a full afternoon of sightseeing. It’s the spiritual and cultural heart of Zacatecas and a perfect place to begin your city exploration.

4. Hike to the Top of Cerro de la Bufa

Cerro de la Bufa rises dramatically over the city and offers one of the best lookout points in all of Zacatecas. The hike up is steep but rewarding, winding through narrow streets, stairs, and hillside paths that give you a behind-the-scenes look at local life. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views and a deeper understanding of Zacatecas’ rugged beauty.

At the summit, you’ll find the Museo Toma de Zacatecas (focused on the Mexican Revolution), a monumental statue of revolutionary leaders, and the atmospheric Capilla de la Virgen. Vendors sell snacks, trinkets, and handmade crafts nearby. Whether you go for the history, the hike, or the sunset views, Cerro de la Bufa is one of the city’s most iconic and scenic spots.

5. Explore Contemporary Art at the Museo Rafael Coronel

Located inside a former 16th-century convent, the Museo Rafael Coronel is a surreal and fascinating space filled with thousands of handcrafted masks from across Mexico. The museum showcases folk art, religious sculpture, and the whimsical private collection of artist Rafael Coronel, making it a feast for the eyes and mind.

The convent’s arches, courtyards, and crumbling stone corridors create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere as you wander from room to room. The collection includes puppets, sketches, and bizarre mannequins — a true reflection of Mexico’s vibrant artistic soul. Whether you’re an art lover or just in the mood for something different, this museum is a must-visit.

6. Stroll the Callejón de las Campanas at Night

Zacatecas comes alive after dark, and one of the most romantic ways to experience it is by walking the Callejón de las Campanas — a narrow, lantern-lit alleyway filled with echoes of history. Lined with old stone walls, this charming street leads you through some of the oldest corners of the city. At night, the soft lighting, cobblestones, and distant church bells create an atmosphere that feels timeless.

Couples often stroll hand-in-hand while musicians strum guitars nearby or serenade from balconies above. It’s a favorite route for callejoneadas, festive walking tours that include live music, dancing, and mezcal tastings. Whether you’re traveling solo or with someone special, this alleyway is the perfect place to enjoy Zacatecas’ evening energy and colonial charm.

7. Attend the Zacatecas Cultural Festival or Feria Nacional

If your visit overlaps with the Festival Cultural de Zacatecas in April or the Feria Nacional de Zacatecas in September, you’re in for a treat. These city-wide festivals bring music, art, dance, and performance to nearly every public space in Zacatecas. Concerts are often free and feature both local and international acts, spanning genres from mariachi to jazz and classical.

In addition to music, the festivals include artisanal markets, food stands, exhibitions, and theater performances — many of which take place in open-air venues or historic buildings. Streets fill with people celebrating culture and heritage in a uniquely Zacatecano way. If you’re looking for the most vibrant, energetic side of the city, timing your trip with one of these festivals is ideal.

8. Visit the Guadalupe Museum and Ex-Convent

A short drive or taxi ride from the city center, the Museo de Guadalupe is housed in a grand former convent that’s now a national treasure. The museum holds one of Mexico’s most important collections of colonial religious art, with more than 800 paintings, sculptures, and sacred artifacts dating back centuries. The grand baroque interiors, long hallways, and massive canvases make it a visual feast.

Walking through the museum feels like stepping back into the era of New Spain. Its peaceful courtyards and cool stone corridors offer a reflective break from the city’s bustle. Even if you’re not religious or an art historian, the beauty and history of the space are impossible to ignore. This spot rounds out the cultural picture of Zacatecas in a profound way.

9. Try Local Cuisine and Mezcal in a Traditional Cantina

Zacatecas’ food scene is flavorful, filling, and full of regional flair. Be sure to try local specialties like asado de boda (a rich pork stew in a spicy red sauce), enchiladas zacatecanas, and gorditas rellenas. Many of these can be enjoyed in family-run cantinas with vintage décor, folk music, and mezcal flights.

Speaking of mezcal — Zacatecas is proud of its smoky, locally-produced varieties. Ask for a tasting flight and sample it with orange slices and chili salt for a traditional experience. In the evenings, cantinas become social hubs for locals and visitors alike, making them great places to meet people and enjoy authentic food and drink.

10. Take a Day Trip to La Quemada Archaeological Site

Just an hour outside the city lies La Quemada, a pre-Hispanic archaeological site that remains one of Mexico’s most intriguing and mysterious ruins. With pyramid-like terraces, ancient stairways, and expansive stone walls, this site once served as a ceremonial and possibly military center over 1,000 years ago.

Visitors can explore the ruins on foot, climbing to high viewpoints with sweeping views of the surrounding desert valleys. A small museum on-site provides context about the site’s origins and its connection to regional trade and culture. It’s a peaceful, uncrowded alternative to more famous ruins and offers both adventure and reflection for curious travelers.

What to do if you have kids?

Zacatecas is a family-friendly destination with fun activities for kids of all ages. The Teleférico and Mina El Edén are especially exciting for young adventurers, while parks like Sierra de Alica offer playgrounds, bike paths, and green space for energy burn-off. Many museums have interactive exhibits or wide-open courtyards perfect for exploring. Kids often love callejoneadas, where they can dance and follow along with the music. Bring a hat and snacks, and you’ll find the city easy to navigate with little ones in tow.

Where can I find free events in Zacatecas Mexico taking place this weekend?

To discover free events happening this weekend in Zacatecas, visit PlanMyWeekend.ai. This real-time platform curates cultural happenings, food fairs, art shows, concerts, and family activities all around the city — completely free of charge. Whether you’re looking for something relaxing, musical, or interactive, it’s the easiest way to enjoy Zacatecas like a local while staying on budget.

Final thoughts

Zacatecas is the kind of place that captures your heart slowly — with each alleyway, cathedral, sunset, and story. It offers rich history without the crowds, stunning architecture without the pretense, and genuine hospitality at every turn. Whether you’re here for the culture, the cuisine, or the views, this mountain city delivers a uniquely Mexican experience that lingers long after you leave. Come for the color, stay for the soul — and don’t be surprised if you start planning your return before your trip is over.