The Republican Theatre in Santiago de Querétaro, a cultural centre, is of historical importance as Mexico’s constitution was drafted here and the national anthem was first played here. In the Historic Centre in the capital is the Convent of the Holy Cross, where the conquest of the city was consummated by Emperor Maxmilian. At the edge of the city is Cerro de las Campanas (or Hill of Bells), where Emperor Maximilian was executed; it also boasts a City Museum and the Chapel of Maxmilian. The archaeological sites of Ranas and Toluquilla display ruins of the Chichimeca tribes.

The Church of San Pedro and San Pablo, built in the Franciscan style in Cadereyta, and the San Miguel Palmas Temple, founded by Dominican monks in Peñamiller, are frequent tourist sites. The Art Museum, located in the Convent of San Agustin with its collection of sixteenth-century artwork, and the Regional Museum, with historical items from the colonial period, are also worth visiting.

The city of San Joaquin is famous for the El Durazno Waterfalls. A well-frequented landmark is the 74-arched Aqueduct used to supply water to Santiago de Querétaro. The El Paraiso Canyon is also worth visiting.