I was ready for an urban experience after our latest stops in Malinalco and Valle de Bravo.  So I was super-excited that our next stop was Santiago de Queretaro, the capital of Queretaro state. This UNESCO city has been recognized as Mexico’s safest city with the best quality of life.  It is a strong economic center, as well as an up-and-coming tourist hotspot. It also sits at a cool 1820 meters (6000 feet) elevation, so I could stay in the higher elevations I have come to love during our summers in Mexico.

We rented a fantastic house in the historic city center for a little over two weeks, so we were within easy walking distance of all of the major sites, stores and restaurants. As an added bonus, we happened to be there during the International Documentary Film Festival, and took advantage to see several excellent films. Did I mention they were free?

Queretaro is a vibrant city with streets and squares cleaner than any I’ve seen in Mexico. The lack of stray dogs was refreshing, too, because I no longer had to walk the streets with pockets (and a backpack) filled with kibble to feed the most pitiful ones. Actually, unlike Mexico City, there didn’t seem to be many dogs here, leashed or otherwise, period. In the city center, anyway.

And the mercado. Oh, the mercado! Our Airbnb was a short walk away, and many days I strolled over for a quesadilla, tortilla, or whatever else looked appetizing that day from one of the many food stalls in the expansive building. I’ve learned to eat at the stalls that have the most locals seated on the stools or benches, eating the specialty served. This way, you know there is high turnover and the food is fresh. There are also rows upon rows of fresh produce, candy, breads, clothing, electronics, shoes and more.

We took a bicycle tour our second day there, so we could get oriented to the surrounding communities. Since Queretaro is home to some of the most important universities in Mexico, it has a young and energetic vibe. Very different than some of the more indigenous towns we have visited, where the young people often leave in search of better opportunities.

About an hour outside the city is Pena de Bernal, the world’s tallest monolith, so of course we had to go there! (I am totally into finding  “World’s Biggest.”…whatever.)  We hiked as far up that big old rock as far as we could without climbing gear, then enjoyed lunch in a little local dining spot in the super-cute town of Bernal.

Queretaro, like many cities in Mexico, has a beautiful aquaduct that becomes a focal point at night. (It’s really hard to get a good pic of its expanse with a cellphone, so I swiped this picture.)

Mexican men seem to be meticulous about their shoes, and there is no shortage of shoe-shiners around the city. I used to feel that it was degrading to the people doing the shining, hence, we had never paid anyone to do so. We learned different here, and in addition to making a living, the shiners seem to enjoy their work. It’s also a good opportunity to practice a little Spanish and have a few laughs (at yourself, of course!)

Also like many Latin American cities, Mexico has a plethora of statues, ranging from Aztec dancers to modern-day heros. I would have liked to hire a guide to walk me around and explain the significance of each one. I think I’ll add that to my list for our next visit.

So, what is it that put Queretaro so high on my “best cities” list? It’s all of the above. And mostly, it’s that vibe you get when you know you have landed somewhere that you are meant to be. It’s Kismet.