Morelia is a colonial city in the Guayangareo Valley whose historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 for its well-preserved architecture and layout. That centre is where almost everything a visitor wants to see sits, and it is also where almost all of the accommodation is.
For a visitor, the city is essentially one walkable historic core, with the main east–west spine of Avenida Madero running through it, and a ring road, the Periférico, wrapping around the outside. A few places sit just beyond the centre, on or near the hills that overlook the city. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of traveller.
Best areas to stay in Morelia
1. Historic centre (Centro Histórico)
This is the obvious base for a first visit. The historic centre holds the cathedral, the plazas and gardens, the colonial portals, and the main concentration of hotels of every class. Staying here puts the sights within walking distance and keeps you close to the restaurants and evening life around the plazas.
It suits first-time visitors, couples and anyone who wants to step out of their door and be in the middle of things. You will find budget hostels, moderate hotels and upscale historic properties all within the same few blocks. One practical point: parts of the centre are closed to through traffic, and street vendors were moved out of the historic centre in 2001 to make the area more tourist-friendly, so the core is calmer on foot than its busy reputation suggests. Rooms facing the street can be noisy, and rooms set back from the street or around an interior courtyard are quieter.
2. Avenida Madero and the Alameda area
Avenida Madero is the main east–west road through the city, and addresses along it sit right on the edge of the colonial downtown while still being on a through route. This is a practical base if you want the centre within a short walk but prefer a more conventional hotel setting.
It suits visitors who want a central location without being deep inside the pedestrian core, and it works well for those arriving or leaving by road. Accommodation here is mostly mid-range and upscale, including modern hotels and historic properties with colonial portals and outdoor dining. Because it is a main avenue, expect traffic noise on the street side; ask for a room away from the road if that matters to you.
3. The hills overlooking the city
A small number of places sit on the slopes above Morelia rather than in the flat colonial grid. The appeal here is the view: at night you look down over the city lights from a perch on the mountain.
This suits travellers with their own transport, or those who want quiet and are happy to take a taxi in and out of the centre, rather than visitors who plan to walk to the sights. The accommodation is upscale and rustic in style, with wood beams and fireplaces rather than the formality of the historic centre. The practical trade-off is distance and gradient: you are not walking to the cathedral from here, so factor in the cost and time of getting down into town and back.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: dorm-style bunks and simple private rooms in hostels and small hotels, mostly in the historic centre. Expect basic facilities and older buildings; some places have limited wifi.
- Mid-range: modern, clean hotels in the colonial downtown, with private rooms and standard services, often on or near Avenida Madero.
- Splurge: upscale and boutique properties in the historic centre, some in converted historic buildings, plus rustic lodge-style accommodation on the hills with city views. Higher rates buy character, location and views rather than a different part of town.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in the historic centre. It puts the cathedral, the plazas and the colonial architecture within walking distance, and it has the widest choice of places to stay across every budget. You can see the city on foot from here without needing to arrange transport for the main sights.
Frequently asked questions
Is Morelia an expensive city to stay in?
No. Morelia has a very large selection of rooms in all classes and is a very affordable city, with many moderate hotels charging around M$1000 per night as of early 2024. Budget beds can be found from around M$400, and super-luxury at around M$4000. Spending more than that generally does not buy better quality or a better location.
Should I stay in the historic centre or outside it?
For a first visit, the historic centre is the practical choice because the sights are there and you can walk between them. Staying outside the centre, such as on the hills, trades that convenience for quiet and views, and means relying on transport to get into town.
Will noise be a problem in the centre?
It can be. Some rooms in historic properties may be loud or small, and rooms facing the street pick up more noise than those set back around an interior courtyard. If you are sensitive to noise, ask for a room away from the street.
Do I need a car to get around from my accommodation?
Not if you stay in the historic centre, where the main sights are within walking distance. A car is more useful if you base yourself on the hills overlooking the city, where you are further from the centre.
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