Planning a visit to Chihuahua City, Mexico? Here’s everything you need to know about this small, vibrant city in Northern Mexico.

Before we visited Chihuahua as part of our summer exploring the Copper Canyon we had very little idea about what to expect of Chihuahua City. Guidebooks don’t say much and we struggled to find too many blogs with thorough information. This article, then, is the one I wish I’d found prior to our own trip.

I hope it’s useful for you when planning your trip to the gorgeous city of Chihuahua.

_{There are affiliate links in this article. If you click and make a purchase I could make a small sum at zero cost to you. Thank you!}

Exploring Chihuahua City

Chihuahua isn’t generally a city that people rush to visit but after spending a few days there I honestly have no idea why. We absolutely fell in love with this friendly, small city and think it’s well worth taking the time to get to know this historically important, and vibrant, city.

Chihuahua City is the capital of the state of Chihuahua. It has a population of a little over a million and you can definitely tell that this is a small place when you’re wandering around. It feels small, and, maybe, surprisingly, safe, given its reputation.

Is Chihuahua City Safe To Visit?

Before we dive into the best things to do in Chihuahua City, I want to address this question because it’s always the first thing a person asks – is Chihuahua City safe to visit?

We encountered absolutely no issues in Chihuahua. In fact, everyone we spoke with wanted to know if we felt safe. They also felt the need to bring up the notorious drug problems before we did (we wouldn’t have), I guess people feel defensive and protective of their beautiful city. Not once were we made to feel unwelcome or in danger.

And the truth is that while this region does have more crime than other parts of Mexico, it’s important to note that almost all of that crime involves drugs and the cartels. Tourists are not the target and unless you are seeking out drugs or weapons or participating in other sketchy activities, you will be fine. Just use your proper common sense – don’t seek out trouble, don’t flash wads of money around, don’t walk down strange streets at night, etc.

Chihuahua Mexico FAQs

Is Chihuahua City Worth Visiting?

My answer is a resounding YES. We had a truly lovely four days there and could easily have spent a few more without being bored. I understand that for many the city might be synonymous with drug cartels and violence; we certainly weren’t unaware of this picture of the city but we were also determined to remember that everywhere is someone’s home and everywhere is full of people just being people and just wanting to do the best for their families just like us.

So what did we find?

We found a stunningly beautiful city with incredibly kind people. Everywhere we went we were welcomed with smiles and kind words.

But, of course, it isn’t only about the kindness of strangers towards us: it isn’t just the street-food seller who gave me iced water when my daughter fell and banged her lip and then wouldn’t let me pay; it isn’t the uber driver who quietly cancelled our fare when I had to take our son to the hospital in the middle of the night with croup; it wasn’t the genuine concern of an entire group of people when my husband hit his head in a cave*; it wasn’t the workers at the water park 30 minutes out of town letting us in despite it being closed for a private party.

No.

It’s also about the feel of the city, how people are behaving and living. Well, what we saw, in the centre of town, was a lively city where people flock to the Plazas de Armas in the early evening (from around 5 pm) to walk and talk, to dance, watch the dancing and generally have a lovely time. There was always something going on and people were always there. We never once felt threatened, worried or unsafe. As ever in a new city, we kept the kids closer than we would at home in Merida, but once we got a feel for the place, we were able to let them stray just as we do at home. We never felt unsafe out after dark (to be fair we weren’t out late as we have small kids but I was out on my own at 9 pm nipping to the supermarket and had no concerns at all).

* And yes, that’s right; my two kids and my husband all injured themselves while we were here. Not the city’s fault, just their fault. Lucky old me.

The Best Things To Do In Chihuahua City, Mexico

First of all, just enjoy walking around the central areas. Explore, mosey around, take detours and take in the delightful views of a stunning city surrounded by mountains.

🧭 Explore the Colonial Centre

The first point of interest in any Mexican city is the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. Chihuahua is no different. The square is a delightful, pedestrianised area that truly comes alive towards early evening when people come out to stroll, eat, meet people and dance. Unlike other main squares, there are no hawkers here and you’ll be hard pressed to find tourist tat, which we found refreshing and our kids, disappointing!

From the Plaza De Armas there are two pedestrianised streets, both worth exploring, and both leading down to the Plaza De Angel and Plaza Mayor (they’re next to each other). This walk is well worth doing. We found this area reminiscent of China’s ‘walking streets’.

While we only found closed cowboy boot and hat stores, when my parents visited a few months later, they found these stores to be open and very welcoming to visitors. They particularly recommended Mercardo del Centro as a non-touristy but very interesting market very close to the main plaza.

🧭 Go on a City Tour

You can buy tickets from a booth on the Plaza De Armas but we had been told it lasts three hours and after a city tour fiasco lasting almost that long in Oaxaca, we opted not to take the kids on that! I’m sure it’s very interesting if you’re not travelling with kids who don’t want to listen though!

My parents recently spent time exploring this region and took a bus tour that stopped off at two museums:  Museo Casa de Villa and the Centro Cultural Universitario Quinta Gameros.

Other options for a Chihuahua City tour include this group day tour and this group night tour.

🧭 Visit the Chihuahua Caves

✔️ There are two cave sites that can be visited from Chihuahua: Las Monas’ Caves and Nombre De Dios.

✔️ Las Monas – Here you’ll find the famous Raramuri cave paintings depicting sacred rituals, bears etc.

✔️ Nombre De Dios Caves – just a twenty-minute drive from town, these caves are a pretty popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The visit is a 90-minute tour (in Spanish) taking in around 1.5km of cave in 17 rooms where you’ll see stalactites and stalagmites in some incredible shapes.

✔️ The cave can be warm and the going isn’t always easy. We were recommended to wear sensible shoes. I’m glad we did although plenty of others were tottering around in high heels so I guess it’s doable no matter what you’re wearing!

✔️ The tour guide was really informative and probably the funniest guide I’ve ever had in Mexico. She had us all in fits of giggles regularly.

✔️ The kids did perfectly well but I wouldn’t recommend this cave trip to anyone who struggles with uneven steps or walking on damp surfaces in the dark.

Open: Tues – Sun 10:00 – 16:00

Cost: $50 pesos adult $25 pesos children over 5

Palacio del Gobierno (Government Palace)

This magnificent building was built in the late 19th century. It remains the home of the executive offices of the state governor as well as being open to the public. It is something of a landmark as it houses a shrine commemorating the execution of Miguel Hidalgo, by Spanish firing squad in 1811.

In 1959 the then governor ordered that murals should be painted on the ground floor by the muralist Aaron Piña Mora. Since then more have been added and the building is now one great historical record of Mexican history. It is absolutely stunning and even our small kids were wowed by the building although they mainly loved being able to zoom up the regal staircases and look at cow bums in the murals. We completely encouraged the cow bums but less so the running up the stairs.

If you are interested in Palacio Del Gobierno’s and their murals, I highly recommend checking out Merida’s too as it is home to a fascinating pictorial history of the region.

🧭 Visit the Many Museums of Chihuahua City

There are so many museums in Chihuahua I doubt any short-term visitor would get to them all. Here are those I found particularly interesting.

📍 Mammoth Museum (Av Jaurez y Calle 25, Centro)

Housed in a former school, this fascinating and eclectic museum is a veritable treasure of a museum. Begin with the mammoth in room one and work your way around (wondering why there’s no sala [room] 2 while you’re at it!) marvelling at the random collection of historical artifacts: from ancient fossils to old musical instruments and an entire reconstructed old shop (my personal favourite), I defy you not to absolutely love this place.

Cost: Adults $20 pesos Kids $15 pesos

Open: Tues – Sun 09:00 – 16:00

📍 Casa Chihuahua Museum (Calle Libertad)

This stunning building was restored only in 2007. It’s well worth going in to check out both the upstairs galleries and the downstairs museum of the history of the Federal Palace. The upstairs galleries are light and airy and contain a museum intended to inform visitors about the attractions of the state of Chihuahua. We really enjoyed the exhibitions here. A kind of highlight of the visit is seeing the dungeon where Miguel Hidalgo was a prisoner until he was executed in the Palacio opposite.

Cost: $50 pesos per person or a family ticket is $125 for up to five people

Open: Wed – Mon 09:00 – 17:00

📍 Interactive Museum Semilla (Privada Progreso 1201)

Chihuahua’s science museum is one of the best interactive and child-friendly museums I have ever seen. We had an absolute blast here exploring the two enormous halls filled with fantastic exhibits, every single one of them meant to be touched, examined and played with by kids.

They also issue a guide with each group to explain the exhibits to the kids, though there were no English speaking guides when we went.

I’d say this museum is more aimed at children but we also did see adults without kids checking it out too. We took an uber from the centre of town easily enough.

Cost: $40 pesos adults $35 pesos kids

Open: Tues – Fri 09:00 – 17:00 Sat – Sun 11:00 – 18:00

📍 Casa De Villa (The Mexican Revolution Museum)

This old manor house once belonged to Francisco Villa, head of the northern division of the Mexican armed forces.

Open Tues – Sun 10:00 – 18:00

📍Quinta Touche

Although this building is currently the Economic and Tourist Development Office, it is also home to a photography museum.

Open Mon – Fri 09:00 – 15:00

📍Tarike Museum

The permanent exhibition shows the stages of the city’s history.

Open Mon – Fri 10:00 – 17:00

📍Cultural Development Centre – Qiunta Gameros

Does what it says on the tin and shows the cultural heritage from art to culture.

Open Tues – Sat 10:00 – 19:00 and Sun 11:00 – 16:00

📍Museo Sebastian – Housed in Casa Siglo XIX

This is a gallery of the works of Sebastian, one of the state’s most loved artists.

Open Tues – Sun 10:00 – 18:00

📍Casa Juarez

The Museum of Republican Loyalty. In the former home of President Juarez, you will find this museum about the history of Mexico. I’d have loved to get here but we didn’t have time.

Open Tues – Sun 10:00 – 17:00

📍Casa Redonda

A contemporary art museum in a restored train workshop.

Open Tues – Sun 10:00 – 19:00.

📍 Sacred Art Museum

This museum is housed in the cathedral basement. Here you’ll find large religious paintings, a chair used by a former pope and other religious relics.

Open Tues – Sun 11:00 – 16:00.

📍Ex-Hacienda El Sauz

This museum, located outside the city, is dedicated to the Apaches and Cowboys. The museum was the brainchild of residents of the village, most of them descendants of indigenous people and today, cowboys. The region here was originally Apache, and the museum is a tribute to the two cultures that could never find a way to coexist. We really wanted to get to this museum but ran out of time.

Open Wed – Sat 10:00 – 16:00

🧭 Things To Do With Kids in Chihuahua City, Mexico

As it can be difficult to know what to do with children in a city, I wanted to create a section specifically for the best things to do in Chihuahua City with kids. Note that when we visited, my kids were 4 and 6, so quite small.

We didn’t struggle to find things to do in Chihuahua City with kids. We took them to a number of the museums and for once, we didn’t feel stressed, unwelcome or harassed by guards (if you regularly read my articles you may remember I have a particular beef with museums in Merida for being incredibly unwelcoming for kids). Chihuahua’s museums are a breath of fresh air after Merida (my beloved Merida). Our kids were welcomed, and able to look around in their own way, which made the visits so much more worthwhile for all of us.

Obviously, I have dealt with museums in the section above so here I’ll outline other fun ways to entertain kids in Chihuahua.

1. In the early evening, there are fountains on both the Plaza de Armas and Plaza Mayor. Local kids have a fabulous time running around fully dressed in both. We took swimming stuff and towels since hotels aren’t the best places to dry clothes and shoes.

2. Plaza del Angel – a huge plaza right next door to Plaza Mayor. Here the kids can run around like loons. Our two (and others) were very much enjoying using the monument as a giant slide.

3. Also in the early evening, there is a small train looping around the Plaza de Armas. It costs $15 pesos per child and $20 pesos an adult.

4. The city sign. I know this sounds odd. In Mexico, every city has its own name in large metal letters somewhere. These signs will always be a magnet for kids. Chihuahua’s is even better because it’s on a ramp. The kids had a wonderful time climbing the ramp and exploring around the sign. There’s a second sign on the Plaza Mayor too.

5. Bike racks. Yes. You read that right. Little kids will love the bike racks and will be able to spend ages playing on them – as long as you don’t tell them you want them to, obviously. We couldn’t walk past one without our kids finding some excuse to set up a game around it. And we weren’t alone. We saw many kids doing exactly the same. Personally, I’m not sure what the attraction was, but I didn’t fight it. It was free.

6. Water Parks. We chose Tio Alberto. It was fine. It’s a bit old and run down and our son got a throat virus that turned into croup (hence the night visit to the hospital) but that was his stupid fault for constantly drinking the water despite us repeatedly telling him not to. Our other child also loved it and asked to go back every day for months. The big one went on every ride many, many times and felt very grown up being able to queue and ride alone. ($75 pesos per person over 90cm tall).

7. Malls: we didn’t visit any but I know there are a number around. Mexican malls tend to have kid-friendly activities A.C. if you’re struggling with the heat.

8. Ice lolly guys – they’re everywhere and their ice-lollies cost a whopping $6 pesos each.

Where To Stay in Chihuahua City, Mexico

When choosing your hotel in Chihuahua City, keep in mind that while you want to be near the centre, you don’t want to be too close to the main square as the church bells can be quite loud.

San Felipe El Real

My parents opted to stay in San Felipe El Real right in the centre of the city and thought it to be a fabulous hotel. They loved the location of this quaint, boutique hotel with very friendly staff and a delicious breakfast.

Dorotea Hotel

Dorotea Hotel is located right in the historic centre of the city. You’ll be within walking distance of almost all activities on this list, plus it’s near the Chepe bus station if you’re heading towards the Copper Canyon.

Hampton by Hilton Chihuahua

There are also a surprising number of international hotel chains in Chihuahua City, including the highly rated Hampton by Hilton. Due note that this hotel is several miles from the city center, so more for those who like to take advantage of hotel offerings, but they do offer a free shuttle into the city center.

Check prices and availability on all Chihuahua City hotels here.

Best Restaurants in Chihuahua City

We found some pretty great food during our four days in Chihuahua City. Here were some of our favorite Chihuahua City restaurants, that I would highly recommend checking out.

Plaza Del Mariachi (Calle Juan Aldama, alongside Plaza del Angel)

We tried to eat in Los Pinchos, ended up in Las Brasas as Los Pinchos didn’t have anything the kids wanted to eat. It did look delicious though. We moved next door to the Mexican restaurant Las Brasas. We were a bit worried it wouldn’t be good as there were no customers but it soon filled up and the food was tasty and well priced.

Do note that Plaza Del Mariachi is a super cool place to hang out and it’s good fun for the kids too as they can play in the bandstand while waiting for food to arrive.

Ruiz Señor Gozaderia (Calle Guadalupe Victoria 309)

We stopped in here, planning on eating but again, the food just wasn’t hugely kid-friendly. The staff, once again, were absolutely lovely. We had ordered limonadas but weren’t prepared for them to be so sweet that our normally sweet-toothed son was shocked.

A quick chat with the staff the drinks were replaced. As we were leaving we continued our chat with the staff and realised they’d have been happy to have found something for the kids to eat. It’s a shame we had already made a new plan by that point as the food truly looked incredible. It’s apparently also great for cocktails, which I can believe. If anyone does get here, do let me know how it was.

Ricky’s Tacos (there are three in town, we went to Ave Prol. Teofilo Borunda)

This taco place looked like it would be a total dive from the outside. Trust me: it isn’t. It was delicious. Order your tacos, plates, sides and drinks at the bar as you walk in, grab a table and then stock up on sauces, totopos (nachos to non-Mexicans) and other garnishes, from the serve yourself section. Yum. And yum again. Seriously, it’s cheap, delicious and everyone was very friendly.

Getting Around Chihuahua City

For anything in the centre we just walked. Nothing is too far away and the city isn’t huge. Otherwise, we used uber. When we headed out of town with uber we took the precaution of getting the driver’s number and calling him directly to come and pick us up. People were pretty happy with this arrangement. We also didn’t take the risk of not booking in advance for our early morning ride to the train station.

There are plenty of regular taxis and buses with clearly marked routes, as in any Mexican city.

How to Get To Chihuahua City, Mexico

The easiest way to get to Chihuahua City is by plane. The Chihuahua International Airport (CUU) receives daily flights from many US cities, as well as from within Mexico. Dallas, Houston, and Denver in the US typically offer direct flights to Chihuahua, as well as Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tiajuana, and Cancun in Mexico. You can easily reach Chihuahua from other cities as well, you’ll likely just have to connect via CDMX.

Within Mexico, you can also reach Chihuahua via bus. The most popular route is via Ciudad Juarez, just across the border from Texas.

Note that the bus station is about 10 miles from the city center but taxis are readily available there, as well as at the airport.

Uber does exist in Chihuahua City but they typically won’t pick you up at the airport (though they can drop you off).

What’s the Weather Like in Chihuahua City?

We were in Chihuahua in early July. The temperature hovered between 25 and 30 degree Celsius. We didn’t find it too hot as the humidity is much lower than in Yucatan where we live. It does rain at this time of year although we saw none.

A driver told us that by November it can get really cold although winters do tend to be pretty mild. He was certainly convinced that winters are regularly around 2 degrees Celsius and that it’s possible to have snow in town. Everything I read though suggests a winter average of 17 degrees Celsius so that’s a discrepancy I can’t fix. My parents, in November 2018, found that the mornings were cool but by the afternoon they were back to wearing just t-shirts.

Interesting Chihuahua Mexico History Facts

Chihuahua holds so much of modern Mexico’s history it’s almost unreal. I’m busy working my way through a guide to modern Mexican politics: Mexico: Democracy Interrupted and, for me, we arrived in Chihuahua at exactly the right time to help make sense of what I have been reading about.

Interesting Historical Notes To Chihuahua City

✔️ Miguel Hidalgo, often considered the ‘father of Mexico’, was held prisoner and then executed in Chihuahua in 1811 by the Spaniards.

✔️ It was the seat of Benito Jaurez’s government in exile when the French invaded Mexico between 1864 – 67.

✔️ Under Porfirio Diaz, Chihuahua’s economy grew and a railway between the city and Ciudad Juarez (Mexico – US border)was constructed. However, the wealth of the state was in the hands of the few, which did not sit well with the majority and in no small way led to…

✔️ The city and state were particularly involved in the Mexican Revolution (1910 – 17) as an operational base for Pancho Villa to lead the fight against Diaz and his elitist government. Guanajuato was also very important during the revolution.

✔️ Another incredibly important city in the history of Mexico is Guanajuato, it was in Guanajuato that the rebels won their first victory.

Explore The Copper Canyon

The Copper Canyon is located not far from Chihuahua City and although the Chepe train no longer runs to or from Chihuahua it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t include Chihuahua City on your Copper Canyon trip. Take a bus from Chihuahua City to Creel and pick the train up there.

📌 Creel is a pueblo magico on the edge of the Copper Canyon. It’s a gorgeous small town and well worth your time.

📌 The Copper Canyon Adventure Park is the main spot for adventure and activity in the Copper Canyon region. From ziplines and cable cars to via ferratas and tree-top adventures, there’s something for everyone.

📌 Cerochauhi and Bahuichivo are tiny settlements where you’ll find very little to do except walk and take in the magnificent views. You can also take organised tours from hotels in this area.

📌 Urique pueblo, deep in the Urique valley is as far from anywhere as you’re going to get. Every year there is an extreme marathon held down here.

📌 El Fuerte is a small town at the end of the Copper Canyon.

📌 If you’re wondering about whether it’s possible to take a vacation in the Copper Canyon with kids, let me tell you that it is entirely possible, it’s even crazy fun!

I always try to write super useful articles, answering the questions I think people might have about exploring Mexico. MexicoCassie is a labour of love. If you find my site useful and have a few spare coins to help me continue exploring and writing, I would never forget your kindness.