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Have you been dreaming of a Mexico getaway lately, but not of the white sand, turquoise seas, and all-inclusive resorts kind? Have you been craving a more authentic cultural immersion and some of that undeniable Old World charm?
If another year in tourist-dominated Cancun no longer seems like an enticing prospect, maybe it's time you take on the seriously underrated, surprisingly-beautiful Morelia:
A colonial gem located in the very center of Mexico, the capital of the state of Michoacán, it is easily one of Mexico's most historically significant cities, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you can fly to nonstop from as many as 8 Stateside airports:
A Colonial Treasure Hidden In Plain Sight
Morelia's History starts back in 1545, during the first wave of European colonization of what would eventually become known as Mexico.
Unlike other ancient settlements like Tenochtitlan, later Mexico City, or T'ho, the predecessor to Merida, Morelia wasn't built over the ruins of an older pre-Columbian civilization: though the Purépecha and Matlatzinca peoples did inhabit the area, they never built any major cities.
In other words, it has a typically-European layout, with a central square dominated by a towering cathedral and a center that is crisscrossed with narrow, pedestrian-friendly lanes.
Originally named Valladolid––not to be confused with Yucatán's namesake colonial treasure––it would be re-baptized Morelia in honor of José María Morelos, one of the military leaders of the Mexican War of Independence, who was born in the city.
Besides the obvious historical weight of Morelia, you may be wondering what exactly it's got to offer:
Why Is Morelia Worth Visiting In 2025
As mentioned already, the colonial core has been classified a UNESCO-protected zone since 1991, thanks to its well-preserved character, and plethora of noteworthy Spanish-built, pink-stone buildings.
The most famous one is Morelia Cathedral, a Baroque effort topped with two flying towers that can be visible throughout the Morelia valley, featuring one of the largest organs in all of Latin America and a vast collection of sacral art dating back to the 17th century.
The central square, known locally as Plaza de Armas, is yet another important site, surrounded by vibrant-colored buildings, the cathedral itself, and two of Morelia's must-see attractions: the Government Palace and the Mariano Matamoros Theater.
While the former is an art museum housed in a centuries-old civic structure the viceroyal administration used as base back in colonial times, the latter remains a functioning theater––one of Mexico's oldest––hosting various performances and dance recitals.
Lesser-Known Historic Sites To Visit In Morelia
Other lesser-known historic spots not to be missed include the Chapel of the Holy Cross, or Capilla de la Santa Cruz, embellished with murals and ornate woodwork, the 18th century House of Culture (Casa de la Cultura), yet another landmark museum occupying a former colonial manor;
The Temple of Saint Francis, a church predating the current cathedral, as it dates back to the 1500s, and Clavijero Palace, characterized by its pink stonework, as customary in Morelia and colonnaded patio: though it was formerly a Jesuit school, it's now a cultural center.
Sampling the local food is as noble an enterprise as sightseeing where cultural immersion is concerned, so don't be reluctant to pop around to Mercado Revolución for those generously filled tamales and meat tortas.
If you're a sweet fiend, the nearby Mercado de Dulces y Artesanías will be your go-to spot for finding local sweets, from goat-milk caramel to the melt-in-your-mouth, disc-shaped candy known as moreliana.
Oh, and don't forget to browse through the souvenirs once you're done!
Morelia Is Much More Affordable Than Other Mexican Destinations
If the beautiful buildings and delicious food aren't reason enough, Morelia's affordability as a destination is another big draw for tourists swapping the resort-packed coast:
According to Budget Your Trip, Casa Jose Maria is a 4-star listing where prices start at only $38 before taxes, roughly a mile from Plaza de Armas, while Hotel Alameda offers city views, free parking, and even laundry facilities from $41.
Now, if you have little extra dosh in the bank and you were ready to splurge on a Cancun all-inclusive anyway, Cantera 10 is a boutique hotel facing the cathedral, famous for its pillar-fringed inner garden, timeless decor, and sumptuous breakfast––to the tune of $226-a-night.
When it comes to food, you can find meals as cheap as $7.38 in restaurants frequented mostly by locals, as estimated by Numbeo, or roughly $29.52, if it's a three-course dinner.
Some of the most fantastic, best-value culinary experiences in town can be found in Cenaduría Lupita, serving Michoacán-style enchiladas, Tata Mezcalería, with its duck confit and nicely-presented tacos, and Chango, where you go for tostadas de ceviche and early-evening drinks.
Fly Nonstop To Morelia From 7 U.S. Cities
You can fly nonstop to General Francisco Mujica International Airport (MLM), a short 35-minute taxi ride from Morelia, from the following U.S. hubs:
- Chicago-O'Hare (ORD)
3 flights every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday with VivaAerobus or Volaris
- Chicago-Midway (MDW)
1-2 flights per day with Volaris
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
2 flights per day with American Airlines
- Fresno (FAT)
1 flight every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with Volaris
- Houston (IAH)
1-2 flights per day with United Airlines
- Los Angeles (LAX)
1-2 flights per day with Volaris
- Oakland (OAK)
1 flight every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday with Volaris
- San Jose (SJC)
1 flight every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Friday, and Saturday with Volaris
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.