Aguascalientes is a city of 950,000 people (2020) in the Bajío region of Mexico. Aguascalientes means hot water in Spanish; the name comes from the abundance of hot springs in the area.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Located in central Mexico, Aguascalientes borders the states of Zacatecas and Jalisco and is located about 537 km northwest of Mexico City. There are five traditional neighborhoods in Aguascalientes. Those neighborhoods are La Estacion, La Salud, El Encino, Guadalupe, and San Marcos(where the annual San Marcos Fair is held). Aguascalientes was founded in 1575. The city is very Spanish in nature and is known for its pottery, embroideries and woven goods. Aguascalientes, Mexico is the capital city of Aguascalientes state. Historically, the Spanish chose this city as an outpost to guard against the Chichimec Indians who once resided in the area.
It is safe to walk during the day and at night around the tourist areas and downtown, to get on a cab or public transportation. Most people show their hospitality when they realize you are a tourist, always willing to help, give you directions or help you with the language. Uber, Didi and Bolt serve Aguascalientes. Aguascalientes has a public bus system known as CMOV. They operate 48 bus routes with nearly 2,000 stops. Schedules and costs are listed in the Moovit app. Taxis are a safe option for getting around in Aguascalientes. You can arrange for a taxi from your hotel although street cabs are usually much cheaper. All taxis have meters that indicate the fare to pay.
1 Contemporary Art Museum (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo No. 8), José María Morelos y Pavón S/N, ☏ +52 449 918 6901. With its various inset exterior panoramas, the building looks like a work of art. (updated Apr 2019) 2 Discover Interactive Museum of Science and Technology (Descubre Museo Interactivo de Ciencia y Tecnología), Av. del Parque S/N (on northeast edge of Parque Heroes Mexicanos), ☏ +52 663 156 1435. One of those little interactive learning museums with an IMAX theater. Watch out for dinos and Day of the Dead statues and airplanes outside. (updated Apr 2019) 3 José Guadalupe Posada Museum (Museo José Guadalupe Posada) (north side of Encino Garden), ☏ +52 449 915 4556.
San Marcos Fair (Feria Nacional de San Marcos). From around mid-April to early May annually. The oldest and largest state fair in Mexico. One of the largest fairs in Mexico, attracting millions of visitors for the Casino, the bullfighting, cockfighting and nightlife. The San Marcos Fair also has nightly fireworks, amusement rides, art, theater, dance, commercial and industrial exhibitions, concerts, rodeos, and of course a variety of cuisine. This is the most busy time of year for Aguascalientes. Local schools close for a period of time during the fair as well as local offices. (updated Oct 2016) Golf - Aguascalientes has two golf clubs.
The best food to try while in Aguascalientes include the • barbacoa de olla • biznaga tamales • candied guava • caramel sweets and • ladrillos; which is a delicious flaky pastry. There is a mercado near 5 de Mayo (probably 1 Mercado Morelos, otherwise nearby Mercado Juárez) specialising in delicious roast lamb served with tacos. 2 Mercado Teran. For cheap eats such as burritos. 3 Rincón Maya. Traditional Mexican cuisine from the state of Yucatán. In the Jardín del Encino (Encino garden), downtown area. 4 Mesón del Taco, Avenue Aguascalientes Pte. This restaurant sells traditional Mexican and Spanish food. 5 Los Mixes, Blvd Luis Donaldo Colosio.
There are many nightclubs and bars in Aguascalientes. But don't head there early. Locals usually begin to show up at the bars around 11pm. They don't leave or even start dancing until 5am through 7am. So if you want to drink and party like a local do not head home early! If you want to party visit Aguas during la Feria de San Marcos. The city transforms into the largest open-air cantina in Mexico, with an abundance of places selling cocktails (M$50) or 2L beers (also M$50). You are also able to buy beer in cans, bottles, 16 oz and 1L varieties.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Oct, Aguascalientes typically sees ~26°C daytime highs and 4 rainy days.
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