Things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas

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San Cristobal de las Casas Cathedral showing night scenes and heritage architecture
Plaza de La Paz showing a sunset as well as a large group of people
Guadalupe Church as well as a large group of people
Mayan Textile Center
Plaza 31 de Marzo as well as a small group of people

San Cristobal de las Casas Attractions

Want to know the most popular things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas? Enticing shopping, delectable local cuisine and loads of sensational tourist attractions are just a taste of what you'll get. It's time to pack your bags and discover this bustling city.

If you're ready to hit the streets of San Cristobal de las Casas, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let an experienced guide show you the most popular landmarks. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {82 fun activities in San Cristobal de las Casas fun activities in San Cristobal de las Casas} are also worth checking out.

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San Cristóbal de las Casas must see attractions

1. San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral

The Catedral de San Cristóbal is a beautiful construction in the old quarter of the colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas, in Chiapas. The building was once a modest church, built in the 16th century and dedicated to the Virgen de la Asunción (Virgin of the Assumption). It was later torn down to build an elegant cathedral dedicated to San Cristóbal, the patron of the city. Visit Catedral de San Cristóbal to discover a fantastic construction full of baroque, Moorish and indigenous influences.
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San Cristobal de las Casas Cathedral featuring heritage architecture and night scenes

2. Santo Domingo Handicraft Market

An explosion of color greets you as you enter the Santo Domingo Handicraft Market in San Cristóbal de las Casas. Piled high are rainbow-colored textiles, leather goods and all types of handmade crafts whose traditions date back decades and even centuries. Buy fabulous gifts to take home at this must-see outdoor market.
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Handicrafts Market which includes a park

3. Na Bolom Cultural Museum

The Na Bolom Cultural Museum provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the Lacandón indigenous people of Chiapas. The building was the home of Swiss-born Trudi Duby and her Danish husband Frans Blom, who dedicated their lives to researching and documenting the culture of these ancient Mayan people. Spend some time exploring the museum and cultural center to appreciate their dedication and skill.
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Na Bolom Cultural Museum as well as a couple

4. Mesoamerican Museum of Jade

Be dazzled by the pieces of carved jade at the Mesoamerican Museum of Jade and discover just how important this stone was to the region’s ancient peoples. This delightful museum holds hundreds of items of jade, including replica masks and statues and jewelry. Visit the store where you can purchase beautiful jewelry items made on site.
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Mesoamerican Museum of Jade featuring interior views

5. Plaza 31 de Marzo

Plaza 31 de Marzo is San Cristóbal de las Casas’ main city square. It provides a perfect starting point from which to explore the historic center and is an easy landmark for daily meetings. Yet it’s more than that. The square is the hub of local life. Take a seat on one of the wrought iron benches and view the beautiful colonial buildings flanking the square as you watch people go by.
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Plaza 31 de Marzo featuring night scenes and heritage architecture

6. Guadalupe Church

It might not be an easy climb, but getting to the Guadalupe Church is certainly worth the effort. Rising from Real de Guadalupe, 79 steps climb to the church’s entrance atop a small hill. Make your way to the top to explore the pleasant little church and be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of San Cristóbal de las Casas.
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Guadalupe Church showing heritage elements

7. Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo

The Templo y Exconvento de Santo Domingo de Guzmán (Temple and Former Convent of Saint Domingo) is one of the most visited places by both locals and tourists in the picturesque city of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Marvel at an iconic symbol of Mexican colonial art and view beautiful traditional artworks and colorful weavings.
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Templo de Santo Domingo which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

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Recommended things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas

Number of things to do
82
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán Indigenous Communities: $15
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas

Free Things to Do in San Cristobal de las Casas

Leave your purse in the hotel. It's a cinch to entertain yourself in San Cristobal de las Casas without handing over a cent.

Arco de El Carmen & Centro Cultural El Carmen - Get ready to feel like you've been transported back in time while exploring this historic site.

Plaza 31 de Marzo - Mingle with some locals and discover the real personality and vibrancy of this place.

Laguna Miramar - Look for a place to sit and enjoy the calmness that goes hand in hand with being close to the water.

Santo Domingo Handicraft Market - Make room in your must-see list to look at this place of local significance.

Church of San Nicolás - Stop for some quiet reflection and learn a thing or two about this site's religious importance.

Moxviquil - Refresh your mind, body and soul by spending a little time in nature.

Things to Do in San Cristobal de las Casas with Kids

There's fun for all the family in San Cristobal de las Casas. Here are some family friendly experiences you can enjoy together that'll make your getaway a blast:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in San Cristóbal de las Casas? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Cristóbal de las Casas

San Cristobal de las Casas Cathedral featuring heritage architecture and night scenes

San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral

In the heart of the historic center, discover a colorful cathedral and one of the most significant buildings of this traditional Mexican city.

San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral
Handicrafts Market which includes a park

Santo Domingo Handicraft Market

Spend a delightful morning perusing the myriad colorful stalls at the city’s famous outdoor crafts market. Buy some souvenirs to take home.

Santo Domingo Handicraft Market
Na Bolom Cultural Museum as well as a couple

Na Bolom Cultural Museum

Tour this remarkable museum and cultural center, which depicts the lifetime of study of the Lacandón indigenous people by Gertrude Duby and Frans Blom.

Na Bolom Cultural Museum
Mesoamerican Museum of Jade featuring interior views

Mesoamerican Museum of Jade

Understand the importance that jade held in ancient Mesoamerican cultures at this fascinating museum, where you will find replica masks and jewelry.

Mesoamerican Museum of Jade
Plaza 31 de Marzo featuring night scenes and heritage architecture

Plaza 31 de Marzo

Join locals at the city’s main square where evening music, leafy trees and a plethora of impressive colonial buildings await.

Plaza 31 de Marzo
Guadalupe Church showing heritage elements

Guadalupe Church

Climb the 79 steps to appreciate the staggering views from this hilltop church. The church itself is a pretty example of colonial architecture.

Guadalupe Church
Templo de Santo Domingo which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo

With its spectacular ornamental church, two museums showing beautiful Mayan textiles and a bustling market, this spot in Chiapas is quite popular.

Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo
Arches of Carmen showing a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

Arches of Carmen

Stand in the peaceful square and appreciate the beauty and unique architecture of this impressive colonial tower, which belongs to the adjacent church.

Arches of Carmen
Orquideas Moxviduil Botanical Garden featuring forests

Orquídeas Moxviquil Botanical Garden

Be enchanted by this beautiful botanical garden, which rescues, protects and conserves orchids and other native plants of the Chiapas region.

Orquídeas Moxviquil Botanical Garden

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in San Cristóbal de las Casas

San Cristobal de las Casas which includes heritage elements

Zona Centro

5/5(85 area reviews)

Unique features of Zona Centro include the museums and gardens. Make a stop by Plaza 31 de Marzo or Mesoamerican Museum of Jade while you're exploring the area.

Zona Centro
Arches of Carmen featuring heritage elements and cycling as well as an individual male

Santa Lucía

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

While visiting Santa Lucía, you might make a stop by sights like Santo Domingo Handicraft Market and Arches of Carmen.

Santa Lucía
Guadalupe Church featuring a church or cathedral and heritage elements

Barrio de Guadalupe

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Barrio de Guadalupe might not have many top sights, but Na Bolom Cultural Museum and Santo Domingo Handicraft Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Barrio de Guadalupe
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Barrio de La Merced

4.5/5(22 area reviews)

While visiting Barrio de La Merced, you might make a stop by sights like Amber Museum of Chiapas and Regional Costume Museum.

Barrio de La Merced
San Cristobal de las Casas featuring interior views

Barrio del Cerrillo

4/5(5 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Barrio del Cerrillo, Na Bolom Cultural Museum and Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo are top sights worth seeing.

Barrio del Cerrillo
Default Image

De Cuxtitali

When in De Cuxtitali, you can plan a visit to Na Bolom Cultural Museum and Santo Domingo Handicraft Market, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

De Cuxtitali
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Popular day trips from San Cristóbal de las Casas

Photo by Sergio Camalich

Zinacantán

Photo by Isa

San Juan Chamula

Frequently asked questions

Is San Cristóbal de las Casas worth visiting?
Offering a mix of nature and festivals, there's no shortage of things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas. When you're here, head to San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in San Cristóbal de las Casas?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Na Bolom Cultural Museum and Grutas de San Cristóbal. Then, tour other areas of San Cristóbal de las Casas for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Cristóbal de las Casas?
San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral is one of the top tourist attractions in San Cristóbal de las Casas and deserves a spot on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Cristóbal de las Casas?
You can easily visit top sights like San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral, Na Bolom Cultural Museum and Foro Cultural Kinoki with a three-day break in San Cristóbal de las Casas. On average, most travelers plan three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a bit longer and venture to Chiapa De Corzo.
Is San Cristóbal de las Casas a walkable city?
That depends on what you want to do and see in San Cristóbal de las Casas. Several top sights, such as San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral and Na Bolom Cultural Museum, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of San Cristóbal de las Casas's best neighborhoods, Zona Centro is 0.1 miles away from downtown, while De La Merced is 0.5 miles away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas with kids.

What to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Café Museo Café or Mesoamerican Museum of Jade.
Are there free things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas. If you're stuck for ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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