Centro Histórico de San Francisco de Campeche
Centro Histórico de San Francisco de Campeche
Centro Histórico de San Francisco de Campeche
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
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JTB1239
Washington DC, DC37 contributions
Apr 2021
This is a wonderfully preserved colonial walled city, well deserving of its UNESCO cultural heritage designation. Several nice cafes and restaurants, some good shops, a fine main plaza. Delightful!
Written April 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GillJezz
Aberystwyth, UK540 contributions
Feb 2020
We enjoyed wandering the streets here and popping into the odd museum. A lovely way to spend the day. Just soak up a bit of the atmosphere of an old Spanish colonial city.
We did feel they were missing a trick on the malecon however. We went out to watch the sunset, along with quite a few other people, and there is nowhere to sit and get a drink, alchoholic or otherwise, so, no sundowners here!
We did feel they were missing a trick on the malecon however. We went out to watch the sunset, along with quite a few other people, and there is nowhere to sit and get a drink, alchoholic or otherwise, so, no sundowners here!
Written April 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jody G
Toronto, Canada257 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
The historic center of Campeche is very easy to walk around in. I feel safe as a single traveller. Colourful buildings well looked after each 1 a different colour. Much slower pace than in Merida. Nice breeze all the time being on the ocean. No actual beaches here you have to go out of town for that. Good place to visit for 2 or 3 days while moving on.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rob t
Kingston, Canada33 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Came to Campeche for a couple days on a recommendation from our friends, while staying in Merida for the winter. We have fallen in love with the city, so much so that we have begun looking for a residence for next winter.
The city is very clean. The people are extremely gracious and helping. And the history is intriguing.
We look forward to returning.
The city is very clean. The people are extremely gracious and helping. And the history is intriguing.
We look forward to returning.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
64marzias
Sanremo, Italy45 contributions
Dec 2019
Characteristic town in Mexico. We found it was even better than Merida, more authentic, You can easily visit it on foot. The Cathedral is very beautiful bur all the little streets in the surroundings are worth the visit. Consider there is also a very good restaurant, run by a passionate cook ( La María Cocina Peninsular). Highly recommended.
Written April 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick and Angel S
Milton Keynes, UK5,518 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
The old town of Campeche is an extremely pretty with its colourful colonial buildings and a walled historic district. Street/road 59 is pedestrianised and is a great place to spend an evening soaking up the atmosphere in the bars and restaurants
Written October 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JRAsFishBabe
Calgary, Canada2,253 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
Campeche was designated World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1999 based on "Interchange of values and "Significance in human history". Campeche's well preserved buildings and fortifications are a typical example of a new world Spanish colonial harbour town. The almost 1000 historically significant buildings are found in a 1.8 sq. km. area, of which 0.5 sq. km. are enclosed within a system of walls and fortifications. There are excellent tourist maps detailing these "sites of interest".
The fortifications, three batteries and two forts, are located outside the walled section.We only managed to get to Fuerte de San Miguel. This fort is about 4.2 km from the Gamma Campeche Malecón, where we were staying. The fort, built in the late eighteenth century, was meant to protect the town against an anticipated attack by the British. It is fully restored and now houses a museum of Mayan art. There was a small entrance fee of 55 pesos. Fuerte de San Jose el Alto, located on the opposite end of town, also has a museum which features a collection of boats and weapons from the period.
There are eight baluartes (bulwarks), defensive bastions, on the corners, all now serving different functions. We didn't go to all of them, but we can recommend the ones that we did. Baluarte of Santiago now serves as the jardin botanico Xmuch' haltun, a nice quiet refuge that highlights about 200 plant species endemic to the region, entrance is 10 pesos each. The Baluarte of San Carlos holds the city museum, and the connection that Campeche has with its "pirate past"! The other bulwark that we made it to, is the largest, Baluarte de la Soledad. It houses the Museo de Arquitectura Maya and features "the Mask of Calakmul. a very beautiful funerary mask composed of jade, shell and grey obsidian, a must see! This is a very nice museum, not large but definitely a worthwhile visit. The signage is also in english. One thing that I had not seen before, was a strip set into the floor, this was meant to be a guide for the visually impaired. A person could use their cane and be guided by this strip to a copy of one of artifacts being displayed and then by touching with their hands get an idea of what it looked like. There was also a "sign" in Braille that explained about the object. Interestingly, we had seen this in other places in town, a good explanation for a very good purpose!
The whole town really is a museum, just outside the Baluarte de la Soledad, is the El Palacio Centro Cultural. This museum shows you some of the past history as it relates to commerce and the connection it has had with attacks from pirates, etc. It is right across from the plaza, and on the weekends, it features a magnificent light show. The openings are shuttered and different moving images are projected on the exterior, showing Campeche's link to the past. It is very well choreographed, the production was designed to fit into the building's architecture, even matching the inclusion of the arches. It is very well done and apparently is one of several light shows shown in the old town. There is also one held at Puerta de Tierra. The Plaza de La Independencia is the centre of much of what happens in the Centro Historico. Indeed, there seems to be something happening here all the time, celebrations, cultural events, etc. On the east side, you will find the Catedral de Campeche, dating from the 16th century. In a courtyard, off to one side, you will find a small museum housing old relics. There is a small entrance fee. Across the plaza, Casa No. 6, a restored colonial casa, showing what life was like for an upper- class Campechano family during prerevolutionary times. You can catch the Transporte Touristico bus here as well. One of their tours takes you to the different barrios surrounding the city walls, and around to several of the old churches associated with them. The Santuario de Guadalupe, a beautiful, yellow church dating from the 1600's is in the 500 year old barrio of the same name. In the barrio of San Francisco is the Iglesia de San Francisco, a church which dates from the mid-1500's. This is where the first Catholic liturgy was offered at the arrival of the Spaniards in 1517. In the barrio of San Roman, the tourist train stops at the Iglesia de San Roman, the home of the Cristo Negro. If you are interested in "history" and "historic" churches, these are just a few of Campeche's churches. This is a city where history, is depicted and lived in both its old buildings and structures and its plentiful museums!
The past is something that we "live' for, yes, but fortunately, there is much of the present and the future to live for as well. This is no more evident in the activity and events that take place all around the town. As was said, there was always something happening in the square, music, different events, families enjoying the evening. We were staying at the Gamma hotel. From the Gamma Hotel, where we were staying, to the Sea Gate, there was a small mall. Most nights, particularly on weekends. there would be lively music events going on and crowds of people listening and dancing along. You kind of got the idea that this type thing went on all through the year. Why not? The evenings are aways so lovely! We were here in early December, so they were setting up decorations all around town, in particular in the square just outside the Sea Gate. There were several events that took place here, a Pan y Pasteles fair one day. There were booths set up where they were selling breads, sweets, pizzas, etc. A great place to enjoy authentic food, there or take-out. The last night we were in Campeche, there was a big Christmas celebration held here, with lots of families taking part in the festivities. There was much going on, and later on, featured a great firework display. Meanwhile, we were attending a concert in the square, complete with a band, a very talented singer and backup singers. All professional and again, great audience participation, dancing and singing along! Lots happening, people just celebrating life.
Campeche is not on the "tourist radar', yet, maybe this a good thing, there are "tourists", albeit not many. It is an authentic Mexican town. It is mostly a town for Campechanos, who enjoy living in Campeche, and are justly proud of their city. To quote Lonely Planet', Campeche is a historical fairy tale".
PS, One final blurb. There are many fine eaterys to be found here, and of course, Calle 59 is a good place to start. Here there are many fine restaurants, all offering good food, at good prices. We did not always eat out, but would recommend the following: Patronis Bar, Bavit and our favourite, Ambigu 59. Our favourite coffee place was Cafe Frappisimo, and for treats, a nice little bakery called, "La Nueva Espano". Last but not least, La Michoacana for ice cream. These are all good places, all offering good/variety food at reasonable prices. Enjoy!
The fortifications, three batteries and two forts, are located outside the walled section.We only managed to get to Fuerte de San Miguel. This fort is about 4.2 km from the Gamma Campeche Malecón, where we were staying. The fort, built in the late eighteenth century, was meant to protect the town against an anticipated attack by the British. It is fully restored and now houses a museum of Mayan art. There was a small entrance fee of 55 pesos. Fuerte de San Jose el Alto, located on the opposite end of town, also has a museum which features a collection of boats and weapons from the period.
There are eight baluartes (bulwarks), defensive bastions, on the corners, all now serving different functions. We didn't go to all of them, but we can recommend the ones that we did. Baluarte of Santiago now serves as the jardin botanico Xmuch' haltun, a nice quiet refuge that highlights about 200 plant species endemic to the region, entrance is 10 pesos each. The Baluarte of San Carlos holds the city museum, and the connection that Campeche has with its "pirate past"! The other bulwark that we made it to, is the largest, Baluarte de la Soledad. It houses the Museo de Arquitectura Maya and features "the Mask of Calakmul. a very beautiful funerary mask composed of jade, shell and grey obsidian, a must see! This is a very nice museum, not large but definitely a worthwhile visit. The signage is also in english. One thing that I had not seen before, was a strip set into the floor, this was meant to be a guide for the visually impaired. A person could use their cane and be guided by this strip to a copy of one of artifacts being displayed and then by touching with their hands get an idea of what it looked like. There was also a "sign" in Braille that explained about the object. Interestingly, we had seen this in other places in town, a good explanation for a very good purpose!
The whole town really is a museum, just outside the Baluarte de la Soledad, is the El Palacio Centro Cultural. This museum shows you some of the past history as it relates to commerce and the connection it has had with attacks from pirates, etc. It is right across from the plaza, and on the weekends, it features a magnificent light show. The openings are shuttered and different moving images are projected on the exterior, showing Campeche's link to the past. It is very well choreographed, the production was designed to fit into the building's architecture, even matching the inclusion of the arches. It is very well done and apparently is one of several light shows shown in the old town. There is also one held at Puerta de Tierra. The Plaza de La Independencia is the centre of much of what happens in the Centro Historico. Indeed, there seems to be something happening here all the time, celebrations, cultural events, etc. On the east side, you will find the Catedral de Campeche, dating from the 16th century. In a courtyard, off to one side, you will find a small museum housing old relics. There is a small entrance fee. Across the plaza, Casa No. 6, a restored colonial casa, showing what life was like for an upper- class Campechano family during prerevolutionary times. You can catch the Transporte Touristico bus here as well. One of their tours takes you to the different barrios surrounding the city walls, and around to several of the old churches associated with them. The Santuario de Guadalupe, a beautiful, yellow church dating from the 1600's is in the 500 year old barrio of the same name. In the barrio of San Francisco is the Iglesia de San Francisco, a church which dates from the mid-1500's. This is where the first Catholic liturgy was offered at the arrival of the Spaniards in 1517. In the barrio of San Roman, the tourist train stops at the Iglesia de San Roman, the home of the Cristo Negro. If you are interested in "history" and "historic" churches, these are just a few of Campeche's churches. This is a city where history, is depicted and lived in both its old buildings and structures and its plentiful museums!
The past is something that we "live' for, yes, but fortunately, there is much of the present and the future to live for as well. This is no more evident in the activity and events that take place all around the town. As was said, there was always something happening in the square, music, different events, families enjoying the evening. We were staying at the Gamma hotel. From the Gamma Hotel, where we were staying, to the Sea Gate, there was a small mall. Most nights, particularly on weekends. there would be lively music events going on and crowds of people listening and dancing along. You kind of got the idea that this type thing went on all through the year. Why not? The evenings are aways so lovely! We were here in early December, so they were setting up decorations all around town, in particular in the square just outside the Sea Gate. There were several events that took place here, a Pan y Pasteles fair one day. There were booths set up where they were selling breads, sweets, pizzas, etc. A great place to enjoy authentic food, there or take-out. The last night we were in Campeche, there was a big Christmas celebration held here, with lots of families taking part in the festivities. There was much going on, and later on, featured a great firework display. Meanwhile, we were attending a concert in the square, complete with a band, a very talented singer and backup singers. All professional and again, great audience participation, dancing and singing along! Lots happening, people just celebrating life.
Campeche is not on the "tourist radar', yet, maybe this a good thing, there are "tourists", albeit not many. It is an authentic Mexican town. It is mostly a town for Campechanos, who enjoy living in Campeche, and are justly proud of their city. To quote Lonely Planet', Campeche is a historical fairy tale".
PS, One final blurb. There are many fine eaterys to be found here, and of course, Calle 59 is a good place to start. Here there are many fine restaurants, all offering good food, at good prices. We did not always eat out, but would recommend the following: Patronis Bar, Bavit and our favourite, Ambigu 59. Our favourite coffee place was Cafe Frappisimo, and for treats, a nice little bakery called, "La Nueva Espano". Last but not least, La Michoacana for ice cream. These are all good places, all offering good/variety food at reasonable prices. Enjoy!
Written January 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LincolnshireBilly
Lincolnshire287 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
This unique Spanish colonial town in Mexico was a pleasant place to spend 24 hours. It is not too touristic as yet, so it still has an authentic feel. People are generally friendly. I was under the impression that the town was surrounded by walls, but only two large sections of wall survive. Still impressive though. The area surrounding the Cathedral was of particular note, a good place to spend time.
Written February 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,455 contributions
Jan 2021
Dominating the same name bay of Gulf of Mexico, Campeche was an important city to both - Mayans and Spaniards.
Spanish conquistador San Francisco de Campeche built the city over the Can Pech Mayan city which he demolished in 16c with nothing left to see today. Spaniards also built a protective fortress and city walls, as the city was often a pirates target.
The city inside the walls is very well preserved with its colored houses and magnificent Cathedral, all under UNESCO. Walking it is so easy and delightful with many interesting colonial houses, cafes, restaurants, etc...
Spanish conquistador San Francisco de Campeche built the city over the Can Pech Mayan city which he demolished in 16c with nothing left to see today. Spaniards also built a protective fortress and city walls, as the city was often a pirates target.
The city inside the walls is very well preserved with its colored houses and magnificent Cathedral, all under UNESCO. Walking it is so easy and delightful with many interesting colonial houses, cafes, restaurants, etc...
Written February 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elena P
Guadalajara, Mexico4,968 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
The central area is nice but for someone that saw a lot of centres of cities it is not so much to see. Better do a waterfront walk.
Written January 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi:
We'd like to know whether there are beaches or other opportunities for outdoor swimming near Campeche City, how far from the city these are, and whether some of them can be reached by public bus. Thanks much for whatever you can tell us--Larry Lack and Lee Ann Ward, New Brunswick, Canada
Written January 7, 2019
Dear Larry and Lee Ann,
Campeche is a coastal city, there are some beaches immediately adjacent to the downtown, but they are not ideal for beach-goers. There is a small fishing village a few kilometers away, it is called Lerma. Here you can find some beaches to relax on at Playa Bonita (“Pretty Beach”).
I hope this can help you!
Have a nice travel and enjoy the time in Mexico
Eleonora
Written January 8, 2019
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