Get to know Campeche
Find your favorite destination and explore its charms
Campeche is unique among Mexico's 13 World Heritage cities as the only one with defensive walls. Its hexagonal fortifications and bastions are a compelling reason to visit this city in southeastern Mexico.
The historic center of Campeche is located next to the Gulf of Mexico, so close that it is known as "the bride of the sea." The boardwalk separates the city from the gulf and is a must-see, with a 3.5-kilometer walk. During a guided tour of Campeche's forts and bastions, you can imagine how the city protected itself from pirate attacks, such as those by Cornelius Holz "Pegleg." This tour is an excellent way to start exploring the city's main tourist points.
If you enjoy lively and colorful places, Calle 59 is a must-see in Campeche. This pedestrian street stretches from Puerta de la Tierra to Puerta del Mar, two of the four entrances to the walled city. Here, you'll find historic and representative buildings, such as Casa del Teniente Rey and San Francisquito Church. Additionally, you can enjoy restaurants, art galleries, shops, and cafés with balconies. If you're looking for a souvenir, Calle 10 is the perfect place, where you'll find the Casa de las Artesanías with handmade products from the Bécal caves, such as huipiles and jipijapa hats.
If vibrant architecture interests you, you will love Calle 59. This pedestrian path runs from Puerta de la Tierra to Puerta del Mar, two of the four gateways to this fortified city. Iconic buildings like Casa del Teniente Rey and San Francisquito Church can be found here, along with restaurants, art galleries, shops, and cafés with balconies. For souvenirs, Calle 10 is the perfect spot, home to the Casa de las Artesanías, where you can buy handwoven huipiles and hats from the Bécal caves.
Near the Casa de las Artesanías is Plaza Independencia, where you'll find the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and its Museum of Sacred Art. From here, you can take a tram to continue exploring the city's key monuments.
Nights in Campeche are special, especially if you stop at one of the restaurants in the Portales de San Francisco to try Pan de Cazón, a traditional dish made with fried tortillas, habanero sauce, and shark meat. These restaurants are located at the intersection of Camino Real streets, the route that connected Campeche and Mérida in the 16th century.
The ideal time to visit Campeche is from November to March when the chances of rain are low, and the weather is more pleasant.
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Campeche
