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Aguascalientes is one of Mexico’s most under-appreciated cities. It is not heavily touristed. In fact, you can walk the city all day without meeting a gringo. But it is situated between other tourist locations. It is as clean and safe as any American or European city, it has good public transportation (including taxis,) and it is filled with classic Mexican culture, festivals, art, museums, churches, cuisine, and more.

Nightlife:The nightlife in this city of one million Mexicans is comparable to that of a European or other world city but with a distinctly Mexican flavor.   With modern bars and classic cantinas, classy restaurants and delicious taco stands, Aguascalientes has everything – and it is all authentically Mexican. Dance and drink to modern music in a club, drink cervezas to Ranchero music, and then eat, eat, and eat some more well into the night.

Celebrations: Aguascalientes is also the home of the Fiesta de San Marcos, Mexico’s biggest festival (similar to Carnival or Mardi Gras in other countires), held for three weeks in late April and early May. Bullfights, casinos, music, dancing, amusement rides, art expositions, and lots and lots of drinking into the night are among the activities. This festival is attended almost entirely by Mexicans from all around the country and it remains one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. For more information about festivals in Aguascalientes, visit the city’s website, the the Aguascalientes’ state website or the city’s website WikiTravel page for Aguascalientes.

Museums:

• Museo de Arte Moderno – Modern Art Museum
• Museo Interactivo descubre – an interactive science museum with an IMAX theatre
• Museo Jose Guadalupe Posada – Many Mexicans consider Posada the founder of modern art in Mexico. Since his death nearly a century ago, José Guadalupe Posada’s work has steadily gained popularity with art lovers and Día de los Muertos celebrators alike. He is especially known for his calaveras – images of whimsical skeletons. “La Catrina” is one such image. While the illustration of the high society woman is one of Posada’s most highly regarded pieces, it’s also arguably the most recognizable image of the Día de los Muertos celebration. 
• Museo Nacional de la Muerte Discover the National Museum of the Death, where all kinds of art are devoted to a single theme – The Death – from the prehispanic times all the way to the present time.
• Museum of Aguascalientes – built out of pink quarry. It has a collection of 20th century arts including the works of Saturnio Herran, who was born in Aguascalientes. Herran’s arts include portraits of the everydady citizen painted with a high degree of sensitivity toward his subjects. His work is very similar to art nouveau. 
• Museo Regional de Historia

Art Exhibitions:

• Casa de la Cultura – This is the forum for the National Plastic Arts contest during the San Marcos Fair.
• Casa Teran
• Centro Cultural los Arquitos
• Parque Tres Centurias

Theatre:

• Teatro de la Ciudad
• Teatro Morelos – The National Poetry Prize is presented during The San Marcos Fair.

Public Gardens:

• San Marcos Garden (Jardin de San Marcos)
• Guadalupe (Jardin de Guadalupe)
• El Encino (Jardin del Encino)
• Zaragoza

Parks:

• Parque Hidalgo
• Parque Heroes Mexicanos/Rodolfo Landeros Gallegos
• Parque Mexico
• Parque del Cedazo

Church Buildings:

• Baroque Style Main Cathedral
• Purisima
• San Marcos
• Guadalupe
• El Encino y Jardin de la Paz
• San Antonio Temple
• Religious Pinacotheca

Sports:

• Estadio Victoria Football, home of the Hidrorrayos
• Estadio Cuarto Centenario Basketball, home of the Panteras

Rock-climbing and Outdoor Adventures: Adventure tourists and casual hikers find much to enjoy in Aguas. Hiking, camping, and especially rock climbing are popular activities and the city has specialty shops for all of these activities. Longer Stays: If you plan to stay in Aguascalientes for a longer amount of time, the public pools, bicycle-friendly streets, cinemas, and universities should occupy your time well. If you plan to stay only for a short visit, the mercados and cantinas are as good as any you will find in Mexico. More Information:

• WikiTravel’s page for Aguascalientes has a range of useful information.
• The City of Aguascalientes Homepage
• Gobierno del Estado de Aguascalientes – Aguascalientes’ State Government Tourist Site