Things to do in Colima
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Palacio de Gobierno & Museum
Next to the cathedral is the Palacio de Gobierno, built between 1884 and 1904. Local artist Jorge Chávez Carrillo painted the stairway murals to celebrate the 200th birthday of independence hero Miguel Hidalgo, who was once parish priest of Colima. The murals honor freedom fighters, the feminine, the indigenous roots and the beautiful land of Mexico.
There's a great collection of pottery in the first floor museum including some from 1500 BC and check out the case of ten ceramic frogs estimated by UCLA archaeologists to date from 600AD.
reviewed
-
B
¡Ah Qué Nanishe!
The name of this restaurant means ‘How delicious!’ and the rich, chocolatey, but not overwhelming mole (sauce) is superb. Other Oaxacan delicacies like chile rellenos (stuffed chilis) or chapulines (crunchy fried grasshoppers) are also available and on Saturday and Sunday it serves barbacoa de borrego (barbecued lamb). Half orders of many mains are available which makes this spot a great value.
reviewed
-
C
La Campana
The low, pyramid-like structures at this modest archaeological site date from as early as 1500 BC. They have been excavated and restored, along with a small tomb and a ball court (unusual in western Mexico). The structures are oriented due north toward Volcán de Fuego, which makes an impressive backdrop on clear days. It’s about 5km north of Colima city and easily accessible by buses 7 and 22; taxis cost M$30.
reviewed
-
D
Cathedral
Light floods the cathedral from the dome windows of this would-be relic on the east side of Plaza Principal (also known as Jardín Libertad). It has been rebuilt several times since the Spanish first erected a cathedral here in 1527, most recently after the 1941 earthquake. So it's too new to offer old-world soul, but it remains a focal point of the community.
reviewed
-
E
Los Naranjos
The purple-and-burgundy walls lend a laid-back elegance and there’s a nice collection of hand-blown glass, but come here for the simple and extremely tasty menu with great prices. Get five tacos for just M$39 and make sure to order the cilantro-heavy guacamole. It is outstanding and so are the beans. Two for one micheladas and great tequila prices too.
reviewed
-
F
Museo Regional de Historia de Colima
The excellent Museo Regional de Historia de Colima has an extensive collection of well-labeled artifacts spanning the region’s history, from ancient pottery to conquistadors’ armor to a 19th-century horse-drawn carriage. Don’t miss the ceramic xoloitzcuintles (Colima dogs) or the walk-through, mock tomb excavation.
reviewed
-
G
Teatro Hidalgo
The Teatro Hidalgo was built in neo-classical style between 1871 and 1883 on a site originally donated to the city by Miguel Hidalgo. The theater was destroyed by the earthquakes of 1932 and 1941 and rebuilt once more in 1961. It offers a full schedule of cultural events, from dance performances to classical concerts.
reviewed
-
H
Parque Regional Metropolitano
The Parque Regional Metropolitano, a few blocks southwest of the city center, has a depressing zoo, a swimming pool, snack kiosks and a forest with an artificial lake. Explore the forest paths on quad bikes (M$25 per 30 minutes), or cruise the lake by paddleboat (M$25 per 30 minutes).
reviewed
-
I
Pinacoteca Universitaria Alfonso Michel
This beautiful museum, in a 19th-century courtyard building, offers four halls filled with surrealist art. Included are a permanent collection of paintings by Colima's Alfonso Michel - a cross between Picasso and Dalí and works by other Mexican artists, like Alfonso Cabrera and Richard Rocha.
reviewed
-
J
Sol Om Lux
Inside a cluttered natural foods store, this vegetarian lunch counter dishes up veggie burgers, soy tacos and all manner of fresh-squeezed juices. The daily comida corrida (set lunch; M$55), with salad, soup, main, dessert and an agua fresca (fresh fruit juice), is a great value.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
1800
This hip restaurant lounge attracts a late-coming crowd of uni students for snacks, drinks and, on Thursday nights, live music from around the globe. The menu is all over the place, with pizza, sushi, burritos and more, but you’ll be happiest if you duck in for a few late drinks.
reviewed
-
L
Museo Universitario de Artes Populares
Folk art lovers will be in heaven at this university about 1km north of Plaza Principal. On display is a stellar collection of masks, mojigangas (giant puppets that dance in parades), musical instruments, baskets and wood and ceramic sculpture from every state in Mexico.
reviewed
-
M
Pichichi Silvon
Operating out of a tiny window on the walking street adjacent to Hotel Ceballos, this place attracts a stream of customers for its addictive churros rellenos – hot, sugar-crusted Mexican doughnuts stuffed with chocolate, caramel or strawberry sauce.
reviewed
-
N
El Trebol
Colima’s most popular family restaurant also serves the best breakfasts in town. The scent of freshly squeezed orange juice perfumes the dining room and diners devour huevos a la mexicana and scrambles with ham, bacon and chorizo.
reviewed
-
O
Pizza Koket
Take an empty gravel lot, install a wood burning oven and a few plastic tables and you've got yourself a pizzeria. It has tons of fresh toppings, serve personal pizzas as well as calzones − and delivers.
reviewed
-
P
Parque Piedra Lisa
East of the city center, Parque Piedra Lisa is named after its mythical Sliding Stone. Legend says that visitors who slide on this stone will some day return to Colima, to marry…or die!
reviewed
-
Q
El Subito
Inexpensive and damn good espresso drinks are served in this cozy, stylish coffee bar decorated with antiquated photos of old Colima. There are no tables, just bar stools.
reviewed
-
R
Mercado Constitución
A couple of blocks south of Plaza Principal, this market has cheap food stalls serving juices, pozole and other snacks.
reviewed
-
S
La Arábica
A few doors down from Pichichi Silvon, Arábica sells good lattes and cappuccinos from an open-air storefront.
reviewed
