Old Customs House
A free, historic colonial house in Campeche showcasing wealthy merchant lifestyles, perfect for a quick cultural stop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy cooler temps
Old Customs House
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, historic colonial house in Campeche showcasing wealthy merchant lifestyles, perfect for a quick cultural stop.
"Free entry and a glimpse into colonial life make this a worthwhile, quick stop in Campeche's historic center."
🎯 Free Entry & Sign-in
Admission is free! Just sign the guest book to enter and explore.
⏱️ Quick Visit Recommended
You can see the entire property in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect stop on a walking tour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Colonial Era Architecture
Campeche Historic Center
Step back in time exploring this beautifully preserved colonial-era house, showcasing the lifestyle of wealthy merchants.
Historic Courtyard
Interior
A charming and serene courtyard that offers a glimpse into the past, perfect for a brief, reflective moment.
Merchant Family Lifestyle
Exhibition rooms
Discover the opulent living standards of a wealthy merchant family through detailed room displays and descriptions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Campeche's Charm
Embrace the Local Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry & Sign-in
Admission is free! Just sign the guest book to enter and explore.
⏱️ Quick Visit Recommended
You can see the entire property in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect stop on a walking tour.
🗣️ Language Barrier
Most information is in Spanish. Consider a guide or brush up on your Spanish!
🚶♀️ Combine with Walking Tour
Enhance your experience by joining a guided walking tour of Campeche's historic center.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry & Sign-in
Admission is free! Just sign the guest book to enter and explore.
⏱️ Quick Visit Recommended
You can see the entire property in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect stop on a walking tour.
🗣️ Language Barrier
Most information is in Spanish. Consider a guide or brush up on your Spanish!
🚶♀️ Combine with Walking Tour
Enhance your experience by joining a guided walking tour of Campeche's historic center.
📚 Bookstore Available
A small bookstore is on-site, though most items are in Spanish.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Old Customs House to be a free and interesting glimpse into Campeche's colonial past, showcasing the lifestyle of wealthy merchants. While small and not always perfectly maintained, its historic courtyard and preserved rooms offer a quick but valuable historical experience. The primary drawback for some is the limited information available in English.
"This is a house of a wealthy family turned into a museum. It’s shows the lifestyle and living standards of wealthy merchant family when compared to common people. It’s situated on the main central square. Nothing special and was small, however our tour guide made is interesting and the rating is in context of Campeche. We took a two hours walking tour which covered this. The tour was very reasonable."
Devansh
"Very beautiful historic courtyard. Quick entry and viewing the entire property can be done in under 30mins."
Sheldon Ron
"Free entry, you just have to sign. Nice House with English and Spanish description of the rooms."
Antonia Küpper
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Customs House is conveniently located in the main central square of Campeche's historic center. You can easily reach it by walking if you're staying nearby, or by taxi. Some TikToks mention it's accessible by vehicle, with nearby parking options. +1
Yes, there are parking options available. One TikTok mentions private security and a person looking after vehicles in the parking lot, suggesting a relatively safe area.
Absolutely! If you're exploring Campeche's historic center, walking is the best way to discover its charm, and the Old Customs House is centrally located.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Old Customs House offers free entry! You just need to sign in at the entrance.
The Old Customs House is open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 6 AM and 9 PM.
No advance booking is necessary as entry is free. Simply sign the guest book upon arrival.
While the historic nature of the building might present some challenges, the main areas and courtyard are generally accessible. Specific accessibility details would require on-site verification.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that a quick visit of under 30 minutes is sufficient to see the entire property at a slow pace. +1
Inside, you'll find rooms that showcase the lifestyle and living standards of a wealthy merchant family during the colonial era, with descriptions in English and Spanish. +1
While there are English descriptions for the rooms, many visitors note that the majority of the information is in Spanish. +1
Reviews suggest that the maintenance could be improved, with one visitor noting it's 'not very well maintained.'
There is a small bookstore on-site, but most of its offerings are in Spanish.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the Old Customs House itself doesn't have dining, Campeche's historic center is filled with local eateries and cafes offering delicious regional cuisine.
Yes, TikToks mention local entrepreneurs offering gastronomic options nearby, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the historic center.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside historical sites like the Old Customs House, allowing you to capture its colonial charm.
The historic courtyard and the well-preserved colonial rooms offer excellent opportunities for photography, especially during the late afternoon golden hour.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a quick stop during a broader exploration of Campeche's historic center. The nearby central square also offers open space for children to move around. Combining the visit with a short, engaging story about colonial life can make it more memorable for kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, consider exploring Campeche's historic center on foot and utilizing free attractions like the Old Customs House. You can also find affordable local eateries nearby to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine without breaking the bank.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Campeche's Colonial Past
Visitors can expect to see rooms furnished to reflect the era, complete with descriptions that detail the daily lives and living standards of the time. While the information is primarily in Spanish, the visual experience of the house itself, particularly its historic courtyard, provides a compelling narrative. The building's relatively small size means it can be explored thoroughly in under an hour, making it an ideal stop for those on a walking tour or with limited time.
While the building itself is a historical gem, some reviews indicate that its maintenance could be improved. Nevertheless, its free entry and central location make it a valuable addition to any itinerary exploring the UNESCO World Heritage city of Campeche. It's a place where you can feel the echoes of history and gain a deeper appreciation for the colonial era's influence on this vibrant Mexican city.
Maximizing Your Visit to the Old Customs House
Timing your visit is also crucial. The Old Customs House operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 6 AM to 9 PM. Visiting during weekday mornings or late afternoons can help you avoid the peak crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. The late afternoon light can also be particularly beautiful for photography.
Remember that while the house is free to enter, most of the informational signage is in Spanish. If you don't speak Spanish, consider downloading a translation app or hiring a local guide who can bridge the language gap, enriching your understanding of the exhibits.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit