Aguascalientes (Spanish pronunciation: [ˌaɣwaskaˈljentes] (listen)) is the capital of the state of Aguascalientes and its most populous city, with a metropolitan population of 1,225,432. It is one of the safest and most prosperous cities in Mexico. It is located in North-Central Mexico. It was part of the kingdom of Nueva Galicia. In 1835 Aguascalientes became the capital of the Free and Sovereign State of Aguascalientes. Aguascalientes has been called the cleanest city in Latin America. Aguascalientes is experiencing an ongoing social, economic, and aesthetic revitalization process. Aguascalientes has a population which includes Japanese, Koreans, Venezuelans, Spaniards, Canadians and Germans.

It stands on the banks of the Aguascalientes river, 1880 meters above sea level, at 21°51′N 102°18′W. It is the municipal seat for the Aguascalientes Municipality. The Aguascalientes metropolitan area includes the municipality of Jesús María and San Francisco de los Romo. It was a Chichimeca Indian territory. It later blossomed as a strategic link between Mexico City and the silver mines of Zacatecas, while prosperous agriculture and ranching helped feed Spain's emerging New World cities.OECD has recognized Aguascalientes as having a good business climate. It is a strong business and economic center in the Bajío region. Its strategic location and infrastructure have made it a regional hub and a location for international headquarters. Also home to two of Nissan's largest and most important manufacturing plants in Latin America. Other important companies located in Aguascalientes include Jatco, Coca-Cola, Flextronics, Texas Instruments, Donaldson, and Calsonic Kansei.

Because of its services and hotel industry, Aguascalientes is one of the most important centers in Mexico for entertainment, gastronomy, leisure activities, arts and recreation.