ANTIGUA GUATEMALA TRAVEL GUIDE
What Makes Antigua Guatemala So Special
Antigua was the colonial capital of Guatemala until a devastating earthquake in the 18th century forced the capital to move to Guatemala City. Many of Antigua’s buildings were damaged but left beautifully preserved as ruins, giving the city something special.
Today, this colonial history attracts travelers, just like us, from all over the world who come to explore the cobblestone streets, churches, culture, and delicious local food. Antigua is the perfect entrance to Guatemalan culture and a top destination if you are interested in history, culture, and want to take amazing photos. It was our first stop during our 3-week trip through Guatemala, including a short detour to Belize.Â
We’ve put together a detailed blog post about “What to Do in Guatemala: The Best 3-Week Itinerary“, including all the highlights and a quick detour to Belize. If you’re curious about where we went after Antigua, make sure to check it out. Now, let us show you the best things to do in Antigua Guatemala!
Top Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala
1. Free Walking Tour: Best Way to Explore Antigua
In Antigua Guatemala are many things to do and something we always recommend is joining on the first day a “free” walking tour. It gives you an immediate overview of the city, allows you to ask the guide for tips, and provides a chance to meet other travelers you can spend the rest of the day with. We booked our free walking tour in Antigua with Guru Walk and gained many interesting insights.Â
2. Discover Antigua’s McDonald’s and Starbucks in Colonial Buildings
A very unusual recommendation when it comes to what to do in Antigua that we will probably only make once in our lives. The good news is, it’s not about the food or coffee, but rather the buildings where these places are located. In old colonial buildings, you’ll find the most beautiful McDonald’s and Starbucks in the world! It’s definitely worth a visit. Be sure to check out the courtyard!Â
MORE INFORMATION
McDonalds Address:
Poniente 4A 21, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Starbucks Address
Centro histĂłrico, 5a Avenida Norte 15, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
3. Explore the Local Markets in Antigua
Markets offer a great way to see many locals and get a better insight into how they live. Within a small area with a seamless transition, you’ll find the handicraft market and the central market that are definitely worth a visit. You can also find affordable souvenirs here.
MORE INFORMATION
Handicraft market Address:
Handicraft Market, Poniente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Central market Address:
Antigva, Gvatemala, Poniente 4, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
4. Hike Up to Cerro de la Cruz Viewpoint
The best view of Antigua is right here! It’s just a short walk up, and there’s no entrance fee to enjoy this stunning view. By the way, if you find this little hike challenging, you might want to reconsider whether Acatenango is the right choice for you.
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View Point Address:
H779+P7H, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
5. Santa Catalina Arch – Antigua’s Iconic Photo Spot
The iconic Santa Catalina Arch is Antigua’s most famous landmark and a must-see photo spot. We recommend visiting very early to avoid crowds and traffic, so you can get the perfect shot with fewer people around.
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Santa Catalina Arch Address:
5a Avenida Norte 28, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
6. Plaza Central Antigua Guatemala – A Must-See Spot
After joining the free walking tour, make sure to spend some extra time exploring the Plaza Central. There is a beautiful fountain in the middle, a few local vendors selling souvenirs, and it is also a great spot to try some authentic Guatemalan street food. That wraps up our favorite things to do in Antigua Guatemala. Now let’s move on to the next section where we explore where to eat in Antigua Guatemala and highlight the city’s amazing food scene.
MORE INFORMATION
Plaza Central Address:
H748+QG4, 4 Avenida Norte, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Where to Eat in Antigua Guatemala
1. Street Food Around Parque Central: Eat Like a Local
Around the “Parque Central de Antigua Guatemala,” you’ll find excellent street food! At lunch time, food is sold from various barrels, bowls, and boxes, with locals lining up. In the evening, corn is sold here, and ice cream is offered from small carts that resemble local buses. You can also find fresh fruit, which can be made into juice.
MORE INFORMATION
Parque Central Address:
H748+QG4, 4 Avenida Norte, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
2. Another Great Street Food Spot: Iglesia de La Merced
Another great street food spot in Antigua is by the Iglesia de La Merced, where you can find local specialties. But not enough yet about “Where to Eat in Antigua Guatemala”.
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Iglesia de la Merced Address:
H768+F3X &, 1a Calle Poniente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
3. Tacos And BBQ
Although Guatemala is close to the Caribbean, its food is more similar to Mexican cuisine. Tacos, nachos, and other delicacies can be found everywhere. We also dined at a great Pappys BBQ. The best tacos in Antigua are at Torty Taco. We received friendly service, and the prices are more than fair—three tacos for just 3.50 USD. We hope you enjoyed the first insights on what to do in Antigua!
MORE INFORMATION
Pappys BBQ Address:
6a Avenida Sur, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Torty Taco Address:
5a Calle Poniente 21C, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
4. Sunset & Craft Beer at Antigua Brewing Company
The best place to enjoy a cold beer with an amazing sunset view is the Antigua Brewing Company. We tried a sampler of their six beers and really enjoyed it. Make sure to check it out! Plus, if you book your Acatenango tour with CA Travelers, you’ll get a free drink there afterward.
MORE INFORMATION
Antigua Brewing Company Address:
3a Calle Poniente 4, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
We love discovering local food scenes and have already shared articles about Lima (South America’s food capital), the Municipal Market of São Paulo, and also our favorites in Chicago.
It would mean a lot if you took a look and left a comment. Hearing from you always makes our day!
Where to Stay in Antigua Guatemala
Antigua has approximately 100,000 inhabitants, making it a very manageable city. We recommend staying near the “Parque Central de Antigua Guatemala” or close to the “Arch of Saint Catherine”. From here, you have a great starting point to reach sightseeing highlights, such as the Arch of Saint Catherine, on foot.Â
We stayed at Barbara’s Boutique Hostel, which is rated 9.4 on Booking.com. A bed in a six-bed dorm costs around 30.00 USD per person per night, while private rooms start at about 150.00 USD per night.
The hostel includes a delicious breakfast (with cake that Vicky loved), a seamless check-in process, and towel rentals for a small fee. Additionally, the hostel has a small rooftop terrace.
MORE INFORMATION
Barbara’s Boutique Hostel Address:
3 Avenida Sur casa 10, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Practical Tips for Visiting Antigua Guatemala
Antigua is super walkable, but those cobblestone streets can be tricky, so comfy shoes are a must. You’ll find ATMs near the main square, and most restaurants and hotels take card, but it’s still smart to carry some cash for markets or street food. The weather can change fast, so we always packed a light jacket and sunscreen. Wi-Fi worked well in most cafés and guesthouses. And if you’re on a budget, the colorful chicken buses are a fun way to get around. Planning to hike Acatenango? Spend at least a couple of days in Antigua first to get used to the altitude.
Hike Acatenango Volcano: Antigua’s Most Epic Adventure
If you’re up for an unforgettable adventure during your time in Antigua, then you shouldn’t miss the Acatenango Volcano overnight hike. It’s one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences we’ve ever done!
We’ve written a full article with all the details, tips, and what to expect – check it out here: Acatenango Volcano Hike – Brutal but Unforgettable Two-Day Adventure.
Final Thoughts
Antigua Guatemala is truly a special place that combines history, culture, and beautiful scenery all in one. Antigua offers much more than just being the starting point for the Acatenango hike, and we hope you now feel inspired to explore this city as well. In our Antigua Guatemala Travel Guide, we shared our highlights and broke them down for you. The “best things to do in Antigua Guatemala” and “where to eat in Antigua Guatemala” sections are our favorites, and hopefully, you’ve saved some of these spots to your list! We loved how easy it was to explore and how well Antigua connects you to the rest of Guatemala and beyond.
FAQ
2 days in Antigua Guatemala is the perfect amount of time to explore the streets, try delicious local food, and enjoy the relaxed vibe. If you’re planning to hike Acatenango, add three more nights — two for the hike and one to recover after.
Yes, Antigua is generally safe for travelers. Like any tourist destination, be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night in less busy areas, and keep your belongings secure. We had a trouble-free experience while visiting Antigua Guatemala.
Antigua has many colorful events, but the most famous one is Semana Santa (Holy Week). During this Easter festival, you’ll see big parades, church traditions, and bright carpets made of colored sawdust. Sawdust is like soft wood powder, and people use it to create beautiful designs on the streets. We heard it’s a really special time to visit.
Antigua is about a 1-hour drive from Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport. The easiest way is to book a shared shuttle, taxi, or private transfer directly from the airport. Buses are available but can be less convenient if you have luggage. In the city we just walked everywhere.
The dry season, from November to April, is the best time to visit Antigua. You’ll enjoy sunny days and less rain, perfect for exploring the city and hiking nearby volcanoes. The rainy season (May to October) brings frequent afternoon showers but fewer tourists and lower prices.
Spanish is the official and most commonly spoken language in Antigua. Many locals working in tourism also speak English, but learning a few basic Spanish phrases can enhance your experience.
The official currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ). U.S. dollars are also widely accepted in many tourist areas, but it’s best to have some local currency for markets, street food, and smaller shops.
Thanks For Reading
We truly hope our Antigua Guatemala Travel Guide convinced you to explore this amazing city for yourself. If you’re planning to explore more than just Antigua, we highly recommend checking out our blog article What to Do in Guatemala: The Best 3-Week Itinerary.
 It also included how to visit Belize from Guatemala, so you get the best of both worlds! Safe travels!Â
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We are always happy to help. We would also love to hear about your own experience in the comments below. If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing it to support our travel blog.
Vicky and Malte
