About an hour’s drive from Guatemala City, you’ll find Antigua Guatemala, a beautiful colonial city that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Known for its cobblestone streets, Spanish Baroque architecture, colorful buildings, and dramatic volcano views, Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Guatemala’s most popular destinations.
And yes, Antigua can feel very touristy. But in my opinion, it is absolutely worth visiting.
What I loved most about Antigua was its slower pace. There’s something about simply wandering around, stopping for coffee, browsing little shops, and discovering beautiful corners of the city that makes you want to slow down and enjoy the moment.
There’s actually a Spanish word I love that perfectly describes this feeling: pueblear.
It roughly means exploring small towns or villages without necessarily having a strict agenda. And Antigua is the perfect place to pueblear.
Exploring Antigua Guatemala on Foot
One of the best things about Antigua is that it’s relatively small and easy to explore on foot.
You can spend hours simply walking through the streets, admiring the colorful colonial buildings, visiting small shops, stopping for coffee, and discovering restaurants and bars along the way.
There is just one important piece of advice:
Wear comfortable shoes!
Antigua’s charming cobblestone streets are beautiful, but they are not exactly friendly to your feet.
Shop for Traditional Guatemalan Crafts
Antigua is a great place to shop for local crafts and traditional Guatemalan products.
One shop worth checking out is El Telar (Loom Tree), which showcases beautiful handmade textiles and traditional Mayan weaving.
Textiles aren’t the only traditional craft you’ll notice around Antigua. Artistic blacksmithing is also an important part of the city’s visual identity, with intricate metalwork reflecting the Spanish colonial architecture found throughout Antigua.
Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth taking the time to look around and appreciate the craftsmanship.
Where to Eat and Drink in Antigua
Food is another major part of the Antigua experience.
There are so many restaurants, cafés, and bars that it would be impossible to create a complete list. I’ll share a few of my favorites, but honestly, part of the fun is simply walking around and seeing what catches your attention.
A few places worth checking out:
- Rincóncito Antigüeño: A great option for trying traditional Guatemalan food in a casual restaurant setting.
- La Cuevita de los Urquizu: Another place to experience local Guatemalan flavors and traditional dishes.
- Ulew Cocktail Bar: A small, cozy cocktail bar that’s perfect for relaxing with a delicious drink after a day of exploring.
- Tiovivo Café & Té: A lovely spot to stop for coffee or tea while taking a break from walking around the city.
- Por Qué No Café: A charming, small, bohemian-style restaurant and bar with a relaxed atmosphere.
And don’t feel like you need to plan every meal in advance. Some of my favorite travel discoveries happen when I simply walk around and see what looks interesting.
Things to See and Do in Antigua Guatemala
Antigua is more than just beautiful streets and restaurants. There are several places and experiences worth adding to your itinerary.
Santa Catalina Arch
The Santa Catalina Arch is probably the most recognizable landmark in Antigua and one of the city’s most photographed spots.
It has become something of a postcard image of Antigua, so naturally, it can get very busy.
If you want to photograph the arch with fewer people around, go early in the morning. It’s also a lovely time to walk through the city before it gets busy.
Cerro de la Cruz
For one of the best panoramic views of Antigua, head up to Cerro de la Cruz.
We took a tuk-tuk from the city to the starting point and then did the short hike to the viewpoint.
From the top, you’ll get beautiful views over Antigua, with the surrounding mountains and volcanoes creating an incredible backdrop.
Visit a Coffee and Chocolate Farm
Guatemala is famous for its coffee, so visiting a coffee farm is a great way to learn more about how one of the country’s most important products is grown and produced.
You can also find experiences centered around Guatemalan chocolate, making this a particularly fun option for food lovers. We had an amazing afternoon at Chocolate Antigua.
Hike a Volcano
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, Antigua is also a great base for volcano hikes.
One popular option is an overnight hike up Acatenango Volcano, where you can camp overnight and experience spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes.
If an overnight hike isn’t your thing, you can also take a half-day excursion to Pacaya Volcano.
These experiences require more planning and physical effort than simply exploring Antigua, but they can be an incredible addition to your Guatemala itinerary.
How Many Days Do You Need in Antigua Guatemala?
I recommend spending at least three days in Antigua.
Three days gives you enough time to explore the historic center, visit the main attractions, enjoy some of the local food, shop for crafts, and take your time wandering through the city.
But if you can stay longer, I would.
Antigua is one of those places that I think is better experienced slowly rather than rushed through as a quick stop on a Guatemala itinerary.
There is no need to check off every attraction in one day. Take your time. Sit down for coffee. Browse the shops. Try a restaurant you weren’t planning to visit.
Antigua Guatemala is meant to be savored, not swallowed.
Where to Stay in Antigua Guatemala
One final thing worth mentioning: for me, the accommodations in Antigua can be an attraction in their own right.
There are some incredibly beautiful hotels and historic properties throughout the city, and where you stay can become part of the Antigua experience.
But I’ll save that for another post.
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