Last Updated on 15/05/2024 by kami
Antigua is one of the most popular places to visit in Guatemala and most likely your first stop in this beautiful country (at least it was for me). The city is a real gem, with beautiful colonial architecture, impressive ruins, colorful streets, and a vibrant atmosphere. I loved all the great things to do in Antigua Guatemala, and I believe this is a must-stop in every Central America itinerary.
Antigua was founded in 1543 as the capital of the Spanish conquistadors in Central America. The town was thriving until, in 1773, Antigua was hit by two massive earthquakes that destroyed a big part of the town, including some of the best Antigua landmarks.
After this tragic event, the capital was moved to a new, safer place, and Antigua became a provincial town that eventually became one of the biggest tourist attractions in Guatemala. In 1979, Antigua Guatemala was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With this prestigious title, it got an even bigger boost in tourism. The town is also a popular destination for learning Spanish in Central America.
If you plan to visit Antigua Guatemala, I put together this guide with all the best things to do in Antigua to help you prepare for your stay there. Read on and have a wonderful time visiting Antigua.
Planning a trip to Antigua Guatemala?
Here are the highly-rated hotels, tours, and services recommended for your trip:
Accomodation:
Tours and activities:
- Antigua Cultural Walking Tour
- Lake Atitlan Day Tour From Antigua
- Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua
Internet: Stay connected with Airalo eSim card – click here to get yours!
Airport Transfer: Use Welcome Pickups for a smooth ride from the airport to your accommodation in Antigua Guatemala Click here to book the airport transfer.
Insurance: Get insured for your trip to Guatemala with SafetyWing
Car rental: Compare prices and find the best deals on rental cars in Guatemala on Discover Cars.
Things to do in Antigua Guatemala
So, without further ado, here are the best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala.
Take a picture with Santa Catalina Arch
Santa Catalina Arch is one of the most popular landmarks in Antigua (or even Guatemala), and you can see it in the majority of pictures from the country. Dating back to the late 17th century, the structure was built to connect the Santa Catalina convent with a school so nuns could quickly move between the two places and follow their vows of seclusion.
Unlike many valuable buildings in the town, Santa Catalina Arch survived the devastating 1773 earthquake and today is one of the most iconic (and Instagrammable) spots in Antigua. The French-style clock was added to the structure in the early 19th century.
While the Santa Catalina Arch itself is an interesting place, its surrounding is very picturesque, too. The structure towers above one of many cobbled streets of Antigua (5a Avenida Norte), with colorful colonial houses along the way. There are also the Santa Catalina convent ruins, where you can peek through the gate to see what’s left of the place. What makes this spot so popular is the majestic Volcán de Agua you can see in the background (if you are lucky and the weather is clear).
This perfect surrounding makes for a popular Instagram spot. When I was wandering around at 6 in the morning (thank you, jetlag), people were already waiting in line to take a perfect picture; in the afternoon, it was even worse with crowds surrounding the place. Still, it is a magnificent structure, and this is where you should start your Antigua sightseeing.
Watch the life go by at Plaza Mayor
The heart of Antigua and its central place is Plaza Mayor, the town’s main square. It is a pleasant area with the park right in the middle where in the morning you can relax a bit, and later in the day, once the people go outside, you can enjoy some people-watching. Right in the middle, you can admire the beautiful Fountain of the Sires, originally from 1738, inspired by the Fountain of Neptune in Bologna, Italy.
The square is bustling with life until late night hours, with locals and tourists mingling, street artists performing, and vendors trying to sell their products. If you want to grab something to eat or drink, you will find a few cafes around, too.
Plaza Mayor is surrounded by some of the most important, beautiful colonial buildings in Antigua: the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, and Palace of the Captain-Generals. The last one is especially picturesque, with numerous arches lining the facade of the building. Inside, you will find The National Museum of Art of Guatemala (MUNAG) and The Museo de Santiago de los Caballeros.
Wander around the Old Town
The Old Town in Antigua is a structured street layout that runs parallel and perpendicular to each other, with Plaza Mayor right in the center of the maze. Wandering around is one of the best things to do in Antigua, as the streets are all cobbled, lined with colorful colonial houses and historical sites, and simply the prettiest.
You don’t need a map as it’s easy to get a sense of direction (and in case you get lost, look for the volcano in the background to be your guide). I enjoyed all the strolls around so much as they gave me a real taste of the laid-back vibe of Antigua and helped me fall for the town even more.
To get to know the area even better, you can join one of the guided tours, where the guide will tell you about this fascinating place and its long and interesting history. Here are some of the best guided tours in Antigua:
See ruins of old churches
For centuries, Antigua was thriving, being one of the grand colonial capitals in the region. The city’s golden age lasted until 1773 when a devastating earthquake hit the place. Even if Antigua was rebuilt, there are still numerous churches from the old times, now in ruins, that are the great testimony of the grand past.
You will most likely stumble across them when wandering around the Old Town. They are usually closed to enter, but even if you can see only a facade, it is still a great look into the history and culture of Antigua.
Some of the ruined churches you can see are:
- Colegio Compañía de Jesús located at the corner of Poniente and 6a Avenida Norte
- Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de El Carmen at 3a Avenida Norte between 2a and 3a Calle Oriente
- Ruinas de la Iglesia de la Candelaria – outside of the Old Town, on the way to the viewpoint Cerro de la Cruz
- Church of Santa Rosa at the end of 1a Calle Oriente
- Convento Capuchinas at 2a Avenida Norte
- Convento la Recoleccion at the end of 1a Calle Poniente
One of the few sacral buildings that survived the earthquake is Iglesia de la Merced, built only a few years before this tragic event in 1767. Located not far from the Santa Catalina Arch, this beautiful church, with its distinctive yellow facade, still impresses today with stunning architecture and design.
The church is considered to be the best example of Spanish Baroque architecture in Antigua. For a small fee, you can visit the ruins of the enjoined monastery with the largest fountain in Central America.
Visit the ruined Cathedral
The most amazing testimony of the former glory of Antigua that impresses still today is the Cathedral that was the victim of the tragic earthquake, too. It was built in 1680 and was, in fact, the second church located in this place (the first one dated back to the first half of the 16th century).
Today, the beautiful facade facing Plaza Mayor is restored. Part of the church still operates, but in the back, you can explore the ruins of this grand structure and still see numerous rich decorations that were part of the Cathedral. It is easy to imagine how, back in the times, it was the largest church in Central America.
You can enter the site for a fee, and I definitely recommend doing it so you can take a closer look at all the remnants and feel the grandness of the place.
Visit Convento Santa Clara
Santa Clara Convent is one of the largest ruins to visit in Antugua (you must pay a fee to enter the site, but it’s worth it). The convent and the church were founded in 1699 by nuns from Mexico. It was a popular and reputable place among young women who wanted to devote their lives to serving others.
Like many buildings in Antigua, this one was also destroyed by the 18th-century earthquake (at least the beautiful facade survived mostly intact). Still, in recent years, the site has been going through a renovation that brings it to its former glory.
The place is well-kept, with a beautiful garden and interesting ruins you can explore. From the upper part of the buildings, you can admire a beautiful view of the ruins and lush vegetation in the background. This is definitely one of the must-visit places in Antigua.
Relax in Convento de San Francisco
This was probably my favorite place to visit in Antigua, even if it’s also one of the popular attractions in Antigua. Yet another ruined monastery, Convento de San Francisco, was built in the early 18th century. After a few earthquakes in the region (including the most tragic one), it was slowly being rebuilt, although parts of the sire are still in ruins.
While most tourists visit the place to commemorate Hermano Pedro de San José Betancurt, a 17th-century monk who is the first saint from Guatemala and who rests here, I found the convent a truly relaxing oasis in the heart of the bustling town. It was eerily calm, green, and quiet; I spent way too much time there simply soaking up the atmosphere.
The ruins are pretty impressive, too, worth exploring. There is also a small museum dedicated to the saint.
Hike to the best viewpoint of Antigua
A short walk from the Old Town, you will find Cerro de la Cruz (“Hill of the Cross”) – the best viewpoint in Antigua. The last part of the hike is a bit challenging (for me, it was extra hard because of the jetlag), but the view from the top is really rewarding. You can see the whole town right below you and the majestic Volcán de Agua towering above the area.
It’s best to go there during the daytime as there was news of robberies taking place on the way up to the viewpoint (however, police monitor the area). When I visited Cerro de la Cruz, it was busy with people, and I felt safe all the time. And the panorama of Antigua and beyond really was amazing.
Visit museums
While most of Antigua attractions are outdoors, there are a few interesting museums you can visit during your stay in the town. Some of the good ones are Museo del Libro Antiguo (showcasing some incredible old books, including the first edition of Don Quixote, from 1620), Museo de Arte Colonial, Museo de Santiago de los Caballeros (with a great collection of weapons, this is an excellent place to learn about the history of Guatemala), MUNAG – Museo Nacional de Arte de Guatemala, or ChocoMuseo Antigua (where you can learn more about chocolate and try to make it yourself).
Learn Spanish
Antigua is the most popular place in Guatemala to learn Spanish. There are numerous schools you can choose from and different programs where you can select the intensity of lessons and private versus group lessons. You can also look for a place to stay with the local family to help you immerse in the language even more. It’s worth researching before choosing the right school as the prices and standards might vary.
Go souvenir shopping
Since Antigua is such a popular destination, you can expect plenty of places for souvenir shopping. Besides the standard items, you can also get local pottery, jade jewelry, handbags, or textiles. Many of those things are produced locally by indigenous artisans. Guatemalan coffee and cocoa are also great souvenirs to take back home (that’s what I got).
You can find numerous souvenir shops when wandering around the Old Town, especially at and near Plaza Mayor; there is also a local market with an artisan section at the end of 3a Calle Poniente.
Enjoy the food scene
Since Antigua is a popular place among tourists, there are numerous good restaurants, bars, and cafes that, besides fine food and drinks, offer beautiful decor too. Even a simple Starbucks is pretty in Antigua. I simply googled what I was in the mood for, chose restaurants and cafes based on reviews, and was not disappointed.
One of the places I enjoyed most was a small courtyard between 2a and 3a Avenida Norte (entrance is at Poniente), where there are a few small restaurants to choose from, including a good vegetarian one – La Bruja (that’s where I ate). But with so many good places around, you will surely find something for yourself.
Eating out in Antigua can be an excellent introduction to the Central American cuisine. There are also some highly-rated food tours you can join to get a better taste and understanding of the local cuisine. Here are the best ones:
- Street Food Evening Tour in Antigua
- Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua
- The Antigua Foodie Tour
Day trips
While Antigua is a great destination itself, it can also serve as a base for some day trips around. I visited Lake Atitlan from Antigua and loved this place; I can definitely recommend it.
Other popular day trips from Antigua include:
- hiking Volcan Pacaya (probably the most popular day trip, recommended with a guide)
- Chichicastenango – probably the most popular market destination in Guatemala
- Hobbitenango – a Lord of the Rings-themed park
- Jocotenango – just outside of Antigua, a quiet town with a beautiful church, street art, and an old coffee farm
- Iximche Ruins, the first capital of Guatemala, founded in 1470
- Mixco Vieho – the well-preserved Mayan ruins
If you would like to go on a tour to one of those places, here are the best options:
- Lake Atitlan Day Tour From Antigua
- Pacaya Volcano ATV Tour
- Pacaya Volcano Day Trip from Antigua
- Chichicastenango and Iximche Pyramids Private Day Tour from Antigua
Final thoughts on visiting Antigua Guatemala
As you can see, there are so many great attractions in Antigua Guatemala, and visiting the town is a must when exploring Central America. True, it might be a tourist destination and one of the most popular places to visit in Guatemala, but you can also easily get a glimpse into the local life and culture.
I loved my time in Antigua, Guatemala; it was a perfect introduction to Central America, and I can’t recommend visiting this wonderful place enough.
Further reading
I published more articles about Central America that you might find useful when planning your trip there. You can find them here:
- Central America itinerary – What to See in Central America
- Day Trip to Lake Atitlan from Antigua, Guatemala
- Visit Tikal, Guatemala – the Spectacular Mayan Site
- 14 Great Things to Do in Flores, Guatemala
- 13 Cool Things to Do in Caye Caulker, Belize
- 7 Exciting Things to Do in San Ignacio, Belize
- El Tunco, El Salvador – the Surfers Oasis on the Pacific Shore
- Visit Copan Ruinas – the Amazing Mayan Site in Honduras
If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations).
Travel Resources
Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:
- You can find the best accommodation options at Booking. They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Guatemala
- I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide.
- To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
- For transportation and booking tickets online, I usually use 12Go or Omio
- Looking for the airport pickup? Check Welcome Pickups!
- Never travel without travel insurance, you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Guatemala here.
- If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Guatemala check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
- Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me.
For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:
- Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
- Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
- I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Guatemala too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!
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4 Comments
Isabel
17/10/2023 at 16:34HI Kim, nice blog and information. I love Antigua .. planning to be there soon after many years.
How do I receive you wanderlust blog ? Is it different from your newsletter or Bloglovin ?
Thank you for sharing. Safe travels!
kami
23/10/2023 at 14:51Thank you for your comment Isabel. The easiest way to follow the articles is probably via my Facebook page where I share new content (as well as other updates from my travels). Here’s the link, if you are interested: https://www.facebook.com/KamiAndTheRestOfTheWorld
Have a wonderful trip to Antigua!
Rutto
19/02/2024 at 14:16Thank you so much for telling your experiences. I am going there in a few days. It’s preciously helpful.
kami
25/02/2024 at 16:13I’m glad to hear that. Enjoy Antigua, this is such a wonderful place!