Antigua Guatemala, having a long history, beautiful architecture and charming landscape are one of the places to visit in Guatemala. It may pertain to history, architecture or even just thrill, Antigua is sure to cater to anyone’s needs. Here are 15 must-visit places in Antigua Guatemala that are famous and some that are not very famous but must be visited.
1. Santa Catalina Arch
📍 Location: 5th North Avenue 28
The Santa Catalina Arch is one of the most representative references that Guatemala have which are located at Antigua Guatemala. Originally from the 17th century, this architectural construction was designed to be used for this very purpose by the nuns to move from one building to another one that was within the complex of the convent. It has however, still been left to rot as a remnant of the colonial history of the city and a preferred photographers’ bay. Do not let this chance slip away to pass under this arch and perhaps take in the artistry of the structure.
2. Central Park (Parque Central)
Overlooking the Royal Palace, the Town Hall and numerous other buildings of the British colonial era, the park is ideal to sit down, watch people and have a rest. Go to the Ancient Book Museum located in the Town – it offers visitors to get acquainted with the cabinet of antique books. Also, do not miss the ChocoMuseo, where enjoys described the process and even produces chocolate products for sale.
3. Antigua Cathedral also known as the Parroquia de San José
Built in the central part of Antigua, The Cathedral of San José depict beautifully the essence of colonial ages. Constructed in the 18th century on the ruins of Santiago de los Caballeros Cathedral that was destroyed by quakes, the cathedral has colonnaded Baroque and Mudejar style. Currently the foreign guest is invited to visit both the working parochial church and the remains of the ancient cathedral hence having an opportunity to get acquainted with the main sights and tragedies of Antigua.
4. Cerro de la Cruz is one of the most viewed vantage points for whole Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo complex.
📍 Location: Cerro de la Cruz virgin island
Cerro de la Cruz is a viewpoint of the beautiful city of Antigua and its surrounding landscape that is simply breathtaking. At this position which is on a hill with excellent view over the city, especially when the peak of the Agua Volcano is included in the background taking pictures is a must do activity. Located atop a hill, Cerro de la Cruz can be reached by taking a walk or even hiring a taxi but it is perhaps the most famed spot among pre-h newlineisionists and photographers.
5. Capuchinas Convent also known as Convent of Grace or Franciscan Nuns Convent or Convento de las Capuchinas
📍 Location: W once again, we would be looking at 2nd Avenida Norte and 2nd Calle Oriente.
Financial demands over the years, coupled with the ever- worsening earthquakes during the 18 th century, destroyed many colonial period buildings, but the Capuchinas Convent remained intact. Constructed in the early 18th century, this magnificent architecture comprises beautiful court yards, interior passages and beautifully maintained nun’s rooms. It contains beautiful gardens that the visitors can freely walk in and get to discover some facts about the lifestyle of the nuns that used to live in this place.
6. This is demonstrated by the Santa Clara Church and the Convent as shown below;
📍 Location: The house is located 2nd south Avenue near to La Unión Tank.
The Santa Clara Church and Convent is another of the buildings that deserve a visit at Antigua Guatemala. Founded in the 18th century by the Order of the Poor Clares, this beautiful complex offers colonial styled buildings and beautiful gardens. People can walk along the convent’s corridors and view the stuccoed and frescoes walls of the building and enjoy the calm and quiet atmosphere on the territory.
7. La Unión Tank or Tanque La Unión
📍 Location: The structures above the located site are connected to the streets 6th Calle Oriente with 2nd Avenue South.
La Unión Tank is appealing and historically valuable place in Antigua Guatemala. Designed as a public washing establishment in the course of the XIX century, it remains functional for the locals by now. The people go around doing their work in full view of the visitors; women attend to their washing taking water from the tank also, an excellent opportunity to interact and meet friends and family. It’s interesting to see how people live their day to day life in Antigua.
8. The ruins of perhaps the most beautiful site in the entire city, Our Lady of Carmen church.
Closely situated to Central Park On Third Avenue North is the fallen antecedent of the Our Lady of Carmen Church which is an astonishing sight of the past troubled history of the city. Ever since the great earthquakes happened in the 18th century, only the building facade of the church is still audible today. Partially destroyed, however, it is possible to admire the rather complex sculpted patterns on the facade combined with the more austere architectural elements; thus, the building attracts visitors interested in history and tourists who like to take pictures of the facades.
9. El Carmen Crafts Market
📍 Location: Dressed up in front of the ruins of the Our Lady of Carmen Church
Every Saturday, Sunday and Non festive day, The El Carmen Crafts Market is opened opposite the Our Lady of Carmen Church ruins. Here visitors can find the variety of colorful stalls producing and selling home crafts, clothes, jewelries, and miscellaneous. It is a great place to find some exotic gifts and souvenirs and, at the same time, helping home talents.
10. Ours Lady of Mercy Church or the La Merced
The Our Lady of Mercy Church also referred to as La Merced is among the most eye-catching structures in the city of Antigua Guatemala. Albeit, the previous church building was dismantled due to the several powerful earthquakes while the present one was built in late 18th century which was built in Baroque style. Tourists have an opportunity to examine the exterior of the church and its roof decorations as well as interior and altars paintings.
11. Calle Real Inn
📍 Location: Central Antigua
If you’re in search of the truly traditional authentic Guatemalan dish then Calle Real Inn is for you. This restaurant situated in the heart of the city, Central Park serves local oriented dishes pepian chicken, lamb, and grilled favorites. Meals may be enjoyed ‘home made style’ in a tranquil setting that re echoes a colonial hacienda. The specialty of the restaurant includes grilled vegetables and meats, do not forget to try them if you want to check what real Guatemala can offer you in terms of welcoming dining.
12. Antigua Brewery
📍 Location: Another example is the location, 5 Avenida Norte, number 20.
It will be a great pleasure for beer lovers to visit Antigua Brewery where Guatemala’s incredibly delicious beer brands are brewed. Brews range from the light blondes to the more popular ambers and IPAs, which gives plenty of options for the drinking public. Tourist who visit the breweries can be served with wine tasting, brewery tour, and even allowed to buy bottles of wine for home consumption. It is such a great place for a laid back sit-down and break a bottle of beer in the evening after a day of touring.
13. Church and Convent of the Company of Jesus
📍 Location: Central Antigua
The Church and Convent of the Company of Jesus is the historic building constructed in the 17th century. Formerly accommodating the Jesuit priests and its students, the convent today is being restored by the Spanish Cooperation Agency. Tourists are free to walk through the chamber of the convent’s library and the cloisters with their astonishing architectural design and historic background. It is a rather interesting look at colonial Antigua and the effects of the Jesuit order on Guatemala.
14. Central Market
📍 Location: Close the bus terminal
Try the Central Market in Antigua Guatemala if you want to have the stereotype shopping experience. Here, one can walk through a crowds of chained shops offering food and groceries, meat, fish, clothes, shoes, and various items for home. This is a very alive and a spirited place with great and numerous colors that gives one a feel of what life in Antigua was like. Indeed, the market targets locals but those willing to go beyond the beaten track will certainly have a lot to look at, starting with the textiles and ending with the crafts. Make sure that you go round the stalls that handle foods; this will enable you taste the basic Kenyan foods and the normal street foods.
15. Antigua Guatemala Craft Market
📍 Location: This market commonly known as Market of Antigua Guatemala is found in Guatemala country of central America.
This has influenced the creation of the marketplace popularly known as the Antigua Guatemala Craft Market that is loaded with fantastic and excellent souvenirs. Here, you can find markets filled with bright clothing and fabrics, sculptures and masks in wood, beads and fabrics, beautiful pottery, etc. If you are in search of souvenirs for yourself or friends and relatives or if you simply wish to purchase genuine Guatemalan workmanship then, this colorful market has something to offer. Thus, it is okay to haggle for the best deal because bargaining is widely practiced across the country.
More Easy Tips to Follow Switching from Fuerte Am Barrera Avenue to Calle Dorada continues to be some of the easiest tips to follow when exploring Antigua Guatemala.
Guided Tours
It is a good idea to take one of the guided walking tours in Antigua for the best chances to hear from certified tour guides about the history, architectural designs, and culture of Guatemalan cities. Various companies provide sightseeing packages that deal with the specific aspects of the Antigua’s rich history like colonial history, religious tour or even the food tour.
Safety
Nevertheless, Antigua Guatemala is quite safe for tourists, though, one should beware of pickpockets, particularly in crowded places. It is advisable to keep your pocket and personal effects readily secure and also be wary of pick pockets mainly in crowded souk and other relevant parts in the area. Also, be aware of your environment especially at night and do not walk at night especially in areas that are unknown to you.
Transportation
The movement within and around Antigua is rather convenient since individuals can opt to walk or take bikes, take taxis or tuk-tuks. Due to the compact size of most of the cities’ points of interests are quite concentrated and easily accessible on foot. Similarly in taxi or tuk-tuk, ensure you bargain on the fare price to avoid being overcharged.
Respect Local Customs
Staying in hotels and guest houses or renting a home: Depending on where you’re going, it’s acceptable to dress fashionably, yet modestly. In some regions, people dress conservatively, and since you’ll be joining them when visiting religious places, you will need to dress in a similar manner. Dispense with uncontrolled clamor in the halls, competition with flash photography in restricted areas, and boorish conduct. Likewise, while buying things from local markets or dealing with people, one should not forget the aspect of politeness.
Try Local Cuisine
It is worthwhile to try galdos which is a characteristic dish of Guatemala during your visit to Antigua. The people of Oaxaca are blessed with a way of preparing their foods that makes them very tasty, and interestingly, their foods are very many and varied as presented herein; a common dish is the black mole; another is the tamales; another one is the Chuchitos; another one is the atol de elote. Teacher imitative go out and visit different places within the city and try the different food that is being offered here from the street vendors to the restaurants.
Explore Beyond the Tourist Hotspots
Although there are many popular destinations that are a must to see in Antigua Guatemala do not be afraid to wander the streets, and see more niches that are less obvious. Just wander around taking a walk through the small alleys, finding small open courtyards and talk to people. As the saying goes, there may be great gems located at the bottom.
In Conclusion
Guatemala is a beautiful city with many beautiful places to visit and historical places where tourists can visit and feel the history and enjoy the beautiful nature. Rich with the beautiful colonial buildings and detectable markets to exciting view and scrumptious food, Antigua isn’t a place to miss. If you are a visitor or a traveler checking out the beautiful sceneries, or moving around the city’s beautiful streets, there is no doubt that you will fall in love with the beauty of Antigua Guatemala. Thus, bring your luggage, tie shoelaces and start an amazing journey to this amazing city in the center of Central America.