The Ultimate Antigua, Guatemala Travel Guide for First-Timers

Looking for all the best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala? You’re in the right place.

I first visited Antigua about a decade ago right when I started travel blogging and was on a solo round-the-world adventure. I loved Antigua back then and I loved it just as much the second time around when I returned more recently.

While things have undoubtedly changed over the years, Antigua’s beauty and culture has remained consistent, which is major thanks to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site, which makes it very difficult for developers to come in and upend the historical charm that makes Antigua so special.

The first time I visited Antigua, I was immediately sucked in by its allure: streets lined in cobblestone and colorful Spanish colonial buildings, bustling markets, stunning ruins and an endless array of aesthetic coffee shops that promise a steady caffeine hit throughout each day of exploring.

Antigua feels safe, easily walkable, and the best part—every corner of the city is backdropped by stunning volcanos (the city is surrounded by three of them).

If you’re curious about visiting Antigua or already have your flight booked, then you’ll want to keep reading because I’m going to cover everything you need to know about visiting Guatemala’s most charming city.

Short on time? Here’s a Quick Guide to Antigua:

• Know Before You Go: Pack good walking shoes as much of the city is cobblestone, check Monday closures, and avoid drinking the water. Pack layers as the city sits at elevation.
• Where to Stay: Cacao Boutique Hotel (Budget), GOOD Hotel or Posada del Angel (Mid-Range), Villa Bokéh and El Convento Boutique Hotel (Luxury).
• Must-Do Activities: Grab dinner at Por Qué No?, stay overnight on Acatenango Volcano, wander the Ruinas del Convento Santa Clara, and join a local Guatemalan cooking class.

Keep reading for the full detailed travel guide to Antigua, Guatemala including where to eat, all the best shops, cafes and things to do in the city!

The Ultimate Antigua, Guatemala Travel Guide

In this guide to Antigua, I’m going to share all the best things to do around town, where to eat, and the best places to stay. But first, let’s get into a few necessary details to help make your trip as smooth as possible.

Where Is Antigua Located?

Antigua is located in the central highlands of Guatemala about 25 miles from Guatemala City and about 3 hours East of Lake Atitlan. It’s situated in a valley surrounded by stunning volcanoes. So it’s one of the most unique places to visit in Central America.

How to Get to Antigua:

The best way to get to Antigua is to fly into Guatemala City (La Aurora International Airport – GUA) and transfer to Antigua from there.

If you’re traveling on a budget, Guate Go is a popular (but bare bones) shuttle service that does shared transfers throughout Guatemala. We used them a couple times during our trip as we wanted to spend our money elsewhere, but be prepared for a less than comfortable ride.

Alternatively, you can use Uber, the In Drive app (which is cheaper than Uber), or book a private driver. Here’s a top rated private driver.

Driving times really vary depending on the day and time. But it’s approximately 1.5 hours drive between Guatemala City and Antigua.

Antigua, Guatemala Weather

While you might expect Antigua to have consistent hot weather due to its location in Guatemala, the city actually sits at around 5,000 feet in elevation giving it more of a mild and pleasant temperature throughout the year.

You can expect mostly warm days with some slightly cooler nights, but nothing too extreme. Make sure to pack light layers in case you catch a chillier day or evening.

Here’s a little cheat sheet of what to expect by season:

• Dry Season (November-April): Typical highs in the 70s and lows in the mid 50s (fahrenheit). I personally visited in early April and enjoyed that time of year. It’s the warmest in Antigua before the rainy season starts.
• Rainy Season (May-October): Typical daily highs in the 70s and lows in the 60s, with more expected rain (usually afternoon showers). Keep in mind that September and October are usually the wettest months in Antigua.

What Is Antigua, Guatemala Known For?

Antigua is known as one of the most beautiful small cities in Central America and is protected by UNESCO, which has allowed it to retain its well-preserved Spanish colonial charm over the years.

Some things Antigua is most known for:

• UNESCO World Heritage designation
• The iconic Santa Catalina Arch (probably the most photographed landmark in Antigua)
• Many beautiful and photographic ruins you can explore throughout the city of old landmarks damaged by the Santa Marta earthquake in 1773
• Dramatic volcano views throughout the city, plus Antigua is an easy jumping off point for many volcano tours
• Vibrant coffee culture with many amazing cafes to try

Is Antigua, Guatemala Worth Visiting?

I’ve visited Antigua twice now and would go back many times over, so I definitely think it’s worth visiting. It’s a great destination not only for backpackers and digital nomads but also for couples, friends, families, or photographers.

If you’re into beautiful culturally rich cities full of interesting architecture, markets, and cafes with easy walkability, Antigua will definitely be your cup of tea.

Just keep in mind it can be pretty touristy at times. And prices are higher here than in other parts of Guatemala.

Helpful Tips Before Visiting Antigua, Guatemala

• Pack Good Walking Shoes: Many of the streets here are uneven or cobblestone, so leave your high heels at home and bring some comfortable sneakers for everyday exploring.
• Getting Around Antigua: The city is incredibly walkable. But in a pinch you can get around faster with Ubers and even local TukTuks. If you’re on a budget, the local chicken buses are also an option (you can’t miss them as they’re basic school buses that have been decked out in lights and colors).
• Guatemalan Currency: In Guatemala, they use the Quetzal, which is named after the national bird. You can find ATMs all around Antigua should you need to pull out local currency.
• Credit vs Cash: Credit cards are widely accepted in Antigua (much more so than other parts of Guatemala). But you’ll still need some cash for things like tuk tuks and taxis.
• Tipping: Guatemala isn’t a huge tipping culture, but some places will include 10% tip on the bill. So double check before you add anything additional.
• Food & Water Safety: Despite my notoriously strong stomach, I even had a few days in Guatemala where things did not feel quite right. Be extra cautious here to only drink filtered water and only eat fruits and vegetables that have been washed thoroughly.
• Monday Closures: We found that a lot of businesses were closed on Mondays. So plan accordingly if your trip falls during the early part of the week.
• Basic Spanish: Guatemalans are some of the most friendly locals I’ve come across in my travels. But still it’s really helpful to brush up on a few basic Spanish terms. I love apps like Duolingo to make practicing fun before a trip.
• Staying Connected: If you want to stay easily connected and navigate on the ground, I highly recommend grabbing an e-Sim ahead of your trip with Airalo. You can use my code MICHELLE10 for 10% off your e-Sim.
• Safety in Antigua: In Antigua particularly, the city feels pretty safe even for walking around at night as long as you’re sticking to the central areas. As always though, be mindful of surroundings and belongings and always stick with a buddy when you can.
• Semana Santa: This is Guatemala’s Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday. It’s a huge holiday in Antigua with tons of festivities and decorations. Unless you specifically want to partake, I’d avoid traveling during this week as prices are higher and accommodations book out fast.

Best Hotels in Antigua, Guatemala

Deciding where to stay in Antigua can be a tough decision. When we were researching accommodations, I found that there were a lot of hotels with a similar look and vibe, making it hard to decipher between them. Luckily, even the best hotels in Antigua aren’t egregiously expensive. So it’s easy to find places for a good price.

Where we stayed

GOOD Hotel – This is where we decided to stay. We loved its convenient location situated in a slightly quieter part of town. The whole concept of this hotel is that they’re a social business and give back to the community. For every night you stay here, you support a child in need’s schooling for one week. On top of that, it’s one of the few hotels in Antigua with a more modern, design-centric feel. It’s actually the only hotel in Antigua that’s a member of Design Hotels.

Best Budget Hotels in Antigua

Hotel Aurora – If you’re looking for something simple with a great location, Hotel Aurora is a great option. It’s just two blocks from the Parque Central. They offer basic amenities like Free Wifi, air conditioning, room service and a restaurant on site.

Cacao Boutique Hotel – If you’re OK with staying slightly out of the center of town, this thoughtfully designed boutique hotel is a great option for those that appreciate beautiful interiors and a peaceful ambiance. They offer spacious rooms, 24-hour front desk, and some relaxing outdoor areas like a terrace and garden.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Antigua

Posada del Angel – Tucked away behind gorgeous turquoise doors is the hidden gem of Posada del Angel. The hotel feels like it’s own little secret garden with gorgeous lush spaces to relax and volcano views. Rooms are designed with a beautiful elevated and antique feel. And the hotel offers amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, room service, Free wifi and included breakfast.

Camino Real – If you’re looking for a hotel stay with more amenities, Camino Real is one of the better options in Antigua with a restaurant, fitness center, spa and bar. Guests often rate the beds as super comfy and you can opt to have daily breakfast included. It’s a great mid-range option that offers plenty of value for the price.

Best Luxury Hotels in Antigua

Villa Las Mil Flores – One of the newer and more modern properties in Antigua is Villa Las Mil Flores. It’s located just a few blocks from the Parque Central and offers guests spacious guest rooms, an outdoor pool, spa, restaurant, and free breakfast included. There’s even a 4-bedroom villa for guests that are traveling with friends or family.

Villa Bokéh – This Relais & Chateaux property is definitely the ultimate stay in Antigua if you’re up for a small splurge. The hotel is slightly out of the center of town but offers lush garden grounds and dramatic views of the volcán de Agua throughout the property. The vibe here is less Guatemalan and feels more like you’ve stepped into a countryside mansion in Europe. Amenities are plentiful with multiple restaurants, a pool and swim-up bar, full-service spa, an arcade/game room, and cozy outdoor fireplaces.

El Convento Boutique Hotel – This elegant stay is one of the more luxurious hotels in Antigua that still retains that authentic Guatemalan charm. The rooms are spacious with earthy textures and tones. The hotel offers an indoor swimming pool, spa, room service and delicious daily breakfast.

Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo – Much more than just a hotel, Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo is situated on the ruins of a former Convent and offers guests a unique combination of history, architecture, spa relaxation and luxurious hotel amenities. All the rooms are decorated with art from local artists. And there are six museums and two art galleries on site.

Best Airbnbs in Antigua

Prefer a cozy home stay? These well-designed Airbnbs are highly-rated with convenient locations in the town center:

Casa del Rosario – This modern stay is a guest favorite in Antigua featuring 3 bedrooms and a loft for up to 8 guests.

Canícula Art Loft – Vibrant and colorful with tons of fun art inside. This is a memorable stay in Antigua serving up to 2 guests.

Luxurious Loft – Just 5 blocks from the Parque Central, this stunning luxury loft is the ideal stay for up to 4 guests.

Turquoise Luxury Apartment – Perfect for a family, this home in the heart of Antigua has three beds and is just steps away from the iconic Arco de Santa Catalina.

Top Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala

Explore Parque Central

On your first day in Antigua, head out on a walk towards Parque Central to get your first feel of the city. This is the central square of Antigua, and here you’ll get a look at daily life in Antigua, find great people watching, and get to explore the many cafes, markets and restaurants that surround the main square.

Off the Parque Central you’ll find popular places to explore including the Royal Palace of the Captains General, MUNAG (the National Museum of Guatemalan Art), San José Cathedral, the ChocoMuseo, and plenty of souvenir markets.

This area should keep you busy for a couple of hours before you make your way out to the other parts of the city.

Photograph the Santa Catalina Arch

For the most postcard-worthy photos in Antigua, head over to the iconic Santa Catalina Arch which has to be the most photographed landmark of the city. The beautiful yellow archway which at one time served as a covered hallway for cloistered nuns, is set against cobblestone streets with a stunning backdrop featuring the Volcán de Agua.

Pro Tip: If you head to the rooftop of the Iglesia de la Merced down the street, you’ll get a unique overhead vantage point of the arch.

Half-Day Trip to Caoba Farms

For a slow morning in nature, grab a taxi out to Caoba Farms. It is just 10 minutes from the city center. This spot is an organic farm with a farm-to-table cafe and bakery perfect for a healthy brunch. It’s especially vibrant on weekends when they host a Saturday and Sunday farmers market.

After chowing down on their hefty brunch portions, take some time to stroll around the gardens and browse their nursery. They even host weekly events like yoga classes and movie nights. Make sure to check out the Caoba Farms website for upcoming activities.

Stay overnight on Acatenango Volcano

The trek up to Acatenango Volcano is one of the top reasons adventure travelers venture to Antigua—it’s one of the area’s most popular local experiences and makes for a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list adventure. The hike can be grueling, but those that are up for the challenge are able to camp overnight on Acatenango in order to witness its neighboring volcano, El Fuego, spewing smoke and lava (on average multiple times per hour).

Admittedly, this experience was a huge reason I convinced my friend Natalie that our annual girl’s trip should be to Guatemala. And to my dismay, when our trip rolled around it turns out that Fuego was experiencing a rare dormant period. Sadly, we ended up cancelling our tour as the challenging hike didn’t feel worth it without the action of El Fuego going off.

It’s still an experience that is VERY high on my bucket list. I even have friends who recently got engaged at the top—so epic, right? If you have the time and physical capacity to do it, you absolutely should. Ppeople report it being one of the top travel experiences of their lives!

How to Hike Acatenango:

• How to Visit: The only way to get up to Acatenango is via a guided tour. And there are many which can make it pretty overwhelming trying to decide. From all my research and talking to friends who have been, my top recommendations would be to go on this overnight tour with OX Expeditions as they come highly rated (this is who we booked before having to cancel). I have friends that also booked with Oldtown Outfitters and loved their experience. Though it’s a bit pricier of an option.
• When to Book: All the best tours book up fast. So I would try to lock one down as soon as you know the dates of your trip.
• When to Go: Since there is a big elevation gain on the hike (nearly 13,000 feet!), it’s best to do the tour at the end of your trip when you’ve had a couple days to acclimate in Antigua first. Fuego is pretty reliably active year-round, but you may want to check ahead of your trip so you don’t run into the same disappointment we experienced.
• How Much Time Do You Need: This is a 2-day, 1 night experience. On the first day, you’ll hike to base camp on Acatenango and then summit Acatenango on the second day early in the morning before heading back down to Antigua.
• How Hard is the Hike, Really? This is a question I dug deep into trying to get a straight answer. And the truth is I got different answers from everyone. Some people said it was the hardest hike of their life (but so worth it) and others called it straightforward. All in all, I think it depends on your fitness level. But keep in mind all tours ascend quite slowly to cater to the various levels of the group.

Wander Antigua’s Top Ruins

You’ll quickly learn that Antigua is a city full of ruins—devastatingly beautiful ones at that—of cathedrals, convents and monasteries from the 17th and 18th centuries, now left crumbling or in various states of repair. There are far too many in fact to explore on a single trip (that is, if you want to do anything else in Antigua).

Despite being a city surrounded by volcanoes, these ruins are mainly due to the earthquakes in the 1700s that devastated the city.

I wouldn’t attempt to check them all off your list while in Antigua. Instead, pick a couple that pique your interest. Then move on with your itinerary as Antigua has so much more to explore.

If you only had to visit one, I would make it the Ruinas del Convento Santa Clara (pictured above), which are the most beautiful in my opinion. The convent originally founded in the 1600s was damaged in both the earthquakes of 1717 and 1773. They now have a dramatic and eery beauty to them. The ruins are situated around a central garden with a fountain. And you can walk through graceful stone archways, dark halls and relax on the lawn.

Here are some other ruins around Antigua to consider visiting:

• Convento Capuchinas
• Ruinas de La Antigua Catedral
• Convento de la Merced
• Convento e Iglesia de Santo Domingo
• Iglesia y Convento de la Recolección

Stroll the Rooftop at Iglesia de La Merced

Iglesia de la Merced is one of the most striking churches in town featuring a bright yellow facade and Baroque detailing—but there’s something else that makes it a must-visit while in Antigua. And that’s its rooftop.

Yes, you can actually go up to the rooftop of this church and stroll around for some of the best views overlooking Antigua. The best kept secret is that it has a unique vantage point looking over the Santa Catalina Arch, Antigua’s most photographed icon. So photographers will love getting a different perspective from up here.

Unlike many structures around Antigua that sustained damage in the infamous earthquakes of the 1700s, Iglesia de la Merced is a great example of earthquake-resistant architecture that has been able to withstand the frequent seismic activity of the area.

book a local Cooking Class

I love taking a cooking class in as many destinations as I can. It’s a great way to interact with locals, meet other travelers, and learn about local culture all while getting to eat—clearly the best part!

If you’re into the idea of getting your hands dirty with a local cooking class, make sure to check out these two top-rated options in Antigua.

Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour: This authentic cooking class offers small group experiences up to 8 guests and includes a visit to a local market, cooking instruction for five different dishes and the chance try unique fruits to Guatemala. Make sure to book this one ahead as they usually fill up about a month in advance!

Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua: In this top-rated cooking class, guests visit a cooking school in Jocotenango village and learn how to cook typical Guatemalan food and get to enjoy their hard work from a rooftop terrace with volcano views.

get panoramic views at Cerro de la Cruz

We sadly caught an extremely overcast day, but on a clear one Cerro de la Cruz (or Hill of the Cross) would be a stunning spot to get a view overlooking Antigua. Up at the viewpoint you’ll find a big cross overlooking the city with volcano views as its backdrop.

Best Time to Go: On a clear day or in the morning before afternoon clouds roll in. Avoid walking the path alone or at night. And be mindful of valuables as some petty theft has been reported on the trail.

How to Get to Cerro de la Cruz:

• On Foot: This is the most popular way to get up to Cerro de la Cruz. But it requires a 20-30 minute hike from town with ascending stairs at the end. Length depends on your starting point from town, but here’s a helpful AllTrails guide to assist you.
• By Tuk Tuk: We decided to do this option as we were in a rush to get there for sunset, which as you can see from the picture above was non-existent. Our tuk tuk driver was able to drop us off at a spot that didn’t require us to climb any stairs. And then waited for us to take us back down. Prices will vary depending on where you’re starting from.
• By Taxi/Private Driver: Of course there are also taxis, Ubers and private drivers around the city that you can always hire to bring you to the viewpoint.

hike up Pacaya Volcano

If hiking Acatenango volcano sounds fun but you want something a bit more accessible, then taking a tour to Pacaya is a good second-best option. It’s most well-known for its close proximity to Antigua. Because it’s probably one of the easiest volcanoes to summit in the country.

Still though, don’t expect a lava show quite like what you’ll see at El Fuego. Though Pacaya is considered the most active volcano in Guatemala, tours here are much more tame. You’ll walk across dried up lava fields, witness steam vents, and get panoramic volcano views.

What to Know About Hiking Pacaya:

• Where is Pacaya Located? One hour outside of Antigua.
• How to Visit: You must join a guided tour in order to be able to visit. If you like the idea of an active adventure, join this highly rated half-day affordable hiking tour, or join this sunset tour. If you’d rather rest your feet, this top-rated ATV tour to Pacaya is a great option.
• How Difficult is the Hike? Not very. Even with a 8,000 foot elevation gain above sea level, it’s very doable even for novice hikers, as long as you wear proper footwear and stay well hydrated. However, if you’re not in great shape, you may find this more challenging than most.

take a Half-Day Trip to Hobbitenango and Altamira

Though I’m not at all a part of Lord of the Rings fandom, I was intrigued by the concept of Hobbitenango before my last visit to Antigua. It seemed kitschy and fun and also a little random for Guatemala? Why not check it out. So my friend and I ventured out one morning to go explore the adventure park along with Altamira next door which is a similar concept, minus the hobbits.

Now that I’ve been, I wouldn’t say I’d be running to go back unless I was someone who really cares about the Lord of the Rings franchise or if I were traveling with kids. There are some fun viewpoints to take photos and restaurants and shops on site. But if I had to do it again I’d rather spend my time exploring more of Antigua.

Still, if this piques your interest, here’s a little more information on each—and make sure to visit on a clear day to best enjoy the views.

Hobbitenango: This adventure park meets hobbit village is about 30 minutes drive from Antigua and features an assortment of hobbit-hole structures, viewpoints and fun photo ops. There’s enough to do to fill a half day including exploring the various hobbit curiosities, eating on site, shopping and taking advantage of the photo set ups like a giant swing and hand that outstretches over a cliffside.

Altamira: Just down the street, Altamira is another quirky spot to check out. But it is much more limited than Hobbitenango. There are some viewpoints and Instagrammable spots for photos (like the hand pictured above), along with places to grab a meal and beverage with a view.

book a Street Food Tour

If you prefer sampling a culture’s street food over getting to work in the kitchen, you might want to consider a street food tour over a cooking class during your time in Antigua.

The coolest part about this top-rated street food tour is that they take you a little outside of the city to towns you probably wouldn’t explore otherwise. While out and about, you’ll get to taste test a variety of street food favorites like shucos (Guatemalan sandwich), tacos, and churros.

Where To Eat and Drink In Antigua, Guatemala

Cafe Sky

This restaurant features the best rooftop views in all of Antigua. So don’t miss this one on a clear day so you can sip your cocktail of choice with a side of volcano views. I’d probably just come here for drinks as there are better food options around Antigua. But it’s absolutely worth a stop for a rooftop bevvie.

Address: 1a Avenida Sur, 15, Antigua 03001 Guatemala

Por Qué No? Cafe

Maybe one of the more unique restaurants I’ve ever stepped foot in, Por Qué No? Cafe is a tiny corner eatery with maybe 10 or so tables. Its second floor is accessed by a narrow staircase with a rope to use to climb up (yes, I’m serious, and no don’t ask me how the waiters bus food up to the second level). Plus, every inch of the walls here have been tagged with love by former patrons.

It’s an experience overall. And the best part is that the food quality is just as magical as the ambiance. We got the steak and camarons and it ended up being one of our favorite meals of the trip.

Address: 2 Avenida sur y 9 Calle Oriente Casa Number 9 Red house with the green door on the corner we have no sign outside, Antigua 03001 Guatemala

El Comalote

El Comolate is a colorful, authentic restaurant in Antigua that celebrates one of the most important staples of the Guatemalan diet: corn. They make delicious homemade tortillas on site only from Guatemalan harvested corn. And you can even watch the women making them in the open kitchen. We had a lovely brunch here on their back patio.

Address: 7th Av South 12, Antigua 03001 Guatemala

Cafe No Se

If you love mezcal, then Cafe No Se should be top of your list while in Antigua. They were the original mezcal bar not only in Antigua but the first dedicated mezcal bar outside of Mexico. Here you’ll find super personable bar staff, nightly live music and a great atmosphere for meeting other travelers.

Address: 1st Avenida, Antigua 03001 Guatemala

Antigua Cerveza El Bosque Entrada

When you’ve exhausted your feet from roaming the cobblestone streets of the city, this is a great place to come rest your legs and hang for a few hours. With a massive beer garden set amongst a beautiful lush forest atmosphere, Antigua Cerveza will make you feel like you’re far away from the city.

Address: Avenida El Desengaño #2, Antigua 03001 Guatemala

Once Once

If you’re looking for the best vegan fare in Antigua then Once Once needs to be on your itinerary. They have plenty of yummy staples like a tofu scramble, pad thai, tacos al pastor made with soy beef and even a vegan créme bruleé.

Address: 2a Calle Oriente # 22, Antigua 03001 Guatemala

Wild Daughter

While this isn’t a regular spot you can visit every day, it’s worth scoping out Wild Daughter ahead of your trip to see if you can get in on any of their special pop-up meals, which they do a few times per month. Their communal feasts are thoughtfully designed and one of the more unique dining experiences in Antigua.

Address: La Finca Azotea Antigua Guatemala 03001

El Peroleto

My friend and I stumbled upon this place by accident while we were looking for a snack in between meals. And their focus on ceviche seemed to be the perfect thing. It’s a teeny tiny restaurant that basically feels like you’re sitting at a bar on the street. And you’ll watch them whip up fresh ceviche right before your eyes.

Address: Alameda de Santa Lucia 34, Antigua Guatemala

Cafe Condesa

This is an Antigua classic, located right off the Parque Central. From the outside, it looks like a tiny hole-in-the-wall coffee shop. But beyond its facade you’ll find a charming garden patio setting with additional seating. This is a great spot for a snack in between sightseeing. They sell empanadas, pastries and even make their own chai tea in house.

Address: 5a Avenida Norte 4, Antigua 03001 Guatemala

Tartines

If you’re sick of Central American fare and want to go for something a bit more elevated, Tartines should be your go-to. This French restaurant was the place we dined on our last night in Antigua. The small rooftop patio has an incredibly unique view looking down into the ruins next door.

There are only six tables on the rooftop terrace. So definitely reserve ahead and try to ask for a table on the edge of the terrace for the best views.

Address: 4a Calle Oriente No. 1-C, Antigua 03001 Guatemala

La Cuevita de Los Urquizú

I had heard such good things about this spot. So I was super bummed when it was closed the day we tried to visit. Here you’ll find traditional local dishes served in a buffet style with everything served from clay pots. There’s typically a line to sit down here. But once you get in the service is quick with plenty of seating inside. Check this place out if you’re in the mood for local flavors.

Address: 2a Calle Oriente 9D, Antigua 03001 Guatemala

Cafe Sol

Three words: Banana French Toast. Order it and thank me later. This spot is a little gem and the upstairs terrace was blooming with stunning purple flowers when we visited in April. Cafe Sol was one of my favorite hidden gem spots while in Antigua.

Address: Callejon del Sol # 11 Barrio de La Concepción, Antigua 03001 Guatemala

Ulew

Enter through a phonebooth, and you’ll be met with this fun little speakeasy cocktail bar in Antigua where mixologists will design a drink to your liking. There’s no menu here: you just tell the bartenders your taste preferences and they’ll whip you up something magical.

Address: 3 Poniente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Best Coffee Shops in Antigua

We tried a LOT of coffee while in Antigua and tried to fit in as many coffee shops as possible. Hey, when you’re walking 15,000 steps a day you need to keep refueling, right? These are the ones we loved most from our trip.

Alegria Cafe

There are so many amazing coffee shops in Antigua, but Alegria was definitely one of the tops on my list—not only for their iced coffee but for their delicious breakfast burritos stuffed full of flavorful pinto beans and chorizo. If you’re into well designed spaces when you travel, then you’ll love the colorful and fun interiors here featuring vibrant paint choices and abstract art on the walls with Picasso vibes.

Address: Alegría 5a Calle Poniente.2 Antigua, Guatemala 10101

Fat Cat Coffee House

A pioneer of the speciality coffee scene in Antigua, Fat Cat Coffee House roasts small lots of coffee for maximum freshness and they make a mean pour-over. If you’re a coffee snob, this is definitely one of the first places that should be on your list in Antigua.

Address: 4a Calle Ote., Antigua Guatemala 03001, Guatemala

12 Onzas

With a spacious interior and beautiful courtyard out back, I loved the modern-meets-historical-charm vibes of 12 Onzas. If you’re hungry, you can also find great brunch and lunch items like chilaquiles, breakfast toasts, sandwiches and wraps.

Address: 4a Calle Ote. 5, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Artista de Cafe

Another favorite specialty coffee shop in Antigua is Artista de Café. This spot is a bit outside of the central bustle of town. It’s a popular place for people to work and has an awesome modern atmosphere with a hidden courtyard out back. Come here for the coffee, but don’t miss their baked goods and delicious breakfast menu if you’re feeling hungry.

Address: 5a. Avenida Sur Número 34 A La Antigua Guatemala, Centro Histórico

Starbucks

I know you’re probably scratching your head at this one, but just trust me when I say that this is probably the most beautiful Starbucks you’ll ever set foot in. If you want to skip the coffee, no worries—it’s worth a quick peek in here to view their gorgeous courtyard. It’s right by the Santa Catalina Arch, so you’re likely to find yourself in the area.

Address: 5a Avenida Norte 15, Antigua Guatemala, Antigua 03001 Guatemala

Where to Shop in Antigua

Shopping in Antigua is a treat—you’ve got bustling souvenir markets, upscale textile shops, tons of handmade goods, and Guatemalan specialties like chocolate and cardamom. Here’s where to look for some of the city’s best goods to fill your suitcase.

• Nim P’ot – If you’re looking for quality souvenirs, this should be your first stop. It’s massive with tons to explore and bring home to friends and loved ones.
• Luna Zorro Studio – This is the place to go for the best curation of luxury goods all made in Guatemala. It’s a little out of the center of the city but worth the drive for design lovers.
• La Tienda de Doña Gavi – A little curiosities shop that’s a gem in Antigua. It feels like part organic beauty store, part spiritual shop with their own homemade ice cream to boot.
• Hilosophy – Here you’ll find the most colorful woven goods from tablecloths and hammocks to pillows.
• Wakami – Lovely little shop for fun fashion and accessories.

• Topis Cerámica El Bosque – Pottery all handmade by local artisans, this location is inside a stunning forest setting near Antigua Cerveza El Bosque.
• Que Onda Vos – Beautiful upscale textiles.
• Algodones Mayas – Come here for stunning handmade clothing and textiles.
• Artisans Market (Mercado de Artisianas): If you’re looking for more of a bustling souvenir market where you can haggle, this area may be more of your vibe. I much prefer Nim P’ot for souvenir shopping, but it depends on the experience you want.

I hope this Antigua travel guide gave you some amazing ideas for your trip. If you have any questions, drop a comment below!

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