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If you are visiting the country of Guatemala for the first time, be sure to include at least two or three days to explore the city of Antigua. Antigua, or la Antigua as it is also called, is just a short drive from Guatemala City and is known for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture.
The former capital city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting more than a million tourists annually. Surrounded by the remnants of its 1773 earthquake, the relatively small and intimate town has a lot to offer, including a trendy culinary scene, vibrant nightlife, and centuries of artistic expressions all wrapped in tradition and historical charm.
Getting there is easy. The hard part may be deciding what to do in Antigua, depending on when our visit is and how much time you have. An article in the New York Times, as well as its video, shows you what you can actually do in 36 hours. Good luck.
While my trip to Guatemala included stops in Antigua and other cities, the four days there won me over with its historic charm and cultural heritage.
Culture, History and Religion
A little under 60,000 residents call Antigua home, this includes expats from around the world who consequently got lost in the city’s charm and never left. The city is also a destination for students from Europe, Asia and North America who want to learn Spanish through immersion.
The comfort of its more than 20 boutique hotels, including the Porta Hotel where I stayed, welcomes guests with amenities fit for a king and queen. From full-service restaurants and spas to poolside fun, you’ll find Central American hospitality at its best.
From a distance, you can see at least four of the country’s volcanoes in Antigua’s backdrop: Volcan de Agua (Volcano of Water), Acatenango, Pacaya and one of the most active, Volcán de Fuego (Volcano of Fire). If you are feeling adventurous, you can book a tour to hike one for as little as $50.
Throughout the year, you can see locals going about their day, selling food and handmade goods in popular spots frequented by tourists. However, Holy Week or Semana Santa truly puts the spotlight on Antigua as it prepares for a week of religious processions that conclude on Easter Sunday.
Streets are adorned with beautiful carpets made with colorful sawdust and lined with people waiting to see the big floats made of marble carried by either men and women. The processions take place day and night, depicting the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This religious celebration was brought to the country by Spain more than 500 years ago and is still going strong to this day as one of the things to do in Antigua as well as see.
Nowadays, tourists like to get off the beaten path to explore a little deeper. You can certainly do that but it is the visual history of Antigua that intrigues those who travel near and far to see the buildings that remain as ruins, walk the cobblestone streets and stand in awe in front of monuments captured in time including the church Iglesia Y Convento De Nuestra Senora De La Merced that is considered to be the most beautiful church of Antigua.
Take a short drive just above the city to Santa Domingo del Cerro, where you’ll be welcomed by incredible views, including that of Volcán de Fuego. The hotel Casa Santo Domingo offers 130 rooms with amenities that include cable, safety deposit boxes, telephones with voicemail, an iron and more.
Walk the grounds to discover sculptures from various Guatemalan artists. A mini outdoor market with vendors lets you get a little shopping in before or after having a bit to eat at El Tenedor del Cerro. The delicious food here makes this a must-visit spot while in Antigua. Be sure to make a reservation because it is just as popular with the locals as with visitors.
For more things to do in Antigua, take in more history and culture by visiting one or several of the city’s museums. See work produced in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries at the Colonial Museum, ceramic objects from the Classic Period (200-900 AD) of the Maya culture at the Archeology Museum, and furniture that belonged to the Farmacia Oriental of Guatemala City once used to keep medicinal products at the Pharmacy Museum.
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Things to Do in Antigua: Eat, Drink and Hang Out
Eating in Antigua is more than a gastronomy pleasure. Foodies will not be disappointed as the cuisine in Antigua is some of the best in Guatemala. Street food is all around, which gives you an authentic taste of what the locals eat.
Together with the restaurants, you’ll leave with a satisfied palate and appreciation for the authenticity and creativity that comes with each dish served. Mexican, Italian, French, Thai, and American are just a few of influences that you will see shine through the city’s culinary scene. I ate at so many great places, that I can’t recall having one bad meal.
A few to put on your radar include Frida’s, named and honoring the late Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Another favorite is Saba Rico. Don’t be fooled once you first walk in. Ask to be seated outdoors in the back of the restaurant. Once there, you’ll be surprised at the spacious dining area, which is perfect for an afternoon lunch.
While there, order one of Guatemala’s national dishes, pepion. This hearty stew with slow-cooked meats such as chicken is said to be the country’s version of Mexico’s mole.
At night, have dinner with entertainment at the Posada De Don Rodrigo Restaurant beside Hotel La Posada de Don Rodrigo. Be sure to make reservations in the Restaurant Los Moros section to enjoy dancers performing Bailee de loss Moros, a Guatemalan folk dance.
End the evening with a rum tasting at La Casa Del Ron or The House of Rum, a boutique lounge and bar. Try a variety of rums as you sit back and take in the swanky atmosphere while listening to some smooth grooves. See what others have to say about where to go and what to eat through Trip Advisor which won’t steer you wrong.
There are also cute cafés and coffee shops that add to things to do in Antigua, such as grab a bite and do a little people-watching, which is always fun.
Nightlife is very much alive and active in Antigua with bars and clubs staying open to around 1 a.m. Kick back with a carefully crafted cocktail, beer or glass of wine while listening to music that crosses various genres. If you get the late-night munchies before calling it a night, street vendors happily wait to provide a little nourishment.
For years, visitors have been captivated by the charm of Antigua. Whether you plan to pass through or spend few days, the reaction and admiration for most are still the same. I must admit, I didn’t know much about the city before visiting. Now that I do, I can see why many go, and many stay, and many like myself are planning to go back.
