Planning a trip to Antigua, Guatemala? How exciting! Antigua is a stunning colonial city in the mountains of Guatemala and one of the most loved cities in the country. Many people visit Antigua before or after visiting the famous Lake Atitlan. There is so much to do in Antigua that you should absolutely make sure to spend at least two days (if not more!) here. Ready to plan your trip? Let’s get right into the incredible things to do in Antigua, Guatemala!
10 Incredible Things to do in Antigua, Guatemala
1: Visit the Artisan Markets
Guatemala has an incredible artisan culture and so many beautiful handicrafts and artwork to see on your trip. Antigua is a fantastic location to shop around for artisan products produced by talented artisans.
There are markets all over the city that are filled with vendors selling their work. You’ll find leather goods, artwork, ceramics and more.
I recommend checking out a bunch of the markets and vendors and then going back to buy your favorite items. You’ll see tons of similar items, so be sure to check the prices for the best deals!
Of course, some of these markets also sell more mass-produced items, and it wouldn’t be fair to say that everything is handmade. However, it is very clear when you’re shopping around what is handmade and what’s not.
The biggest, most famous market is Mercado Central de Artesanias (Central Artisan Market). Here you’ll find tons of vendors selling a wide variety of items, some handmade and others not. I loved the leather goods in this market as well as the beautiful ceramics! There is also a ton of beautiful art painted by talented artists.
Check out Nim Pot
If you’re looking for items specifically made in the Antigua, Guatemala area, I recommend checking out Nim Pot. This is a combination between a store and market, as it features items made by a variety of artisans. The artisans themselves aren’t at the store selling their work, but they drop off their work to be sold.
Here, you can find anything from handmade Mayan clothing, to ceramics, to art and much more. This store is a little pricier than the markets, in general, but almost every single product is handmade locally.
In addition to the markets, be sure to make a stop at Nim Pot; it’s worth it!
2: Try Local Fruits and Vegetables at the Food Markets
I love markets (and I know I’m not the only one!), so in addition to the artisan markets, I definitely recommend checking out the food markets.
The fruit and vegetable market (Mercado Municipal de Alimentos) is the food section of Mercado Central. This is such a cool place to wander through and see what’s for sale. I love purchasing fruits I’ve never had before and trying all of the different options available.
- A few delicious Guatemalan fruits to be on the lookout for include:
- Carambola (star fruit)
- Jocote – can be eaten raw or cooked, they’re really good raw
- Pitaya (dragon fruit)
- Granadilla – a jelly like center that encases the seeds. Cut it in half and suck out the seeds!
3: Hike Cerro de la Cruz
If you’re interested in hiking while in Antigua, but don’t want to commit to an overnight volcano hike, Cerro de la Cruz is a great option.
Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross), features a large cross at the top of the hike and amazing views of Antigua and Volcan de Agua. The walk is pretty easy, about 30 minutes each way, and is very popular.
If you prefer to drive an ATV to the top of the viewpoint, that’s also a fun tour option!
4: Make Chocolate at the ChocoMuseo
The ChocoMuseo in Antigua is small, more of a shop really, but they have awesome chocolate making classes. Guatemala is known for its delicious chocolate, so having the opportunity to learn more about it and make your own is such a fun activity.
Even if you don’t have time to take a chocolate making class, it’s worth stopping by the ChocoMuseo to grab some sweet treats. They make great gifts!
5: Take Photos at Santa Catalina Arch
This is the most famous photo spot in Antigua and you will see tons of tourists taking photos here.
This arch was built in 1694 and its original purpose was to allow cloistered nuns to pass from the Santa Catalina convent into a school where they taught.
If you’re interested in learning more about the interesting sites around Antigua, like Catalina Arch, I definitely recommend a guided walking tour. There is so much to see and learn about in Antigua and a walking tour is a great way to learn the history of the area from locals!
Walking tours in Antigua:
6: See the Ruins of Catedral de Santiago
For history lovers, this will definitely be one of the most interesting things to do in Antigua. Antigua is home to some beautiful churches, and as it turns out, also some very interesting ruins of former churches.
This cathedral was built in the mid-1500s and destroyed in an earthquake in 1773. While a small part of the church was rebuilt, the majority remains as ruins. For a small entrance fee, it’s interesting to walk through these ruins and imagine what the cathedral would have looked like before the earthquake.
7: Drink Lots of Delicious Guatemalan Coffee
Just like its chocolate, Guatemala is famous for its coffee! There are tons of great coffee shops in Antigua to check out and drink delicious coffee.
A few of my favorites include:
- 12 onzas
- Cafe Sol
- They have a beautiful terrace
- El Gran Cafe
- Grab and go, no seating
- Siena Luz, Coffee & Book Shop
- Great coffee and food with books and co-working!
These are just a few of the fantastic options. Another fun thing for coffee lovers to do is to go on a coffee tour. This way, you can learn more about coffee production in Guatemala and also sample some delicious local coffee.
8: Go on a Food Tour
There’s a theme in this post and it’s that Antigua has amazing food and drink options!
In addition to the awesome restaurants, the street food definitely shouldn’t be skipped. There are tons of street food vendors who set up around the city and the food is really delicious and affordable.
If you want to check out some street food spots on your own, in front of Iglesia la Merced (Merced Church) you’ll often find tons of vendors set up. You can’t go wrong with any of the options the vendors are selling, but I can’t stop thinking about the delicious pupusas.
While I recommend grabbing some street food on your own, a food tour should also be on your list! This way, you’ll have a local introduce you to their favorite spots, explain the different dishes and you’ll likely try options you wouldn’t have chosen on your own.
There are tons of food tours to choose from in Antigua, but here are a few of the top options:
- Foodie & Street Food Tour in Antigua
- The Culinary Antigua Food Tour
- Street Food Evening Tour around Antigua
- This tour takes you to street food spots in the towns surrounding Antigua (transportation provided).
- If you’ve already eaten street food in Antigua, this is a fun way to experience other nearby towns/food spots.
- This tour takes you to street food spots in the towns surrounding Antigua (transportation provided).
- Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour
- This is a market tour (with samples!) and a cooking class – such a fun combo and a great way to try local food!
9: Enjoy Volcano Views From a Rooftop
The volcanoes surrounding Antigua are impressive and beautiful to see. There are three volcanoes that can usually be seen from town: Volcan de Agua, Acatenango, and Volcan de Fuego.
While you can see volcano views from many points in town (including McDonalds) the views from rooftops are especially impressive. Some hotels have rooftops and there are rooftop restaurants as well.
Some of the best places to see volcano views are:
- Rooftop Antigua – coffee, cocktails, food and great views
- 7A Norte Pizzeria – pizzas and views
- Cafe Sky Bar – breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and views!
- McDonalds – okay, hear me out, go to the courtyard, eat a McFlurry and look at the volcano, you won’t regret it
10: Check Out the Fast Food Restaurants
This is a strange recommendation, I know, and usually I would not recommend fast food when traveling. However, many of the fast food restaurants in Antigua are beautiful.
McDonalds is, without a doubt, the most unique fast food restaurant I’ve seen. It’s in a colonial style building with a beautiful courtyard and volcano views. Grab a coffee or McFlurry and check it out, it’s definitely worth it.
In addition to the McDonalds, Starbucks and Taco Bell are beautiful as well. With so much great coffee in Antigua, visiting Starbucks may seem silly, but their courtyard is honestly so nice. It’s a great place to hangout, chat with friends or get some work done.
BONUS: Hike Acatenango Volcano
This is one of the most epic things to do in Antigua! Hiking Acatenango is an two day, overnight experience that offers a challenging climb and amazing views. This is absolutely something you’ll need to do with a guide and there are several companies offering treks. Some have nicer camping conditions than others, so depending on your preferred comfort level, it’s important to read what each trek offers and includes.
From Acatenango, the views of Fuego Volcano are gorgeous. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe how amazing it is. Seeing Fuego erupt, either in the evening or at sunrise, is seriously a once in a lifetime, bucket list experience.
Everything you need to know when booking an excursion:
The reason I’m putting this as a “bonus” activity is because it’s definitely not for everyone. Acatenango has an altitude of 3,976 meters (13,045 feet) and during the hike there’s an altitude gain of 1,600 meters (5,250 feet). If you tend to get altitude sickness, have your doctor at home prescribe you medicine BEFORE going to Antigua. Some travelers have been able to get Acetazolamide (or a similar medicine) from pharmacies in Antigua, but I’ve also heard many experiences of travelers not being able to purchase the medicine because they don’t have a prescription. I personally don’t suffer from altitude sickness, so I’ve never tried getting Acetazolamide, but if you do need it, bring it from home just to be safe.
The round trip distance when hiking Acatenango is around 12.5 miles, spread across two days. The hike up is about 6-7 hours and the hike down usually takes 4-5.
If you’re considering Acatenango, do it! Just make sure you’re fully prepared and know what to expect. Below are some amazing tour companies for your trip. These range from a basic experience to a more comfortable experience, so be sure to pick the one that’s best for you.
Acatenango Hike Experiences:
- Acatenango Volcano Tour
- Rustic cabins to sleep in, but a very “comfortable” option comparatively
- Tent sleeping option
- Cabiny tent option
Where to Say in Antigua? Hotel & Hostel Recommendations
For being a relatively small city, Antigua has an impressive selection of hotels and hostels. My biggest piece of advice is to just make sure you’re staying in a central location. Anything that’s easily walkable to Central Park (Parque Central), I would consider to be a great location.
You’ll find hotels and hostels at a variety of price points. I’ve stayed in quite a few, and I definitely have my favorites, but there are still more I want to check out! Any hotel/hostel that has a rooftop with a volcano view is an added bonus. Watching the sunset from a rooftop surrounded by volcanos is such a unique experience.
Hotel Recommendations
- Naif Boutique Hotel
- Hotel Casa del Parque
- Good Hotel Antigua
- Camino Real Antigua
- Indian Palace Hotel Boutique Spa & Restaurante
Hostel Recommendations
- Maya Papaya (one of my faves!)
- Ojala (the sister hostel to Maya Papaya)
- Casi Casa
- Yellow House Hostel B&B
Must Visit Restaurants in Antigua
The food scene in Antigua is fantastic. There are tons of delicious restaurants where travelers can enjoy anything from traditional Guatemalan, to great Mexican, to Italian and everything in between.
Guatemalan food is really delicious, so definitely make sure to put a few traditional Guatemalan restaurants are on your list. My favorite is Madre Tierra! Everything is so good, but the stuffed peppers (chile relleno) are next level. They also have great vegetarian options, which I really appreciate.
Restaurants to check out – many are open all day long!
- Patio de la Primera (beautiful courtyard area)
- Los Tres Tiempos (Guatemalan food with beautiful views)
- Madre Tierra (Guatemalan food, cute atmosphere)
- Rooftop Antigua (views!!)
- Restaurante Fridas (great Mexican food)
A few must try local dishes include:
- Pepián
- meat stew
- Chile Relleno
- stuffed peppers
- Tamales
- Kaq’ik
- pre-hispanic turkey soup
- All the fresh fruit!!
- nance, carambola (star fruit), mangostín, guanábana, sapote, just to name a few!
Q&A: Things to do in Antigua, Guatemala
- How do I get from the airport to Antigua, Guatemala?
- There are several options for getting from the airport in Guatemala City to Antigua.
- First, is to hire a private driver. This is my preferred method as it’s not expensive and it’s great to have a driver waiting for you at arrivals ready to lead you to the car. If you’re traveling in a couple/group and can split the cost, this becomes even more affordable.
- Next, a shared shuttle. This is a great option if you’re on a budget and want to share a ride with others. These are a little less customizable, in terms of exact pickup times, but they’re safe and affordable.
- Third, Uber. Uber is a great option, but you won’t know the price beforehand. Usually, they’re around 300-350GTQ, but that can vary.
- There are several options for getting from the airport in Guatemala City to Antigua.
- How far is Guatemala City to Antigua, Guatemala?
- Guatemala City, distance wise, is quite close to Antigua: about 38 km (or 24 miles). However, because of the traffic and mountain roads, it usually takes anywhere from 1 hour to 2.5 hours by car. The fastest I’ve ever done this drive is just about 1 hour and the longest it’s taken is 3 hours. Make sure to budget extra time when going from Antigua back to the airport so you don’t miss your flight.
- What is Antigua Guatemala best known for?
- Antigua, Guatemala is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s best known for its beautiful colonial architecture, churches and rich culture.
- Is there much to do in Antigua Guatemala?
- Yes! There is so much to do in Antigua. From delicious restaurants, to markets, to chocolate making, to hikes and more, Antigua is filled with great activities for all interests.
- What is the best time of year to visit Antigua, Guatemala?
- The most popular time of year to visit is the dry season, which runs November – April. However, there’s never a bad time of year to go. Even if there are a few rain showers, Antigua is a wonderful place to visit year round.
- Antigua has a pretty consistent “spring like” temperature year round. However, it does get a little warmer during the day during the dry season.
- The most popular time of year to visit is the dry season, which runs November – April. However, there’s never a bad time of year to go. Even if there are a few rain showers, Antigua is a wonderful place to visit year round.
- Is Antigua Guatemala safe for tourists?
- Absolutely! Antigua, Guatemala is very safe for travelers. It’s considered one of the safest places in the entire country and I have always felt very comfortable in Antigua – including when I’m on my own. Of course, use common precautions like not walking alone in unpopulated areas late at night, not flashing valuables and being aware of your surroundings.
In Conclusion
Ready to pack up and go? I hope you found these suggestions for fun things to do in Antigua, Guatemala to be helpful.
Be sure to check out my other Antigua, Guatemala guides to keep planning your trip!
Antigua, Guatemala – Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip!
Additionally, if you’re planning to extend your trip in Guatemala and also visit Lake Atitlan (which you totally should), my travel guides are below.
- The Best Things to do in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
- Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Travel Guide: Tips and Advice for Your Trip
- Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan for the Best Experience!
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♡Kate
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