Welcome to Antigua, Guatemala – one of the most beautiful cities in Latin America! If you’re visiting Antigua, you’re likely thinking about all of the places you should see and visit while you’re there. Antigua is a beautiful, walkable city with so many sites to see. With this post, you can easily go on a self-guided walking tour and check out the incredible sites all over the city. Let’s get right into 10 amazing places to see in Antigua, Guatemala!
Places to See in Antigua, Guatemala – A Self Guided Walking Tour
1: Parque Central (Central Park)
Start your day in Parque Central, a beautiful park in the center of Antigua that’s perfect for enjoying a coffee and people watching. There are coffee shops surrounding Parque Central, but a few of my favorites are El Gran Café (just off the park), Cafe Condesa (great for coffee and breakfast) and Café Barista (this is a Guatemalan chain, but the coffee is good).
Here you’ll find benches, nice landscaping and shaded areas, and vendors selling everything from ice cream to souvenirs.
Surrounding Parque Central are churches, museums, restaurants and businesses and it’s the perfect place to start your day of exploring this colonial city.
2: Ruins of Catedral de Santiago
A quick 2-3 minute walk from Parque Central you’ll find the ruins of Catedral de Santiago. This is such an interesting stop in Antigua and one history lovers will really enjoy.
For just a few dollar entrance fee, you can wander around the ruins of this cathedral and learn its interesting history. Construction of the Catedral de Santiago began in 1545 and, a couple hundred years later, in 1773 it was destroyed by an earthquake.
Part of the cathedral was rebuilt, and it’s beautiful to see as well, but the ruins are also beautiful in a more haunting way.
BONUS: ChocoMuseo
This is a bonus stop, but one I’d definitely add to your list! Headed back towards Parque Central, you’ll find the ChocoMuseo. This small museum, which is actually a store, has delicious chocolate and treats that are perfect snacks and gifts.
The best part of this store, besides the delicious chocolate, is that they offer chocolate making classes. This is a great way to learn about the history of chocolate and its production in Guatemala and also get to make some delicious chocolate of your own.
If you have extra time in Antigua, be sure to sign up for a chocolate making class:
Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop in ChocoMuseo
BONUS: Stop at Starbucks on the way
This is another bonus stop, but it’s right next to the Santa Catalina Arch and definitely worth checking out. Even if you don’t want a Starbucks coffee, just pop into the courtyard area – it’s really beautiful. This is definitely one of the most beautiful Starbucks I’ve seen anywhere in the world.
3: Santa Catalina Arch
Just steps from Starbucks (or 4 minutes walking from the ChocoMuseo), you’ll see the iconic Santa Catalina Arch. If you’ve ever looked up photos of Antigua, the arch is certainly going to be one of the most photographed places to see in Antigua, Guatemala.
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. The notable clock on top of the arch was later added in the 1830s.
4: OPTIONAL: Hike Cerro de la Cruz
You should definitely hike Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross), but you may want to do it at a different time of day. The reason I’m including it here in the itinerary is because, from Santa Catalina Arch, you’re a very close walk (10-15 minutes) to the starting point of the hike.
While it is a little steep, this walk/hike is relatively short – around 25 minutes each way. The views from the top are amazing; you’ll be able to see sweeping views of Antigua and Volcan de Agua.
This is a very safe walk and there is a security presence during daylight hours (usually 8am-4pm). Personally, I’d probably do this hike first thing in the morning (around 8am) and then explore the rest of the city.
If you don’t want to walk to the top, you can also take a taxi (just arrange in advance for the driver to wait for you), or you can go on an ATV tour. Honestly, the ATV tour is probably the coolest way to do it! Check out this Sunset ATV tour with a stop at Cerro de la Cruz!
5: Visit Iglesia de la Merced and Convento la Merced
From Santa Catalina Arch, continue walking 1-2 minutes and you’ll find Iglesia de la Merced and Convento la Merced, Church of Our Lady of Mercy and Convent/Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy. This is one of the most stunning churches in Antigua!
The church itself is free to visit and for a few dollars you can also visit the convent. The entrance is separate from the church, just off to the left. The most impressive part of the convent is the rooftop! You are literally walking on the church roof and the views of Antigua are spectacular.
At this point, you may be hungry. The park in front of Iglesia de la Merced, called Parque la Merced, usually has tons of street vendors set up selling delicious food. Everything is really good, but the pupusas are my favorite!
If you like street food, this is a great place to start, but I also highly recommend taking a street food tour with a local!
Street food tours:
- Foodie & Street Food Tour in Antigua
- The Culinary Antigua Food Tour
- Street Food Evening Tour in Antigua
- This evening tour, with transportation included, takes you to street food spots in small towns near Antigua!
6: Mercado Central
Markets are always some of my favorite places to visit when traveling, especially when they’re filled with beautiful artisan items.
There are several markets in Antigua, but Mercado Central (Central Market) is a great place to start. From Iglesia de la Merced, you’re about a 10 minute walk from the market. Here you’ll find tons of small shops where you can purchase anything from paintings, to ceramics to leather goods. Of course, you’ll also find more mass-produced souvenirs. If you like to collect magnets or other small trinkets, you’ll also find tons of those.
Personally, I always like to purchase handmade items instead of the mass produced ones, so it’s important to walk around the market and see for yourself what is locally made and what is ordered from overseas. In general, it’s pretty easy to tell and there’s tons of great options to choose from.
If you’re looking for a store that exclusively sells handmade artisan items from tons of local vendors, be sure to check out Nim Pot! You’ll find everything from art, to handmade Mayan clothing to leather goods and more.
7: Mercado Municipal de Alimentos
In addition to the artisan markets, food markets are great to visit! Mercado Municipal de Alimentos is the fruit and vegetable portion of Mercado Central (Central Market). This market, as its name suggests, mostly has fresh, uncooked food items, but it’s a great place to purchase fruits to try.
Guatemala has amazing fruit and purchasing it fresh from the vendors is a great way to try it! It’s affordable, delicious and it’s always a fun experience to try new fruits.
A few must try fruits in Antigua include:
- Granadilla – a jelly-like center that encases the seeds. Cut it in half and suck out the seeds!
- Carambola (star fruit)
- Jocote – can be eaten raw or cooked, they’re really good raw
- Pitaya (dragon fruit)
To get the most out of the food markets, and also learn how to make delicious Guatemalan food, I definitely recommend going on this Guatemalan Cooking Class and Market Tour! Or, if you’re not a fan of cooking classes, this combo walking and market tour is another great option.
8: McDonalds and Other Fast Food Restaurants
I know what you’re thinking, “Kate, fast food, really?”
I totally get it, but hear me out. You’re not going for the food, not specifically at least. The McDonalds in Antigua is beautiful. Not only does it have a stunning courtyard with volcano views, colonial style architecture and is super clean – but it also features art painted by local, talented artists.
The volcano views are reason enough to take a quick stop by McDonalds, but honestly, the McFlurries are pretty good too. They have options in Guatemala that we don’t have in the US, so that’s fun to try!
From Mercado Central and Mercado Municipal de Alimentos, you’re a 4-5 minute walk to McDonalds.
9: Volcano Views from Rooftops
If the volcano views from McDonalds aren’t your thing, or if you’ve already checked those out, it’s time to head to a rooftop!
There are three volcanoes that can usually be seen from Antigua, especially from rooftops: Volcan de Agua, Acatenango, and Volcan de Fuego.
Many hotels have rooftops with great views and tons of restaurants also offer impressive volcano views. It’s so fun to go for coffee, dinner or drinks and take in the amazing views of the surrounding volcanoes.
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!
Hotels and hostels with volcano views:
- El Convento Boutique Hotel
- Posada del Angel
- Hotel Boutique Los Pasos & Spa
- Adra Hostel
- Hotel Euromaya
- I’ve stayed here and, while this hotel is charming, it does need some updates. However, their rooftop views are absolutely incredible.
10: TWO DAYS – Acatenango Volcano
Hiking Acatenango Volcano, and the views you get when you do, are truly one of the most amazing things to see in Antigua. However, I would consider this a bonus activity as it’s definitely not every traveler’s ideal activity.
Acatenango is a two day hike that covers around 12.5 miles broken across two days. The hike is pretty steep, which I guess can be expected since you’re literally climbing a volcano! The hike up is about 6-7 hours and the hike down usually takes 4-5. Acatenango Volcano sits at 3,976 meters (13,045 feet) and during the hike you’ll gain 1,600 meters (5,250 feet).
This is a hike you’ll want to do with a guide on a guided tour. There’s overnight camping involved and you’ll want to be with guides who know the area and will help prepare meals, take you to the best viewing spots, etc.
There are several companies that operate these hikes. Through many (if not all) you can rent all of the equipment you’ll need: jackets, backpacks, boots, sleeping bags, etc. These guided tours range in comfort level, but they all offer at least a tent to sleep in overnight, while some also offer wooden shelters. Definitely check out several of the tours offered and see which one is best for you!
If you are even a little bit considering going on this hike: DO IT! It’s truly so incredible to see the views of Fuego Volcano erupting in the distance, while you’re climbing Acatenango. This is a bucket list experience and one you won’t forget.
NOTE: If you get altitude sickness, you’ll absolutely want to bring medicine with you from home. Some travelers have successfully gotten altitude medicine from pharmacies in Antigua, but I’ve heard a lot of hikers share stories of being denied the medication because they didn’t have an active prescription.
Acatenango Volcano hikes:
- Acatenango Volcano Tour
- Rustic cabins to sleep in, but a very “comfortable” option comparatively
- Tent sleeping option
- Cabiny tent option
Guided Walking Tours
This post is a great start for going on a fantastic self-guided walking tour. However, if you want to connect with a local to learn even more about Antigua’s culture, traditions and history, a guided walking tour is great as well. Most will go to some, but not all the locations in this post.
I would start with a self-guided walking tour and then follow it up with a guided tour to learn even more!
Guided walking tours:
Q&A: The Best Places to See in Antigua, Guatemala
- What is the best volcano hike in Antigua Guatemala?
- Acatenango Hike is absolutely the best volcano hike you can do in Antigua! This two day hike offers some of the most outstanding views of Fuego Volcano and is truly a bucket list experience.
- What is the #1 attraction in Guatemala?
- The entire city of Antigua, a UNESCO world heritage site, is widely considered to be the top place to visit in Guatemala – along with Lake Atitlan and Tikal.
- What is the most beautiful city in Guatemala?
- Antigua, with its colonial architecture and beautifully preserved traditions and culture, is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in Guatemala.
- How long to spend in Antigua, Guatemala?
- In order to experience a great variety of what Antigua has to offer, I recommend 3-4 days in this beautiful city.
- What to buy in Antigua, Guatemala?
- Antigua is known for a variety of products including delicious coffee and chocolate! For artisan items, ceramics, leather goods and jade jewelry are very popular purchases.
So there you have it, a self-guided walking tour of the best places to see in Antigua, Guatemala! I hope you found this guide to be helpful. If you have any questions, or anything to add to this post, please let me know in the comments.
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!
- 10 Incredible Things to do in Antigua, Guatemala
If you’re planning on visiting Lake Atitlan before or after Antigua, we have tons of travel guides as well:
- 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!
Lastly, follow us on Instagram for photo inspo and mini-guides, @twosistersabroad.
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♡Kate
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