Antigua, a town located in Guatemala, is a small but stunning city known for its colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking volcano views. Once the capital of Guatemala, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a favorite destination for travelers who love history, culture, and adventure.

I travelled to Antigua back in December of 2024, and it was a town that exceeded my expectations. Before visiting, I had seen a lot of opinions online, saying that Antigua was amazing, but I didn’t expect myself to also be blown away by the energy of the town. I have compiled here the 10 best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala.

Table of Contents

• General Information
• 1. Walk around Parque Central
• 2. Visit the San José Cathedral
• 3. Explore the National Art Museum of Guatemala
• 4. Buy coffee beans at a coffee shop
• 5. Walk up the Cerro de la Cruz for sunset
• 6. Visit the Iglesia de la Merced
• 7. Eat street food in front of the Iglesia de la Merced
• 8. Take pictures at the Arco de Santa Catalina
• 9. Go shopping at the Mercado Central
• 10. Hike the Acatenango volcano to see Fuego erupt every 20 minutes

General Information

How much time to spend?

I recommend spending at least 3 nights in Antigua, including the overnight Acatenango Hike.

Where to stay in Antigua, Guatemala?

Antigua is a fairly small town. Therefore, almost no matter where you book your accommodation in Antigua, you will be close to the main attractions. If you want to be as close as possible, then you could get an accommodation near Parque Central, as it is the attraction in the middle of the town.

During our time in Antigua, we stayed at Central Hostel San Sebastián. We chose this place because of the very inexpensive price and the good location that it was in. We paid 15 cad per night per person during their high season.

How to get to Antigua, Guatemala?

If you land in Guatemala City, you can get to Antigua through multiple ways. There are public bus from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua, shared shuttles, and Ubers. The public bus (chicken bus) is the cheapest option, but I don’t recommend if you are arriving at night (which is when we arrived). We opted for the shared shuttle that we booked via our accommodation. It cost us 330Q for 2 people. You can also book an Uber. During our planning, we saw on the app that it was around 380-400Q for a car, so it can be worth it especially if you are travelling in a bigger group. It takes approximately 1 hour to get from Guatemala City to Antigua.

How to get around Antigua, Guatemala?

I recommend walking! The town is pretty small, so you don’t need to rent a car. If you are feeling tired and would like to get from point A to point B as fast as possible, you can opt for tuktuks, motorcycles or even Ubers.

1. Walk around Parque Central

At the center of Antigua Guatemala, you’ll find Parque Central, the city’s lively main square. It is surrounded by historic buildings, charming cafés, and stunning colonial architecture.

With a beautiful fountain at its center, shaded benches, and colorful gardens, Parque Central is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. You’ll see street vendors selling handcrafted goods, musicians playing traditional tunes, and families enjoying the relaxed vibe.

I loved just sitting on a bench in the park and people watch. It’s a perfect place to soak in the sun and the city’s atmosphere.

2. Visit the San José Cathedral

The San José Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Antigua Guatemala, is one of the city’s most breathtaking landmarks. Located on the east side of Parque Central, this historic cathedral is a stunning blend of Spanish Baroque architecture and ancient ruins. Originally built in the 16th century, the cathedral was once one of the largest and most magnificent churches in Central America. However, earthquakes in the 18th century left much of it in ruins.

You can walk inside the church for free. We visited on a particular day, during Christmas Eve. There was a ceremony inside, so it was super interesting to witness how the Guatemalans celebrate Christmas in the churches.

3. Explore the National Art Museum of Guatemala

We were randomly walking in Antigua when we stumbled upon the National Art Museum of Guatemala. Of course, we had to take a little peak at what it was, and it did not disappoint. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial building, this museum showcases a rich collection of Guatemalan art, from ancient Mayan pieces to stunning colonial-era religious paintings and sculptures.

The museum’s exhibits highlight Guatemala’s artistic evolution, featuring intricate wood carvings, oil paintings, and baroque-style altarpieces. The entry is free.

4. Buy coffee beans at a coffee shop

Guatemala is famous for producing some of the best coffee in the world, known for its rich flavor, smooth body, and balanced acidity. Thanks to the country’s high-altitude volcanic soil, ideal climate, and traditional farming methods, Guatemalan coffee has a unique depth that coffee lovers appreciate.

In Antigua, there are lots of coffee shops across the town. Being a coffee lover, I loved tasting the different types of drinks. The coffee shops of course also sell coffee beans, so I recommend buying some as a souvenir for home!

5. Walk up the Cerro de la Cruz for sunset

For the most breathtaking view of Antigua Guatemala, head to Cerro de la Cruz, a scenic hillside lookout just a short hike from the city center. This iconic spot offers a panoramic view of Antigua, with its colorful rooftops, historic churches, and the majestic Volcán de Agua in the background.

The hike to Cerro de la Cruz is fairly easy, taking about 20–30 minutes from the city. The path is well-maintained and surrounded by lush greenery, making for a pleasant walk. If you prefer, you can also take a short drive up.

At the top, you’ll find the famous stone cross (Cerro de la Cruz means “Hill of the Cross”), which has been watching over the city for centuries. It’s a perfect spot for photos, picnics, or just enjoying the fresh air while admiring one of the best views in Guatemala.

6. Visit the Iglesia de la Merced

One of the most stunning and well-preserved churches in Antigua is the Iglesia de La Merced. Located just a few blocks from Parque Central, this bright yellow Baroque-style church is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.

Built in the 18th century, La Merced is known for its ornate façade, featuring intricate white stucco designs, twisted columns, and religious sculptures. Inside, the church is equally impressive, with high vaulted ceilings, elegant altars, and historic artwork.

To visit the inside of the church, it is free. You can also pay an extra 30Q to access the roof of the church, which was my favourite part. Inside, you can visit the convent, but also see the nice views of the town from the top.

7. Eat street food in front of the Iglesia de la Merced

After asking locals where the best street food was in Antigua, they recommended the street food in front of the Iglesia de la Merced. You won’t miss them when you make yourself to Iglesia de la Merced because there are so many people selling food, but also fun souvenirs and other accessories.

We went to get food the day after our hike to Acatenango Volcano. We got a sandwich (25Q) and tostadas (15Q). Both of them were so good, and I highly recommend.

8. Take pictures at the Arco de Santa Catalina

The Arco de Santa Catalina is one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks in Antigua Guatemala. This bright yellow arch, dating back to the 17th century, stretches across one of the city’s charming cobblestone streets, perfectly framing the towering Volcán de Agua in the background.

The street of the Arco de Santa Catalina gets pretty busy during the day, so if you are into photography and would like to capture de scene without too many people, I suggest going in the morning. If not the street of the Arco de Santa Catalina also has lots of restaurants and shops that you can discover.

9. Go shopping at the Mercado Central

If you want to experience Antigua like a local, a visit to the Mercado Central is a must! This bustling market, located just a few blocks from Parque Central, is the perfect place to explore fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious street food.

Inside, you’ll find colorful fruits and vegetables, fragrant spices, and stalls selling everything from clothes to souvenirs. It’s a great spot to try traditional Guatemalan snacks. The market is lively, a little chaotic, but full of energy and culture. Make sure to know where you are going because it was so easy to get lost. We took 10 minutes trying to figure out how to get our of the market.

10. Hike the Acatenango volcano to see Fuego erupt every 20 minutes

When I thought about Guatemala, the first thing that popped up in my mind were these volcanoes, the Acatenango and the Fuego Volcanoes. In all honestly, if there is one thing to do in Guatemala from this whole list, this is the experience that I recommend.

I will not lie, this hike was HARD. This experience consists of hiking the Acatenango Volcano, which is a great located to watch Fuego Volcano erupt every 20 minutes. During this experience, you can also choose to hike the Fuego Volcano, which is the active volcano. You ascend almost a 2000m elevation gain in one day if you decide to do both hikes. These hikes are part of the same package but the Fuego Hike is an extra add-on to your Acatenango Hike.

Nevertheless, this experience was simply magical. Watching a volcano erupt right next to you every 20 minutes, seeing lava for the first time, sleeping at 3000m of altitude: things that I will never regret doing.