17 Unforgettable Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala: A Travel Guide
Guatemala is a gorgeous, quite under-rated country. Discover all the things to do in Antigua Guatemala for the perfect trip.
Famous for its coffee and volcanoes, Antigua Guatemala is Guatemala’s most fascinating city. Beautifully preserved over hundreds of years, Antigua Guatemala or Antigua as it’s known for short, attracts many travellers from around the world.
There are many things to do in Antigua Guatemala, from exploring all the historical churches and atmospheric streets to eating in some really great restaurants. Make sure not to miss it when in Guatemala.
No trip to Guatemala would really be complete without at least one day walking the cobbled narrow streets and admiring the centuries-old, colonial architecture. If that’s not enough, there’s also plenty of unique shopping opportunities, exquisite cafes serving some of the best coffee you’ll ever have and the chance to get close to a couple of very active volcanoes.
Keep reading for not only the top things to do in Antigua Guatemala but also a whole travel guide on this one-of-a-kind beautiful city.
*This ‘things to do in Antigua Guatemala’ post contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top quality content for free.
WHERE TO STAY
There are so many amazing properties in Antigua for all budgets. Here are just a few of my favourites where guests can not only sleep but also take advantage of their wellness-focused approach to living.
Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo
Quite easily the most famous hotel in Antigua, Hotel Casa Santo Domingo is a convent-turned-hotel that has still kept so many of its original features- so much so that it’s actually also a museum you can visit. The property is huge and has all the amenities you might need including a lovely pool area, restaurant, courtyard and spa. Stay in a room with vaulted ceilings and transport yourself back to colonial times while also being a part of history.
Check rates and availability booking.com | hotels.com
San Rafael Hotel
A gorgeous, colonial boutique hotel surrounding an inner courtyard, this splendid option offers an unbeatable location and service. Rooms are large and perfectly combine modern elements with medieval touches. Breakfast is served in the beautiful courtyard- there really couldn’t be a better start to the day.
Check rates and availability booking.com | hotels.com
Porta Hotel Antigua
Another exquisite hotel for your stay in Antigua is housed in a beautiful, colonial building with vaulted wooden ceilings and antique accents. They also have a gorgeous outdoor pool and spa offering Mayan Temascal, massage and more. The location is also superb for exploring the centre city, most of the good stuff is just a short walk away.
Check rates and availability booking.com | hotels.com
Meson Panza Verde
For a great hotel option with a yoga studio, you can’t miss this place. While you’re there, make the most of their gorgeous stone rooms and vaulted bathrooms, some of which have private spa baths and excellent breakfast and customer service. Just don’t forget to head up to the roof terrace in the mornings for the best views of Antigua’s three volcanoes. For somewhere unique, atmospheric and affordable don’t miss this place.
Check rates and availability booking.com | hotels.com
Ojala
If you’re looking for affordable yet stylish don’t miss this upscale hostel. With private rooms available as well as dorms, this is the perfect place to enjoy Antigua while also meeting new people. Rooms beautifully combine the old and the new and the property is simple, comfortable and clean. What else would you need?
Check rates and availability booking.com | hotels.com
Earth Lodge
Located in the foothills above the city, Earth Lodge is the perfect place to come, relax and slow down. Equipped with rustic treehouses and stand-alone cabins, each with a phenomenal view, one of the best yoga studios in Guatemala and a restaurant surrounded by acres of avocado farm.
It’s the perfect place to end a trip in Guatemala, waking up early and admiring the view with a cup of coffee, taking the time for some yoga practice and spending the day with a book in a hammock. It’s one of the best places in Central America for a self-guided and self-organised retreat.
Check rates and availability here
WHERE TO EAT
Restaurants
Wachuma – A great but small vegan restaurant on the east side of town for buddha bowls, krauts and kombucha. Fermented foods are definitely the name of the game here and if your gut is missing some probiotics then head straight here. They also have raw toast with hummus, tofu and tempeh bowls and vegan yoghurt. Their drinks menu is incredible from both a wellness and taste standpoint with mushroom elixirs and superfood charged hot drinks.
Samsara– A lovely little Hindu themed vegetarian restaurant where most of the food on the menu is plant-based. The menu includes bowls and stir-fries, sandwiches, wraps and salads. They also have a great drinks menu of kombucha, healthy teas, elixirs and alkaline drinks that include Apple cider vinegar. They also use superfoods and CBD can also be added to drinks.
Amanecer Juice Bar– A small, healthy, hole-in-the-wall with a few tables great for grabbing fresh juices, smoothies and ginger shots while exploring. We came here daily for our dose of ginger shots and green juice. They also serve some basic foods like sandwiches and coffee.
Cafe Stela – A lovely little cafe with a lovely ambience selling a variety of coffees and breakfast items like granola and pancakes. It’s a great option for a healthy breakfast in Antigua or a quick sit down and coffee break.
La Bruja – One of the best and most popular plant-based restaurants in Antigua, La Bruja is set in the corner of a large courtyard that’s shared by many other restaurants. The courtyard is gorgeous and you can sit outside, by a fountain and enjoy some healthy plant-based salads, tacos, burgers and wraps. Make sure not to miss their tacos- they are delicious.
Rainbow Cafe– A nice cafe and bookstore that also works with and supports local NGOs. While not completely plant-based they do have many different healthy options like falafel plates, fruit plates, soups and varying lunch specials. It’s a great spot to grab a snack and coffee mid-morning while exploring.
Caoba Farms – We didn’t manage to come here but I really wish we did as I’ve heard so many wonderful things. Don’t make the same mistake. Caoba Farms is a working farm with a restaurant with a farm to table concept. Most of the food they serve they grow themselves in an organic and sustainable way. They serve mainly burgers, salads and pizzas as well as breakfast. It’s a lovely place to come for a few hours and support small-scale, local, organic farming efforts.
Cafes
El Gran Café – Probably our favourite cafe in the whole city, I can safely say I’ve lost count of the times we came here. If you like boutique coffee shops with strong coffee this is one of the best. They use locally sourced coffee from different parts of the country and the menu is simple, from dip coffee to macchiato. The cafe is small with just a bench and a bar and it’s simple and beautifully decorated combining a range of materials and textures. If you’re a coffee lov