Unmissable Things to Do in Guanajuato City, Mexico

If you want to find the top things to do in Guanajuato City, Mexico, you’re certainly in the right place.

The small city of Guanajuato in Mexico’s state of the same name is a charming place of colorful buildings, grand churches, and cute, narrow alleyways and tunnels as well as culture on every corner.

Relatively unknown on the international tourist trail, you’ll be surrounded by local Mexican travelers and students making the most out of a few days in this colorful town.

Guanajuato is primarily a university town with plenty of colorful, baroque buildings, young people, atmospheric squares, great restaurants and cafes, and of course narrow alleyways and tunnels.

It’s a lovely place to simply stroll around at your own pace, pop your head into its colorful churches, and discover everything that might await around the next corner.

Guanajuato is a great addition to any Central Mexico itinerary and you don’t need more than a couple of days to enjoy it. After two trips to the city now, here’s our curated Guanajuato travel guide with everything you need to know about visiting the city.

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Best Time to Visit Guanajuato

Guanajuato has a pleasant warm climate all year round. In the winter you can expect high temperatures of 68°F/20°C and lows of 45°F/7°C at night. The winters are also the driest time with December and January being the driest months to visit with the most sunshine.

Summers in Guanajuato are warm and can be very hot. The hottest month is May where temperatures can hit about 95°F/35°C during the day. However, the summer months are the wettest with June and July seeing the most rain.  Spring and autumn are also good times to visit.

In general, the best time to visit is in the winter. Winter can get quite busy however and if you prefer fewer crowds I’d recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons spring and autumn.

Guanajuato is a popular place for weekend getaways for Mexicans so try to avoid visiting at the weekends, especially long weekends or on holidays and festivals such as Easter or Christmas as accommodation will book up fast and prices can triple.

I’ve visited Guanajuato twice now, both times in May and we were very lucky with the weather. It was hot (on the last visit unbearably so) during the day, cool at night and the skies were generally clear.

Read more: 15 Wonderful Things To Do in San Miguel de Allende Mexico

Getting to Guanajuato

Guanajuato is located in Guanajuato State in Central Mexico, 4.5 hrs northwest of Mexico City.

From Mexico City, you can easily rent a car to visit the area or take a bus. Most bus services depart from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte.

If you’re just visiting Guanajuato and maybe San Miguel de Allende, it’s probably best not to rent a car as these are small, mostly walkable cities with limited parking. Streets are narrow and there is a lot of traffic so renting a car to move around the city probably isn’t worth it unless you’re exploring the whole state.

If you’re coming in from other parts of Mexico such as Tulum for example, you’ll probably want to fly. The nearest airport is Aeropuerto International de Guanajuato located between Guanajuato City and Leon. From the airport, it’s a simple 30-minute taxi ride to the center of Guanajuato.

If you’re arriving in Guanajuato by bus you’ll notice that the bus station isn’t really close to the city centre. Upon leaving the bus station you can take a taxi to your hotel. This should cost between $60-80 pesos depending on where you’re going. Uber also works well in Guanajuato City.

Best Things to Do in Guanajuato, Mexico

1. Explore the City Center

One of the best things to do in Guanajuato, especially soon after arriving is just to walk around the city at your own pace to get your bearings.

The center of the city is the main draw for visitors and it’s compact and walkable with most sights being located here. With its cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and underground tunnels, there is so much to explore and get lost in.

It’s one of the best activities in Guanajuato to get to know the city and walking around can always lead to other spontaneous travel experiences.

You can also explore the city center on a guided walking tour. I recommend the below:

2. Steal a Kiss at Callejon Beso

Callejon Beso or ‘Kiss Alley’ is a narrow, brightly painted alleyway with Mexico’s very own ‘Romeo & Juliet’ story behind it.

Legend has it that in one of the houses lived a well-to-do family of which the daughter fell in love with a boy from a poor family. To be together the poor boy moved into the house opposite and they would lean over the balcony at night to steal kisses.

One day, the girl’s father caught them in the act and in a rage he shot his own daughter. The boy, trying to flee fell from the balcony to his death.

Whether you believe the story or not, visiting this place has now become a tradition in Guanajuato and it’s believed that if you kiss someone here you’ll get 7 years of good luck!

3. Admire the View from El Pipla Monument

Soon after arriving, you’ll probably see this giant monument located on top of a hill from the city center. While, if I’m honest, there isn’t anything particularly special about the monument itself, the views from here over the city are breathtaking making it one of the best things to see in Guanajuato.

The best time to visit is during golden hour, either at sunrise or sunset, when the already orange/yellow-hued city is lit up like fire in the sunlight.

How to Get to El Pipla Monument

There are two ways to get up to the top of the hill, walking and by funicular.

If you’re keen on getting your steps in for the day then I recommend walking up and taking the funicular down (that’s what we did). If you want to save your legs then you can take the funicular up and walk back down too.

The easiest way to walk up is to start at the San Francisco Church/Don Quijote Museum and follow the path upwards towards the viewpoint. We found that the easiest way to navigate these narrow streets is to put on Google Maps directions as soon as you get to San Francisco church and it will guide you all the way up. It’s quite easy to take a wrong turn so be careful!

For those not interested in the steep walk up, the funicular is located right behind Teatro Juarez. On arrival, you can buy a ticket- either a single or return. Tickets cost $30 pesos per person for a one-way ticket.

If you are going up for sunset then take note that it can get pretty busy as the funiculars are quite small and they do take their time. Make sure to leave enough time to get to the top in case you do have to queue for a while.

From the top of the viewpoint, you can see the entire town and it looks even brighter and even more colourful than from below. I highly recommend coming up here early on in your trip not only to get your bearings but also to get ideas for places to visit that you like the look of from above.

4. Visit the Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato

One of the most extraordinary things to see in Guanajuato are its mummies. You may have thought that mummies were exclusive to the Egyptians but many Central and South American cultures used embalming as a way to preserve bodies.

The Guanajuato mummies are thought to have originated from the 1800s particularly from 1833 during a huge cholera outbreak in the region.

Due to the high demand for graves, a local tax was put in place for ‘perpetual’ burial. Unfortunately, not everyone could afford this tax and many bodies were disinterred or never interred and instead placed in a nearby building where they were partly embalmed.

Guanajuato’s naturally, dry and moisture-free environment meant that the bodies were perfectly mummified and incredibly well-preserved.

You need a somewhat strong stomach to make your way through this small museum where you can still see the skin on the bodies, perfect teeth, and even the deceased’s hair. There are also mummified children and even a fetus.

5. Go on a Callejonada

A callejoneada is a typical, traditional, nightly attraction/tour from Guanajuato. They essentially entail a walk through Guanajuato’s alleyways at nighttime, accompanied by local actors and musicians in period costumes, singing and telling stories of the city.

It’s a fun way to get to know Guanajuato’s culture, history, and most significant places. These tours are part cultural tours, part performances, and concerts they are a great way to get to know the town and its culture.

It is worth noting that most of the tours happen only in Spanish, so if you don’t speak or understand Spanish you might miss out on a bit of the comedy and history.

To organise one all you have to do is approach the many guys around the city in period costume and ask for the details. More likely you will be approached by them anyway. You can also book it in advance below.

6. Have a Drink in the Plazas

Guanajuato is full of incredible little squares or plazas usually centred around a fountain. Here you’ll find many traditional, stone buildings, shaded areas with benches and a few trees. There are often many restaurants and bars where you can grab and drink and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Occasionally you also get local performers or singers in these squares too, further adding to the atmosphere.

Our favourite square to have an afternoon or evening drink is Plaza San Fernando where there are a number of bars with tables outside to enjoy the warm evening in Guanajuato.

7. Visit the Diego Rivera Museum

Husband to Mexico’s most famous artist Frida Kahlo, and a brilliant artist in his own right, Diego Rivera was actually born in Guanajuato and you can visit this childhood home which has now been turned into a museum.

Tour the downstairs quarters which was where he grew up with his family before they moved to Mexico City and then move to the galleries upstairs where you can see some of his work as well as work by many other contemporary Mexican artists.

There are often temporary exhibitions in this space and it’s a good opportunity to learn more about Mexican art.

8. Shop at Mercado Hidalgo

For learning more about the locals and their food culture, make sure not to miss Mercado Hidalgo. This large indoor market is a great place to eat, buy local produce and foodstuffs, trinkets, and souvenirs as well as anything else you might need.

I highly recommend walking up to the second floor first where you can get a panoramic view of the entire market- great for seeing what’s available and people watching from a different vantage point. If you’re looking for local food you can find it here and you can also stock up on local, fresh fruit.

There are a few fruit vendors selling a wide range of amazing fruit from the region including mango, lychees, and apricots. It’s the perfect excuse to fill your body with vitamins while traveling.

9. Pop Your Head into the Cathedrals and Churches

Guanajuato is full of gorgeous cathedrals and churches which are lovely from the outside but many of them are also worth popping your head into.

Firstly, there’s the main basilica of Guanajuato in the main square that’s very ornate inside and the Templo de la Compania de Jesus nearby that’s also worth a look.

Right next to the Juarez Theatre, there’s the Iglesia de San Diego, and further south the Temple of San Francisco– a maroon-painted church that’s worth peeking into.

Many of these churches have intricate paintings, sculptures, and many gold artefacts inside.

10. Visit Teatro Juarez

With Guanajuato being a university town, there’s always a show, play, concert, or performance being put on by the students and they are often inexpensive and worth watching for a couple of hours.

One of the best places to visit in Guanajuato is Teatro Juarez where you can go in and enquire about what’s on when you’re visiting. It’s good to know that performances are most likely going to be in Spanish so if you don’t know the language, opt for a concert instead of a play.

You can also pay a small fee to visit the theatre during the day. The ticket booth is located on the left side of the theatre.

11. Check Out the Guanajuato University Buildings

Guanajuato University is one of the most gorgeous in Mexico with its white stone facade and grand staircase leading up to the entrance. It’s a great photo spot and place to sit down for a while with ice cream and people watch.

Make sure to climb all the way to the top for great views over the immediate city. You’ll find the main, central building of the university in the next street over from the main Basilica in the center of the city.

12. Check out Guanajuato City’s Tunnels

City planning in Guanajuato is some of the most unique in the world and the city is a mad mixture of crisscrossing roads and tunnels. They make following Google Maps or Waze a little confusing. 

The tunnels were originally built to divert excess water from the Guanajuato River and to stop the city from flooding during its mining days. Since then, the tunnels have been used as a way to divert traffic through the city.

You’ll notice that Guanajuato’s streets are very small and narrow and there just isn’t enough space for modern-day traffic. You’ll no doubt drive through the tunnels when coming into or when leaving the city but it’s also worth exploring them a little on your own.

In the center of the city, you’ll see a few bridges from which you can descend down into the tunnels.

13. Visit Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera

Visiting one of the area’s most incredible historical properties should definitely be high on your list of things to do in Guanajuato and this 17th Century hacienda is something you don’t want to miss.

Located only a few kilometers outside Guanajuato, this sprawling property was built in the 1600s from the wealth of silver mining in the area at this time. Here you’ll be able to tour this lavish vine-covered colonial home, with its period furniture still intact and on display.

Don’t miss this hacienda’s vast gardens. The gardens here seem to go on forever and the lush vegetation and tall palms make the perfect place to wander around and get lost in for a few hours.

14. Go for a Row at Presa de la Olla

On a nice day, it’s worth heading out of the city centre to this dam (presa) where you can rent rowboats and relax in the park around it. Rentals cost $40 pesos per boat.

You can then relax at the many different local eateries around the lake and park with a snack or a cold beer or drink rewarding your paddling efforts.

15. Take a Day Trip to Dolores Hidalgo

While you might already be familiar with nearby San Miguel de Allende, Dolores Hidalgo is another fascinating small town in Guanajuato State. It’s one of the best things to do near Guanajuato.

Known as the birthplace of Mexican independence, Dolores Hidalgo is where Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla issued the famous “Grito de Dolores” in 1810, sparking the Mexican War of Independence.

The town’s historical significance is palpable as you visit the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, the church where Hidalgo’s call to arms was made. Stroll through the charming streets lined with colonial architecture, and explore the Museo del Bicentenario, which delves into the town’s pivotal role in Mexican history.

Don’t miss sampling the unique flavors of Dolores Hidalgo’s famous ice cream or nieves, with exotic options like avocado and tequila. The town is also renowned as the birthplace of ranchero singer José Alfredo Jiménez and you can visit his childhood home in the city, now a museum dedicated to his life.

This day trip offers a blend of history, culture, and local charm, making it a memorable excursion.

16. Visit the Alhóndiga de Granaditas Regional Museum

Visiting the Alhóndiga de Granaditas Regional Museum in Guanajuato City is a profound journey through Mexican history.

This iconic granary-turned-fortress was a pivotal site during the Mexican War of Independence, where insurgents led by Miguel Hidalgo made a significant stand.

Today, it houses a museum showcasing artifacts from the colonial period to the revolution. Explore its vast halls filled with paintings, historical documents, and exhibits detailing Mexico’s struggle for independence.

The building itself, with its imposing stone walls and rich historical resonance, provides a captivating backdrop.

Where to Stay in Guanajuato

There aren’t too many wellness retreats or luxury hotels with spas in Guanajuato but there are some amazing, colonial-style hotels that’ll ensure a satisfying stay.

Casa Florencia Hotel Boutique

One of my personal favorite hotels in Guanajuato, Casa Florencia provides a space suitable for nothing but rest and relaxation. 

With large, extremely comfortable beds, cozy rooms and a large terrace for relaxing on during the day, this gorgeous hotel adds a modern touch to the traditional Guanajuato casonas of the area. It’s bright, airy and sparkling clean and the staff are extremely lovely and helpful. Check rates and availability here

Casa del Rector

images courtesy of booking.com

If you’re after a property with a pool and unbeatable rooftop views then look no further. Built inside a large, stone mansion, this property has tastefully decorated rooms in true Guanajuato style but the main draw here is the outdoor area.

Equipped with a terrace with a pool and seating area it’s perfect for sundowners as the view of the town from here is simply stunning. The room to splurge on? The presidential suite has panoramic views of the whole city. Check rates and availability here

La Casona de Don Lucas

For those who want to be in the middle of the action, this Casona is the perfect place to stay. Located less than a block away from the main cathedral and university, you’re surrounded by the best atmosphere, restaurants, and bars right in the city center.

The rooms are large, comfortable, and great value for money. The staff are nice and ready to help you get your bearings or give recommendations. Check rates and availability here

Where to Eat in Guanajuato

Habibti Falafel – Specialising in falafel plates and wraps with hummus and baba ganoush, this place does the best falafel I’ve ever had in Mexico- perfectly crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Pair it with some typical Middle Eastern dips, some crunchy lettuce and ripe tomato for a truly excellent meal.

Cafe Tal – One of the best independent cafes in Guanajuato Centro, we came here every day for our morning coffee. They use quality coffee from all over Mexico but mainly from Oaxaca and Veracruz.

Delica Mitsu Campanero – One of the best Japanese restaurants in the city with a variety of amazing plant-based options, this Japanese place was a real treat.

La Clave Azul –  This ancient bar full of old Mexican cultural trinkets is a fascinating place to spend a few hours. Half British pub, half Mexican taberna vibe, this place is atmospheric, authentic and welcoming. It is primarily a bar, especially in the evening but the friendly staff can offer you some tapas-style bites. It’s often full of locals and a few tourists and you can ask for one of their signature mezcal cocktails or just grab a beer.

Mestizo – A creative mix of local and international dishes in one of Guanajuato’s best restaurants.

Francisca Enoteca & Cocina – Great wine bar with a good selection of wines from Guanajuato and tasty small plates.

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Are you planning a trip to Guanajuato Mexico? What things to do in Guanajuato are on the top of your list? Let me know your questions and comments below.

Planning a trip right now? These are just some of my favourite websites I use to book everything from hotels to rental cars!

Rentalcars.com and Discover Cars for quick and easy car rentals worldwide

Booking.com or Agoda for great deals on hotels

Get Your Guide and Viator for tours and adventures around the world

Airalo for easy, downloadable eSims around the world

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