Antigua, Guatemala Uncovered: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting This Colonial Gem
Antigua is a small city surrounded by volcanoes in southern Guatemala. It’s renowned for its Spanish colonial buildings, many of them restored following a 1773 earthquake that ended Antigua’s 200-year reign as Guatemala’s colonial capital. Notable architectural examples include baroque La Merced church. It’s an integral part of the city’s famous Semana Santa, a holy week with parades and rituals.
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Antigua, Guatemala Uncovered: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting This Colonial Gem
How to Get to Antigua
Depending on the route in to or through Guatemala you are taking, there are several options for how to travel to Antigua.
🚗Private Driver
From Guatemala City, the drive takes about 1 hour and the average cost is $35-$50 depending on company and number of passengers. These can be booked online or via your accommodations. Many hostels also offer private or small group transfers between the cities for great rates.
From Panajachel (Lake Atitlan) the journey takes 5.5-6 hours and costs approximately $115 (varies by company and number of passengers)
From Flores private drivers start at approximately $100 per group, with the journey taking approximately 10-12 hours.
🚕Taxi or Uber
From Guatemala City an Uber will cost anywhere from $30-$50 depending on time and demand.
*If you have 2 or more people, this is generally the most convenient and cost effective option with the most flexibility, as the tourist shuttles can add up to the same amount. My friend and I took an Uber from Guatemala City and this worked perfectly for us.
🚌Bus
This will be your cheapest option. The chicken buses run quite frequently between popular destinations (like Flores, Lake Atitlan, and Guatemala City) and Antigua.
From Guatemala City, the chicken bus takes 1.5-2 hours and costs $2-$3
From Panajachel (Lake Atitlan) or Flores, the chicken buses (yes, multiple are required) cost approximately $8-$10 in total.
This is not the recommended route for long distances for several reasons: the routes are not available online, the drivers generally only speak Spanish so language barrier may be an issue, the buses are crowded, and the journey is very long with frequent stops.
🚐Tourist Shuttle
From Guatemala City tourist shuttles run very frequently between the 2 cities and with the average cost per person being $15-$20.
From Panajachel (Lake Atitlan) the tourist shuttle takes approximately 3 hours and prices range from $15 to $25. I found Gekko Tours on line and booked directly for $15 (plus $1.75 booking fee) which was the best price I found on line.
From Flores tourist shuttles run 3-4 times per day with the journey taking approximately 12 hours and costing an average of $35.
✈️From Flores, you can fly in to Guatemala city (base fares start around $70) then take the bus, Uber, shuttle, etc to Antigua.
Where to Stay in Antigua
I had an array of stays in Antigua since I first came with a friend and we split the cost of an airbnb, then I stayed an additional night on my own before heading to Lake Atitlan, and then came back to Antigua for 2 nights before heading to Semuc-Champey.
My stays took me to three different areas of the city and I can confidently say there is no bad area to stay near the center of Antigua. Everything was very walkable and accessible, with shops, restaurants, and cafes in abundance in every area.
One of the great things about Antigua is that there is a stay at every price point. It is a backpacker’s paradise with endless hostels, but also offers luxe 5 star hotels and every thing in between.
The Airbnb we stayed in was pretty mid budget, and then I stayed in 2 different hostels (1 private room with shared bath and one private room with en suite).
🏠Our Airbnb was no-frills but comfortable and in a great location. If you are looking for a good space for multiple people in a very walkable area, I would recommend it.
Total for 4 nights was $283.01
🛏️Before heading to Lake Atitlan, I stayed one night at Socialtel Hostel. The draw to this property was the pool, outdoor space and great bar/restaurant reviews. None of those things disappointed and I was pleasantly surprised by how big the room was and the overall comfort of the hostel.
A private room with shared bathroom (booked last minute) was $77.00
🛏️When I returned to Antigua after Lake Atitlan for 2 nights, I opted for a budget hotel/hostel with a private room and private bathroom. Why Not Hotel offered a no-frills but comfortable room with a great rooftop and calm, quiet setting at a great rate (dorms starting as low as $8/night).
I paid about $45 for my 2 night stay.
Guatamala Currency
Guatemala uses the Guatemalan quetzal (Q or GTQ).
While some places will take USD or Euro (change given in quetzal), you will need local currency when traveling in Guatemala.
Antigua is one of the few places that took credit cards at the majority of businesses but be aware that many places charge rather significant amounts to use a credit card (5-10%).
🏧ATMs offer decent rates and have fees ranging anywhere from $4-$8 per withdrawal. I was told the Banco Industrial (BI) ATMs were the best bet for exchange rates and fees, so that is what I went with. Others say “5B” machines (found everywhere) have better rates.
💵I always prefer to avoid the ATM game and just exchange cash. There are several cash exchange places near Parque Central de Antigua Guatemala, that offer varying rates.
I found the best rates at a random Money Gram in the back of an appliance store, but you can also use a local bank.
Some important notes on cash exchange:
🛂ID - Passport is required to exchange cash
💵Money with ANY rips, tears, or excessive wear will not be accepted.
⭐Pro tip: If you don’t have your passport on you or need to exchange money that is not in the best condition - See Isabella. She can be found on the corner in the square in Parque Central Selling lottery tickets and will exchange any bills without ID.
What To Do In Antigua
For my complete Guide to Unmissable Antigua, Top Things to Do in this Guatemalan Gem, click here!
Where to Eat in Antigua
I have heard a lot of varying reviews and feedback on Guatemalan food, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Personally, I think a lot of people set themselves up for disappointment expecting Mexican cuisine and don’t appreciate the regional cuisine for what it is.
Antigua truly has something for everyone. Here you will find a huge variety ranging from traditional to modern fusion, vegan to steak houses, street food to upscale, and everything in between. As much as it pains me to admit, even the McDonalds are beautiful and far superior to the US.
It would take a month to get through all the eateries in Antigua, but these are the ones I managed to get to:
Breakfast/Brunch in Antigua
AM BKFST- Breakfast all day
🗺️Calle de Los Duelos 8A, Antigua Guatemala 03001
🕰️Sun 7a-9p, Mon-Wed 7a-3p, Thurs 7a-9p, Fri-Sat 7a-10p
🥬Veggie Friendly
A bit outside the main tourist area, AM BKFST is absolutely worth the short walk. The portion sizes are huge and plentiful, the menu has something for everyone, the service is warm and friendly, and the setting is beautiful: what else could you want in a brunch spot? Oh! Very affordable prices, they have that too.
Lunch & Dinner in Antigua
Por Qué No? Cafe
🗺️2a Avenida Sur y 9 Calle Oriente Casa 9 Antigua Guatemala, 03001
🕰️Daily 6p-10p
🌐For reservations (send a DM)
🥬Veggie Friendly
Por Qué No? Cafe came highly recommended and we were lucky to snag the last table available on my birthday.
We met a couple on our ATV tour and ended up having drinks with them then all headed to this tiny little restaurant in hopes of getting a walk in table for 4. We got very lucky and did (highly recommend a reservation, as others were turned away).
After having sampled half the menu, it was clear why this place was so highly recommended.
⭐This place is tiny-tiny and the majority of the tables are upstairs, which requires climbing a ladder and sitting on some pretty little stools.
Maxan
🗺️1a Avenida Sur 8, Antigua 03001 Guatemala
🕰️Tues-Thurs 12p-10p, Fri-Sat 12p-11p, Mon - Closed
🥬Veggie Friendly
Two words: mushroom croquettes.
The setting here is lovely, and though we were pretty sure it was his first day our waiter was very kind and attentive. The food was tasty and the menu offered great options for seafood lovers, vegetarians, and meat, lovers alike.
Laurel Bistro
🗺️1a Calle Poniente 9, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
🕰️Mon-Thurs 8a-9p, Fri-Sat 8a-10p, Sun 8a-8p
Laurel was my last night in Antigua, date not for one, splurge.
The setting was beautiful, the staff was kind and friendly, and the food was good. It didn’t knock my socks off, but was good and I would certainly go back and try some other dishes.
The bar was also beautiful, and had I not had a very early pick and long transfer the next morning, I would have popped in there after my dinner.
Los Tres Tiempos
🗺️6 avenida Sur No.7, Antigua Guatemala
🕰️Sun 8a-9p, Mon-Wed 9a-10p, Thurs-Dat 8a-11p
🥬Veggie Friendly
I found Los Tres Tiempos when google searching “best nachos in Antigua” and we ended up not even ordering nachos.
What we did order hit the spot with tasty veggies, tacos and sangria after our Volcano hike. The setting is gorgeous and feels a bit elevated, but we were more than welcomed in our hiking gear and (more than) a little grimy.
The menu is huge, as is the restaurant, so there is something for everyone and every size party.
🥬Vegan Restaurants in Antigua
Wachuma
🗺️5a Calle Oriente 12, Antigua Guatemala
🕰️Daily 11a-9p
I found Wachuma when I googled “Best cheap eats” in Antigua and was not only impressed by the price point, but also the overall quality of the food, as well as the huge portions. I definitely felt like I got my bang for my buck in this cozy little space that serves up some delicious bowls.
La Bruja
🗺️3 Avenida Sur 1A, Antigua Guatemala 03001
🕰️Thurs-Tues 12p-9p, closed Wed
My friend and I both took note of this place when we passed on our ATV tour, then our walking tour host suggested it so we knew we needed to go. The atmosphere is beautiful and bright and so is the food. We sampled from both the smoothie bar and restaurant and enjoyed every bite.
Once Once
🗺️2a Calle Oriente #22, Antigua Guatemala
🕰️Tues-Sat 8:30a-3:30p, 6p-9p, Sun/Mon - closed
This one of the best meals I had in Antigua. Everything about it was dreamy from the garden setting to the wonderful service to the absolutely delicious food and lemonade.
I had the al pastor tacos and they were some of the best tacos I have ever had.
Sweet Treats in Antigua
Doña María Gordillo Candy Store
Discover the iconic Doña María Gordillo, a family-owned business since 1872, offering a variety of traditional Guatemalan sweets and treats
🗺️H749+WC6, Poniente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
🕰️Mon-Fri 9:30a-2p, 2:45p-5:30p. Sat-Sun 9:30a-5:30p
It was both a blessing and a curse that we did not discover this magical place was just around the corner from out Airbnb, because I would have been here every day… multiple times.
If you are looking for unique, traditional, local candies this it the place for you. Our walking tour guide took us in here and we had a small sampling of what Doña María Gordillo offers. Our few bites was enough to have me wanted to go back ASAP.
La Cremeria Antigua
🗺️1a avenida sur casa 23 Antigua Guatemala Antigua, Guatemala 03000, Guatemala
🕰️Wed-Mon 10a-7p, Wed- closed
🥬Vegan (and lactose free) friendly
This was the perfect lunch on a hot day in Antigua. I settled on a coffee ice cream, but sampled many other flavors and they were all fresh and delicious. I could have had a cone from here every day.
Best Bars in Antigua
Ulew Cocktail Bar
🗺️Ulew Cocktail Bar, 3 Poniente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
🕰️Daily 2p-12a
🌐Ulew
When our very fun flight attendant recommended Ulew, we knew we needed to move it to the top of our list.
It ended up being the perfect spot to have some beautiful and tasty drinks with our new friends from a tour on my birthday.
With a really fun and interesting menu, quirky “coasters”, friendly staff and a really cool setting, Ulew just might be the perfect cocktail bar.
Mancha
🗺️7a Calle Poniente 15B, Antigua Guatemala 03001, Guatemala
🕰️Tues-Dat 6p-1a, Sun 6p-11p, Mon - Closed
You know if I was too busy taking birthday shots, discussing the world’s best hot sauce and talking to the bartender to take pictures, the place was great.
Mancha is super unassuming, tucked in to the side of the restaurant (which also looks delicious) but feels like stepping in to your grandmother’s living room with it’s old-timey feel and picture frames adorning that walls… that is until you take a closer look at the pictures in those frames.
The bartender is a local celebrity, and for good reason. He will keep you both tipsy and thoroughly entertained.
Whisky Den & Coffee Bar
🗺️1a Avenida Sur 7, Antigua Guatemala
🕰️Sun 12p-11p, Mon-Thurs 4p-11p, Fri-Sat 12p-1a
This was the first bar we went to upon arriving in Antigua and it really set the bar high. The staff was super friendly and welcoming, that cocktails were strong and delicious, and the bar is beautiful.
As a bonus, it was 100 steps away from our Airbnb.
Cafe No Se
🗺️1st Avenida, Antigua 03001, Guatemala
🕰️Daily 2p-1a
In a city filled with open, airy, and bright bars, Cafe No Se stands in dark contrast with it’s moody, dark, divey vibes in the best way.
With it’s speakeasy-meets-dive bar feel, amazing mezcal cocktails, and just overall cool atmosphere, this is a must stop in for any bar lover.
Be sure to take time to read the walls, there are some gems written there.
Antigua Rooftop Bars
Aqua
🗺️4a Avenida Norte #16, Antigua, Guatemala 03001
🕰️Tues-Sun 11a-11p, Mon 11a-10:30p
🌐Aqua
I came across Aqua when looking for a pool day pass, then found out it had a great rooftop from our walking tour guide.
The rooftop is lovely and offers stunning views, even on an overcast evening. The drinks are on the pricier side, but were strong and delicious. We had dinner plans so opted not to get food, but the menu was tempting and the portions look huge from what we saw around us.
Cafe Sky
🗺️1a Avenida Sur 15, Antigua Guatemala 03001
🕰️Daily 8a-10p
Sky Cafe offers amazing views, decent cocktails, and a great crowd. Upon the recommendation of our tour guide, and reviews, I opted not to eat here (thought they are said to have a good breakfast) and just enjoyed the sunset with a local beer and a few fellow travelers I met.
Antigua Markets
The street food in Antigua is top notch and a great way to try local food and save some cash.
I sampled numerous street foods from the markets and street vendors with no issues and had some of the tastiest bites.
🚫While I highly recommend trying some street food, it was strongly recommended by our tour guide to avoid the strawberries and lettuce sold on the street. While the strawberries look absolutely divine, we took this advice to heart and avoided them.
Mercado Central Antigua Guatemala (and Mercado de Artesanías)
🗺️Antigva, Gvatemala, Poniente 4, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
🕰️Daily 7p-6p
You can find absolutely anything here. Literally, anything. From heaps of fresh produce, meat, bread, cheeses, to delectable street food, to any and every souvenir you didn’t know you needed, electronics, clothes, shoes… everything.
The stalls in this market go on and on and you can easily spend hours browsing them and taking in all the sights, smells, and tastes of this huge market.
Antigua Food Market
Located just outside Iglesia de la Merced, this food spot had offerings throughout the day, but really comes alive at night. During the day, you will find grilled corn, fruit vendors, and a couple of stands selling traditional food, but at night you will find several vendors selling a much more vast variety.
This is a great place to try a variety of foods on a minimal budget.
Be sure to have cash and small bills.
No matter when or how you visit Antigua, as a backpacker, luxury traveler or anything in between, you are sure to fall in love with this colonial Latin America city.
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I started traveling Latin America over 5 years ago and love everything about the region and diverse cultures.
I spent a little over 3 weeks backpacking Guatemala March-April of 2025 and cannot wait to go back and explore more.
