The UNESCO-listed metropolis of Guanajuato is kind of presumably probably the most picturesque place in all of Mexico. Brightly coloured buildings tumble down the hillside, resulting in pretty plazas and squares.
The temperature is ideal, the persons are pleasant and there are limitless quantities of issues to do in Guanajuato Metropolis, making it a must-visit vacation spot in Mexico. Based mostly on the unbelievable experiences I had there, Guanajuato is now my favourite place to go to in Mexico.
15 Greatest Issues to Do in Guanajuato
After spending 2 weeks on this pretty mountain city, I can truthfully say that it’s an excellent place for vacationers to go to, and I can’t wait to return. There are quite a few issues to see in Guanajuato, however right here’s my listing of the 15 finest.
1. Wander The Vibrant Lanes
Guanajuato is a well-designed metropolis with loads of plazas and squares, and main away from these squares are many lanes and alleyways simply ready to be explored.
The colors of the buildings are brilliant and cheerful, and the little streets are limitless.
Chances are you’ll get misplaced within the labyrinth of streets within the hills, and in that case, simply wander downhill till you finally arrive within the middle of city. That’s what I did the various instances I didn’t know the place I used to be.
The middle of town is pedestrian-only, which means you may discover with out worrying about automobiles, exhaust or loud horns honking.
So, the place are all of the vehicles? They’re underground!
That’s proper, there’s hardly any visitors in Guanajuato because of the community of tunnels beneath town.
These tunnels have been initially constructed to stop flooding of the close by Rio Guanajuato (river) from damaging town, however at this time the tunnels at the moment are defending town from visitors.
This makes Guanajuato one of the crucial satisfying cities to stroll round.
Strolling round and exploring on foot is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Guanajuato Metropolis for certain. Put your telephone away, and don’t fear about Google Maps right here — getting misplaced is all a part of the enjoyable.
When you’d wish to be taught extra in regards to the metropolis of Guanajuato, be a part of this strolling tour with a neighborhood information. Discover out extra right here.
2. Go to the Mummy Museum
Of all of the sights in Guanajuato, visiting a museum full of mummies is unquestionably probably the most offbeat.
One story says that these folks needed to be dug up from the cemetery with a purpose to make room for brand new our bodies. Whereas others state {that a} perpetual burial tax was issued and people who couldn’t afford it, had their beloved members of the family dug up and moved.
No matter which story is true, what was found wasn’t skeletons as deliberate.
As a result of massive quantities of clay and limestone within the floor, the our bodies grew to become mummified!
Each native particular person I talked to advised me to go to this museum, which homes over 100 mummified our bodies. Mexicans are obsessive about loss of life and their infatuation with this museum solely helps to show that.
Westerners might discover it a bit eery, creepy, and unhappy, as we’re not as comfy with loss of life as different cultures are. No matter how you are feeling, it’s a really attention-grabbing museum and one of many extra uncommon issues to do in Guanajuato.
The museum is open from 9:00 – 6:00pm daily and prices 50 pesos ($2.10) to enter. Click on right here to search out the Mummy Museum on the map.
Handle: Explanada del Panteon Municipal s/n, 36000, Guanajuato, Mexico
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3. Get pleasure from a Present on the Theatre
There are a few theatres in Guanajuato, with Teatro Principal (most important theatre) having performances and occasions weekly — sometimes on Fridays in the course of the months of February – June.
The symphony orchestra is fabulous and tickets value between 80 – 100 pesos ($3.40 – $4.25) for 2 hours of unbelievable music. When you’re questioning what to do for date night time in Guanajuato, that is it. Click on right here to search out Teatro Principal on the map.
Handle: Cantarranas & Subida Principal, Zona Centro, 36000, Guanajuato, Mexico
4. Go to the Alley of the Kiss
The title of this well-known alleyway, El Callejon del Beso, comes from an outdated people story.
Apparently, two younger folks lived throughout the alley from one another and though the woman’s father forbade their relationship, they have been in love and continued to see each other.
As a result of the lane is so slender, their balconies virtually touched, permitting the younger couple to kiss in secret!
The story has a tragic ending, however should you go to this alleyway and stand on the pink step and kiss your vital different, you’ll have 7 years of happiness.
For {couples}, this is without doubt one of the most romantic issues to do in Guanajuato. This highly-rated strolling tour brings you right here to the Alley of the Kiss, plus many different stops within the metropolis.
Handle: Patrocinio 58, Zona Centro, 36000, Guanajuato, Mexico
5. Go on a Meals Tour (probably the greatest issues to do in Guanajuato for foodies!)
When you’re curious about sampling scrumptious road meals, visiting some markets and strolling across the metropolis, this tour is for you!
The meals in Mexico has historic significance and has really been given UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage standing. Not solely that, however the delicacies is so tasty. The easiest way to search out (and eat) conventional meals is by becoming a member of a tour with a educated information.
From genuine gorditas and sopes, to tomales and tacos, this meals tour will take you round to all the sizzling spots and finest distributors.
After devouring scrumptious snacks, sipping on Mexican espresso and ending all of it off with selfmade ice cream, you’ll be prepared for a nap. Take a look at Mexico Avenue Meals Excursions for particulars.
6. Wander By Diego Rivera’s House
Diego Rivera was Frida’s husband and a well-known artist in Mexico, and the Diego Rivera Museum is now one of many high locations to go to in Guanajuato.
His residence has been became a museum/artwork gallery and you’ll wander by way of and take a glimpse into the rooms of his precise residence — that are nonetheless arrange with furnishings.
To be able to flip the house into an artwork gallery, the home has been added onto. You’ll discover some implausible items right here, by each Rivera and different extra trendy artists as properly.
The easiest way to know what you’re really and to get a greater glimpse into the lifetime of Diego Rivera is to be a part of a tour. Click on right here to search out Diego’s residence on the map.
Handle: Calle Positos 47, Zona Centro, 36000, Guanajuato, Mexico
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7. Journey the Funicular
The funicular is a tram automotive pulled by a cable, which takes you up the aspect of the mountain. I had a good time driving it, and the views couldn’t be beat.
It’s form of like an escalator, which is nice because the mountainside is kind of steep. As soon as on the high, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the colourful metropolis of Guanajuato, in addition to an up-close view of the statue of Pipila, a neighborhood hero.
The funicular is positioned behind Teatro Juarez. A one-way ticket prices 30 pesos, whereas a return journey is 60. I like to recommend taking the funicular up, and strolling down. Click on right here to search out it on the map.
Handle: Calle Constancia 17, Zona Centro, 36000, Guanajuato, Mexico
8. Go Purchasing
There are a number of markets on the town, however an important (and largest) is the Mercado Hidalgo.
Distributors arrange store right here promoting the whole lot from contemporary fruits and clothes to cheese and meat.
Chances are you’ll discover that the iron constructing type of resembles a practice station, and also you’re proper, that’s what it was initially imagined to be! Even should you’re not curious about buying something, it’s nonetheless price a go to to see the distinctive constructing and the products on the market.
Handle: Av. Benito Juárez Mercado, Hidalgo, 36000, Guanajuato, Mexico
9. Verify Out the Church buildings and Cathedrals
There are quite a few church buildings and cathedrals in and across the metropolis middle.
You possibly can’t miss the colourful yellow Basilica de Guanajuato which dominates the principle plaza, whereas the San Cayetano (La Valenciana) is positioned out close to the mines.
The Templo de la Compañía is taken into account one of many best examples of the Churrigueresque model in Latin America. The facade of this church could appear a bit rundown, however the inside is beautiful.
Even should you’re not a non secular particular person, you may’t assist however be in awe of the attractive constructions.
10. Go to the Alhóndiga de Granaditas (artwork and historical past museum)
The constructing at the moment housing the Alhóndiga de Granaditas has been used for a lot of issues over time.
Initially, it was a grain storehouse, earlier than changing into a fortress for the Spaniards. After that, it was used as an armory, then a college, then a jail, earlier than lastly changing into a museum.
This was additionally the place of the primary victory over the Spanish in the course of the Struggle Of Independence in 1810. Don’t miss the attractive murals above the staircase, which was most likely my favourite a part of my go to.
The constructing is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00am – 6:00pm. The doorway price is 30 pesos ($1.25). Click on right here to search out Alhondiga de Ganaditas on the map.
Handle: C. Mendizábal 6, Zona Centro, 36000, Guanajuato, Mexico
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11. Be part of a Historic Strolling Tour
Wandering round aimlessly in Guanajuato is enjoyable, however if you wish to be taught in regards to the buildings you’re , the historical past of town, and discover some secret spots, then I counsel becoming a member of a strolling tour with a neighborhood.
The identical proprietor of the meals tour listed above runs an attention-grabbing historic strolling tour across the metropolis. Throughout the journey, you’ll discover again alleys, Diego Rivera’s residence, Teatro Juarez, Mercado Hidalgo, and extra.
This can be a nice strategy to spend a number of hours and see some offtrack locations in Guanajuato. Discover out extra about this extremely rated, inexpensive strolling tour right here.
An alternative choice for a strolling tour is that this one, which takes you to the College, Plaza Baratillo, Museo Regional de Guanajuato Alhondiga de Granaditas, Mercado Hidalgo, Plaza de la Paz, the underground roads, and there are stops relying on what the group is curious about seeing — it’s as much as you!
The excursions are fantastic methods to expertise the most effective locations to see in Guanajuato, they usually’re an excellent worth for the cash.
12. Discover the Mines
Guanajuato made a reputation for itself (and its fortunes) because of the silver mines surrounding town. There are 2 mines which can be price visiting, however they aren’t for many who are claustrophobic.
El Nopal Mine is the closest to Guanajuato and is the smaller of the 2.
Tour guides listed here are native college college students who’re learning this area. Most of the excursions will solely be held in Spanish, however it’s attention-grabbing to go to even should you don’t utterly perceive the language.
The associated fee to enter is simply 30 pesos ($1.25), and a tip for the scholars is appreciated. Yow will discover El Nopal Mine on the map right here.
The second and bigger mine within the space is La Valenciana.
This was the deepest and most in depth mine within the space and had its heyday in the course of the seventeenth century.
Right here, you may descend down a 60m shaft into the depths of the mine! This mine is without doubt one of the extra distinctive locations to go to in Guanajuato. It’s one of many extra memorable issues I did whereas I used to be there.
La Valenciana mine is positioned 5 kilometers from town middle. Yow will discover it on the map right here. An alternative choice is to be a part of this tour which incorporates transportation from Guanajuato and a information.
13. Go to the Wineries
Do you know there are wineries round Guanajuato? Positive, the Valle de Guadalupe on the Baja Peninsula is extra well-known within the wine world, however there are greater than 25 wineries round San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato Metropolis!
We spent a number of days visiting varied vineyards round Guanajuato and had a superb expertise. Don’t miss Viñedo Toyan, Tres Raices, Santisima Trinidad, Dos Buhos and Hacienda San José Lavista.
By way of the wine itself, our favorites have been the Aglianico and Cabernet Franc at Dos Buhos, and the Merlot and Malbec at Hacienda San José Lavista.
From Guanajuato, you may lease a automotive to go to the vineyards, rent a non-public driver, or be a part of a tour. Visiting the wineries is without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Guanajuato.
14. Go for a Hike
My favourite exercise in Guanajuato throughout our 2-week keep was going for a hike simply exterior of town at El Cerro de La Bufa. We met up with Carlos and his lovely canine (Uni) on the high of the funicular, and from there, we went on a brief automotive experience to the trailhead.
This hike begins off with a enjoyable scramble up the mountainside, adopted by spectacular views of towering rock formations, town of Guanajuato under, and rolling mountains within the distance. The icing on the cake is watching the sundown.
In complete, the hike is about 3-4 hours lengthy, and is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Guanajuato should you love nature and being energetic. Carlos is a good information and since he’s from Guanajuato, he’s very educated in regards to the metropolis.
I extremely suggest this journey. Be taught extra about this stunning hike right here.
15. Benefit from the Saturday Market
Not many individuals make it to this space of Guanajuato, which is a disgrace! This road (Paseo de la Presa) is a stunning space for strolling any time of the week, however on Saturdays particularly, it’s an excellent spot to benefit from the market.
You’ll discover a number of meals distributors serving up tasty Mexican meals and artisanal meals, and there are additionally some craft distributors right here as properly. Take a look at this lesser-visited space of Guanajuato in your go to to town.
FAQs About Visiting Guanajuato
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on what to do in Guanajuato.
Sure! Guanajuato is completely price visiting. When you like stunning, colourful colonial cities, historic websites, tasty meals, and lesser-visited locations, then add Guanajuato to your journey listing.
Guanajuato is thought for its native hero, El Pípila, in addition to its underground tunnels, silver mines, and naturally, the many attractive colourful alleyways.
Guanajuato is a reasonably Spanish-colonial city surrounded on all sides by steep mountains. This structure makes it distinctive, together with well-known locations to see in Guanajuato just like the mummies.
You possibly can spend 1 day in Guanajuato, however that will be simply too fast see the principle sights. I counsel spending 3 days minimal right here to completely take pleasure in all of the enjoyable issues to do in Guanajuato Metropolis — together with a Callejoneada, an unbelievable hike, historic strolling tour, and sundown drinks at a rooftop bar (strive One Bar for a drink with a view).
Completely Guanajuato is walkable, and in reality seeing it on foot could also be the easiest way to discover this compact metropolis. Many locations to go to in Guanajuato are finest accessed by strolling, such because the Alley of the Kiss.
Now You Know What to Do in Guanajuato
By no means throughout our travels have we fallen in love so rapidly with a metropolis. Guanajuato is an unbelievable place with many attention-grabbing issues to see and do.
This listing actually might have gone on and on! I extremely suggest visiting this UNESCO metropolis in Mexico and hope you like it as a lot as we did.
And, don’t miss our epic journey information to Mexico which lists the whole lot it’s essential find out about touring to this wonderful nation.
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