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 individuals are pleasant and there are countless quantities of issues to do in Guanajuato, making it a must-visit vacation spot in Mexico. Based mostly on the unimaginable 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 actually 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 checklist 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 shiny and cheerful, and the little streets are countless.
You could get misplaced within the labyrinth of streets within the hills, and if that’s the case, simply wander downhill till you finally arrive within the middle of city. That’s what I did the numerous occasions I didn’t know the place I used to be.
The middle of the town is pedestrian-only, that means you’ll be able to discover with out worrying about autos, exhaust or loud horns honking. Â
So, the place are all of the automobiles? They’re underground!
That’s proper, there’s hardly any site visitors in Guanajuato as a result of community of tunnels beneath the town.
These tunnels have been initially constructed to stop flooding of the close by Rio Guanajuato (river) from damaging the town, however at this time the tunnels are actually defending the town from site visitors.
This makes Guanajuato some of the gratifying cities to stroll round.
Strolling round and exploring on foot is among the finest issues to do in Guanajuato for positive. Put your cellphone 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 concerning the metropolis of Guanajuato, be a part of this strolling tour with a neighborhood information. Discover out extra right here.Â
2. Go to the Mummy Museum
Of all of the points of interest in Guanajuato, visiting a museum full of mummies is unquestionably probably the most offbeat.
One story says that these individuals needed to be dug up from the cemetery with the intention to make room for brand spanking new our bodies. Whereas others state {that a} perpetual burial tax was issued and people who couldn’t afford it, had their beloved relations dug up and moved.
No matter which story is true, what was found wasn’t skeletons as deliberate.
Because of the giant quantities of clay and limestone within the floor, the our bodies turned mummified!
Each native particular person you discuss to will let you know to go to this museum, which homes over 100 mummified our bodies. Mexicans are obsessive about dying 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 dying as different cultures are. No matter how you’re feeling, it’s a really fascinating 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.Â
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 (important theatre) having performances and occasions weekly — usually on Fridays through the months of February – June.
The symphony orchestra is fabulous and tickets price between 80 – 100 pesos ($3.40 – $4.25) for 2 hours of unimaginable 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 identify of this well-known alleyway, El Callejon del Beso, comes from an previous folks story.
Apparently, two younger individuals lived throughout the alley from one another and though the lady’s father forbade their relationship, they have been in love and continued to see each other.
As a result of the lane is so slim, their balconies nearly touched, permitting the younger couple to kiss in secret!Â
The story has a tragic ending, however if you happen to go to this alleyway and stand on the crimson step and kiss your vital different, you’ll have 7 years of happiness.
For {couples}, this is among 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 (the most effective issues to do in Guanajuato for foodies!)
When you’re taken with sampling scrumptious avenue meals, visiting some markets and strolling across the metropolis, this tour is for you!
The meals in Mexico has historic significance and has truly been given UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage standing. Not solely that, however the delicacies is so tasty. One of the simplest ways to search out (and eat) conventional meals is by becoming a member of a tour with a educated information.Â
From genuine gorditas and sopes, to tomales and tacos, this meals tour will take you round to all the scorching 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 Road Meals Excursions for particulars.
6. Wander By means of 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 house has been changed into a museum/artwork gallery and you may wander via and take a glimpse into the rooms of his precise house — that are nonetheless arrange with furnishings.
With the intention to flip the house into an artwork gallery, the home has been added onto. You’ll discover some improbable items right here, by each Rivera and different extra trendy artists as nicely.
One of the simplest ways to grasp what you’re truly taking a look at 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 house on the map.Â
Handle: Calle Positos 47, Zona Centro, 36000, Guanajuato, Mexico
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7. Experience the Funicular
The funicular is a tram automobile pulled by a cable, which takes you up the aspect of the mountain.
It’s type 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 situated 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.Â
Handle: Calle Constancia 17, Zona Centro, 36000, Guanajuato, Mexico
8. Go Procuring
There are a couple of markets on the town, however a very powerful (and largest) is the Mercado Hidalgo.
Distributors arrange store right here promoting every part from contemporary fruits and clothes to cheese and meat.
You could discover that the iron constructing kind of resembles a prepare station, and also you’re proper, that’s what it was initially presupposed to be! Even if you happen to’re not taken with buying something, it’s nonetheless value a go to to see the distinctive constructing and the products on the market.
Handle: Av. Benito Juárez Mercado, Hidalgo, 36000, Guanajuato, Mexico
9. Test 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 primary plaza, whereas the San Cayetano (La Valenciana) is situated out close to the mines.
The Templo de la CompañÃa is taken into account one of many most interesting examples of the Churrigueresque model in Latin America. The facade of this church could appear a bit rundown, however the inside is beautiful.
Even if you happen to’re not a non secular particular person, you’ll be able to’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 present 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 faculty, then a jail, earlier than lastly changing into a museum.
This was additionally the place of the primary victory over the Spanish through the Warfare Of Independence in 1810. Don’t miss the attractive murals above the staircase.
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.Â
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 concerning the buildings you’re taking a look at, the historical past of the town, and discover some secret spots, then I recommend becoming a member of a strolling tour with a neighborhood.Â
The identical proprietor of the meals tour listed above runs an fascinating historic strolling tour across the metropolis. Through the journey, you’ll discover again alleys, Diego Rivera’s house, Teatro Juarez, Mercado Hidalgo, and extra.
It is a nice option to spend a couple of hours and see some offtrack locations in Guanajuato. Discover out extra about this extremely rated, inexpensive strolling tour right here.
Another 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 taken with seeing — it’s as much as you!
The excursions are fantastic methods to expertise one of the best locations to see in Guanajuato, they usually’re an excellent worth for cash.Â
12. Discover the Mines
Guanajuato made a reputation for itself (and its fortunes) as a result of silver mines surrounding the town. There are 2 mines which are value visiting, however they aren’t for individuals who are claustrophobic.
El Nopal Mine is the closest to Guanajuato and is the smaller of the 2.
Tour guides listed below are native college college students who’re finding out this discipline. Most of the excursions will solely be held in Spanish, nevertheless it’s fascinating to go to even if you happen to don’t fully perceive the language.
The price 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.Â
The second and bigger mine within the space is La Valenciana.Â
This was the deepest and most intensive mine within the space and had its heyday through the seventeenth century.
Right here, you’ll be able to descend down a 60m shaft into the depths of the mine! This mine is among the extra distinctive locations to go to, and experiences to have in Guanajuato.
La Valenciana mine is situated 5 kilometers from the town middle. Yow will discover it on the map right here. Another 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 couple of days visiting numerous vineyards round Guanajuato and had a superb expertise. Don’t miss Viñedo Toyan, Tres Raices, Santisima Trinidad, Dos Buhos and Hacienda San José Lavista.
When it comes to 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’ll be able to lease a automobile to go to the vineyards, rent a non-public driver, or be a part of a tour. Visiting the wineries is among 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 outdoors of the town at El Cerro de La Bufa. We met up with Carlos and his cute canine (Uni) on the high of the funicular, and from there, we went on a brief automobile trip to the trailhead.
This hike begins off with a enjoyable scramble up the mountainside, adopted by spectacular views of towering rock formations, the town of Guanajuato under, and rolling mountains within the distance. The icing on the cake is watching the sundown.
In whole, the hike is about 3-4 hours lengthy, and is among the high issues to do in Guanajuato if you happen to love nature and being lively. Carlos is a good information and since he’s from Guanajuato, he’s very educated concerning the metropolis.
I extremely advocate this journey. Study extra about this lovely hike right here.
15. Benefit from the Saturday MarketÂ
Not many individuals make it to this space of Guanajuato, which is a disgrace! This avenue (Paseo de la Presa) is a beautiful space for strolling any time of the week, however on Saturdays particularly, it’s an excellent spot to benefit from the market.Â
You’ll discover plenty of meals distributors serving up tasty Mexican meals, and artisanal meals, and there are additionally some craft distributors right here as nicely. Take a look at this lesser-visited space of Guanajuato in your go to to the town.Â
FAQs About Visiting Guanajuato
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on what to do in Guanajuato.Â
Sure! Guanajuato is totally value visiting. When you like lovely, colourful colonial cities, historic websites, tasty meals, and lesser-visited locations, then add Guanajuato to your journey checklist.
Guanajuato is understood for its native hero, El PÃpila, in addition to its underground tunnels, silver mines, and naturally, the many beautiful colourful alleyways.
Guanajuato is a fairly 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 may be simply to rapidly see the primary sights. I recommend spending 3 days minimal right here to completely take pleasure in all of the enjoyable issues to do in Guanajuato — together with a Callejoneada, an unimaginable 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 actually seeing it on foot could also be one of the best ways 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 unimaginable place with many fascinating issues to see and do.
This checklist actually may have gone on and on! I extremely advocate visiting this UNESCO metropolis in Mexico and hope you adore it as a lot as we did.
And, don’t miss our epic journey information to Mexico which lists every part it is advisable find out about touring to this superb nation.
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