Exploring Antigua Where to Stay Where to Eat How to get around How to get to Antigua
Antigua often becomes travellers’ favourite place in Guatemala. Not many cities in the world are surrounded in all directions by volcanoes, including one that is constantly erupting (don’t worry, it’s safe).
Wherever you are in this stunning colonial town, the view is mesmerising.
The cobblestone streets, tree-lined plazas and colourful buildings tempt visitors to stay longer than they originally intended.
Or maybe it’s because people need more time to recover from the unforgettable hike — climbing the famous Acatenango volcano.
If you’re visiting Antigua soon, you’ve come to the right place. After reading this guide, you’ll know which area to stay in, where to find the best restaurants and how to get around this historic city in Guatemala.
Also, check out our list of the best activities in Antigua!
Is Antigua, Guatemala worth visiting?
The Acatenango trek involves hiking up a 4,000m-high volcano to watch the volcano directly opposite erupt. You can find out more about this in our Things to do in Antigua Guide.
Whilst this is most people’s highlight of Antigua and even Guatemala, there are still plenty of other things to do in Antigua. You can visit the Hobbit village nearby, explore local markets, take Spanish classes or visit one of the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world.
Whatever you plan to do, Antigua is a must-visit in Guatemala!
How long should you spend in Antigua?
There isn’t a definite answer for how long you should spend in Antigua. Being a very livable city, Antigua makes a perfect base for working, relaxing or taking Spanish lessons.
A lot of people visit Antigua for the Acatenango hike which takes two days.
We recommend staying in Antigua for a minimum of five days. This gives you enough time to prep for and recover from the hike, plus see what else the town itself has to offer.
Where to stay in Antigua
Antigua isn’t a big city, which luckily means there aren’t several different neighbourhoods to choose between when it comes to where you should stay.
The closer to the centre of Antigua you are, the closer you are to all of the main amenities — restaurants, bars, markets, supermarkets.
Even if you’re a bit further out, it really doesn’t matter. Most places that you’ll need will be within 20-minutes walking.
We recommend deciding where to stay based on your favourite accommodation.
Accommodation in Antigua
There are a variety of accommodation options in Antigua, ranging from Airbnb, hotels, homestays to hostels.
Our favourite place to stay in Antigua is Ojala. The modern interior and light rooms create an undeniably relaxing atmosphere. There is also the choice of both dorm and private rooms.
Private rooms in Antigua start from around $15 per night.
Best restaurants in Antigua
Antigua is a popular city amongst travellers in Guatemala, meaning that restaurants try to cater to all tastes from around the world.
Fancy Indian, vegan, Italian, Guatemalan, American or Japanese? You can find it in Antigua!
With a lot of restaurants to choose from, here are our 3 favourites places to eat:
Por Qué No? Cafe — potentially the best food in Antigua
Dishes in Por Qué No? Cafe are so beautifully presented that you won’t want to eat them. Trust us, though, it’s worth destroying the lovely presentation for the food’s incredible taste.
The dishes are always cooked to perfection and the service is impeccable. You’ll probably end up eating here a few times whilst in Antigua. The restaurant is pretty small, so you’ll need to make a reservation.
Santa Rosa Burger Club — a great spot for a delicious burger
A no-frills restaurant, Santa Rosa Burger Club is simply a cheap place to get a huge, melt-in-your-mouth delicious burger.
They have 16 different types of burgers, plus a ton of extras. You can also get chicken wings, salad and a range of sides, like nachos and soups. A perfect spot to make up for all those calories you burned going up Acatenango.
La Bruja — a vegan restaurant with a beautiful garden
La Bruja is a vegan restaurant situated in a beautiful garden in the centre of Antigua. The courtyard is the ideal place to indulge in some delicious plant-based food, such as burgers, wraps, sandwiches, empanadas and much more.
The service is fast and friendly. Plus, all of the ingredients are locally sourced, ensuring that everything is delicious and fresh.
How to get around in Antigua
Getting around Antigua is a breeze. Not only can you walk most places, it’s also a stunning place to wander around.
By foot
Good news: most places in Antigua can be reached by foot. The colonial streets are beautiful and some are pedestrian-only, so walking here is very enjoyable.
By taxi/tuk-tuk
If it’s late at night, or you just don’t fancy walking, you can use a taxi or a tuk-tuk to get around Antigua. Typically, a journey in the city centre costs about Q10, but it depends on your haggling skill.
Tuk-tuks are normally cheaper than taxis.
Uber is also available in Antigua. Getting an Uber can often be quicker and easier than taking a normal taxi.
How to get to Antigua
In summary
Now that you’ve finished reading this guide, you’re almost ready for your adventure in Antigua. The next step is to create your personalised itinerary with our top picks of things to do in Antigua. Simply choose your favourite activities and places to visit, and you’re all set to make lasting memories in Antigua.
About the author(s)
Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.
Aleksandra is a writer and editor who recently moved from Hong Kong to London. She’s worked and studied in four countries (and counting) and picked up a new hobby in each of them. She’s a big fan of long train journeys so you can count on her to take the scenic route, finding a few hidden gems along the way.
Related Posts
Don’t skip Xela | Ultimate guide
to Quetzaltenango
Visiting Flores | Your guide to
Guatemala’s most charming town
Visiting El Paredon | Guatemala’s
laidback surf town
Visiting Lake Atitlan
Which town to pick & how to get around
