{"id":10086099,"date":"2023-07-27T12:19:46","date_gmt":"2023-07-27T12:19:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/?p=10086099"},"modified":"2025-02-04T14:18:51","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T14:18:51","slug":"things-to-do-in-antigua-guatemala","status":"publish","type":"travelguides","link":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/nl\/blog\/dingen-om-te-doen-in-antigua-guatemala\/","title":{"rendered":"Visiting Antigua, Guatemala | What To Do In The City Of Volcanoes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\n <\/i>Exploring Antigua<\/span><\/a> \n <\/i>Where to stay<\/span><\/a>\n <\/i>Where to eat<\/span><\/a>\n <\/i>How to get around<\/span><\/a>\n <\/i>Things To Do<\/a> \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t worry, it\u2019s safe).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wherever you are in this stunning colonial town, the view is mesmerising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cobblestone streets, tree-lined plazas and colourful buildings tempt visitors to stay longer than they originally intended. The city is so spectacular, it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or maybe it\u2019s because people need more time to recover from the unforgettable hike \u2014 climbing the famous Acatenango Volcano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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, how to get around and the top things to do in this historic city in Guatemala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Antigua, Guatemala worth visiting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"camp
Campsite in front of Fuego Volcano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Acatenango trek involves hiking up a 4,000m-high volcano to watch the volcano directly opposite erupt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst this is most people\u2019s 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\u2019s in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever you plan to do, Antigua is a must-visit in Guatemala<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long should you spend in Antigua?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There isn\u2019t a definite answer for the perfect amount of time in Antigua. Being a very livable city, Antigua makes a perfect base for working, relaxing or taking Spanish lessons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lot of people visit Antigua for the Acatenango hike which takes two days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay in Antigua<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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View of Antigua from Cerro de la Cruz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Antigua isn\u2019t a big city, which luckily means there aren\u2019t several different neighbourhoods to choose between when it comes to where you should stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The closer to the centre of Antigua you are, the closer you are to all of the main amenities \u2014 restaurants, bars, markets, and supermarkets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you\u2019re a bit further out, it really doesn\u2019t matter. Most places that you\u2019ll need will be within 20 minutes of walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend deciding where to stay based on your favourite accommodation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accommodation in Antigua<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are a variety of accommodation options in Antigua, ranging from Airbnb, hotels, homestays to hostels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our favourite hotel in Antigua is Ojala<\/a>. The modern interior and light rooms create an undeniably relaxing atmosphere. There is also the choice of both dorm and private rooms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Private rooms in Antigua start from around $15 per night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best restaurants in Antigua<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Antigua is a popular city amongst travellers in Guatemala, meaning that restaurants try to cater to all tastes from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fancy Indian, vegan, Italian, Guatemalan, American or Japanese? You can find it in Antigua! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a lot of restaurants to choose from, here are our 3 favourites places to eat:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Por Qu\u00e9 No? Cafe \u2014 potentially the best food in Antigua<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dishes in Por Qu\u00e9 No? Cafe<\/a> are so beautifully presented that you won\u2019t want to eat them. Trust us, though, it\u2019s worth destroying the lovely presentation for the food’s incredible taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dishes are always cooked to perfection and the service is impeccable. You\u2019ll probably end up eating here a few times whilst in Antigua. The restaurant is pretty small, so you\u2019ll need to make a reservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Santa Rosa Burger Club \u2014 a great spot for a delicious burger<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A no-frills restaurant, Santa Rosa Burger Club<\/a> is simply a cheap place to get a huge, melt-in-your-mouth delicious burger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

La Bruja \u2014 a vegan restaurant with a beautiful garden<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

La Bruja<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The service is fast and friendly. Plus, all of the ingredients are locally sourced, ensuring that everything is delicious and fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get around in Antigua<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Bus
Chicken bus in the streets of Antigua<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Getting around Antigua is a breeze. Not only can you walk in most places, but it\u2019s also a stunning place to wander around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the best ways to get around Antigua:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By foot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By taxi\/tuk-tuk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tuk-tuks are quick and cheap<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If it\u2019s late at night, or you just don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tuk-tuks are normally cheaper than taxis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uber is also available in Antigua. Getting an Uber can often be quicker and easier than taking a normal taxi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get to Antigua<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Leaving from<\/th>Duration<\/th>Prices from<\/th>See details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
San Cristobal<\/td>12 hours<\/td>From 1,560 MXN ($87)<\/td>San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Top 21 things to do in Antigua<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Get your bucket list ready. In this guide, we’ll show you the best things to do in Antigua and how to experience them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top tours in and around Antigua, Guatemala<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n