The UNESCO-listed metropolis of Guanajuato is sort of probably essentially the most picturesque place in all of Mexico. Brightly colored buildings tumble down the hillside, resulting in beautiful 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.
After spending 2 weeks on this beautiful mountain city, I can truthfully say that it’s an excellent place for travellers 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 greatest.
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 vibrant and cheerful, and the little streets are countless.
Chances are you’ll get misplaced within the labyrinth of streets within the hills, and in that case, simply wander downhill till you ultimately arrive within the middle of city.
The middle of the town is pedestrian-only, that means you may discover with out worrying about automobiles, exhaust or loud horns honking.
So, the place are all of the automobiles? They’re underground!
That’s proper, there’s hardly any visitors in Guanajuato because of the community of tunnels beneath the town.
These tunnels have been initially constructed to forestall flooding of the close by Rio Guanajuato (river) from damaging the town, however immediately the tunnels are actually defending the town from visitors.
This makes Guanajuato one of the vital fulfilling cities to stroll round in.
Strolling round and exploring on foot is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Guanajuato for certain. 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 study extra concerning the metropolis of Guanajuato, be part of this experience with an area information. Included on this extremely rated strolling tour are some snacks, a drink on the finish, entrance charges, and a information. Discover out extra here.
2. Go to The Mummy Museum
Of all of the points of interest in Guanajuato, visiting a museum stuffed with mummies is unquestionably essentially the most offbeat.
One story says that these folks needed to be dug up from the cemetery to be able to make room for brand new our bodies.
One other states {that a} perpetual burial tax was issued and those that 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 individual you speak to will inform you 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 could 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 fascinating museum and one of many extra uncommon issues to do in Guanajuato.
The museum is open from 9:00 – 6:00pm on daily basis and prices 50 pesos ($2.10) to enter. Click here to seek out the Mummy Museum on the map.
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3. Take pleasure in A Present At The Theatre
There are a few theatres in Guanajuato with Teatro Principal (most important theatre) having performances and occasions weekly — usually on Fridays throughout 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 evening in Guanajuato, that is it. Click here to seek out Teatro Principal on the map.
Another choice is to affix this Airbnb Experience with an area.
You’ll study all concerning the arts and music scene in Guanajuato and Mexico, soak up a symphony efficiency (at both Juarez or Principal Theatre), and afterward, get pleasure from dinner at one of many high eating places within the metropolis. Click here to study extra.
4. Go to The Alley of The Kiss
The identify of this well-known alleyway 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 slim, their balconies nearly touched, permitting the younger couple to kiss in secret!
The story has a tragic ending, however in case you go to this alleyway and stand on the pink step and kiss your important different, you’ll have 7 years of happiness.
For {couples}, this is likely one of the most romantic issues to do in Guanajuato.
5. Go On a Meals Tour (top-of-the-line issues to do in Guanajuato for foodies!)
When you’re eager about 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 seek 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 the entire scorching spots and greatest 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 Street Food Tours for particulars.
6. Wander By way of Diego Rivera’s House
Diego Rivera was Frida’s husband and a well-known artist in Mexico.
His dwelling has now been became a museum/artwork gallery and you’ll wander via and take a glimpse into the rooms of his precise dwelling — that are nonetheless arrange with furnishings.
As a way 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 fashionable artists as properly.
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 join a tour. Click here to seek out Diego’s dwelling on the map.
7. Journey the Funicular
The funicular is a tram-car pulled by a cable, which takes you up the facet of the mountain.
It’s type of like an escalator, which is nice because the mountainside is sort of steep. As soon as on the high, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the colorful metropolis of Guanajuato, in addition to an up-close view of the statue of Pipila, an area 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 here to seek out it on the map.
8. Go Procuring
There are a number of markets on the town, however a very powerful (and largest) is the Mercado Hidalgo.
Distributors arrange store right here promoting the whole lot from recent 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 purported to be! Even in case you’re not eager about buying something, it’s nonetheless value a go to to see the distinctive constructing and the products on the market.
9. Examine Out The Church buildings and Cathedrals
There are quite a few church buildings and cathedrals in and across the metropolis middle.
You may’t miss the colourful yellow Basilica de Guanajuato which dominates the principle plaza, whereas the San Cayetano (La Valenciana) is situated out close to the mines.
The Templo de la Compañía is taken into account one of many most interesting examples of Churrigueresque type in Latin America. The facade of this church could seem a bit rundown, however the inside is beautiful.
Even in case you’re not a spiritual individual, you may’t assist however be in awe of the gorgeous buildings.
10. Go to the Alhóndiga de Granaditas (artwork and historical past museum)
This constructing has been used for a lot of issues over time.
Initially, it was a grain storehouse, earlier than turning into a fortress for the Spaniards. After that, it was used as an armory, then a college, then a jail, earlier than lastly turning into a museum.
This was additionally the place of the primary victory over the Spanish throughout the Warfare Of Independence in 1810. Don’t miss the gorgeous murals above the staircase.
The constructing is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00am – 6:00pm. The doorway charge is 30 pesos ($1.25), click here to seek out Alhondiga de Ganaditas on the map.
11. Be part of a Historic Strolling Tour
Wandering round aimlessly in Guanajuato is enjoyable, however if you wish to study concerning the buildings you’re taking a look at, the historical past of the town, and discover some secret spots, then I counsel joining a walking tour with an area.
The identical proprietor of the meals tour listed above runs an fascinating historic strolling tour across the metropolis. Throughout the journey, you’ll discover again alleys, two museums, Diego Rivera’s dwelling, Teatro Juarez, and take a trip up the funicular to the spectacular viewpoint.
To finish the tour, you’ll get pleasure from a espresso or alcoholic drink from a rooftop bar. 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, reasonably priced strolling tour here.
Another choice for a strolling tour is 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 eager about seeing — it’s as much as you!
The excursions are each round $40 and are nice worth for cash.
12. Discover The Mines
Guanajuato made a reputation for itself (and fortunes) because of the silver mines surrounding the town. There are 2 mines which are value 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 subject. Lots of the excursions will solely be held in Spanish, nevertheless it’s fascinating to go to even in case 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. You’ll find El Nopal Mine on the map 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 throughout the seventeenth century.
Right here, you may descend down a 60m shaft into the depths of the mine! This mine is likely one of the extra distinctive locations to go to, and experiences to have in Guanajuato.
The associated fee to entre La Valenciana is 30 pesos ($1.25). The mine is situated 5 kilometers from the town middle. You’ll find it on the map here.
13. Go to The Wineries
Do you know there are wineries round Guanajuato? Certain, 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!
Don’t miss Rancho Toyan, Tres Raices, Santisima Trinidad, Dos Buhos and Hacienda San José Lavista.
When it comes to the wine itself, our favourites have been the Aglianico and Cabernet Franc at Dos Buhos, and the Merlot and Malbec at Hacienda San José Lavista.
From Guanajuato, you may hire a automobile to go to the vineyards, rent a personal driver, or join a tour. Visiting the wineries is likely one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Guanajuato.
14. Go For a Hike
My favorite 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 lovely 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 beneath, and rolling mountains within the distance. The icing on the cake is watching the sundown.
In complete, the hike is about 3 hours lengthy, and is likely one of the high issues to do in Guanajuato in case you love nature and being energetic. Carlos is a superb information and since he’s from Guanajuato, he’s very educated concerning the metropolis.
I extremely suggest this journey with Carlos. Study extra about this lovely hike here.
15. Benefit from the Saturday Market
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 specifically, it’s an excellent spot to benefit from the market.
You’ll discover a lot 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 the town.
FAQ’s About Visiting Guanajuato
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on Guanajuato.
Is Guanajuato Price Visiting?
Sure! Guanajuato is completely value visiting. When you like lovely, vibrant colonial cities, historic websites, tasty meals, and lesser-visited locations, then add Guanajuato to your journey listing.
What’s Guanajuato Recognized For?
Guanajuato is thought for its native hero, El Pípila, having underground tunnels, its silver mines, and naturally, the many beautiful vibrant alleyways.
How Many Days Ought to I Spend in Guanajuato?
You may spend 1 day in Guanajuato, however that will be simply to rapidly see the principle sights. I counsel spending 3 days minimal right here to totally get pleasure from all of the enjoyable issues to do in Guanajuato — together with a Callejoneada, an incredible hike, historic walking tour, and sundown drinks at a rooftop bar (strive One Bar for a drink with a view)
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 listing actually may 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 you want to find out about travelling to this wonderful nation.
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