Curator’s statement
Antigua is more than a picturesque city of ruins and cobblestones—it’s a living tapestry of resilience, creativity, and cultural depth. As someone who has wandered its bougainvillea-lined alleys many times, I’ve come to appreciate not just the postcard-perfect vistas but the quiet stories woven into its architecture, artisanry, and rhythms of daily life. This guide is a thoughtfully curated selection of places that embody Antigua’s soul—places where the past breathes, the present pulses, and the traveler becomes more than a visitor.
The Fora Difference
Book with Carla to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Antigua
Unlock perks by contacting Carla to book your trip.
Things to do in Antigua
Evening concert at Cerro de la Cruz
Must-see convents & churches
Convento de las Capuchinas: A striking circular dormitory with resonant acoustics—where the roof collapsed after the 1773 quake. Stand at the center of the circle and speak: the natural echo is unforgettable. Weddings are often held here.
Convento Santa Clara: Expansive gardens and a façade only visible from inside. Popular for wedding photos. Visit early to avoid crowds.
Iglesia San Francisco el Grande: Antigua’s oldest and largest church and the resting place of Santo Hermano Pedro (canonized in 2002). Adjacent convent ruins are magical after dark—ask about limited night tours.
Additional architectural gems
Cathedral of San José: East side of Parque Central. Enter the ruins from 5a Calle Oriente.
San José el Viejo: 5a Avenida Sur. Not usually open, but worth a photo stop; look out for evening concerts.
La Recolección (NW Antigua): Titanic pile of tumbled vaults and greenery; a UNESCO component since 1979.
La Merced: North end of 5a Avenida Norte. Baroque yellow “wedding cake” façade, colossal convent fountain, and 360-degree rooftop views.
Santa Catalina Arch: Antigua’s postcard icon. Built so cloistered nuns could cross unseen between convent buildings.
If time allows, add these to your list:
Iglesia El Carmen: 4a Avenida Norte. Restored façade with an artisanal market behind.
Iglesia San Pedro: 3a Avenida Sur. Yellow church framed by Volcán de Agua; next door, Hospital del Santo Hermano Pedro serves the region’s poorest.
Compañía de Jesús: 6a Avenida & 4a Calle. Photogenic façade. occasional concerts staged by the Spanish Cooperation Agency.
Antigua suffered innumerable earthquakes. What stands today is the sum of centuries of damage and restoration: over thirty churches and convents within a walkable grid.
Beyond the ruins
Parque Central
Antigua’s social heart. Four landmark buildings frame the square:
North: Municipal Palace
East: Cathedral
South: Palacio Real de los Capitanes (now the National Museum of Art, MUNAG)
West: Historic commercial arcade
Linger on a bench, people-watch, and support Indigenous vendors selling handwoven crafts.
MUNAG spans 3,000 years of Guatemalan art; grab the free audio guide and enjoy volcano views from the second-floor balcony.
Markets
Mercado de Artesanías (4a Calle Poniente, next to the central market): Stalls brimming with textiles, leather, and jewelry. Refuel at La Casa del Café.
Mercado Central & Pacas: A maze of produce, flowers, and bargain secondhand goods. Dive in for a true local experience.
Cerro de la Cruz
Climb ~200 steps (or take a tuk tuk/Uber) to the hilltop cross for the classic panorama of Antigua framed by its three volcanoes. The viewpoint was revamped in 2023 and occasionally hosts evening concerts. Sunset here is spellbinding.
Places to eat & drink in Antigua
Flavors of Antigua: Colorful, fresh, beautifully crafted
27 Adentro: Latin American fusion in a relaxed setting. Don’t miss the chicken tortilla lasagna or shrimp mofongo.
Como Como: Belgian-quality gastronomy with European charm. Ideal for a cozy dinner at the bar or in the garden.
Romeo y Julieta: Fresh pasta made daily. Try the bolognese, ravioli, and chocolate panna cotta.
Mesón Panza Verde: Fine dining in a romantic setting. Reserve in advance and request a tour. The pear mille-feuilles is unforgettable.
El Tenedor del Cerro: Set atop a hill, this spot offers fantastic views, great food, and even zip lining.
Ni Fu Ni Fa: Argentine steakhouse with live music and a top-notch salad bar.
Masil: For authentic Korean flavors and a beautiful modern ambiance, don’t miss this more recent addition to the culinary feasts of Antigua.
Union Café: Excellent breakfasts and herbal teas. Try the avocado toast!
Samsara: Vegetarian haven with standout dishes like the Lao Tzu veggie bowl and kombucha.
Need to know
Antigua rewards the unhurried traveler: linger, listen, and let its layered history reveal itself one stone arch and legend at a time.
Travel Advisor
Carla Perez
Get in touch with Carla
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can expect a response from Carla within 1–2 business days. You’ll also be subscribed to our traveler newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Guatemala page.