Antigua, Guatemala Guide: Discovering the Timeless Charm & Spirit of Guatemala's Oldest City

More than the physical beauty of this UNESCO-recognized town is the cultural richness that exudes throughout. Nearly 44 percent of Guatemala’s population identifies as one of 22 distinct Mayan groups, many of whom speak varying languages, with K’iche’ and Kaqchikel being the most common. While Antigua is no stranger to tourism and boasts its fair share of trendy shops, upscale restaurants, and swanky hotels, it still maintains an authenticity tied to this rich indigenous culture. It can be seen in the vibrant trajes típicos—intricately woven clothing with colors and patterns that reflect specific Mayan communities—worn proudly each day by locals. It lives in the bustling open-air markets, where vendors sell handmade textiles, jade jewelry, and traditional foods. And it’s heard each morning in the rhythmic clap of women preparing fresh corn tortillas in neighborhood tortillerías. We spent a little over a week in this special corner of Guatemala, and while by no means are we experts, I collected a few of our favorites from our time in La Antigua, below:

Shop, shop & shop

The textiles, the artwork, the jewelry, the ceramics—I could go on and on about the abundance of artisan goods in Guatemala, manifesting in the variety of gorgeous shops throughout Antigua. A few of my favorites included Xibalba for stunning handmade jewelry, El Telar (Loom Tree) for colorful textiles and hand-crafted accessories, and Wakami for local artwork, clothing, and accessories made by local artisans in rural communities, with every piece boasting an origin story so you can see the direct impact you’re making with each purchase.

Luna Zorro Studio was also a gem, set within a historic coffee farm. The store showcases beautiful, handmade products and woven artwork, while also offering creative workshops in its gorgeous space (the Luna Zorro Well Traveled substack is a fab follow too in case you’re interested)!

Stroll the Mercado Central

For a taste of daily local life, stroll the Mercado Central in the mid-morning hours to see hundreds of stalls with every good imaginable: fresh fruits, spices and grains, brightly colored flowers, tortillerias, textiles, souvenirs, and so much more. Do yourself a favor and nab some piping hot tortillas here to nibble on as you meander from stall to stall.

Hike Acatanango Volcano

Getting to feel the rumble of an active volcano and see lava erupting from the earth was something truly indescribable. The two-day hiking experience gave us the chance to hike to a basecamp on the dormant Volcán Acatenango with front-row views of its active sister, Fuego Volcano. In the midst of the rainy season, we lucked out with clear weather and were able to see eruptions throughout the night from our sleeping bags and from up close after completing a hike through the night. We capped off the experience with a sunrise hike to the top of Acatenango, where we sat above the clouds and had the chance to see the night’s last visible lava as the sun rose above the clouds—something I will never forget.

• Fat Cat Coffee: When I say we drank a lot of coffee in Antigua, we drank a looooot of coffee. Our early morning walks needed a caffeine companion, and the afternoons always called for a pick-me-up. Fat Cat had not only some of our favorite coffee in town, but also (maybe mostly?) a chocolate chip cookie worth writing home (or substack) about.

• Artista de Café: Another one of our favorite coffee shops, Artista de Café was a trendy coffee concept with specialty cups of brew, a menu of gringo-friendly brunch items, and plenty of space to lounge and read for a while.

• Restaurante El Comalote: For traditional Mayan fare and homemade tortillas, head to El Comalote. Order a round of tamalitos for the table and wash it down with a Gallo cerveza before diving into main courses like their traditional pollo pepián served with multi-colored fresh tortillas made in the restaurant’s tortilleria located front and center.

• Por Qué No? Cafe: Tucked away on a softly lit street corner, this intimate, candlelit gem features just seven tables—including a few tucked into a cozy loft above the kitchen, reached by a narrow ladder. Warm and effortlessly charming, this is the perfect dinner spot for a small group or two.

• Ulew Cocktail Bar: Located beneath Antigua Brewing Company (which is also a great spot for a rooftop beer with volcano views), this speakeasy bar is accessible through a phone booth door. Inside, you’ll find just a few tables and a bar top in a vibey setting. There’s no cocktail menu here; instead, the bartender simply asks what flavors you enjoy and crafts a drink uniquely suited to you. Each creation arrives in a whimsical glass atop an eclectic tray, often inspired by Guatemala’s rich culture and traditions.

• Suelo Wine Bar: Situated next to Xibalba, a stunning jewelry store featuring unique handmade pieces and curated vintage finds, this wine bar offers a selection of fun, natural wines from across Central and South America, paired with woodfired pizzas.