Guide to Antigua, a Worthy Stop on the Way to Lake Atitlan
Your condensed travel guide to Antigua, a cobble-stoned city in Guatemala’s highlands.
We spent two nights in Antigua on our way too and from Lake Atitlan. Based on reviews and personal recommendations, we landed at Guatemala City’s International Airport and left straight away. We took an Uber from the airport to Antigua and it cost us less than $20 USD for almost an hour-long car ride. Once we started driving over cobble-stone streets, our Uber driver told us we had arrived.
We looked around and were amazed. We had heard Antigua was nice, safe and a good place to learn Spanish, but we didn’t know much else because it was a short stopover for us.
Antigua is a small beautiful old colonial city (former capital) surrounded by three enormous volcanoes and lush green mountains. It’s streets are lined with well-preserved Spanish Baroque architecture and you’ll find church ruins, classy accommodations and cute places to eat on every corner.
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site and you’ll feel as if you had gone back in time.
If you go
Where to Stay
Good Hotel Antigua
The Good Hotel is a beautiful former mansion turned design hotel with a in colonial Antigua, Guatemala
Where to eat & drink
Y Tu Pina Tambien - delicious breakfast and really, really good coffee. Get the “local” -two eggs al gusto, sausage, black beans, plantians and avocado - and the black bean brownie for dessert.
Angie Angie Café Arte - walk to this nearby restaurant for dinner. Wood-fire pizza, inside/outside laid-back tropical atmosphere, great service, a fire pit, and live music. It’s perfect.
Toku Baru - an equally delicious yet easier on the wallet dinner option. Middle eastern food (falafel, dahl, curry) with Belgian beer, really well-made sauces and possibly the best sweet potato fries you’ll ever have.
Café Sky - go for cocktails at this rooftop restaurant/bar with a view
Fridas - drink margaritas at this fun Kahlo-themed restaurant/bar. 2 for 1 on Fridays.
Where to shop
Casa de Arte - for Guatemalan fine folk art (jewelry, textiles, masks, etc).
Casa de los Gigantes - handmade crafts store with art, clothes, accessories and home goods (kitchen, table, linens, etc).
