Guatemala City often gets overlooked by travellers who head straight to Antigua or Lake Atitlán, and if you’re a regular reader of mine then you’ll know that I don’t usually recommend staying here, especially as a solo traveller. It’s dangerous, and there are many more things to see in other places like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and the ruins in the north of Guatemala.
That being said, if you do want to visit Guatemala (I’d recommend arranging a tour, private transport or going in a group), there are some interesting museums and modern architecture, which gives you a better look at modern life in Guatemala a opposed to the heavily Mayan influenced towns you may see elsewhere.
Guatemala City was purpose-built as a new capital city for Guatemala, Central America after its previous capital city, Antigua, was torn down too many times by earthquakes. Whilst Guatemala City and Antigua are not far from one another, Guatemala City sits further away from the Motagua-Polochic fault system that caused/causes so many earthquakes (and volcanoes) in Antigua. (Sorry, that was a bit of a digression, but isn’t that fascinating?!)
🇬🇹 Read more: A Travel Guide to Guatemala City
Contents
10 Things to Do in Guatemala City
1. The National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
This museum is home to Guatemala’s biggest collection of Mayan artefacts, including a lot of jade pieces and some impressive stone sculptures. If you want an insight into the history of Guatemala, especially the Mayans, this is the place to be, and exhibits are labelled in both Spanish and English.
2. Explore Zone 1’s Historical Centre
The historical centre of Guatemala City is full of architecture, including the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Portal of Commerce. The central plaza can get quite lively on weekends when local families gather. Make sure to go early, arriving before lunchtime if possible, because this is when it’s safest.
3. Walk through Central Market
The sprawling Central Market is a maze of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to traditional textiles. Apparently it can be quite overwhelming, and it is a dangerous place (mostly in terms of pickpockets and petty crime), so leave anything valuable including jewellery and anything flashy at your accommodation. That being said, it offers an authentic glimpse into daily life in the capital.
4. Visit the Relief Map
This is a really unique thing to see in Guatemala, and probably the one I’d want to see most! It’s an outdoor scale model of Guatemala that shows the country’s topography. It was created in 1905 but recently restored, and it’s a fascinating way to see Guatemala’s geography and any volcanoes that you might have climbed or be planning to climb!
5. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral dominates the central plaza of Guatemala Cit7. It is made of a mix of architectural styles, which reflects the city’s history of earthquakes (yeah, maybe they didn’t move quite far enough away from Antigua!), and the inside is full of beautiful artworks.
6. Tour the National Palace
The National Palace of Guatemala City is now a museum inside one of the city’s most impressive buildings. The guided tours of the National Palace provide fascinating insights into Guatemala’s political history and the building’s symbolic architecture.
7. Visit Popol Vuh Museum
The Popol Vuh Museum is a private museum in Zone 10, and houses quite an impressive collection of pre-Columbian and colonial art for a private museum. Most of their rooms are filled with a permanent collection, with room for just one temporary exhibition.
8. Explore the Botanical Garden
The botanical garden offers a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle. Fun fact: it’s Guatemala’s only botanical garden, and it’s home to a lot of local species as well as imported plants.
9. Visit the Railway Museum
The Railway Museum, which is housed in the old central station of Guatemala, tells the story of Guatemala’s railway history. I found it fascinating but I do, in the least geeky way possible, have a bit of a fascination with trains, so it might not be for everyone – I don’t know!
10. Take a Food Tour
Guatemala City’s food scene is surprisingly diverse, and you can find a whole range of food tours that suit your taste (for example, wine tours, or chocolate tours, if you’re not bothered about trying all the main meals!). These food tours are a great way to get to know the city, the culture and the cuisine all at the same time.
🇬🇹 Read more: Where to Stay in Guatemala City
FAQs About Guatemala City
Is there anything worth doing in Guatemala City?
The Relief Map in Guatemala is a one-of-a-kind attraction, and the rest of the city has some good museums, historical architecture, and a diverse food scene that gives visitors insight into modern Guatemalan culture.
Is Guatemala City good for tourists?
Guatemala City requires extra caution compared to other Guatemalan destinations. While it has interesting attractions, it’s recommended to visit as part of a tour, with a private guide, or in a group. The safest areas are Zones 9, 10, and 13, where most tourist accommodation is located.
Is there much to do in Guatemala City?
Yes, there’s quite a lot to do in Guatemala City, including several important museums – the National Museum of Archaeology, the Popol Vuh Museum, and the Railway Museum. There’s also the historical centre with its impressive architecture, the country’s only botanical garden, and a vibrant food scene. However, activities should be planned carefully with safety in mind.
How long should you spend in Guatemala City?
Most visitors can see the main attractions in 1-2 days. If you’re particularly interested in museums or want to take several guided tours, you might want to stay for 3 days. However, many travellers choose to base themselves in nearby Antigua and visit Guatemala City as a day trip, as Antigua is generally safer and more tourist-friendly.
How do I get around Guatemala City?
The safest way to get around is by using official taxis or ride-sharing services. Many hotels can arrange private drivers or guided tours. Public transportation, including the local buses (chicken buses), isn’t recommended for tourists due to safety concerns.
Which zones in Guatemala City are best for tourists?
Zones 9, 10, and 13 are considered the safest areas for tourists and have the best accommodation options. Zone 1, while historic and interesting to visit during the day, should be explored with caution and preferably with a guide. Always research your accommodation’s location carefully before booking.
Conclusion
Guatemala City might not be love at first sight like Antigua or Lake Atitlán, but it can be rewarding to anyone daredevil enough to explore it. It definitely requires a bit more planning and awareness than other Guatemalan destinations, but its museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions can turn this city into a worthwhile stop on your itinerary.