Things to do in Antigua Guatemala, splurging
Destination dinners, great coffee and the best of Antigua's design scene
This is Antigua for people who want to eat well every single night, not just once. The days move at a civilised pace: colonial ruins and artisan shops in the morning, a long lunch, then proper cocktails before a dinner worth booking in advance. You will spend real money and not regret it.
Day 1: Ruins, Parque Central and Libra
Start with the city's most beautiful stonework, lunch on house-made pasta, and dine in the candlelit convent ruins at Casa Santo Domingo.
- 9:30 AM
Fat Cat Coffee House
Craft pour-overs from socially-conscious Guatemalan beans, the best cup in the neighbourhood to start the day.
Map - 10:30 AM
Convento de Santa Clara Ruins
The most beautiful ruin in Antigua, arched cloister, roofless nave and overgrown stonework perfect for a slow morning wander.
Map - 12:30 PM
Santo Spirito
House-made pasta and bread in a calm room a block from the cathedral; closed Monday and Tuesday.
Map - 2:30 PM
Catedral de San José
The broken domes and roofless apse of the 1680 cathedral, felled by the 1773 quakes, just off Parque Central.
Map - 7:30 PM
El Refectorio
Dinner inside the candlelit ruins of the Santo Domingo convent; start with the trio of Guatemalan soups.
Map - 9:30 PM
Restaurante Fridas - La Antigua Guatemala
Mexican cooking and a bar on 5a Avenida, a late drink with the locals.
Map
Day 2: The arch, textiles and a brewery nightcap
Walk the city's most iconic corner, spend the afternoon deep in artisan textiles at Nim Po't, and wind down with local craft beer after a sweet stop at Sobremesa.
- 9:30 AM
Fernando's Kaffee
They roast their own beans and make chocolate in house; have a pour-over in the garden and take a bar for later.
Map - 10:30 AM
Arco de Santa Catalina
Antigua's most-photographed spot, the 1694 butter-yellow arch frames Volcán de Agua for a classic shot.
Map - 12:30 PM
Casa Troccoli
Italian lunch in an old Italian family general store by the arch; ask for the terrace facing the volcanoes.
Map - 2:30 PM
Nim Po't
Wall of traditional traje, jade and textiles, the best artisan browsing in Antigua right near the arch.
Map - 7:30 PM
Sobremesa
Chef-driven eclectic room with art, books, global-Guatemalan plates and house ice creams in wild flavours.
Map - 9:30 PM
Antigua Brewing Company
Beer brewed on site and a rooftop facing Volcán de Agua, a block from the arch.
Map
Day 3: La Merced, the market and 27 Adentro
A quieter morning around Antigua's finest baroque church, an afternoon in the craft stalls off the park, and a closing dinner of Cuban and Guatemalan plates at 27 Adentro.
- 9:30 AM
El Viejo Café
Old-fashioned café crammed with antiques; order a hot chocolate and a full Guatemalan breakfast.
Map - 10:30 AM
La Merced Church
Baroque yellow-and-white facade and adjacent convent with 27m fountain, one of Antigua's finest churches.
Map - 12:30 PM
Madre Tierra
Bright room on 6a Avenida Norte with a back terrace and fountain; portions are big, so share.
Map - 2:30 PM
El Mercadito
Two floors of craft and souvenir stalls by Parque Central; compare textile prices here before buying.
Map - 7:30 PM
27 Adentro
Cuban and Guatemalan plates like tostones with hilachas; most of the menu is gluten free.
Map
Where to stay
Mesón Panza Verde
Mesón Panza Verde is a design-forward property with its own respected restaurant and bar, and sits right in the middle of the plan.
Posada del Ángel
Posada del Ángel is one of Antigua's most personal high-end stays, a short walk from Libra and every day-two stop.
Make Antigua Guatemala your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
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Book ahead
- ChocoMuseo: a few days ahead
- Finca Filadelfia: a few days ahead
- De La Gente: a few days ahead
- Museo Casa Popenoe: a few days ahead
- Volcán Acatenango: a few days ahead
- Volcán Pacaya: a few days ahead
Skip these
- Cheapest Acatenango street agencies are a false economy, with leaking tents and thin sleeping bags at below freezing camp.
- Jade and textile prices on 5a Avenida are the town's highest. Buy jade only from certified shops and bargain in markets.
- Day tripping Lake Atitlan in 6 hours satisfies almost no one. Overnight or save it.
The full Antigua Guatemala travel guide: when to go, safety, getting around