First Time Tourists Guide in Guanajuato

Pixabay - Photo by Carlos Alcazar

Guanajuato is only a few hours north of Mexico City, and makes a pleasant weekend trip from the capital.

This city dated back from 1500s, the endless horizon of an archetypal environment that exploded with colors and winding alleyways.

Although it is often a tourist destination for local Mexican residents, it is still underestimated on the world stage, something that will surely change with time.

Guanajuato offers plenty of historical and cultural places to visit throughout the year with endless activities.

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SIGHTSEEING

Days can be spent exploring the unrivaled streets under the Mexican sun before preparing a party atmosphere under the stars provided by Guanajuato every night. This is a city that allows visitors to do as much or as little as they want because being in Guanajuato is a fully transformative experience. You can visit Museo Ex Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera, a beautiful 17th-century Hacienda has some of the most spectacular parks we have ever seen in Mexico. The extensive grounds around the ancient plantation are so atmospheric and impressive.

Museo Ex Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera

Museo Ex Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera

Beautiful botanical garden in Guanajuato.

The place is extraordinarily well kept and preserved.

Gardens are so nice to have a walk or just sit there and read a good book.

Take the whole morning and make it a nice day for a long walk.

Address : KM 2.5, Guanajuato-marfil, El Cerrito, 36251 Guanajuato, Mexico

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DOWNTOWN

The downtown of Guanajuato is dominated by historical places and buildings that shifted the culture emerge in the city. You can get around the city by visiting some notable museums and attractions. Eatery spots and other interesting places can be visited in one day trip. You can try to visit Callejon del Beso, Kiss Gang, they must kiss in step three so that their love lasts forever. That's why hundreds of people who pass through this narrow place do not hesitate to do it and hope that the story turns out to be true. Another mine that is popular with the Guanajuato bus tour is the Valenciana mine, also known as Minas San Cayetano. Located five kilometers from the city center, further to reach those who need their own transportation.

Bocamina of San Cayetano

Bocamina of San Cayetano

The silver mines of Guanajuato play an important role in the history and evolution of the city.

The story about how people used to work there is amazing.

You can go 60 meters deep, that is how deep you can go safely, so this mine it's the best option in Guanajuato.

The guides are really good and you can ask them about everything.

Address : De Valenciana 9, Paxtitlan, 36240 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico

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SHOPPING

The Gorky Gonzalez Workshop has more than 60 years done every work by hand and especially with the same dedication. We make personalized cutlery, jars, piggy banks, lamps, jars, decorative plates, tiles. You will find decorative pieces for home, garden, daily use.

The Gorky Gonzalez Workshop

The Gorky Gonzalez Workshop

One of the best places where you find excellent pottery, including a fascinating tour of the work shop.

The studio is filled and you can browse and touch and awe yourself at a leisurely pace.

They make the best majolica of Guanajuato, they are unique pieces made by hand and painted by hand, one by one.

The staff will ship anything you buy for a reasonable rate.

Don’t leave the state of Guanajuato without a visit there, you’ll thank yourself.

Address : Calle Huerta de Montenegro s/n, Pastita, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico

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FOOD & DRINK

Mexican food fanatics will not starve in Guanajuato, where local specialties include enchiladas, chili peppers, tamales, empanadas and flambre estilo San Miguel de Allende (a mixture of beef, chicken and pork with fruits and vegetables).

CULTURE

As other cities in Mexico, Guanajuato is Mexican-Spanish speaking city with numerous interesting historical and cultural sites to visit.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

At any time of the year it is good to visit Guanajuato. The hottest months are April and May, when temperatures are usually in the 80s and 90s.

HOTEL

Hotel Guanajuato is a relaxed colonial-style hotel and 1.3 km from the Alhóndiga de Granaditas art and history museum, and 2.6 km from the Museo De Las Momias de Guanajuato. Simple rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The upgraded rooms offer direct pool access. Room service is available. Hotel Castillo Santa Cecilia located on a winding hill road, this magnificent hotel in an ornate medieval castle is 1.3 km from the Alhóndiga de Granaditas art and history museum and 2.3 km from the Museo De Las Momias de Guanajuato. Elegant rooms offer a TV and a desk. Some rooms add a 4-pole bed, domed brick ceiling, and/or antique-style furniture.

Hotel Guanajuato

Hotel Guanajuato

Wonderful hotel, located on an uphill area, it gives you a very nice look of Guanajuato city.

Very nice on the outside, the landscape, the old colonial style, plus it has a pool.

The restaurant is very nice with a nice view of the city while you enjoy the exquisite taste of the meals that the chef cooks.

Some rooms have an incredible view of the city.

All staff are accomodating and friendly.

Address : Dolares, Guanajuato, A Dolores Hidalgo km 2.5, San Javier, 36020 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico

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Hotel Castillo Santa Cecilia

Hotel Castillo Santa Cecilia

Beautiful hotel to stay in Guanajuato with beautiful views of the historical and very iconical town.

Beautiful on the outside with a great restaurant, adult pool and small children's pool with play area.

The rooms are large and spacious with comfortable bed and pillows.

All staff are welcoming,polite,and friendly.

Address : Camino A La Valenciana Km 01 S/N San Javier Guana, 36020 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico

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RESTAURANT

The Casa Valadez · Anfitrión & Gourmet restaurant is located in the heart of the city, founded in March 1950. The International Gourmet Menu and was nominated as one of the 50 best restaurants in Mexico and as an "excellent" rating on tripadvisor "Sabores con Pasion." Los Campos is a cozy, candle-lit little restaurant. An innovative menu, which stretches from tapas dishes to full dishes such as ancho-filled chili above the pearl bar.

Casa Valadez · Anfitrión & Gourmet

Casa Valadez · Anfitrión & Gourmet

The best restaurant in the area with great setting with old local pictures of Guanajuato.

They will serve you with the best of the best.

Food is wonderful, amazing flavours and serving sizes are plentiful.

The staff are very good and the service is fast and friendly.

Address : Jdn. de la Unión 3, Zona Centro, 36000 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico

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Los Campos

Certainly one of the greatest restaurants in the historical center of Guanajuato

They serve Mexican food and the food is really delicious made with fresh ingredients.

They have craft beers, and desserts are superb.

Tastefully decorated room and friendly, attentive waiters that speak perfect English.

Address : Plaza Baratillo, De La Alameda 4a, Centro, Alameda, 36000 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico

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CAFE

The Café Antik is a new classics in town that you can visit and enjoy music, good drinks and the best food.Concerts are available on the stage, games and other sporting events on a giant screen. They also have transmission of special events with film Screening, shorts and more. Café Carcamanes is a place where you can't leave without enjoying a tasty burger. This place will offer you delicious beer. Start your meal with delicious frappes or delicious tea. The convenient location of this place makes it easy to reach even at rush hour. The positive aspect of this cafe is that the staff is cool. Professional service is something that guests appreciate here.

Café Antik

Super cool cafe with all kinds of rooms plus unique art and antiques.

Offers inside seating and a great roof-top patio with live bands.

They offer delicious food and beers.

Address : Calle Ayuntamiento 11, Zona Centro, 36000 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico

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Café Carcamanes

Café Carcamanes

One of the most beautiful places for a coffee, breakfast or casual dinner.

The atmosphere is cozy and charming, coffee is delicious and food so tasty.

Gorgeous outdoor seating area is complimented the wonderful food and extraordinary customer service.

Plus they have very interesting books you can read whenever you want.

Owner and his family are incredibly gracious and hospitable.

Address : Plazuela de, Cjon. de Carcamanes 8, Alameda, 36000 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico

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BAR AND NIGHTLIFE

Los Lobos is a bar with rock 'n roll live music performance, serving great drinks with great atmosphere as well. Located in the heart of Guanajuato, this place can be your place to spend the night and having drinks. F B I is a real Mexican bar with great drinks and spirits available. You can have your body's dancing all night long while holding drink on your hand.

Los Lobos

Very good bar if you're looking for a focus on rock music.

Very chill mood with very affordable prices,some very good artwork upstairs.

Their beers are great.

Address : Cantarranas 2, Zona Centro, 36000 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico

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F B I

Local student pub, jukebox music creates the atmosphere.

It's kind of small, cheap and crowded during the weekend.

They have cheap drinks though, so it's a good place for starting the night.

Address : Cantarranas 15, Zona Centro, 36000 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico

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INTERESTING PLACE

You can't come to Guanajuato without stopping to appreciate the famous Juarez Theater, which grew out of the city center. Built in the late 1800s, tall columns of ornate structures helped give the city a European flair. Today you can take a brisk walk around yourself in the theater. One of the main attractions in Guanajuato is the Museo de las Momias (Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato). In the 1800s there was an outbreak of cholera which caused the entry of death and was therefore buried. A few decades later, the grave imposed a tax that must be paid by family members to keep their loved ones on the ground.

Teatro Juarez

Dont leave Guanajuato without visiting the magnificent Teatro Juarez and see the lavish and plush red and gold interior.

So much colors, you can find magic in every corner and the people are really nice and warm.

If you like culture and new places that will be interesting, this is the spot.

Tourists must include this place in their trips.

Address : De Sopena 10, Zona Centro, 36000 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico

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Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato

Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato

One of the most iconic places in Guanajuato.

The museum is very interested to all age group, you can spend hours here knowing the history and not get bored.

The mummies are found relatively recently and are displayed quite well through out the museum.

There is a section in the museum that features mummified children which is sad but interesting as well.

Address : Explanada del Panteón Municipal s/n, Centro, 36000 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico

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INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT

While Guanajuato has many narrow alleys, Callejón Del Beso has a story behind it that is as colorful as the city itself. Local legend tells the story of a young girl from a rich family who falls in love with a poor miner's son who is not approved by the family. The boy rents a room directly across this narrow alley from the girl's room. At night they would sneak into their balconies to kiss in this small alley. At the Guanajuato Regional Museum (Alhóndiga de Granaditas) ($ 65 pesos, 10: 00-5: 30), visitors learn about Mexican history in the area, which specifically focuses on the Mexican War of Independence, bearing in mind this is the main site of the first rebel victory. .

Regional Museum of Guanajuato Alhóndiga de Granaditas

Regional Museum of Guanajuato Alhóndiga de Granaditas

The greatest museum of mexican history,many interesting artifacts.

A lot of prehispánica pieces here, some about Mexican Independence War, an many other things about Guanajuato.

English information cards on each section of the museum are provided at entry.

If you like history and are interested in learning the importance of this place then take the time.

Address : Calle Mendizábal 6, Centro, 36000 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico

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Callejón Del Beso

Callejón Del Beso

It is a magical place full of great vibes, fun you know a little about the culture and history of the area.

It is special for couples, there is a legend about two lovers.

The alley of the kiss is a narrow place, the walls and the balconies are very close.

There you can find who will take your picture and tell you the story for a voluntary tip.

Address : Cjon. del Beso 43-9, Zona Centro, 36000 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico

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