11 Best Things To Do In Guanajuato, Mexico  

Are you looking for the best things to do in Guanajuato, Mexico?

Since 1998, UNESCO has recognized Guanajuato’s deep history and unique architecture as well as its underground mine complex. It is one of Mexico’s total of 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The historic city of Guanajuato is in Central Mexico. It has been named the most beautiful city in Mexico, thanks to its rich and well-preserved colonial past as seen in its architecture, especially the numerous colorful alleyways.

Guanajuato is also known for its local hero, El Pípila, the miner who torched the gates of Alhóndiga on September 28, 1810, which brought Hidalgo’s forces to their first victory during Mexico’s independence movement.

Read on to know more about the must-see attractions in Guanajuato, Mexico.

11 Best Things To Do In Guanajuato, Mexico

Here’s a look at the best things to do in Guanajuato, Mexico.

1. Start your tour of the city at Guanajuato’s Historic Old Town

One of the best places to visit in Guanajuato its historic old town. It is completely pedestrian-friendly, so strolling on foot is a must in order to better enjoy the maze of streets and colorful alleyways meandering through the beautiful town.

The historic old town is the first of the many things to do in Guanajuato. Get lost in the alleys and stumble upon delightful surprises in every corner!

2. Walk through the underground tunnels

Do not miss walking through the elaborate network of tunnels beneath the historic center. These are underground streets that were built for the purpose of diverting the flood, but today they divert traffic out of the historic old town instead.

Guanajuato’s subterranean tunnels are the city’s top must-see attraction. People flock to the city to experience them.

3. Visit El Museo de las Momias

Guanajuato’s Museum of the Mummies is a famous attraction that showcases over 100 mummified bodies of the victims of the cholera outbreak in 1833.

Although a bit gruesome and morbid for some, if you’re not of the faint of heart you shouldn’t miss visiting this museum when in Guanajuato.

El Museo de las Momias has so much to take in with its history and all the mummies kept there. It is going to be a really intense experience as many of these mummies have been so remarkably preserved.

4. Watch a show or a concert at Teatro Juárez

Teatro Juárez, a performing-arts theater famed for its eclectic architecture and intricate interior, was built from 1872 to 1903.

For locals, this spot is a good meeting place for many activities, with lots of shops, cafés, and restaurants in the area.

When in Guanajuato, watching a show or a concert the Teatro Juárez should be a part of your itinerary. The theater is ample-sized; you are guaranteed of a great view no matter where you’re seated.

5. Enjoy the panoramic views from the Monumento Al Pípila

The monument to El Pípila was built in honor of the hero of the War of Independence, Juan José de los Reyes Martínez Amaro, aka El Pípila. It is set on a hill, offering panoramic views of the city as well as lots of different alleys to get lost into.

You will also enjoy the ride up the tram. If you want to buy souvenirs, there are tons of vendors at the top.

Monumento Al Pípila is absolutely worth checking out and at least seeing the views.

6. Explore the Regional Museum of Guanajuato Alhóndiga de Granaditas

An art and history museum housed in a former granary that served as a fortress in Mexico’s War of Independence, the Regional Museum of Guanajuato Alhóndiga de Granaditas is one of the must-see places in Guanajuato.

Here you will have a dose of pre-Spanish history and the entire Mexican War of Independence.

There are also contemporary exhibits as well as murals, photos, seals, ancient pottery, and even a presentation with a storyteller and actor. Guides are available to accompany you, but you can opt to go on your own.

The Regional Museum of Guanajuato Alhóndiga de Granaditas is definitely worth a visit, with so much history and lots to see inside!

Entrance fee is pretty cheap at 30 pesos or around USD $1.50.

7. Templo de San Cayetano Confesor

A beautiful 18th-century pink stone church that’s perched on a hillside, Templo de San Cayetano Confesor’s architecture is worth a hundred photos with its fantastic façade and golden-detailed interior. However, please note that photo flash is prohibited inside the church.

This is an amazing spiritual place – quiet and peaceful, making it ideal for praying or just sitting and admiring the craftsmanship of the altar pieces in precious gold and silver.

Outside the church, there is a nice little plaza where you can eat some popular Mexican snacks to continue your Guanajuato adventure!

8. Visit Museo Ex Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera

A former 17th-century residence with beautiful gardens that’s been converted into a museum, Museo Ex Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera features period furnishings.

A highlight in the area, this is a nice old house built at the end of the 1800s for the family of a local mine owner. It features a variety of gardens where you can easily get lost exploring and finding beauty around every corner. The rooms and furniture in the ex-hacienda were all interesting, but the gardens are the real treasure.

Admission is 30 pesos per pax, or about $1.50 USD. A café on-site offers some really amazing snacks and drinks. Absolutely worth a visit – you will not leave feeling disappointed!

9. Visit Museo Casa Diego Rivera

Museo Casa Diego Rivera is the birthplace of the most famous Mexican painter, Diego Rivera. This is Rivera’s former house that has been preserved and converted into a museum.

Showcased here are some of Rivera’s original works as well as a collection of artifacts from his house. The period furnishings will definitely give visitors a perspective of how affluent families lived during that time period.

Museo Casa Diego Rivera is one of the best places to visit in Guanajuato, something you should not miss when you’re in the city.

Entrance fee per pax is around 390 pesos or $20 USD.

10. Kiss at Callejón del Beso (The Alley of the Kiss)

Callejón del Beso is a narrow, steep-stepped alleyway famous for a heartbreaking love story of a wealthy Spaniard’s daughter and a local miner which draws lovers to the site to kiss.

For 60 pesos or about $3 USD, you can go up to the famous balcony where the love story took place. Have your picture taken alone or kissing with your loved one. You can have it printed and put on a little frame for 160 pesos ($8 USD).

11. Spend time at Jardín de la Unión

You can’t miss Jardín de la Unión (Union Garden) since it’s in the heart of Guanajuato. It’s a garden with an incredible promenade overlooking the Teatro Juárez.

Here you can have a rest from all the sight-seeing, sip some nice coffee, walk to admire the spectacular buildings, people-watch, and enjoy live music and street art. At night, you can enjoy mariachi and norteña. There are also lots of restaurants in the area to partake in some really fabulous Mexican food.

Spending time at Jardin de la Unión is truly one of the best things to do in Guanajuato!

Where to stay in Guanajuato

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