Nestled in the mountains of central Mexico, Guanajuato is a charming colonial city known for its brightly coloured buildings and silver mining history. I hadn’t heard of Guanajuato (pronounced gwan-ah-HWAH-to) before adding it to my Mexico itinerary but I’m really glad I visited, as it’s absolutely gorgeous, with a fun, friendly atmosphere. Day and night, you’re surrounded by people smiling and laughing, chatting away in Spanish. It is a popular travel destination for Mexicans, but still remains under the radar of international tourists. Make sure to visit before that changes! In this post, I’ll share my three-day itinerary for first-time visitors and give you advice on when to visit, where to stay, how to get there, how to get around and what to do while you’re there.

Day 1 Morning: Sightseeing in the historic centre

Start your day by exploring Guanajuato’s centro historico, giving yourself time to wander aimlessly, getting lost in its cobblestone streets. You’ll stumble upon alleyways adorned with colourful decorations, stylish boutiques, and street performers. There are hidden gems tucked around unassuming corners, and narrow staircases leading to stunning viewpoints.

Guanajuato is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its city centre is brimming with impressive sites and historic monuments. Don’t miss the University of Guanajuato, with its imposing facade and steep marble steps. If you’re a hopeless romantic, visit the Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss), a tiny alleyway which earned its name because the balconies and upper windows are so close that lovers can simply lean across the street to give each other a peck!

One of the main attractions of Guanajuato is Teatro Juárez, a stunning neoclassical theatre with an ornate facade. Dating back to 1873, the theatre is decorated with 12 neoclassical Greek columns, eight bronze statues of the Greek mythological muses, and Victorian lamp posts. It’s just as beautiful on the inside, with plush red velvet curtains, carved wood, stained glass and intricate gold details. You can visit Tues-Sun (closed Mondays), from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM and 4:00 PM-6:00 PM for 30 pesos. Check the schedule and see if you can catch a live performance while you’re there.

One of my favourite buildings in Guanajuato is Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato (also known as Basílica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato), a gorgeous 17th-century Baroque church in the heart of the city. It’s really eye-catching with its vibrant yellow and red facade, and rust-coloured domes. Inside you can find wall-to-ceiling paintings, marble statues and an ornate altar dedicated to the Virgin of Guanajuato, the city’s patron saint. After visiting these sights, rest your feet and do some people-watching in Jardín de la Unión, a beautiful park in the city centre with a large gazebo, fountain and an abundance of flowers. 

Day 1 Afternoon: Market Lunch & Sightseeing

It goes without saying that one of the best things to do in Mexico is eat and the food at Mercado Hidalgo, Guanajuato’s central market, does not disappoint. You can find hundreds of stalls here, serving meat, fruit, vegetables, souvenirs, snacks and all manner of delicious treats. Not sure what to order? Enchiladas (filled corn tortillas), chicaron tortas (Mexican sandwiches), and huevos rancheros (eggs, tortillas and salsa) are popular options.

Once you’ve filled your belly, it’s time to learn more about Guanajuato’s past. Head to the Alhóndiga de Granaditas, a historic granary-turned-museum that played a crucial role in Mexico’s War of Independence. Today, the building showcases artefacts from pre-Hispanic times, colonial history, and the independence movement. Look for the murals by José Chávez Morado, which vividly depict scenes of Mexico’s past. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs / Sunday from 10:00 to 15:00 hrs. Admission 75 pesos (concessions available).

On your first night in Guanajuato, you should take part in the city’s most popular evening activity. Every day, throughout the city, you’ll see men and women in traditional troubadour costumes selling tickets for the nightly callejoneada. It’s a musical parade led by a gang of musicians who sing popular songs, play instruments and recount local legends. The singing and storytelling is all in Spanish but it’s a lot of fun, even if you’re not sure what they are saying. Tickets cost around 120-200 pesos per person.

Day 2 Morning: El Pípila Viewpoint

Guanajuato is such a colourful city which is best seen from above. You can take the funicular up Pipilla Hill to the Monumento a El Pípila, where you will be delighted by the incredible, sweeping views of the city. I’ve seen a lot of viewpoints in Mexico and believe this is one of the very best. I was mesmerised by the combination of colours, textures and layers from the different buildings and plazas. While you’re at the top, check out at the 20-metre-tall statue of El Pipila, constructed in 1953 from pink sandstone. The statue is of Juan José de los Reyes Martínez Amaro, a local hero during the Mexican War of Independence.

The funicular costs 35 pesos each way and is slow and clunky, but it’s a quaint way to travel up the hill. Keep in mind that there can be a long queue for the funicular, especially at weekends. If you don’t want to wait, you can walk up in around 15-20 minutes.

Day 2 Afternoon: Museums & Art Galleries

At the base of the funicular you can find La Vela, a great spot for a seafood lunch. Depending on when you visit, the menu might include shrimp, tuna or marlin tacos, ceviche, empanadas or tostadas. Their aguachile is also really tasty! After lunch, why not visit a museum or art gallery? Guanajuato has some great options like:

• Museo Casa Diego Rivera: Visit the birthplace of the famous Mexican muralist Diego Rivera (who was married to Frida Kahlo) which is now a museum showcasing his early works, personal items, sketches, and diverse styles of art.
• Museo de las Momias (Mummy Museum): This eerie museum certainly won’t be for everyone but will interest those with a morbid curiosity. In 1833, Guanajuato experienced a cholera outbreak that led to mass death in the city. Bodies were stored underground and became naturally embalmed by the salty earth. Now you can view the mummified bodies, frozen in time, and get a glimpse into Guanajuato’s unique burial practices. Entrance costs 97 pesos for adults (concessions available).
• Museo de Arte Olga Costa & José Chávez Morado: A former 17th-century hacienda now dedicated to the works of Olga Costa and her husband José Chávez Morado, two influential Mexican artists. The museum has a diverse collection of their paintings, sculptures, and personal memorabilia, as well as rotating exhibitions of other Mexican artists.
• Museo Iconográfico del Quijote: A one-of-a-kind museum dedicated entirely to the legendary character of Don Quixote from Miguel de Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote de la Mancha. The museum has an extensive collection of artwork inspired by Don Quixote, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and tapestries.

On your second evening, I recommend having dinner in Enchiladas de Lupe. It’s a tiny, cosy restaurant with just a handful of tables. It feels like you’re eating at your grandmother’s house and the enchiladas served here are handmade, authentic, and delicious. Enchiladas mineras are the Guanajuato specialty. It was a popular dish that women cooked for the miners during the city’s mining heyday. Traditionally a vegetarian dish with potatoes, carrots, and onions, today you can often find them with chicken. The corn tortillas are dipped in a sauce made from guajillo chilies, filled with vegetables and topped with cheese. 

If you don’t manage to grab a table at Enchiladas de Lupe, head to the streets to sample more delicious Mexican food like elotes (grilled corn), tacos al pastor (tacos field with grilled slices of pork), and tamales (corn dough and various fillings, steamed and wrapped in a banana leaf or corn husk). You can find these dishes served all over the city. If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, don’t skip the local delicacies like charamuscas (caramel sweets).

After you’ve eaten, take a sunset stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the live music and street performers. Guanajuato has a magical ambiance at night and is just as photogenic when its buildings are lit up by spotlights.

Day 3: Surrounding Beauty and Local Tours

For your final day in Guanajuato, I’ve got tons of ideas for you inside and outside of the city.

• Visit the Silver Mines. Mining is a central pillar of Guanajuato’s history and culture; during the 17th and 18th centuries, the city supplied nearly a third of the world’s silver. Nowadays visitors can tour Mina La Valenciana, once one of the richest mines during the Spanish colonial era. Guided tours take you through its tunnels, revealing the harsh conditions faced by miners. Nearby, the magnificent Templo de San Cayetano showcases the wealth generated by the mine, with its intricate Baroque altar and gold-adorned interior.
• Explore Calle Subterránea. There is an entire network of tunnels and streets criss-crossing beneath Guanajuato which you can walk or drive through. Originally built as a flood control system, the tunnels were later converted into roads. The underground roads are dimly lit, with arched stone walls, and an intriguing, almost medieval atmosphere. You can also do a guided tour to learn more about the subterranean history.
• Join a group hiking tour. Guanajuato is surrounded by a mountainous landscape and hiking trails for all levels of ability. The best, safest way to explore the countryside is by joining a group hiking tour, like this tour Explore Cerro de La Bufa with a local. You can also join Hiking on the Oak Forest of Guanajuato for a peaceful 7 km (4.3 mile) walk through the woods 

Guanajuato FAQs

Getting to Guanajuato

Guanajuato has its own international airport with flights to cities in Mexico and the US. Alternatively, you can take buses from cities like San Miguel de Allende (90 minutes) and Mexico City (5-6 hours). You can compare bus times and prices with Busbud.

Getting Around

The best way to explore Guanajuato’s narrow, winding streets is on foot. The city’s narrow streets can make navigation challenging, especially when driving or trying to find somewhere to park. For longer distances, taxis, shared taxis (colectivos) and local buses are readily available. Uber operates in the city and is a convenient, affordable way to get around.

When to Visit

Guanajuato is a high-altitude city and enjoys spring-like temperatures all year round. Spring and summer can be warmer and wetter, with occasional afternoon showers during the rainy season. The best time to visit Guanajuato is from October to March, when the weather is cooler and drier. October is the peak time to visit, thanks to the Festival Internacional Cervantino, one of Latin America’s largest arts festivals showcasing music, dance, theatre, and visual arts. This is followed by the Day of the Dead, another lively celebration in the city.

Where to Stay

Guanajuato is a very affordable city, with a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. You can find inexpensive hostels, low-cost B&Bs and luxury hotels. I suggest staying in the historic centre for easy access to the main attractions. Keep in mind that the city’s steep hills and alleyways can be challenging for those with mobility issues, so it’s essential to research your accommodation carefully, as many don’t have lifts/elevators.

Health & Safety

Guanajuato City is a very safe city, especially in the city centre. I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable walking around day and night. You should use the usual level of caution that you would in any city: always be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your bag, stick to well-lit areas and if you’re drinking alcohol, keep an eye on your drink at all times. Some rural parts of the Guanajuato state experience higher levels of crime, so if you’re planning day trips or excursions, opt for guided tours or well-known routes.

Guanajuato is located at a high altitude (about 2,045 meters/6,709 feet). You might experience altitude sickness, which can cause headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Make sure to rest well, avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water until you’ve adjusted.

Opening Hours

Museums and historical sites in Guanajuato typically open between 9 AM and 10 AM and close around 6 PM. Some places close earlier on Sundays or are closed on Mondays, so it’s worth checking ahead, especially for smaller museums and historical sites. Restaurants and cafes often open late in the morning, but you’ll find them serving food well into the evening.

Languages

While Spanish is the primary language spoken in Guanajuato, many people working in the tourism industry (especially at hotels and restaurants) understand basic English. It’s always helpful to learn a few key Spanish phrases like “¿Dónde está?” (Where is?) and “La cuenta, por favor” (The bill/check, please) to make your interactions smoother. I practiced Spanish with Duolingo before my holiday to Mexico, and Google Translate is excellent for translating written and spoken words.

I hope you have a fantastic time exploring Guanajuato! It’s a treasure trove of historical and cultural landmarks and I am sure you’ll enjoy your time there. Let me know if you have any questions about Guanajuato, and while you’re planning your holiday to Mexico, make sure to check out my 4-week backpacking itinerary for Mexico, featuring Guanjuato, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Merida and much more. 

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow