Things to Do in Antigua
50 curated spots from Antigua itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Cerro de la Cruz
Walk or take a short ride up during daylight for the classic city-and-volcano viewpoint, then spend time enjoying the panorama safely.
1h 30m · Free
Iglesia de la Merced
See the famous yellow Baroque facade and nearby church grounds, one of Antigua’s most photographed sights.
45m · $1-3
Arco de Santa Catalina
Antigua’s famous yellow arch spanning 5a Avenida Norte, framed by cobblestones and volcano views.[6]
30m · Free
Parque Central
Spend time in the main square watching daily life, relaxing under the trees, and orienting yourself to the city.
1h · Free
Antigua Guatemala Cathedral Ruins
Explore the atmospheric remains of the cathedral complex and its courtyards for a close look at Antigua’s earthquake-shaken colonial past.
1h · $1-3
Casa Santo Domingo Museums
Explore the museum spaces and atmospheric ruins complex for art, history, and architecture in one stop.
2h · $8-12
Catedral de San José
Visit the cathedral ruins and surrounding plaza area for a look at Antigua’s layered colonial history.
45m · Free
ChocoMuseo Antigua
Browse the cacao-and-chocolate displays, then consider a low-cost tasting or short workshop if you want a sweet cultural stop.
1h 15m · $0-10
Mercado de Artesanías
Browse textiles, woodcarvings, and souvenirs; practice polite bargaining and keep an eye out for quality handmade pieces.
1h 15m · Free to browse
Museo Casa del Tejido Antiguo
Learn about Guatemalan textile traditions and indigenous weaving, then use the visit as context for market browsing later in the trip.
1h 15m · $3-5
Santa Catalina Arch
Walk beneath the city’s iconic arch and take in one of Antigua’s classic postcard views.
30m · Free
Antigua Cooking Class
Hands-on class making rellenitos and sauces (book via Ixchel).
3h · $35/person
Arco de Santa Catalina and 5a Avenida Norte Stroll
Walk north under the iconic yellow arch, browse textile vendors, and take classic volcano-framed photos.
1h · Free
Barbuda Beaches Day Trip
Take a full-day boat or flight day trip for an ultra-quiet beach experience and standout pink-sand scenery.
6h · $120-250
Betty's Hope
Explore the restored sugar plantation site and windmill remains for a clear view of Antigua’s plantation history.
1h 30m · $5-10
Caoba Farms
Organic farm, café, and market area just outside town with gardens, animals, and occasional events; accessible by a short walk or tuk-tuk.[6]
2h · Free entry (food and drinks extra)
Casa Popenoe Garden
Colonial courtyard with plants; quiet **nature**.
1h · $5
Casa Santo Domingo
Explore the grounds and museum spaces if you want a dose of history and architecture; choose only the free or low-cost areas if budgeting tightly.
1h 30m · $5-15
Casa Santo Domingo Grounds and Museum
Tour the restored convent ruins, small museums, and gardens; even if you don’t stay here, the site is a fascinating blend of history and art.
1h 30m · $5-8
Catedral de San José (Antigua Guatemala Cathedral)
Historic cathedral on the edge of Central Park with a restored front church and atmospheric ruined sections behind it.[1][6]
45m · Free-$3
Catedral de San José & Plaza Mayor surroundings
Explore the façade and interior of the cathedral and walk the surrounding streets lined with arcades and colonial architecture.
1h · $3-5 (if accessing ruins/paid areas)
Centro de Formación de la Cooperación Española
Visit the cultural center and its historic courtyard spaces if open during your stay.
45m · Free or low cost
Cerro de la Cruz Viewpoint
Walk up the paved path (go mid-morning, not early or after dark) for a panoramic view over Antigua and the volcanoes.
1h 30m · Free
Chocolate Museum Tour
Taste and learn cacao making.
1h 30m · $10
Convento Capuchinas
Explore the circular convent ruins and courtyards for one of Antigua’s most distinctive architectural sites.
1h 15m · $3-6
Convento de las Capuchinas
Ruins of a former convent with courtyards, circular towers, and evocative architecture; you can wander through cloisters and cells at your own pace.
1h 15m · $3-7 entry
Cooking Class Antigua
Join a Guatemalan cooking class to prepare traditional dishes and learn about local ingredients and techniques.
3h · $45-80Couple’s Spa & Massage at Spa Casa Santo Domingo
Book a mid-afternoon couples massage with access to the thermal circuit and relaxation areas in a serene, historic-monastery setting.
2h · $50-90 per person depending on treatment
Darkwood Beach
Spend a relaxed beach morning swimming, walking the sand, and taking easy coastal photos.
2h 30m · Free
Devil's Bridge
Photograph the dramatic rock arch and Atlantic surf, then take time for coastal views.
1h · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Rincón Típico
Order a traditional Guatemalan plate such as pepián or subanik if available, and keep the meal affordable and filling.
1h 15m · $9-15 per person
Café Condesa
A cafe option for coffee, pastries, or a light breakfast before a museum or walking day.
45m · $5-12 per person
La Fonda de la Calle Real
Classic restaurant known for traditional Guatemalan soups, pepian, and churrasco grilled meats in a rustic colonial setting.[7]
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Café No Sé
Come for an affordable drink or light bite before or after a short nightlife stroll; keep it casual and don’t overorder on a shoestring.
1h 30m · $6-15 per person
Doña Luisa Xicotencatl
Choose traditional Guatemalan dishes and house specialties in a classic Antigua setting.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Fernando's Kaffee
Cozy courtyard café roasting its own beans; grab a desayuno típico with eggs, beans, plantains, and handmade tortillas plus a strong coffee.
1h · $6-9 per person
Panadería Berna
Pick up pastries and coffee for an easy final-morning breakfast.
30m · $2-6 per person
Papa Zouk
Return for a final seafood lunch if you want one last dependable local meal before departure.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Adra Kitchen
Stylish, modern restaurant with creative Latin-inspired dishes and craft cocktails in a chic interior; try a shared small plates selection and a signature drink.[1]
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Ana's On the Beach
Have a casual dinner right on the water with seafood and easy island dishes.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Angie’s Kitchen
Homey stews and plantains.
1h 15m · $11-16 per person
Antigua Cerveza Tostadas
A simple local-style breakfast stop for coffee, eggs, and tostadas or breakfast plates.
45m · $5-10 per person
Artisana Antigua
Coffee, pastries, and breakfast plates make this a low-effort start before a market day.
50m · $7-14 per person
Bagel Barn
Bagels with local jams and coffee.
45m · $6-9 per person
Bistrot Cinq
End with a polished dinner that can feel a little celebratory without being overly formal.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Boom Restaurant
Have lunch with harbor views; seafood and island favorites fit well after a dockyard walk.
1h 15m · $25-45 per person
Budget Comida Corrida near La Merced
Pick a small, busy comedor offering set meals (comida corrida) with soup, main, and drink.
1h · $4-6 per person
Budget-Friendly Almuerzo near Parque Central
Head back toward the center and pick a small local restaurant offering lunch specials or simple plates.
45m · $4-6 per person
C&C Wine House
Choose a relaxed dinner with wine and Caribbean-inspired options near the city center.
1h 30m · $30-50 per person
Cafe Condesa
A dependable central lunch stop for sandwiches, soups, salads, and coffee; keep it simple to stay within budget.
1h · $8-14 per person