The Santa Catalina Arch is one of the most popular landmarks in Antigua. Dating back to the late 17th century, the structure was built to connect the Santa Catalina convent with a school so nuns could quickly move between the two places and follow their vows of seclusion.

From the city’s inception, Parque Central was designed to be the center of social life. Surrounded by colonial structures, this beautiful plaza is the gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

One of the grandest ruins in Antigua is Convento Santa Clara in the heart of the city, an enormous complex covering an entire city block. It was founded in 1699 and took 15 years to build, before being reduced to rubble just two years later when a massive earthquake hit. Some parts of the complex have been refurbished and partially rebuilt, including several beautiful courtyard and the main Baroque church full of decorative stucco.

The Cerro de la Cruz ("Hill of the Cross") is by far the best view of Antigua. Not only will you have a panoramic vista of the city below, but you’ll also have a great view of the Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes.

You’ll find the trailhead at the north end of Antigua, where 1a Avenida stops. If you have any doubts about getting there, you can ask a tuk-tuk driver to take you to the trailhead. The hike has 333 steps and takes about 30 minutes.

The trail is open from 10am to 3pm.

Casa de los Gigantes

7a Calle Oriente 18, Antigua, Guatemala

Los Gigantes is another artisanal market, but this one is a bit pricier. Los Gigantes is ethical and sustainable, creating handicrafts using earth-friendly materials and providing local artisans with a way of earning a living. You can find a beautiful and varied range of high-quality natural handcrafted products here, from decorative vases, coasters, hot pads, and baskets made from pine needles to detailed teak and highland pine carpentry products.

Mercado de Artesanias

H759+934, 3A Avenida Nte., Antigua, Guatemala

Many people consider this Artisan Market to be the main ‘tourist market’. Full of colorful textiles, traditional blankets, wooden masks, jade jewelry and woven purses, it’s an incredibly photogenic place to wander around.

Nim Po’t

5a Avenida Norte, Antigua. Guatemala

Located on Antigua’s 5th Avenida (by the yellow Santa Catalina Arch), Nim Po’t is one of the best places to find traditional Mayan clothing and textiles. This huge hall is a cooperative for artisans, with beautiful garments arranged by region, so browsing the intricate huipils, cortes and fajas is like a fun geography lesson. If you’re not hunting for clothes, Nim Po’t also has an extensive collection of traditional masks, wood carvings, kites, paintings and refrigerator magnets, so it’s an ideal spot for a bit of last-minute souvenir shopping too.

This is a great way to kick off your visit to Antigua. There are a few options, but a high-rated free walking tour is this one, which has hundreds of five-star reviews. You’ll stop at landmarks like the Santa Catalina Arch, Mercado de Artesenías, the Parque Central, and more.

Traditional Candies

While in Antigua, take the chance to try traditional Guatemalan candies, also called "dulces típicos," like Canillitas de Leche (made from milk, sugar, and cinnamon), Colochos de Guayaba (Guava, sugar, and spices), and Bolitas de Tamarindo (sweet and sour tamarind balls).

Favorite Guatemalan/Central American Snacks

You can also try some classic Guatemalan childhood snacks! Some of Annie and Luis's favorites are Tortrix fried corn chips (lime flavor), Sponches (marshmallow cookies), and Chiky cookies (chocolate covered cookies).

Traditional Breakfast

Enjoy a traditional Guatemalan breakfast ("Desayuno Típico" or "Desayuno Chapín"), which consists of fried eggs, refried black beans, queso fresco, fried plantains, and corn tortillas.

Guatemalan Coffee and Chocolate

Did you know that many consider Guatemala to have the best chocolate and best coffee in the world? A great place to sample and learn about Guatemalan chocolate is ChocoMuseo. For extra credit, take one of their mini chocolate workshops. To experience Guatemala's coffee, stop by one of Antigua's many coffee shops, such as 12 Onzas.

Museo Efrain Recinos

H73H+25P, Antigua, Guatemala

The Museo Efrain Recinos is located on the top of El Tenedor del Cerro, a hill overlooking Antigua, Guatemala. The museum is dedicated to the work of Efrain Recinos, a renowned Guatemalan artist and sculptor, who was responsible for many public works throughout the country. It is about a 10 minute drive from Antigua.

The museum houses Efraín Recinos’ sculptures, paintings, and diverse artwork, showcasing his mastery of mediums like stone, metal, and wood. Amidst spaces rich with art and nostalgia, the museum pays homage to Recinos. Outdoor displays offer additional art, including a significant Guatemalan-scale sculpture and Recinos’ accompanying Volkswagen. The hilltop site affords breathtaking views of Antigua and a serene atmosphere. Though relatively small, the museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and those keen on Guatemala’s cultural heritage.

Choco Museum

4a Calle Oriente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Guatemala is the original birthplace of chocolate and Antigua produces some of the best in the world. At the famous Choco Museum you can mix pleasure with learning as you discover the history behind the Mayan love affair with chocolate, which they considered the “food of the gods.” You can also get involved in one of its workshops, where you’ll learn how to turn cacao bean into chocolate bar – and enjoy plenty of tastings along the way. Afterwards, visit the museum chocolate shop to buy some indulgent gifts, like cacao body butter, or rich chocolate liqueur.

Museo Casa del Tejido

1a Calle Poniente, Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is known for producing beautifully woven textiles, and Museo Casa del Tejido is the best place to learn more about these traditional designs. It’s a museum, market and workshop all in one, with demonstrations of weaving techniques, exhibitions on regional outfits, and weaving classes. You’ll learn about the different styles of Traditional Guatemalan clothing and weaves from different villages and can buy unique gifts from the shop afterwards.

Centro Cultural La Azotea

H7F4+Q2M, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Centro Cultural La Azotea is a museum complex set in a 150 yr old coffee mill and plantation just 5 mins out of the town of Antigua. The attractions include a didactive Coffee Museum with a fully operational 19th century coffee mill, a coffee plantation tour, an industrial coffee mill in full operation. It also includes a Museum of Mayan Music and Instruments, an exhibit of Mayan textiles and customs and a recreation of a Mayan village highlighting it's architecture and construction materials as well as the regions' botanicals. The cost of entry is $6, and there is free Shuttle Pick-Up in Parque Central.

Museo del Libro Antiguo

Portal del Ayuntamiento, No. 6, Antigua, Guatemala

Book lovers should definitely pay a visit to the Museo del Libro Antiguo, which displays the most important works of early Guatemalan printing. A first edition of Don Quixote de la Mancha (dating from 1620) is showcased here, as well as replicas of the country’s first printing press. Located in a grand, double-fronted 18th century building to the north of the park, the stone benches under the arches at the bottom are excellent spots for some people-watching.