Guanajuato is a city surrounded by mountains with colorful houses and beautiful colonial architecture to discover on every street, corner, and alley.
Index:
- Top experiences in Guanajuato
- Best places to eat in Guanajuato
- Best food to try in Guanajuato
- Best places to visit in Guanajuato
Top experiences in Guanajuato
One of the best plans in Guanajuato is to walk through its streets and come across beautiful squares, churches, and colonial architecture on every corner. Each street and alley is an opportunity to discover and be amazed by this beautiful city. Given the number of places to explore, the following walk can be divided into two parts, if you want to enjoy it calmly or don’t have all day.
Part 1: Explore the Streets and Squares of Guanajuato.
Guanajuato can be traveled in a circuit, so you can start and end from any point on this walk.
The circuit begins at the large Hidalgo Market. With a design reminiscent of a train station, some versions of its history relate that the market was initially conceived as a train station, but was later converted into a market. Other versions narrate that its structure and clock tower were designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the same architect of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. What all versions do agree on is that the market was inaugurated in 1910 by the dictator Porfirio Díaz, months before the Mexican Revolution, against his dictatorship.
In the Hidalgo Market, you can find crafts, Mexican products, and food stalls of all kinds. While we visited the market and looked for something delicious to eat, we found on a corner, far from the most touristy stalls, a stall where several people who seemed to be locals were lining up to eat there. Its name is Carnitas Patlán, and since 1985, it has been selling delicious carnitas in tortas, tacos, and gorditas de migajas (crumbs of fried pork), with pico de gallo, guacamole, and chiles with onions in vinegar.
Carnitas, originally from the state of Michoacán, are different cuts of marinated pork, fried and cooked slowly and over low heat in pork fat, until obtaining a soft and juicy meat. Traditionally, carnitas are cooked in copper pots.
After visiting the market, it’s time to start exploring the beautiful squares and streets of Guanajuato. Walk along Benito Juárez Avenue until you reach Reforma Garden.
The Reforma Garden is a pleasant space with trees, picturesque houses, and an impressive entrance. The arches of its entrance were designed by José Noriega, the same architect who designed the Juárez Theater in this same city. In the garden, in addition to finding a pleasant place to sit and take photos, there is also a green quarry water fountain and a monument to Gandhi.
Continue down the alley to the right of the garden, looking at it from the main entrance, passing through the San Roque square and temple, until you reach San Fernando Square.
In the San Fernando Square, surrounded by colonial buildings, you will find different bars, cafes, and shops to sit and enjoy the view offered by the square. Although the shops are more focused on tourism in that square, it is worth sitting here, having something to drink, and spending some time in that beautiful square. We sat on a bench near the fountain in the afternoon hours, and with the heat, we couldn’t help but fall asleep for a while as we took a break.
After visiting San Fernando Square, continue walking along Benito Juárez Avenue until you reach one of the most spectacular buildings in Guanajuato, the Basilica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato.
The Basilica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato is one of the most emblematic constructions of the city. Inside this colorful church, there is one of the oldest and most venerated religious statues in Mexico, the statue of the Virgin of Guanajuato, which was brought from Spain in the 1750s.
After visiting the basilica, continue walking along Luis González Obregón Avenue, enjoying the colonial architecture, until you reach the La Unión Garden, where you can see the Juárez Theater and the Temple of San Diego de Alcalá. La Unión Garden is a park full of life, travelers, locals, restaurants, bars, and people dressed in traditional costumes offering the Callejoneadas plan.
The Callejoneadas are a type of traditional entertainment where musicians and entertainers take a group of people through the different alleys of Guanajuato, playing music, dancing, and entertaining the audience. We didn’t do a Callejoneada, but maybe it could be interesting to attend one if you like that type of plan.
Continue walking along Sopeña Avenue, passing by the San Francisco temple, a beautiful red church with an incredible façade. Although it was closed when we visited it, we sat for a while on the benches in front, to draw and watch people passing by.
Then, continue walking along Manuel Doblado Avenue until you reach the Cervantes Theater. In the square in front of the theater, you can have a beautiful panorama of the theater, with hills full of colorful houses. Here, too, we decided to sit for a while to enjoy the view and have a delicious beer. Of all the beers we tried in Mexico, the one we liked the most was Cerveza Clara Pacífico. Refreshing and light, this beer is produced by Grupo Modelo in Mazatlán, Sinaloa. After this long walk, we wanted to eat something near the Cervantes Theater, and although there are good options around, we ended up choosing the Habibti Falafel Restaurant, for its delicious vegetarian falafel sandwiches and good prices.
From here, the second part of the circuit begins. If you feel tired or it is already late, you can stop here, but if you want to continue, let’s move on to the second part!
Places visited
- Hidalgo Market
- Carnitas Patlán
- Reforma Garden
- San Fernando Square
- Basilica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato
- La Unión Garden
- Habibti Falafel Restaurant
Part 2: Exploring the Streets and Plazas of Guanajuato
From Teatro Cervantes, walk along the Manuel Doblado avenue, which becomes Cantarranas avenue, until you reach the Teatro Principal de Guanajuato. Here, you will start wandering through different alleys and explore freely. Among the beautiful surprises we found in the pretty alleys was the Plaza de la Mexiamora, a cute and peaceful little square with a couple of trees and surrounded by very colorful houses.
You can continue exploring the alleys until you reach the Baratillo Plaza, which, although a bit less peaceful than the previous plaza, is equally beautiful and welcoming. Going up a bit through Plaza Baratilla along San José street, we found a pleasant place called Costal Cultura Cafetera. Here you can find a restaurant, different art exhibitions, activities, and a very nice terrace, where you can take pictures of the view of Guanajuato along with the San José temple and the Temple of the Company of Jesus, both located around this establishment.
Next, we will visit one of our favorite buildings in all of Guanajuato, the building of the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Guanajuato. Walking along Lascuráin street, admiring the facade of this impressive building, culminates in one of the most representative architectural symbols of Guanajuato, the stairs and central building of the university. When we were here, there was a graduation ceremony going on, with graduates taking pictures on these iconic stairs.
After admiring this building, you can continue walking along Positos Street until you reach the Diego Rivera House Museum. This museum is the birthplace of this famous Mexican painter. Inside the museum, you can see how the decoration was back in the time when Diego Rivera lived there, and also his different works throughout the years. If you look carefully, in one of the rooms you can find a drawing of a nude of his famous counterpart, Frida Khalo. It is worth visiting this museum to see the evolution of Diego Rivera’s art and to know the birthplace of this famous artist.
Our circuit is coming to an end, but there are still some beautiful sites to visit. Continuing along Positos Street, walk to the art store El Pinche Grabadora. Here you can find beautiful works of different artists and all prices. It is not enough to say that we were delighted with all the works in this workshop, becoming one of our favorite stores in all of Mexico.
The last main destination of this circuit is the Foro Cultural 81, a couple of houses away from El Pinche Grabadora. In Foro Cultural 81, you can find different art and music exhibitions, depending on the season. In addition to having excellent exhibitions, it also has a beautiful terrace to enjoy the view and hills of Guanajuato. If you come across Thomas Settel, PR manager of the Forum, give him our regards, he was very kind to explain to us a bit about the history and exhibitions of Foro Cultural 81.
This is where the circuit ends, to return to where you started, you can go back to the Hidalgo Market, but if you crave some delicious tacos, we recommend going to Tacos El Paisa. Tacos el Paisa is a small Mexican food restaurant, focused more on the local audience than on tourism. Here you can find delicious tacos, of which our favorites were the pastor and steak tacos, with all the delicious sauces they offer, especially the pineapple one!
Places Visited
- Plaza de la Mexiamora
- Baratillo Plaza
- Costal Cultura Cafetera
- Faculty of Architecture of the University of Guanajuato
- Diego Rivera House Museum
- El Pinche Grabadora
- Foro Cultural 81
- Tacos el Paisa
Map of places to eat and visit in Guanajuato
If you use Maps.me or Organic Maps, you can download the map of places to eat and visit in Guanajuato here and import it into these applications to use their offline map functions.
Best places to eat in Guanajuato
⭐️ Mercado Hidalgo / $ / Google Maps
With a design reminiscent of a train station, some versions of its history relate that the market was initially conceived as a train station, but was later turned into a market. Other versions narrate that its structure and clock tower were designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the same architect of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. What all versions agree on, however, is that the market was inaugurated in 1910 by the dictator Porfirio Díaz, months before the Mexican Revolution, against his dictatorship.
Hours: Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
⭐️ Carnitas Patlán / $ / Google Maps
This food stand has been selling delicious carnitas in tortas, tacos, and gorditas de migajas (fried pork crumbs) at the Mercado Hidalgo since 1985, with toppings of pico de gallo, guacamole, and pickled chilies and onions.
Hours: Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM, Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM, Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM, Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM, Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Costal Cultura Cafetera / $$ / Google Maps
Here you can find a restaurant, various art exhibitions, activities, and a very nice terrace, where you can take photos of the view of Guanajuato along with the temples of San José and the Jesuit Company, both located around this establishment.
Hours: Monday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM, Tuesday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM, Wednesday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM, Thursday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM, Friday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM, Saturday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM, Sunday: 2:00 – 9:00 PM
El Paisa / $ / Google Maps
Tacos el Paisa is a small Mexican food restaurant, focused more on the local public than tourism. Here you can find delicious tacos, of which our favorites were the al pastor and beef tacos, with all the delicious sauces they offer, especially the pineapple one!
Hours: Monday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM, Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM, Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM, Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM, Friday: 10:30 AM – 1:00 AM, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Empanadas MiBu / $ / Google Maps
Hojaldre empanadas, with more than 25 savory and sweet flavors. We found these empanadas on the way and really liked the mushroom one. They are reasonably priced and quick, ideal for buying and eating while you continue exploring the city.
Hours: Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Santo Café / $$ / Google Maps
Nice and popular café with tables on a small bridge. Among the menu options are breakfasts until 12 pm, salads, quesadillas, and pastas. You may have to wait to sit at this café.
Hours: Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM, Tuesday: 2:00 – 7:00 PM, Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM, Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM, Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM, Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Habibti Falafel / $$ / Google Maps
Delicious vegetarian falafel sandwiches at good prices. The downtown branch is very nice to sit in, and it has a view of the Cervantes Theater.
Hours: Monday: 11:30 AM – 8:15 PM, Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 8:15 PM, Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 8:15 PM, Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:15 PM, Friday: 11:30 AM – 8:15 PM, Saturday: 11:30 AM – 8:15 PM, Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:15 PM
Best food to try in Guanajuato
During our two-day stay in Guanajuato, we did not manage to try many typical dishes of this region, however, we did try some food and drinks from Mexico that are part of the gastronomic experience in Mexico:
Carnitas
Originally from the state of Michoacán, Carnitas is marinated pork meat, fried and cooked slowly and at low heat in pork lard, until obtaining a soft and juicy meat. Traditionally, it is cooked in copper pots. Where to eat: Carnitas Patlán
Pacifico Clara Beer
Of all the beers we tried in Mexico, the one we liked the most was Pacifico Clara Beer. This beer is light and refreshing. Of course, it depends on each taste, but if you are looking for a new beer to try in Mexico, we recommend this one. The company that produces this beer is the Grupo Modelo (the same ones that produce Corona and Modelo beer), and it is made in Mazatlán, Sinaloa.
Maruchan Soups
Comforting and practical, although probably not very healthy, these instant pasta soups saved us from hunger several times when we couldn’t find where to eat or wanted something quick and delicious to eat at the hotel. The most Mexican flavor we liked was shrimp, lemon, and habanero. Where to buy: They can be found in most supermarkets and neighborhood stores.
Best places to visit in Guanajuato
⭐️ University of Guanajuato / Free / Google Maps
The construction of this iconic building was completed in 1955. The stairs, with its 86 steps, end with the message “the truth shall make you free” on the facade.
⭐️ Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato / Free / Google Maps
The Collegiate Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city. Inside this colorful church is one of the oldest and most revered statues in Mexico, the statue of the Virgin of Guanajuato, which was brought from Spain in the 1750s. This image has become one of the most revered in the city.
⭐️ Foro Cultural 81 / Free / Google Maps
Cultural center where different art and music exhibitions can be found, depending on the season. In addition to having excellent exhibitions, it also has a beautiful terrace to enjoy the view and the hills of Guanajuato.
Schedule: Monday: Closed, Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
⭐️ El Pinche Grabadora / Google Maps
Here you can find beautiful works by different artists and of all prices. It is not enough to say that we loved all the works in this workshop, becoming one of our favorite stores throughout Mexico.
Schedule: Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Diego Rivera Museum and House / $ / Google Maps
Birthplace of this famous Mexican painter. Inside the museum, you can see how the decoration was in the era when Diego Riviera lived in it, and also his different works throughout the years. If you look carefully, in one of the rooms you can find a drawing of a nude of his famous counterpart, Frida Kahlo. A visit to this museum is worth it to see the artist’s evolution and to know the place of origin of this famous artist.
Schedule: Monday: Closed, Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Jardín Reforma / Free / Google Maps
The Jardín de la Reforma is a pleasant space with trees, picturesque houses, and an impressive entrance. The arches of its entrance were designed by Jose Noriega, the same architect who designed the Teatro Juárez in this same city. In the Garden, in addition to finding a pleasant place to sit or take photos, there is also a green quarry water fountain and a monument to Gandhi.
Schedule: Monday: Open 24 hours, Tuesday: Open 24 hours, Wednesday: Open 24 hours, Thursday: Open 24 hours, Friday: Open 24 hours, Saturday: Open 24 hours, Sunday: Open 24 hours
Church of San Roque / Free / Google Maps
Small church hidden among alleys. In front of the church is the Plaza de San Roque, the setting for the Entremeses Cervantino event, which gave rise to the Cervantino International Festival, where every year is celebrated with music, theater, dance, visual arts, and other arts.
San Fernando Square / Free / Google Maps
In San Fernando Square, surrounded by colonial buildings, you will find different bars, cafés, and shops to sit and enjoy the view offered by the square. Although the shops are more focused on tourism in that square, it is worth sitting here, having a drink, and spending time in that beautiful square.
Baratillo Square / Free / Google Maps
Small square surrounded by colorful houses and shops. Originally called “Plaza Joaquín González y González”, the square acquired the name “Baratillo” over time because there was a very cheap marketplace, “baratillo” in the square. In the middle of the square, there is a beautiful green quarry fountain, which was moved from Plaza de la Paz, in front of the Basilica, when the Monument to Peace was installed there.
Mexiamora Square / Free / Google Maps
Beautiful and quiet square behind the Teatro Principal, “hidden” among alleys, with a couple of trees and surrounded by very colorful houses. The alleys Gallitos, Tamboras, Mexiamora, and El Hinojo all lead to this square.
Salto del Mono Street / Free / Google Maps
Cute alley with different passages and beautiful views of Guanajuato. Some Callejoneadas also pass through this alley.
Schedule: Monday: Open 24 hours, Tuesday: Open 24 hours, Wednesday: Open 24 hours, Thursday: Open 24 hours, Friday: Open 24 hours, Saturday: Open 24 hours, Sunday: Open 24 hours
Jardin de La Union / Free / Google Maps
Jardin de la Union is a park full of life, travelers getting to know the area, restaurants, bars, and people dressed in traditional costumes offering the plan of the Callejoneadas.
Juarez Theater / $ / Google Maps
Built in 1973 and 1903 and designed by Jose Noriega (the same one who designed the arches of the Jardin de la Reforma). Since 1972, it has been the headquarters of the International Cervantino Festival. It also serves as a meeting point for the Callejoneadas that take place at night.
On the top of the facade, there are 8 of the 9 muses of Greek mythology, daughters of Zeus, and each responsible for inspiring different areas of art and science, such as dance, poetry, astrology, and history. Interestingly, the missing muse on the facade is Erato, muse of love and erotic lyric poetry. The story goes that in the construction of the theater, the 9 muses were commissioned, but the ninth, Erato, took so long to be delivered that it was decided to mount the 8 muses without it.
Schedule: Monday: Closed, Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 1:45 PM, 5:00 - 7:45 PM, Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 1:45 PM, 5:00 - 7:45 PM, Thursday: 10:00 AM - 1:45 PM, 5:00 - 7:45 PM, Friday: 10:00 AM - 1:45 PM, 5:00 - 7:45 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM - 1:45 PM, 5:00 - 7:45 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM - 1:45 PM, 5:00 - 7:45 PM
