Location: Guanajuato
Top Things to do in Guanajuato
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What to do and see in Guanajuato, Guanajuato: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Best known for its Festival Cervantino, an arts festival that draws attendance from around the world, Guanajuato is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its old town dates back to the 16th century, and you can visit many of Mexico’s important religious and artistic sites. Guanajuato was also home to the Mexican independence movement and the site of the first failed rebellion against colonial rule.
Restaurants in Guanajuato
1. Museo Regional de Guanajuato Alhondiga de Granaditas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,074 reviews
This huge stone granary was the site of the first major Mexican victory against the Spanish in the War of Independence.
Reviewed By PaulPapich - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
This massive building is a history museum, an art museum, an anthropologiacl museum, and, best of all, the very place where one of the most important events in Mexican history actually occurred. Don't be fooled by the drab exterior. Inside you will find the story of European colonization and its many horrors, the struggle for independence from its oppressive yolk, and the courage and determination of the Mexican people portrayed in the most vivid detail. This is a "must see" while in Guanajuato.
2. Museo Casa Diego Rivera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 826 reviews
The birthplace of Mexico's most famous painter has been preserved as a museum featuring some of his original works and a collection of artifacts from his house.
Reviewed By SeveBellisteros - Kansas City, United States
I am a big fan of Diego Rivera so I very much enjoyed his home. It is beautifully restored and has several of his early works, which are not in the style for which he is famous. I would read about him in advance of going as the signage. /story telling is minimal.
3. Jardin de la Union
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,299 reviews
This popular plaza is the center of social activity in the city.
Reviewed By SimoneK10 - Melbourne, Australia
This is a beautiful public square just to sit and watch people and listen to the Mariachi bands. Really enjoyable.
4. Museo Iconografico del Quijote
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 425 reviews
This museum is dedicated to the story of Don Quixote and displays statues, murals and other depictions of this famous literary figure.
Reviewed By PaulPapich - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
My wife and I loved this museum. Imagine, an entire museum dedicated to the mythical exploits of a fictional character. This might seem absurd, but then you visit the museum and the genius of the place reveals itself. The many galleries contain lovely works of art depicting the improbable events in the lives of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, and scholarly books about the author, Don Miguel de Cervantes, and his world-famous book. My wife and I loved this place. In fact, we visited twice in our five-day stay.
5. Parroquia de Basilica Colegiata de Nuestra Senora de Guanajuato
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 677 reviews
This 17th-century cathedral holds a wooden image of the Nuestra Senora de Guanajuato that is thought be the oldest piece of Christian art in Mexico.
Reviewed By vagabondginger - San Diego, United States
My first look at the beautiful city of Guanajuato was from the top at El Pipila and not only did the San Diego Church with it's red domes stand out, so did this striking yellow Basilica with 2 towers and the red dome. It seems to just dominate the whole postcard scene. Nuestra Señora (Our Lady) is the patron saint and protector of this city and her statue inside is indeed revered. The chandeliers and interior is stunning too. This Basilica stands at the main square in the Plaza of Peace.
6. Templo La Valenciana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 517 reviews
This lavish 18th-century church was built by a silver baron from the nearby Valenciana mine.
Reviewed By 219sheilad - Tulum, Mexico
Visited this before going to the mine will be best to take quick taxi ride from town and walk back Gold came from mines in the area very intricate details free admission
7. Teatro Juarez
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,192 reviews
This early 20th-century building is part Moorish, part Roman and part Greek and is one of the city's more noticeable landmarks.
Reviewed By rossr708
Well worth a visit. It is very ornate and has unique old features (like a smoking rooom). We were very fortunate to see them rehearsing an opera, which was amazing
8. Templo de la Compania de Jesus Oratorio de San Felipe Neri
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
A preserved 18th-century Jesuit church and the place where the Colegio del Estado got started in 1828.
Reviewed By Passenger186994
The Compania cathedral (Jesuits) offers a restful and meditative break from touring this fabulous UNESCO historical city. Sit for 20 minutes, and absorb how you feel taken back into history of Mexico. Walk around the dome lighted pews and discover more: old statues, crypts near the altar; the colorful antechamber, with large period murals. At the rear, Guanajuato University or the city organizes musical horn and string mini concert events of modern and classical nature. Afterwards, walk the nearby, narrow winding road past post office, to Emporium, at Baratillo Plaza, and unwind at outdoor cafe, across from OxOx, and there gather your thoughts and observe residents on the edge of Plaza Union. Coffee is very good and the young servers are excellent. GM Lies, WV
9. University of Guanajuato
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,042 reviews
This prestigious university was constructed to blend in with the rest of the city.
Reviewed By 683brucer
Our tour guide included a tour of the campus and we finished in the Auditorium/Theater. Spectacular. The whole campus was stunning, the architecture the history. Really impressed.
10. Museo Ex-Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 440 reviews
The origin of the Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera corresponds to the stage of mining exploitation at the end of the XVII, stage focused on the discoveries of rich betas of gold and silver. At the beginning of the 19th century, with the arrival of Independence and Consummation, the mines were suspended and some mining production estates were abandoned, leaving them in ruins. In 1947, the Mexican Francisco Armida Cabrera, acquired the property and dedicated his time to the conservation of what can be seen today as a Museum and the restoration of the old town. The style that is observed inside the House Museum is the Spanish Colonial Viceroyalty on the ground floor level and the French style of the Maximilian era on the top floor. So, you can see decoration and furniture of these stages in the Treasury. In 1975 the State Government acquired the Treasury and in September of 1979 it is given the appointment of a Historic Monument and is opened to the public as a Museum.
Reviewed By Omambo25 - Los Angeles, United States
I read some great reviews and this was on my list of places to see while in GTO. We had the whole garden to ourselves and the setting was perfection. The amount of flowers, foliage and manicured areas are a breath of fresh air from the hustle of the city. Great place for a walk and a nice tour of the hacienda preserved with original furniture and paintings. Highly recommend a short uber ride is so worth it !
