What to do and see in Guanajuato, Guanajuato: The Best Free Things to do

October 20, 2021 Joeann Galban

Discover the best top things to do in Guanajuato, Central Mexico and Gulf Coast including Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, Galeria Atotonilco, Jardin de la Union, El Jardin, Parroquia de Basilica Colegiata de Nuestra Senora de Guanajuato, Parque Benito Juarez, Templo La Valenciana, Church of the Grito, University of Guanajuato.
Restaurants in Guanajuato

1. Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel

Calle Principal S/N Zona Centro, San Miguel de Allende 37725 Mexico +52 415 152 0544
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,227 reviews

Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel

Built in 1683, this pastel pink church is the city's most recognizable landmark.

Reviewed By Retired_teacher_56 - Dwight, Canada

The centerpiece and focal point and one of the best things to do in San Miguel Allende is the unmissable church. La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel or the Church of St. Michael the Archangel is as impressive as it is massive. This is arguably the most photogenic spot in the city inside and out. Enjoy the view from the well-manicured garden in the plaza directly in front of the church that looks almost like an ornate pinkish orange cake! On Sundays, the plaza out front is filled with families and their children enjoying the park. The Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar in the Rosewood Hotel is a great place to have a cocktail enjoying both the sunset and this amazing church

2. Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus

12901 N. I-35 Service Rd. Northbound Plaza Expiatorio, Leon 37000 Mexico +52 477 714 2096 http://www.visitmexico.com/guanajuato/leon
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 967 reviews

Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus

Reviewed By MarkC101 - Leon, Mexico

Awesome local feel. Visit the catacombs at the local sagrada ... starts after siesta (5pm) SaleRosa was our top restaurant! Simply awesome. Ask for Cesar - speaks English from Cardiff

3. Galeria Atotonilco

Camino Antiguo Ferrocarril # 14 Colonia El Cortijo, San Miguel de Allende 37893 Mexico +52 415 185 2225 [email protected] http://www.galeriaatotonilco.com
Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 373 reviews

Galeria Atotonilco

We are open BY APPOINTMENT only and usually have an Open House the last weekend of every month from noon to 5 pm. Please check our weekly ad in Atencion for directions to the gallery and contact information. Please note: We are NOT a "Museum" or an "Attraction." One of the largest and highest quality folk art collections in all of Mexico, on a gorgeous country property in an architecturally spectacular, much-published building, Galeria Atotonilco is a ten-minute drive north of town. It is an eye-dazzling array of a huge variety of folk art, from funny to exquisite, from all over Mexico. Folk art is a direct route to the true heart of Mexico: it's history, it's traditions, it's myths and legends, it's diverse cultures. Items in all price ranges can be shipped anywhere. We suggest you visit us early in your trip when you have not spent all your money and when shipping can be arranged if necessary. Even if you know little about folk art, we guarantee you will be amazed at the diversity, and we love sharing our knowledge with you. In addition to folk art, you will see country antique furniture, vintage textiles of great beauty, and historic photographs of 19th century Mexico. Within a mile is the historic church of Atotonilco, and the gorgeous country restaurant, Nirvana. Plan to spend at least an hour in our gallery. The time will fly by. Many visitors report that this gallery was the highlight of their visit to San Miguel.

Reviewed By mariet451 - San Diego, United States

My husband and I, with a friend, really enjoyed our visit to this lovely property, with an excellent selection of carefully curated Mexican folk art. The collection is museum-quality, with something for everyone, at every price point, from ceramics, to textiles, masks and beyond. The owner is personable and knowledgable and personally accompanied us to the back gate where a short walk led us to a lovely place for lunch, Nirvana. The property is a beautiful setting for showcasing the colorful artisan works. My husband was thrilled to find curious mezcal figurine bottles he had admired in a private collection in Guanajuato, while I fell in love with the contemporary ceramics of Gustavo Perez. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would definitely return on a future visit to the area-highly recommended! Visits are by appointment, so plan ahead. We were able to visit with only one day's notice, but the owners do travel to find new acquisitions so advance contact by email or phone is advised.

4. Jardin de la Union

Jardin de la Union & De Sopena, Guanajuato 36000 Mexico
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,299 reviews

Jardin de la Union

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.

5. El Jardin

San Miguel de Allende Mexico
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,057 reviews

El Jardin

The city's crowded center plaza is located at the heart of the historic district.

Reviewed By 643geraldb

One of our guides described it as the living room of SMA. Just before sunset people of all ages fill the zocalo. It's exciting to watch and walk around

6. Parroquia de Basilica Colegiata de Nuestra Senora de Guanajuato

Calle Ponciano Aguilar 7, Centro, Guanajuato 36000 Mexico +52 473 732 0314
Excellent
61%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 677 reviews

Parroquia de Basilica Colegiata de Nuestra Senora de Guanajuato

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.

7. Parque Benito Juarez

Calle Canadita de los Aguacates 75 Centro, San Miguel de Allende 37700 Mexico
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 485 reviews

Parque Benito Juarez

Young boys honing their bull-fighting skills are sometimes seen in this large lush garden.

Reviewed By PamManchester_MAUSA - Austin, United States

Mexico has spent a large amount of money upgrading this part. New walks through new gardens and nice new basketball courts for kids!

8. Templo La Valenciana

Plazuela de Valenciana, Guanajuato 36023 Mexico
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 517 reviews

Templo La Valenciana

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

9. Church of the Grito

Entre calle Queretaro y Plaza Principal S/N Centro 37800 Dolores Hidalgo Atrio de la Parroquia Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, Dolores Hidalgo 37800 Mexico
Excellent
60%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 225 reviews

Church of the Grito

This 18th-century church dominates Dolores Hidalgo's Plaza Principal with its two large towers.

Reviewed By vagabondginger - San Diego, United States

Father Miguel Hidalgo stood on these church steps and ordered the bells to be rung as he called for the end of 300 years of Spanish rule. This was the beginning of the Mexican Revolution resulting in their independence. That is what makes this church so important to their history. It's not just the sights you see or just another church, travel is all about understanding the significance of these places. The town of Dolores added Father Hidalgo's name and it is known as the cradle of Mexican independence.

10. University of Guanajuato

Calle Lascurain de Retana Centro 5, Guanajuato 36003 Mexico +52 473 732 0006 http://www.ugto.mx
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,042 reviews

University of Guanajuato

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.

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