Location: Guatemala City
Top Things to do in Guatemala City
Top Restaurants in Guatemala City
Countries
What to do and see in Guatemala City, Guatemala: The Best Places and Tips
Guatemala City draws visitors whose interests range from Maya history to contemporary culture. Two museums house Maya artifacts, some of which were discovered on a nearby archaeological site. Other museums exhibit indigenous and modern art. In Mercado Central, an underground market, shoppers bargain with vendors selling local handicrafts. Additional attractions include a botanical garden and a scale replica of the Eiffel Tower. A night out in bustling Zona Viva caps off a day of sightseeing.
Restaurants in Guatemala City
1. Mundo Petapa Irtra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
Reviewed By Luis L
If you have any children, this is a must go place in Guatemala. The atractions are very exciting. It is better if you are not going on a weekend though since it gets really packed.
2. Museo Popol Vuh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
One of Central America's more modern museums, this natural history museum is best known for its funerary ceramics, but also includes well-known Maya pottery pieces and other artififacts spanning the period from 2000 B.C. through colonial times..
Reviewed By Ann G - Wausau, Wisconsin
This was an interesting exhibit to visit. The pieces were varied, including jade jewelry, urns, pottery, and even a reproduction of the type of books they wrote. The style of book was unique. See the picture and description with the book. This was definitely worth the visit. The signs for the displays were very informative. We could have spent a long time here, but we were with a group, on a guided tour of this museum. We were able to take photos here. It is also located near the textile museum, and both are part of the University property.
3. Museo Ixchel del Traje Indigena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 287 reviews
Textiles and clothing of the Mayan people, Guatemala's indigenous community, are displayed at this outstanding museum, which also contains paintings, interactive weaving exhibits, a bookstore and gift shop.
Reviewed By uclatraveler9 - Los Angeles, California
The museum is really pretty and interesting. It's not huge, but it gives you a good sense of the variety of styles and how the weaving is done. There are a few videos to watch before you walk through.
You can buy a joint ticket for this and the Popol Vuh museum, which saves you a little money. It is cash only.
They have a nice gift shop in the lobby.
You will need a photo ID in order to get on the university's campus, which is where the museums are located. As a side note, the campus is beautiful! I wish I had brought a picnic lunch with me.
Recommended!
4. La Aurora Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
5. Paseo Cayala
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 878 reviews
The heart of Cayala City, 63 acres of land that combine housing, dining, shopping, entertainment and business districts. With over 90 commercial concepts from coffes, shops and restaurants, a special place to share with a cultural agenda and activities all year round.
Reviewed By FAM1955 - Guatemala City, Guatemala
Cayalá had developed a lot. It has a lot of stores, specialty restaurants, movie Theaters and now a hotel.
In terms of business trips you can stay at that hotel (an AC Marriott) and in the evening walk to restaurants and stores SAFELY..... A good option.
The restaurant offer is big, with all type of foods. We came on a Saturday, walked around, saw the options and selected one. Although you have to pay for parking (nowadays in Guatemala there are no malls with free parking), it is ample, easy to get around and same price as other malls.
6. Plaza Fontabella
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By gregkemp - Tecpan, Guatemala
Being foreigners in Guate, it is a great passtime to watch people. Fontebella is great for that because the folks that go there are the economic elite of Guatemala. I would never go shopping there, way too fashionable for me. But they have a wide selection of restaurants, so we use it as a highend food fair, ehere people are really dressed up. From asian, mexican, local fare, italian, coffee shops.
BTW- a great bookstore.
7. La Merced
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
This beautiful church contains artwork that was moved from La Merced in Antigua after that building was destroyed by earthquakes.
8. Oakland Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Focused in providing a unique shopping experience from the moment you enter the mall, its 4 floors of retail, convenience parking with two thousand spaces, unique stores, fast food, cafes and restaurants make Oakland Mall a unique, surprising and different place.
Reviewed By WorldTraveler503 - Toronto, Canada
I'm not a big mall goer but when traveling I like to see everything, including malls... this one rivals any one in US and Canada. Lots of the same stores but also their own local stores to add that "local flavour"... I spent a good hour and a half just walking around. Be prepared to be "wowed" by the outstanding customer service anywhere you walk in.
9. Palacio Nacional
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 381 reviews
The elaborate interior of this former presidential palace houses paintings and sculptures by famous Guatemalan artists.
Reviewed By Dr_B_Maitra - Kolkata, India
Situated in the City Centre of Guatemala City, this palace is a palace in true sense.
The decor, the marbled flooring, the chandeliers, the murals truly represents what a palace is and you are impressed by the grandeur that it exudes.
Our guide was also very good and informative.
A must do if you are in Guatemala City.
10. Catedral Metropolitana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 415 reviews
Built between 1782 and 1868 on the edge of Plaza Mayor, this Baroque-styled church contains ornate altars, statues and colonial artwork.
Reviewed By Linda B - Raleigh, North Carolina
In the center of the city, it is located at Parque Central. Damaged during two earthquakes...1917 and 1976...it has been repaired. Very austere interior. What was heart wrenching was seeing the 12 pillars outside the church with the names of the thousands of people who disappeared or were murdered during the internal conflict from 1960 to 1996.
