How to Eat Your Way Through Antigua, Guatemala in 48 Hours
Antigua, a 30-minute Uber ride from Guatemala City, is one of Central America’s best-preserved examples of Spanish colonial architecture, with cobblestone grids influenced by the Italian Renaissance. Antigua was once Guatemala’s capital, which was relocated to present day Guatemala City in 1773. Antigua is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site, but also a hub for international students, architecture aficionados, and expats renewing their visas. Start your day sipping locally grown and roasted coffee in a restored church, walk the colonial cobbles with Papusa in hand, and end your day with an iconic tasting menu at Antigua’s first fine dining experience.
Quick tips
Getting there
An Uber from the Guatemala City airport to Antigua should cost $30. Have US cash (or Gutemalan quetzals) in hand when you land. Once you’re in Antigua, the city is walkable.
Currency
Currently, $10 US dollars = 77 Guatemalan quetzals.
Where to stay
There are plenty of colonial apartments available in the city center, which shouldn’t exceed $65 per night. Full Airbnb list here.
Best city view
Take a short walk out of town for local views of the city from Cerro de La Cruz.
Where to eat
Day 1
- 9 AM: Coffee at Cafe Cafe – worth buying a bag of coffee to take home
- 10:30 AM: French pastry at Cafe Boheme
- 1 PM: Rooftop craft beer at Cafe Sky
- 2 PM: Papusa snack at Antojito Salvadoreno
- 5 PM: Rum tasting at La Casa Del Ron
- 7 PM: Dinner at XQ No, also known for good cocktails
- 9 PM: Sample unique flavors of ice cream at Sobremesa
Day 2
- 9 AM: Coffee at Fat Cat
- 10 AM: Breakfast smoothies at Samsara
- 11:30 AM: Mexican food at Restaurante Fridas (decor inspired by Frida Kahlo)
- 1 PM: Local ground corn tamales and guacamole from El Camalote
- 5:30 PM: Pre-dinner drink at Bistrot Cinq, perhaps a traditional Absinthe drip cocktail
- 7 PM: 10-course tasting menu with wine pairing at Quiltro
Google Maps list here.