Guatemala City, Guatemala: travel guide
Guatemala's capital, from the old Centro Histórico to Zona 10 dining
Guatemala's capital and largest city; gateway hub with the National Palace, colonial Centro Histórico (Zona 1) and the upscale dining and nightlife of Zona 10 (Zona Viva).
About Guatemala City
Guatemala City is the country's capital and its main gateway, a large highland city that most visitors pass through on the way to Antigua or the Petén. It rewards a short stay, with several distinct districts and a handful of museums worth an afternoon.
In the Centro Histórico of Zona 1 you will find the Plaza Mayor, the Palacio Nacional and the Catedral Metropolitana, with the Mercado Central nearby for crafts. The Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología gives context for the Maya sites further afield, while Zona 10 is the place for restaurants and nightlife and Paseo Cayalá offers a leafy, walkable promenade.
The city suits those with a stopover or a few days between trips. The climate is mild thanks to the altitude, and the dry season from November to April is the more comfortable time.
- Country
- Guatemala
- Currency
- GTQ
- Time zone
- America/Guatemala
- Nearest airport
- GUA
Last updated
Top places to visit in Guatemala City
Catedral Metropolitana
cathedral · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Neoclassical cathedral (completed 1815) whose pillars are engraved with names of the disappeared from the civil war.
Palacio Nacional de la Cultura
palace · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Grand green-stone presidential palace on the main square, now a cultural museum; guided tours cover murals, courtyards and the Km 0 marker.
Plaza de la Constitución
plaza · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The capital's civic heart in Zona 1, flanked by the National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral, busy with weekend events.
Museo Popol Vuh
archaeology · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Universidad Francisco Marroquín museum with one of the finest collections of Maya and colonial art, including painted ceramics.
Museo Ixchel del Traje Indígena
textile · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Museum devoted to Guatemala's Maya textiles and traditional dress, with hundreds of huipiles and weaving demonstrations.
Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología
archaeology · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
National archaeology museum in La Aurora park holding major Maya stelae and jade from Tikal, Piedras Negras and beyond.
Mapa en Relieve
landmark · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Giant open-air relief map of Guatemala built in 1905, showing the whole country's topography to scale.
Zona Viva (Zona 10)
district · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The city's upscale district of restaurants, rooftop bars, clubs and hotels; the main nightlife hub for visitors.
Paseo Cayalá
lifestyle · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Modern white-stone pedestrian city-within-a-city with plazas, boutiques, restaurants and evening entertainment.
La Aurora Zoo
zoo · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Well-regarded zoo in La Aurora park with African savanna, Asian and Mesoamerican wildlife sections.
Mercado Central
handicraft · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Multi-level covered market behind the cathedral selling textiles, leather, jade and handicrafts from across the country.
Things to do
- Guatemala City Historic Centre & Museums Tour City Tour · 5 h · from GTQ 260 per person
- Guatemalan Cooking Class Cooking Class · 4 h · from GTQ 320 per person
Where to stay in Guatemala City
- Zona 10 (Zona Viva) about GTQ 900 per night
Safest and most convenient district for visitors, with hotels, dining and nightlife.
- Zona 14 about GTQ 850 per night
Quiet upscale residential area near Cayalá, good for business travellers.
Hotels
- Barceló Guatemala City 5-star
- Clarion Suites Guatemala 4-star
- Theatre International Hostel 2-star
Where to eat
- Kacao Guatemalan · about GTQ 150 per person
- Arrin Cuan Guatemalan · about GTQ 120 per person
- Jake's International, Seafood · about GTQ 260 per person
- Rey Sol Vegetarian · about GTQ 55 per person
- Ambia Asian, Fusion · about GTQ 300 per person
Getting to Guatemala City
Airport: Guatemala City (GUA)
Getting around
- Bus
- Ride Hail
- Taxi
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Unregistered street taxis
Zona 1 and around bus terminals
Unofficial taxis may overcharge tourists or take long routes, and street-hailed cabs at night carry a robbery risk.
How to avoid it: Use Uber or a hotel-booked taxi; avoid hailing taxis on the street after dark.
More in Guatemala
Frequently asked questions about Guatemala City
- What are the main places to visit in Guatemala City?
- Places covered in our Guatemala City guide include Catedral Metropolitana, Palacio Nacional de la Cultura, Plaza de la Constitución, Museo Popol Vuh, Museo Ixchel del Traje Indígena.
- Where should I stay in Guatemala City?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Guatemala City: Zona 10 (Zona Viva), Zona 14.
- How do I get around Guatemala City?
- Ways to get around Guatemala City covered in our guide: City bus, Ride-hailing app, Taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Guatemala City?
- Scams reported to us for Guatemala City include Unregistered street taxis. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Guatemala City?
- The nearest airport to Guatemala City has the code GUA.