Guatemala City
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean · Guatemala
Did you know?
- The Central Market doubles as a destination for local street food.
- Kaminal Juyu ruins are among the city's archaeological sights.
- Zona 10 pairs upscale hotels with nightlife.
See also
Antigua Guatemala
Guatemala14.57°N 90.73°W · 1,582 m
Chimaltenango
Guatemala14.66°N 90.82°W · 1,800 m
Panajachel
Guatemala14.74°N 91.16°W · 1,597 m
Overview
Guatemala City combines modern amenities with historic attractions. Zona 1 brings together the national palace, cathedral and central market.
Languages: Spanish
Why go?
Guatemala City is the capital and largest city in Guatemala, with a population of around 3 million. It offers a mix of modern amenities and historic attractions, often with few tourists. The city is divided into 21 zones, with Zona 1 being the historic center featuring the national palace, cathedral, and central market.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The city is divided into 21 zones. Zona 1 is the historic center, Zona 4 has official buildings, Zona 10 has upscale hotels and nightlife. Walking is possible but caution advised. Buses and taxis are available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Guatemala City has a tropical climate with a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October. The rainiest months are June through September.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Most accommodations in Zona Viva are within a few blocks. Budget options include hostels near the airport and in Zona 1. Check for hidden costs and taxes (22%) before booking. Dorm beds start at US$4.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Restaurants range from local eateries to upscale steakhouses. Zona 10 has many options. Try Hacienda Real for steak, Tamarindos for Asian fusion, or local street food at the Central Market. Drinks at 4 Grados Norte or Zona Viva.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Attractions include the National Palace of Culture (Q40), La Aurora Zoo, Kaminal Juyu ruins, and several museums. Activities include climbing volcanoes Agua and Pacaya, shopping at Central Market, and visiting the Zona Viva nightlife. Football games at Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Guatemala City has a high level of crime. Avoid walking alone at night, stay alert, and give up belongings if robbed. Zona Viva and 4 Grados Norte are safer at night.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Electrical outlets are 110 V 60 Hz, with 2-pronged plugs. Transformers available at Electronica Panamericana, Zona 9. SIM cards and WiFi are widely available in hotels and cafes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
Hostel dorms from US$4-18 per person, meals at upscale restaurants around Q45 for cocktails, street food cheaper. Entrance fees: National Palace Q40, museums Q35-45.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Climb volcanoes Agua and Pacaya, or visit Lake Atitlan for water sports. Antigua is a popular nearby destination.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Guatemala City, buses go to Antigua, Lake Atitlan, the Western Highlands (Quetzaltenango), and the Caribbean coast. International buses to San Salvador and Honduras.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Hacienda Real
5A Avenida 14-67, Zona 10. One of the best places for steak. Try the tortillas with guacamole, frijoles (beans) and chorizo for starters, and the steak pimienta as the main course. Serves a free, delicious caldo while you wait for the meal.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Hooters
Avenida La Reforma 16-01, Zona 10, local 18. The same as the ones in the USA.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Hotel Ajau
8a av 15-62, Zona 1. Beautiful old hotel with decorations from around Guatemala. Nice restaurant with waiters dressed in traditional costumes. Q80.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Hotel Pan-American
Continental restaurant.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Los Cebollines
Plaza España, 7 Avenida/12 Calle, Zona 9.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Restaurante Fridas
Mexican food. Chicken fajitas, Tortilla soup, pechuga de pollo en salsa de mango, pay azteca, a la flauta flautas, and for starters the queso fundido mixto (melted cheese with mushrooms) are all good. The best margaritas in Guatemala, but watch out when they ask you what kind of tequila you would like in/with it as the price might rise from the normal Q29 to Q85.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Tamarindos
5 Avenida 9-27, Zona 10. Asian fusion cuisine, duck, ostrich, steak, shrimps, and maybe the best sushi in the city. Try the Moo Shu Duck, the tuna dishes, and for dessert the bread pudding with ice cream and bourbon sauce, or the chocolate surprise. Expensive cocktails, Q45.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Tapas y Cañas
13 Calle 7-78, Zona 10. Spanish tapas. Try pinchos españoles, pinchos de pollo and albondigas de lomito. You have a choice between sitting in the restaurant or in the bar.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Electricity: 110V 60Hz, US-style 2-prong plugs. Transformers available at Electronica Panamericana.
Health
Altitude around 1500 m; take it easy first day. Food must be well-washed and well-cooked.
Language
Spanish is official. Some English spoken in tourist areas.
Money
Currency: Guatemalan quetzal (Q). Tipping not mandatory but appreciated. Bargaining expected in markets.
Safety
High crime rate; take precautions, avoid walking alone at night.