View List On MapMore Top 10 Lists
- Family Friendly Attractions
- Fun Things to Do
- Unusual Things to Do
- Outdoor Attractions
- Attractions
- Castles, Palaces & Historic Buildings
- Cultural Activities
- Historical Things to Do
- New Tourist Attractions
- Museum Exhibits
- Parks
- Recently Updated Things To Do
- Religious Sites
- Romantic Things to Do
- Even more lists
- Ask a Local
- Locals have answered 12 questions about Guatemala City.
- Ask Guatemala City Locals
-
-
-
1. Museo Popol Vuh
Named for the most famous Maya holy text, this museum houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art, spread through some six or seven small...
read more-
- Type:
- Culture
-
-
-
2. Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología
The National Ethnology and Archaeology Museum houses the most important collection of Maya archaeological artifacts in the country. It traces indigenous...
read more-
- Type:
-
-
-
3. Iglesia de San Francisco
The namesake Franciscan order built this baroque church in the early 19th century. The main altar is an impressive piece of work, at almost 91m...
read more-
- Type:
- Religious Sights
-
-
-
4. Galería El Túnel
For a long time this was easily the best art gallery in the Old Town. Recently relocated to the Zona Viva, it continues to be a great place to...
read more-
- Type:
- Shopping
-
-
-
-
-
7. Plaza Mayor
Called the "center of all Guatemala," the Plaza Mayor brings together the great powers of Guatemalan society: the government, the church, the army,...
read more
-
-
-
8. Museo de los Niños (Children's Museum)
The museum sets out to secure the future of Guatemala by educating its children -- and if it were left up to the building's architects, it's clear...
read more-
- Type:
- Museums
-
-
-
9. Museo Ixchel del Traje Indígena (Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Dress)
Ixchel was the Maya goddess of fertility and weaving, and she certainly inspired artistic talent in her people. A collection of textiles from approximately...
read more-
- Type:
- Museums
-
-
-
10. Aurora Zoo
Small by world standards but surprisingly well maintained and attended, the Aurora Zoo is a nice spot to pose for pictures with the wild Guatemalan...
read more-
- Type:
- Zoos/Aquariums
-
-
-
The Best of NileGuide
-
As with any new city, begin by finding out about the local history. Spend some time in Museo de Historia, which has the city's complete history and is well worth the visit. Another excellent pick is the La Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes, which houses the city's collection of colonial art. After the museums, head to La Plaza Mayor, the center point of the more well-loved section of the city. Take a long, leisurely stroll through the Portal del Comercio and check out all the street vendors. Here you'll find the real concentration of locals, selling their wares around the town. From here, walk to the Cerro del Carmen, which was the first church in the area. For a bit of the Mayan history surrounding Guatemala City, check out the Sitio Arqueologico Kaminal Juyu, which allows you to see firsthand the archaeological site of a former Mayan city. If you're looking for a bit of nature along with your city, the Jardin Botanico is the perfect place to spend the afternoon. Wander in and out of the gardens, and then head over to the Avenida La Reforma, known as the street that leads to all the great shopping! In this area, the Gran Centro Los Proceres, you'll find the best shopping in Guatemala City and beyond.
