Antigua’s Must-Visit Spots: From Cocktails to Food and Wellness

Welcome to Antigua, Guatemala! ✨ Get ready to slow down — quite literally with these cobblestones — and enjoy the friendly locals, sunny mornings, and beautiful sights. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to this quaint little town, I'm sharing all my favorite spots I've discovered during my 1.5 months here.

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Waking Up

Alegría Café / Specialty Coffee Shop

@megandegraaf

Great coffee in a bright space with art-covered walls: This place is giving an aesthetic hell yes! The music is jazzy and warm, with trumpets and foreign beats. Alegria is a great place to read your book, draw, or listen to your favorite podcast as you start the day. Also recommended is their prosciutto toast!

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Cafe Boheme

@megandegraaf

A gorgeous roof terrace, good coffee, and an extensive food menu that'll leave you satisfied and full. Cafe Boheme is hitting all the checkmarks! Come solo, with your partner or in a big group, there's a variety of seating available. I love the simple egg-scramble breakfast with homemade mayo and ciabatta!

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Cafe Cafe Guatemala

@megandegraaf

Fun fact: I first visited Cafe Cafe in their El Paredon location and loved it! They've got great smoothies, as well as breakfast options like crepes and paninis. I prefer the tipico breakfast, which comes with things like frijoles, eggs, bread, and chorizo if you like. Ask for their green picante, SO GOOD!

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Starbucks

@megandegraaf

A Starbucks, really? Ok ok, hear me out: The coffee will be the same, but the interior is worth seeing. This Starbucks is unlike other locations around the world—aka, a whole lot more cozy. Open until late too (10 PM).

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Fat Cat Coffee House

@megandegraaf

This tiny cafe is great for your morning cup of Joe. Bring your laptop if you need to get some work in. Next to coffee, they also sell buttery brownies, bagels—better than the ones at Hector's, three expats decided—and other lunch items.

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Bites & Beverages

Angie Angie Cafearte

@megandegraaf

Go on Sunday for their 2x1 pizza deals, or anytime after 12 p.m. to lunch on the empanadas in their cozy garden. My favorite one is the spinach-filled empanada, which is oh-so-creamy and made me want to order three more, instantly.

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Uuuhmami

@megandegraaf

Hands down my favorite spot in Antigua. I want to live in his house, so so badly! This architect slash hobby chef creates 4-course surprise meals each night. The wine, mocktails, and food were all excellent. You're surrounded by greenery and on the shared table inside, you can get crafty coloring in angelic females. Reserve via WhatsApp beforehand and knock on the door left from the window to get inside.

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Hector's Bistro

@megandegraaf

Their big garden is a joy to spend an afternoon or night with your partner, family, or a group of friends. While all the food is pretty bomb, definitely try the salad with added-on steak ("rojo" if you prefer medium to rare). Vegans have options here too!

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Barriga Llena

@megandegraaf

Fun decor, friendly staff, nice food. I love their dumplings, crunchy fries, and mezcal margaritas. Ask for their specials, too. I'd come here for a little snack to start the night, as their menu isn't huge and portions can feel a little small for the price, compared to other places.

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Le Comedor

@megandegraaf

Cozy, affordable, and SO GOOD: that's Le Comedor. This French owner opens up his doors at lunch (until 3 PM) and serves around 4-5 dishes—ranging from soup to risotto, chicken, and steak (all between Q45-100 or $6-13). There are a few desserts and the chocolate jar is ah-ma-zing. Do lunch like the French and have a glass of red wine to pair with your meal, it's excellent. You'll be blown away by the taste of each dish!

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Los Tres Tiempos

@megandegraaf

Guatemalan food, but fancy. This place is definitely on the pricier side (Q100 or $13 and up for a meal) but the meal is also HUGE. Our group each had a different stew and we all loved the flavor. Come here if you're looking for something romantic or a vacay-all-day atmosphere—the garden feels like a place you'd sit down after spending a day on the beach in Tulum. The inside is colorfully decorated too.

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La Merced Park

@megandegraaf

In the evening, the park right at Iglesia de la Merced fills up with street vendors selling cheap eats. Go local, bring cash, and enjoy meaty sandwiches, tostadas and hot corn drinks ("Atol de Elote") for anywhere between Q5 and Q20-30. I like the tostada with aguacate, frijlos, queso y salsa.

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Por Qué No? Cafe

@megandegraaf

This tiny place is so fun! The staff is incredibly nice, the wine is delicious, and the food is tasty as well. It's a bit of a climb to get upstairs, so if your joints aren't what they used to be, this might be a tricky spot. Order the brownie and ice cream dessert or the shrimp/beef quesadilla (which isn't on the menu). Come early or reserve upfront, as this spot fills up quickly and is popular.

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Sippin' Into The Night

Antigua Brewing Company

@megandegraaf

With views on the rooftops of Antigua and (if you're lucky) a DJ on Friday nights, this roof terrace is a great place for sunset drinks. Try their spicy draft, which is actually spicy (me encanta). The Ceasar salad with chicken is awesome too!

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Ulew Cocktail Bar

@megandegraaf

After the sun sets, walk downstairs from the Antigua Brewery rooftop and enter Ulew via the phone booth. In this crafty cocktail spot, they mix the drinks based on your preferences. Just tell them what you're craving and they'll serve you their own creation—always in an unexpected way! Ask for their tuna tostadas, fried potatoes, and chorizo croquettes too. All these snacks are to die for! Come early, especially on weekends, as this place tends to fill up quickly.

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Cafe No Se

@megandegraaf

Enjoy mezcal and beer combos in this dark-lit, cave-y spot that is frequented by locals, expats, as well as backpackers from across town. On weekends, they'll have live music performances in the front room.

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EL MILAGRO

@megandegraaf

Most fun on weekends, this spot will bring together locals and expats. Occasionally, there will be live DJs. Apart from being a bar, this spot serves epic smash burgers and truffle fries with aioli mayo. And it's served until late, so perfect for late night munchies!

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El Barrio

@megandegraaf

Your one-stop shop for the night. Welcome to El Barrio! There's Bullseye bar for Trivia (every other Thu, plus wing specials), Monday karaoke, and daily sports games. There's Mahalo for good cocktails. There's the rooftop. El Barrio houses a variety of nice bars (both craft cocktails and cheap drinks) and fills up during weekends. Fun times!

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Las Palmas

@megandegraaf

From Tuesday to Sunday at around 9 p.m. (más o menos), a band starts playing live Latin music and people hit the dancefloor to practice or showcase their salsa and bachata moves. The band has this upbeat, contagious energy that lasts throughout the entire 2-hour session. I loved the family outings (kids were dancing too) and left with a newly-found ambition to get great at salsa before leaving Antigua. They also have free salsa classes every day (except Mondays) at 5 p.m.

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Hostel Selina Antigua

@megandegraaf

While this is a hostel, it's also a great place to hang out and meet new people. They've got stuff going on almost every day—from morning yoga classes to Monday movie nights, hungover Sunday pool days, and happy hour DJ nights. The place itself it's big, with a luscious garden, ping pong, billiart, and even a spa.

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Just a Drive Away

Cervecería 14

@megandegraaf

Volcano views, craft beers, live music, families, and all-round fun. Just a bit outside of town, this brewery is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Their garden is HUGE, with so many sunny and shady spots that are suitable for small and large groups. There are a variety of food vendors, including tacos, burgers, salads, and ceviche. You can order different-sized Antigua beers or taste them all in a flight. Often there's live music too! Bring Uno or a deck of cards and seize the day.

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Hobbitenango

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A recreated hobbit town in Antigua? Yes. Yes, it is. I was equally as surprised but this LOTR fan-man just decided to build it because life's short and why the f not. Channel your inner Elijah, bring your camera, and get ready to take your new Tinder profile pic.

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Finca La Azotea

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Musea, chocolate and fabric workshops, coffee, textile exhibitions, horseback riding, chess, mini golf… there's a lot to do around here for both kids and adults. Check their Instagram @fincalaazotea for what's happening when you're there. I love the plants and serenity of this spot—great for a chill Sunday afternoon!

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Earth Lodge

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Book an overnight or come for the day—there are shuttles leaving from Antigua, more info @earthlodgeguatemala on IG. On Sundays, you can join for yoga, ecstatic dancing, or live music. Whether you miss Bali or just want a day in nature, this wellness center is worth a visit!

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Megapaca

@megandegraaf

Take a drive to San Lucas and enjoy an afternoon at the local market and browsing vintage clothes at Megapaca. This second-hand store is a chain with a few different locations, and I personally found some real gems in this one! They sell everything from clothes to hats, purses, home items, and shoes. While overwhelming at first, a little digging goes a long way. I bought a Hugo Boss blazer, loafers, a top, linen pants, and a hat (aka an entire outfit) for… *wait for it* $7,50(!!!!) total. Winning!

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Relax & Unwind

Carol Nails Bar

@megandegraaf

Yes to the prices, the quality, and the super friendly ladies (one of whom speaks English with a perfect American accent). I enjoyed my pedi from start to finish. Just make sure to write them on WhatsApp to reserve your spot, as they work by appointment only.

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Y’SPA Relaxation and Well-being

@megandegraaf

This tiny spa is a true gem. I took an hour-long facial, which was in this dark, private, candle-lit room with zen music playing at just the right volume in the background. As the jelly facial mask was working its magic, she massaged my legs, arms, and head—which is highly appreciated, since some places just leave you to nap by yourself.

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El Descanso Spa

@megandegraaf

Hell yes to this place! I went here spontaneously on a cloudy Sunday afternoon for a one-hour relaxing massage with Fabiola. You get tea/water before and after. The room is candlelit, private, and dark. The music is super soothing (it was giving elves in LOTR). I was in another world for the hour and so, so zen afterward! They offer a 25% discount if you pay cash (not sure if that's all-year round or a temporary promo). Great value for money!

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Intensity Pilates

@megandegraaf

Start your morning with a little workout slash mental break. This was my first time trying reformer pilates and I am SOLD! It's the perfect "I can feel my legs but I'm not dripping sweat" type of workout. Your first session is free, and then you can sign up for single or class packages. The classes are in Spanish and English, with around three different teachers who are all super nice. Make sure to contact them beforehand to reserve your spot.

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Hill of the Cross

@megandegraaf

Looking for a little morning hike idea to listen to your favorite podcast or clear your mind? This viewpoint is around a 15m walk from Antigua center and has the perfect amount of steps to get your heartbeat up—but nothing crazy. Once you get to the top, you can chill on one of the benches, have a picnic, and enjoy the view over Antigua.

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Caoba Farms Restaurant

@megandegraaf

What a great spot for a weekend brunch! Coaba Farms is full of plants, animals, butterflies, and entertainment for young and old. They have a playground, live music, and a weekend market. Their food is farm-to-table and delicious! It's so fun to walk through rows of salad crops and see it on your plate minutes later as a beautiful, tasty Caesar salad. While all the food is nice, don't skip on a side order of fries, they're super crunchy. Come alone with your journal, with friends, kids, or the entire family. There's plenty of space to wind down.

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Good to Know

- Every other week on Thursdays, there's a fun trivia at Bullseye. 🎯 To participate, you'll pay Q20/$2,50. The winners get a cash prize of Q300/$38 and everyone gets a shot of tequila for their effort. The Snug also hosts Trivia nights every Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Bullseye Sports Pub

@megandegraaf

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- Ladies, unite! 👯 On Mondays, y'all can grab a free drink at El Barrio. On Thursdays, head over to club Doce, Selina, and La Sala for ladies night.

La Sala

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- Want to know exactly what's going on in Antigua? Follow this Facebook group for daily event updates: facebook.com/groups/livefromantigua

- Looking for a free salsa class? 💃 Check out Salsa Studio Frank Arango for free classes every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday night. Las Palmas also offers free classes from Tuesday through Sunday from 5-6 PM. For paid classes (Q40 per hour), contact Gloria—who's my favorite teacher!

Salsa con Gloria Dance Academy

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- Craving some home-baked goodies like focaccia, babka bread, and Berliner doughnuts? 🧑‍🍳 Follow Wild Daughter on Instagram (@wild.daughter) and order via her stories. She bakes a few times a month on weekends and sells her pastries at Ojala Café. My favorites are the cardamon buns and Berliner with brownie and coffee chocolate filling.

Ojala Cafe + Bar

@megandegraaf

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Megan de Graaf

Oh hello! It's so nice to meet you. I'm Megan, or Meg (somehow friends and strangers unanimously decided this is the better option). 🙋‍♀️ I'm a copywriter slash digital nomad, and probably the only person in our content-creator society who travels year-round but didn't become an influencer. The amount of free hotel nights I could have had pains me sometimes. 🙃 My passion for traveling led me to explore 25+ countries. I started working remotely before it was cool and since my friends were all office-bound, I had my very first solo adventure back in 2019. It's been Airbnb after Airbnb after *crashing at my folks at 32* ever since—mostly because I gave up my Berlin home after a decade of living there, and still haven't found that one city to settle. I'm a slow one-month-one-place traveler, here's why: 🧘‍♀️ I will always pick a night giggling with random locals over checking off tourist highlights. Emerging yourself in a culture takes time. I love to just exist in one place. 🧖‍♀️ Half my suitcase is skincare and I cannot be asked to drag it around but I also need everything (curly hair man, so many products). Anyway, I'm a foodie who gets excited about minimalist Pinterest restaurants just as much as 10 pesos tacos on the side of the street. I love art exhibitions and live music, as well as finding the perfect smokey old-fashioned in cozy mixology spots. 🥃 I love spending summers in Europe, running around Brooklyn and CDMX during the fall, and recharging in Asian cities like Hanoi and Chiang Mai during the winter. I hope you'll love my guides, where I share my personal favorite spots—mostly around coworking, cafes, cocktails, and food spots you must try!

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Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala