Antigua - Guatemala
Antigua - Guatemala
Ciara Walls
Available for hire
Discover the best of Antigua with this guide; featuring charming coffee shops, delicious dining spots, and cozy places to stay. Explore the city’s colonial beauty, then venture on unforgettable day trips to volcanoes, markets, and coffee farms. Whether you’re a foodie, adventurer, or history lover, this guide has everything you need for an incredible experience!
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BEST cafe's in town..
Guatemala has some of the best coffee in the world, and there are so many coffee shops to choose from here!
Coffea Cafes Especiales
@ciaraxangela
Rated 27 on the list of the worlds top 100 coffee shops - this is the BEST coffee shop in all of Antigua!
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12 Onzas
@ciaraxangela
One of my favorite coffee shops in Guatemala! They have a few locations scattered across the country, great vibes and chill music makes for the perfect atmosphere
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ELEMENTAL coffee shop
@ciaraxangela
Possibly the best matcha in all of Antigua - this is a small coffee shop that has amazing drinks and great bakery items. They have seating inside and outside!
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Alegría Café / Specialty Coffee Shop
@ciaraxangela
A great place to grab coffee, it has a small but delicious menu. Go early if you want a good and comfortable spot in the booths. Very interesting art in here..
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La Rosona Coffee Shop
@ciaraxangela
Fantastic drinks, go early if you want one of the few spots to hang out in here
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Artista de Café - Specialty Coffeeshop
@ciaraxangela
The affogato here is amazing, with a bit of Rosemary in it! The boozy coffee drinks are amazing as well
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Café Condesa
@ciaraxangela
Probably the most central coffee shop in all of Antigua - and a hotspot for shuttle pickup and drop offs! A great place to grab a quick coffee to do some work
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Barista Coffee Antigua
@ciaraxangela
You can get coffee, snacks, paninis, and fresh seasonal drinks here! Lots of seating for you to enjoy the atmosphere and smell of coffee.
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Places To Eat
There's a little bit of everything, for everyone!
There are also daily markets with fresh fruit and local food, so when you're in doubt and can't make up your mind, stop there for a quick bite!
La Fonda de la Calle Real
@ciaraxangela
If you want real authentic Guatemalan food - this is the place you'll want to go. The flavors are out of this world!
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Kombu Ramen Shop
@ciaraxangela
The best ramen in Guatemala? Yes it is! Their hours or split in the morning and the late afternoon - plan ahead! Your entire party has to be here in order to be sat - and I'd recommend going when they open, or you could be waiting for awhile. The curry ramen is to die for...
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THAI-WOW
@ciaraxangela
Thai food with an upscale atmosphere, and beautiful art all over the walls that you can buy! Amazing and fast service, tasty food, and yummy cocktails and teas.
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Luna de Miel
@ciaraxangela
Did someone say crepes? What kind do you want - because they have every type here! Indoor and rooftop seating and quick service!
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Cafe Sky Bar
@ciaraxangela
3 different levels, all virtually outside with a huge menu. Try heading to the top for amazing views!
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Unión Café
@ciaraxangela
Do I typically eat here every time I'm in Antigua? Yes, because they have everything! Coffee, smoothies, breakfast with free coffee, lunch food, and lots of space to sit and hang out. Everything for a very affordable price!
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Hector's Bistro
@ciaraxangela
Delectable food and an insane menu - get a seat on the patio if there's one available! Their drinks are so refreshing.
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Mucho Sushi
@ciaraxangela
Inside of Los Olivos Hotel, a small menu of sushi; but everything is under 70Q! This is more of a sushi beginner spot, as they only have 15 rolls to choose from.
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Por Qué No? Cafe
@ciaraxangela
A favorite place I continue to go to - amazing food and even better vibes. Come here alone, and you'll probably leave with a new friend!
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Los Tres Tiempos
@ciaraxangela
Looking for a good meal after hiking to the volcano? Get the 8oz steak... simply amazing! The architecture here is absolutely stunning, maybe you'll take more pictures of your surroundings than your fodd!
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Nokiate Antigua
@ciaraxangela
Asian-Latin fusion with the BEST sushi in Antigua. Everything on the menu is amazing!
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Bars / Nightlife
El Barrio
@ciaraxangela
A huge drink menu and the perfect spot to dance the night away - a weekend hotspot! There is a second floor, typically with different music and more of a bar vibe, the downstairs is where you stay to dance.
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Antigua Brewing Company
@ciaraxangela
They only serve beer, but they have live music daily that provides an amazing atmosphere. At the top, they also have a rooftop wine bar!
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Ulew Cocktail Bar
@ciaraxangela
A speakeasy inside Antigua Brewing Company (find the red phone booth!) These are all custom cocktails - just tell them what you like and they will make it on the spot, it's definitely a special experience. Sit at the bar if you can, and try to go before 8 pm, otherwise you'll be waiting forever to get in.
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Cafe No Se
@ciaraxangela
If you like dark and moody vibes, you're going to love this bar! Might be a bit difficult for taller folks..
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Cervecería 14
@ciaraxangela
A bit outside of Antigua but.... a massive beer garden with volcano views. I don't need to say anything else right? Right!
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Antigua Bar Crawl
@ciaraxangela
If you want a guided bar crawl tour - this is it! They do go around to the local hostels to sign up, or you can sign up and get more information on their website
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Things To Do:
There is SO much to do in Antigua - from hiking active volcanos, coffee farm tours, chocolate-making classes, historical architecture, and huge markets. When you head over to the arch, you can book many attractions or use my link below to book tours and attractions through Get Your Guide.
Lava Trails
@ciaraxangela
The best tour company to hike Acatanengo & Fuego. They provide breakfast before the hike, a packed lunch, dinner and some warm wine before bed, and a breakfast in the morning as well. Gear can be rented as well, but pack layers, it gets chilly up at the top!
You can't get any better accommodations and guides than Lava Trails...
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De La Gente Office
@ciaraxangela
coffee tours and cooking classes!
https://www.dlgcoffee.org/coffee-tour
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Cerro de La Cruz
@ciaraxangela
Best view overlooking Antigua, just a short hike from the center of town. Go early to avoid the huge crowds and the heat!
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Pacaya Volcano Trek & Tour from Antigua
@ciaraxangela
Hike this volcano and roast marshmallows up at the top! This is an easier hike compared to Acantenago, only taking around 2 hours - but a volcano hike, nonetheless. You can book on Get Your Guide or stop into one of the hostels in my guide to book from there.
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Arco de Santa Catalina
@ciaraxangela
The most iconic spot in Antigua - come here early in the morning for the best view of the arch & the volcano in the back, also to avoid the big crowds
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Hobbitenango
@ciaraxangela
Ever seen Lord of the Rings and loved the small tiny hobbit homes? hobbitenango is about 1.5-2 hours from antigua and a fun hobbit-styled town.
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Chichicastenango Market
@ciaraxangela
Thursday and Sundays ONLY
you can go by shuttle or chicken busses. Try to go earlier in the day as it can get hot and crowded - but this is best for souvenir shopping, as well as getting fresh local Guatemalan food and drinks. Bring some reusable bags!
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Where To Stay
Hostels, hotels and upscale lodges!
If hostels & hotels aren't your thing, there are SO many Airbnb options
You can book your hostels through my link below for quick booking.
Earth Lodge
@ciaraxangela
Although Earth Lodge is about 20 minutes outside of Antigua -- it is the perfect escape from the city to have amazing volcanic views and a resort/lodge type of place - packed with spa packages, an amazing yoga room
private rooms only, starting at 690Q
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Casi Casa
@ciaraxangela
Ranging from 6 bed (mixed and female) dorms and deluxe private rooms - this boutique hostel also has a pool, and sauna.
They have sister properties: Maya Papaya & Ojala Antigua, which I recommend both!
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Flore Boutique Hostel
@ciaraxangela
A boutique hostel for travelers who don't really want to be in a huge social setting - equipped with a cafe and tons of natural light and bright colors
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Adra Hostel
@ciaraxangela
Hostel AND a restaurant! They also have great happy hours here, as well as salsa classes.
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Somos
@ciaraxangela
My favorite backpackers hostel in Antigua - they have comfortable beds and spacious lockers to hold your belongings. They have a community couch and TV to hang out and relax if you looking for that, as well as a communal kitchen and hot tub. Central to everything you need.
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Barbara’s Boutique Hostel
@ciaraxangela
A beautiful boutique hostel with lots of space to hang out and relax inside and outside. I felt safe here as you need to be buzzed in to get into the hostel after check-in hours - huge for solo travelers!
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Maya Papaya
@ciaraxangela
Sister property of Casi Casa! Feels weird to call it a hostel, because it is beautiful and spacious, doesn't make you feel like you're in Guatemala!
Dorms and private rooms available!
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Ojala Hotel
@ciaraxangela
You won't even realize you're in a hostel. This is luxury in terms of dorm rooms for backpackers and amazing private rooms!
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Tropicana Hostel
@ciaraxangela
this is a PARTY HOSTEL. set your expectations, but if you want a highly social and fun place to stay - this is it! They also offer tours to the volcanos
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ciara Walls
Available for hire
Hi - I'm so glad you're here! I love immersing myself in a new culture and eating delicious food, all while having new, fun, and unique experiences. I love getting the local perspective when I travel; that is exactly what you will get with my services. I specialize in budget and affordable luxury travel, but I don't personally believe in budgeting for food cuz life is short, and you should eat all the best food
Shop my Guides to curate your next trip or take a look at my customized itinerary services below.
DM me via Instagram (@ciaraxangela) to learn more about my personalized travel planning services. I'm also a travel agent and can book your entire trip for you!
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