Anyone who reads my blog knows that I adore Guanajuato. The city is spectacular with tons of things to do. It is centrally located in Mexico and can be easily combined with a trip to Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende! Learn more about a recent trip itinerary I did here!
Top 10 Things To Do in Guanajuato
The Mummy Museum
As Guanajuato’s most famous museum, the Mummies are something truly unique to see. Thanks to the unique environment, the bodies of the 19th and 20th-century inhabitants are incredibly well-preserved. You can see the clothes and shoes that they wore and even get an idea of how tall people were. Make sure to go early – even during COVID, the lines could get very long! Find out more about the museum here.
Monumento al Pilipa
In a city set on rolling hills, Monumento al Pilipa stands high above the colorful houses and alleyways cascading down below. The statue of Phillip is visible from many parts of the city and the view from the top is amazing. You can either walk up to the monument or take the funicular. The walk takes around 10-15 minutes and can be accessed via De Soprena, Guanajuato’s pedestrian street.
Try the homemade cheesecake
Although Guanajuato isn’t particularly known for cheesecake, you must try it here! Every day, a young woman with a perfect American accent sells freshly-made cheesecake and apple pie. Individually wrapped and ready to eat, the pie slices are the perfect way to reward yourself after a trip up to Pilipa!
Party the evening away
As a university town, Guanajuato has a slew of bars to choose from. Although I adore cantinas and rarely stray from those, I have been tempted to slip into some of the cozy bars that surround Guanajuato’s many colorful squares.
Sit in the many colorful squares
Speaking of which, people-watching in Guanajuato’s many colorful squares is a wonderful way to pass time. From tourists to families to elderly residents, you see people living their normal, daily lives in this incredible city.
Get a great workout in by climbing the never-ending steps
If you have been missing the gym and feel a desperate need to work off some of the tacos you are eating, don’t despair. Guanajuato is basically one gigantic gym and you can get a great workout climbing the never-ending stairs up and down the hills.
Follow a band as they wind their way through the back alleyways on a Callejón tour
One of Guanajuato’s most touristy offerings is the callejon tours. Costumed bands lead groups of tourists through the narrow alleyways of Guanajuato stopping at different points along the way to tell stories and sing songs. Although everything is in Spanish, it is relatively easy to follow along. The tours start in the evening but you can buy tickets on the spot or throughout the day. Don’t worry about not finding a place to buy them. The streets are full of men looking like they are straight out of the 17th century who will be happy to hook you up for the night.
Try the best gorditas in Mexico
Tucked down a little side street off of Plaza Baratillo, there is a little standing selling the best gorditas in Mexico. The dough is cooked in front of you and as soon as it is done, the pockets are stuffed with fillings of your choice. From beans to cactus to peppers, there are enough options for vegetarians and at $1 per piece, you can get a fulfilling breakfast for only a few bucks. Make sure to go early as the lines can get very long!
Explore some of the nearby abandoned mines
Guanajuato became very rich thanks to the mines located nearby and you can still go and explore many of them. The Bocamina San Ramon has been well-preserved with a small museum that gives you a glimpse into the lives of the men who toiled away in the mines below. It is easily accessible by catching a bus in Central Guanajuato towards the town of Dolores Hidalgo.
Check out a high altitude winery
Besides being an absolutely stunning city with a unique history, Guanajuato also has its own high-altitude winery! Ex Hacienda Jesus Maria offers sweeping views of the rolling hills surrounding it and is located around a 30 minute drive outside of Guanajuato. Although the wine tours are pretty expensive, when we went they were happy to let us buy glasses of wine in the adjacent restaurant. The complex also offers accommodation for those who want to make it an overnight trip!
Nice article. Any chance of more content for other parts of the world?