“Narrow, serpentine streets. Old world baroque buildings. Steep hills – shoehorned with vivid-colored casas. I have dropped into a spectacular place – a cross between San Francisco and Paris.” – Travel writer, Christina Nealson
The colonial city of Guanajuato located in the central part of Mexico is a charming, safe and culturally significant Mexican destination. This magical city feels as though it has been preserved in time, and exudes a distinct European flavor unlike any other city in the country. Guanajuato was once home to one of the riches silver mines in history where the architecture pays homage to a by-gone era of the wealth that built this unique city. In 1998 Guanajuato was given the prestigious UNESCO award as a distinctive world heritage site.
The best way to navigate the city is on foot. Guanajuato’s framework is crisscrossed by hundreds of callejones (alleyways) and there are only two major streets; one that is coming in and one that leads out. Wandering the cobblestone streets, you feel embraced by the history and elegance of your surroundings. Every alleyway leads to a new jardin (garden) or another piece of exquisite Baroque architecture, and locals and tourists alike are bustling to and fro. Down in the city centers historic district, Guanajuato’s cosmopolitan nightlife unfolds as the evening light dawns and the energy ignites. The streets are filled with music, outdoor cafes, street theater or folks dressed in their finest to attend the Theatro Juarez.
Every turn on the cobblestone alley may lead you to your “own” Guanajuato gem whether that be a little shop, café or building that just happens to take your breath away. But check out a few of our recommendations below the photos!
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Hotel Posada
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The Teatro Juarez
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Ladies selling fruit in a local square
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A beautiful Cathedral in a city centro
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A nightime look at the local University
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Twists and turns of the Guanajuato alleyways
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A band playing in the park
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Beautiful day in the centro with cafes and a central jardin
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Tunnels entering the City
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- Hotel Posada
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- The Teatro Juarez
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- Ladies selling fruit in a local square
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- A beautiful Cathedral in a city centro
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- A nightime look at the local University
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- Twists and turns of the Guanajuato alleyways
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- A band playing in the park
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- Beautiful day in the centro with cafes and a central jardin
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- Tunnels entering the City
Hotel Recommendations
Posada Santa Fe
Jardin de la Union No. 12 Col. Centro
Guanajuato, Mexico
01-800-112-4773
www.posadasantafe.mx
A wonderful historic hotel in the center of one of the main, lively centers.
Restaurants
Casa Valdez
Jardin de la Union No. 3 Col. Centro
Guanajuato, Mexico
01 473 73 3 0311
www.casavaldez.com
Las Mercedes
Calle de Arrba No. 6 / Fraccionamiento San Javier
Guanajuato, Mexico
52 473 7339059
www.guanajuatoesparati.com/lasmercedes
Sites
Teatro Juarez
Sopena S/N Zona Centro, 36000
Guanajuato, Mexico
01 473 732 1542
Museo Diego Rivera
Artist Diego Rivera’s birth home restored and converted into a Museum.
Calle Positos 47
Guanajuato, Mexico
01 473 732 1197
