Looking for things to do in Antigua? There is so much to see and do in this beautiful city!
In the fall of 2022, I spent 3 weeks in Antigua and I loved every second of it.
Delicious food and coffee, colourful streets, markets, rich history/culture, incredible views, and proximity to volcanoes are some of the many reasons why I love Antigua.
In this guide, you’ll find 10 experiences in and around Antigua that you won’t want to miss!
Visit Antigua’s famous Santa Catalina Arch
Santa Catalina Arch is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Guatemala. The bright yellow arch on a cobblestone street with a towering volcano in the background is such a beautiful sight!
The arch is located in the center of the city on ‘arch street’ and is constantly bustling with activity while people take photos and locals try to sell goods.
If you want to get a great photo with no traffic and clear views of the volcano, make sure to visit early in the morning (before 8:30am). And don’t forget to take the arch in from both sides! While the volcano in the background is stunning, the views from the other side are beautiful as well.
Take a walking tour around Antigua with a local
Taking a walking tour with a local is one of the best ways to get to know a new city. I suggest doing this on your first day in Antigua so you can get your bearings.
You will learn so much about the history and culture and it will also give you an idea of specific places or areas you might want to go back to and explore more on your own.
Walking tours are quite popular in Antigua and you can most likely book one through your accommodation. They typically have a few time slots available every day for small groups, or you can inquire about a private tour if that is more your style.
Climb up Cerro De La Cruz
Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross) is an absolute must-visit in Antigua. It is a short walk uphill with beautiful scenery and the best viewpoint of the city.
The trail starts here and takes you up 330 steps through a forest to a beautiful park at the top of the hill. The park was under construction when I was there but now that it is finished, there is lots of seating and food stands with snacks. You can spend as much time as you want hanging out up there and taking in the views of Antigua.
There is usually a huge wooden cross (hence the name Hill of the Cross!) that is standing right in the middle of the hill but it was being rebuilt when I visited.
Go shopping at Antigua’s local markets
There are countless markets in and around Antigua and you are bound to come across them while you wander around the city. You can find anything from crafts to fabrics, clothing, chocolate, coffee, fruit, and much more!
Here are a few popular markets to visit:
Visit some of Antigua’s historic buildings and ruins
Antigua is known for its rich history and beautiful buildings that were constructed in the 16th and 17th century. Many of the Spanish colonial buildings in Antigua were destroyed in an earthquake and were never rebuilt, but the ruins remain an integral part of the city.
While lots of the ruins are visible from the street, I would suggest going inside some of the buildings to learn more about the history of Antigua. Some of the historic buildings have guided tours where you can pay a small fee (USD$2-5) for a private guide.
Here are a few of the best ruins in the city that are worth exploring:
Hike a volcano near Antigua
During my time in Antigua, I was lucky to have the opportunity to hike two volcanoes!
Pacaya Volcano at Sunset
Pacaya Volcano is an active volcano near Antigua and you can visit it on a half-day tour from the city. If you choose the afternoon tour, you will see stunning views of the sunset from the peak.
This is a fairly easy hike and a small time commitment, so I would recommend this for anyone spending time in Antigua!
For more details, check out my full post about Hiking Pacaya Volcano.
Acatenango Volcano Overnight Trek
If you have more time in Antigua and want to do an epic overnight hike, then you should consider hiking Acatenango Volcano.
Lasting over 24 hours total, this tour will take you to the top of Acatenango Volcano where you will watch lava erupt from the neighbouring Fuego Volcano. You will sleep at base camp and have the opportunity for more hiking to watch the sunrise from the summit.
This tour is not for the faint of heart, but the views are absolutely incredible and it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
For more details and to decide if you are up for the challenge, be sure to read my ultimate guide to the Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike.
Try out some of Antigua’s incredible restaurants
While there are a ton of phenomenal Restaurants and Bars in Antigua, there are a few standouts that I would recommend to everyone who is planning to visit Antigua.
- Best food – Restaurante Fridas or Luna de Miel
- Best atmosphere – El Viejo Cafe or Hector’s Bistro and Deli
- Best social atmosphere – The Lounge – Selina Antigua
- Best views – Rooftop Antigua
Visit one of the many coffee shops & cafes in Antigua
There is no shortage of cute Coffee Shops and Cafes in Antigua, but here are a few of my personal favourites:
- Best food/drinks – El Viejo Cafe or Cafe Cafe Guatemala
- Best co-working space – 12 Onzas
- Best atmosphere – El Viejo Cafe or Starbucks
- Best views – Cafe El Portal
Do a chocolate workshop at Ek Chua Chocolateria
Participating in a chocolate workshop was one of my favourite activities I did in Antigua!
While there are a few different places offering chocolate workshops in the city, I chose to go with a locally owned store called Ek Chua Chocolateria.
The staff were hilarious and made the whole experience really fun. Only 5 people can take the workshop at a time so it was nice and small and very interactive.
As a chocolate lover, learning the process it takes to make chocolate was very fascinating. I learned a lot, sampled many different chocolates and drinks, and even got to make my own chocolates to take home.
Ek Chua has two workshops you can choose from: 45 minutes (USD$14) or 90 minutes (USD$21). You can find their contact information online so you can book your spot.
Hang out in one of Antigua’s local parks
Local parks in Antigua are the perfect place to experience life in the city, interact with locals, and buy street food, snacks, crafts, or souvenirs.
Here are a few of the beautiful parks worth visiting:
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I hope this post gave you lots of helpful tips about things to do in Antigua. As always, feel free to drop any questions below 👇
If you are looking for an itinerary for Antigua, check out my post on How to Spend 3 Days in Antigua, Guatemala.
