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Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

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15 Best Things To Do in Guanajuato City, Mexico

Last Updated: October 20, 2021 · Mexico

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Making sure you find the best things to do in Guanajuato not only saves you time and possibly money, but it guarantees fun and long-lasting memories!

Arriving in a new place with no agenda is usually how we travel. However, I always take a quick sneak-peek at the best things to do because I don’t want to miss out on experiences unique to that place!

Don’t miss out on these activities in Guanajuato while you’re here. Or you’ll be pinching yourself in retrospect after you leave.

So without further adieu, here are the best things to do and see in Guanajuato (psst: they’re also budget-friendly!).

Also Read: 50 Best Places to Visit in Mexico (Ultimate Bucket List!)

Best Things to Do in Guanajuato City, Mexico

How to Spend 3 - 4 Days in Guanajuato City + Things to Do| Bucketlist Bri

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

1. Get lost in tiny, winding alleyways

Guanajuato City is chock-full of cute and tiny, winding alleyways. The colorful streets simply muster a sense of wanderlust! Definitely take advantage of itchy feet to get and explore with no agenda. Guanajuato is like a maze and just diving in it and getting lost is one of the best things to do here.

  • How to Spend 3 - 4 Days in Guanajuato City | Bits of Bri
  • 15 Things to Do in Guanajuato City, Mexico #mexico #bucketlist | Bucketlist Bri

The city is very safe to explore so you can feel good about walking around. You’ll likely come upon a known monument or attraction you’ll recognize. Use that as your point of direction! Many of the parks and squares connect with various tiny streets, so you’ll probably have several “ah-ha” moments as we did.

2. Marvel at the weird yet cool Museo de Las Momias

The Museo de Las Momias in Guanajuato is one of the city’s unique attractions for both locals and tourists. It’s one of the coolest things to do in Guanajuato and something you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. At least, not like this!

  • 15 Things to Do in Guanajuato City, Mexico #mexico #bucketlist | Bucketlist Bri
  • 15 Things to Do in Guanajuato City, Mexico #mexico #bucketlist | Bucketlist Bri

In the early 1900s during the plague so many people were dying that the city imposed a burial tax. Any family who couldn’t pay the fee had their family member moved from their burial location to a separate chamber.

Decades later, they discovered these bodies who had been kept in the above-ground crypt were naturally preserved, resulting in very real mummified humans – most with intact hair and clothes. Some of the mummies have eerie stories. And seeing them so… in the flesh… is both eye-opening and disturbing.

3. Take pictures of the sweeping city views at El Pipila statue

Hiking up or taking the funicular up to the El Pipila statue is a must when visiting Guanajuato, if not for anything else but for the sweeping views. There are just so many colors, block-like houses, cathedrals, parks, and of course, the surrounding rolling hills that gently cradle the city below. The view is stunning!

15 Things to Do in Guanajuato City, Mexico #mexico #bucketlist | Bucketlist Bri How to Spend 3 - 4 Days in Guanajuato City + Things to Do| Bucketlist Bri

One of the first things Paul and I like to do when visiting a new city is to seek out the highest attraction offering panoramic views of the city. That way we can scale the city and point out recognizable places to visit once we’re back down in the streets.

4. Go on a bar cantina crawl

Cantinas in Mexico are quite popular. What used to be reserved for just men and heavy drinking, is now a trendy and fun hangout for men, women, and especially university students. But cantinas are not like that anymore so visiting is a fun thing to do in Guanajuato or in San Miguel!

How to Spend 3 - 4 Days in Guanajuato City | Bits of Bri
Drinking in a cantina (see the saloon-style doors?)

One of the oldest cantina’s in Guanajuato, albeit very different from its original atmosphere, is heavily frequented by young students of the city. It’s a great place to go for drinks, shoot back a tequila or mezcal!!

5. Eat at local breakfast stands + dine on upscale Mexican gastronomy

There’s plenty of things to do and see in Guanajuato but our favorite was discovering the culinary scene!

  • Guanajuato Mexico Food
  • What to do in Guanajuato - Go out to eat!
  • What to do in Guanajuato - Go out to eat!

There’s so much good food in Guanajuato City; ranging from authentic, local street stands serving up fresh gorditas and tacos, to international cuisine and gastronomic bars and bistros, tucked away on the side streets and on the corners of enchanting plazas.

If there’s one thing you must do in Guanajuato, it’s to eat your heart out!

6. Follow the “Callejoneadas” walking musical/comedy tour at night

At night, Guanajuato comes alive. And to truly partake in the evening culture of the city, you must join in on a “callejoneada” walk. It’s one of the best things to do in Guanajuato City at night!

How to Spend 3 - 4 Days in Guanajuato City | Bits of Bri
Make sure to get tickets to a Callejoneada!

The walking musical and/or comedy show-spectacle is a paid walking night tour where the guides, dressed in Renaissance-like costumes, make jokes and play traditional songs while showing off the city’s dimly-lit alleyways. It’s a fun and festive thing to do while in Guanajuato City and is a funny-romantic activity for couples!

7. Listen to the university symphony at the theatre

We, unfortunately, didn’t make it to the university symphony during our 3-4 days in Guanajuato. But still, it comes highly recommended and is a really budget-friendly thing to do in Guanajuato. (I believe it costs just a few bucks).

8. Kiss at the romantic Callejon del Beso / Alley of the Kiss

The Alley of the Kiss “Callejon del Beso” in Guanajuato is probably one of the city’s most famous alleyways. Legend has it that two lovers, from different social classes, had a sad destiny, and kissed from the two balconies which overhung the street below.

  • Callejon del Beso
  • How to Spend 3 - 4 Days in Guanajuato City | Bits of Bri

It’s possible to kiss your partner if the other is standing on the other side because the balconies are so close together. We felt it a little overrated, with literal “kissing guides” on-site to take your picture! It’s likely the most popular thing to do in Guanajuato so you can expect some crowds.

9. Relax in Guanajuato’s many plazas and gardens

I don’t remember how many plazas we came across in Guanajuato, but there are a lot! And all of them are unique and cute in their own way. After a long day strolling around, one of the best things to do is to just find a coffee and some cake and chill out in a cafe.

How to Spend 3 - 4 Days in Guanajuato City | Bits of Bri

Make a bucket list of the top plazas in Guanajuato you wish to see and make a walking tour to check them all off. Some of the best restaurants and cafés are hidden on some of these plazas’ outskirts. We stumbled across this one garden cafe at Café Carcamanes that served amazing coffee and even French crepes!

10. Peek inside all the European-style cathedrals, basilicas, and churches

One of the best things to do in Guanajuato (for free) is visiting all the cathedrals, basilicas, and monuments.

How to Spend 3 - 4 Days in Guanajuato City | Bits of Bri

Most have colorful facades with detailed sculptures on the outsides with high domed ceilings and walls richly covered with religious paintings and artifacts. But they all seem inspired by European-style architecture. They are all unique in their own way so go check them out!

11. Enjoy a cuppa’ at the best coffee cafés in town

There are several places to enjoy a cuppa Joe with fresh coffee or teas in Guanajuato. But one of our favorite places that we discovered was Café Tal, which offered cozy spaces to work on our laptops.

12. Explore the “Calles Subterraneos” / Underground tunnels

Guanajuato City is a maze of “underground” and above-ground tunnels. The tunnels are designed to make the flow of traffic move out of historic downtown.

How to Spend 3 - 4 Days in Guanajuato City | Bits of Bri

While I found them not to be so pedestrian-friendly, some of them feature some nice views of the city from below (bridge arches, etc.).

You can easily access the road system by any set of stairs with a sign displaying “Calles Subterraneos”. I wouldn’t say it’s the best thing to do in Guanajuato City, but it is unique to this place and worth a peek!

13. Tour Diego Rivera’s House Museum

One a home, now a museum, the Diego Rivera’s House-Museum is a worthwhile thing to do in Guanajuato.

How to Spend 3 - 4 Days in Guanajuato City | Bucketlist Bri

Much of what you see is preserved in its natural state, although remodeling and furnishings were made to preserve most items, paintings, or furniture. The several-storied house features multiple rooms with each style of Rivera’s paintings and artwork.

14. Hop on a bus to Cristo Rey del Cubilete

If you’re looking for things to do in Guanajuato other than visiting basilicas, museums, or eating your way around town, then consider hopping on a local bus and heading to the hills where a very tall Christ The Redeemer statue stands above the city.

Tours are also possible but might be more expensive than if you were to make the trek via a local bus.

15. Go on a day trip to neighboring San Miguel de Allende

Many people who visit Guanajuato also want to take a day trip to the popular expat and digital nomad city in Mexico — San Miguel de Allende. And while that’s totally possible, I wouldn’t recommend doing only a day trip, like we did, because we ended up not having time to relax.

But, on the other hand, we enjoyed having only a snippet-view of San Miguel, as there were so many tourists, it felt suffocating to be there.

1 Day in San Miguel de Allende - Things to Do in Guanajuato | Bucketlist Bri

So in the end, we were happy with what we saw with just a day trip to San Miguel de Allende. Its pink, Gothic-style cathedral is one of the top attractions.

Heed my advice: Don’t go on a weekend or on a Sunday, or else all the cafés will have wait times of at least 1-hour (no joke).

Where to Stay in Guanajuato?

Although we stayed in an Airbnb (which wasn’t the best), there are some amazing hotels in Guanajuato to consider for your trip!

Here are the best places to stay in Guanajuato depending on your budget.

Budget-Friendly Finds: Hotel Internacional Malitsin, Casa del Tiempo

Mid-Range Hotels: Hotel de la Paz, El Meson de los Poetas

Luxury Stays: Hotel Boutique 1850, Antigua Trece Hotel Fusion

These 15 things to do in Guanajuato City are some of the best, budget-friendly activities.

There are a few other museums to visit if you have extra time, but in the 3-4 days that we were there, we got to see and do all that we hoped for. One thing for sure is you’ll no doubt fall in love with Guanajuato’s charm!

Feel free to leave your comments below or send me your questions!

  • Guanajuato City is a mix between Europe and Mexico. There are so many things to do in Guanajuato City, from just exploring the colorful, winding streets to dining on local taco stands or enjoying a night at a cantina. Here is my guide for the 15 best things to do in Guanajuato City in Mexico. #guanajuato #bucketlist #viajar #mexicotravel #travelmexico | Read the blog: Bucketlist Bri
  • Guanajuato City is a mix between Europe and Mexico. There are so many things to do in Guanajuato City, from just exploring the colorful, winding streets to dining on local taco stands or enjoying a night at a cantina. Here is my guide for the 15 best things to do in Guanajuato City in Mexico. #guanajuato #bucketlist #viajar #mexicotravel #travelmexico | Read the blog: Bucketlist Bri
  • Guanajuato City is a mix between Europe and Mexico. There are so many things to do in Guanajuato City, from just exploring the colorful, winding streets to dining on local taco stands or enjoying a night at a cantina. Here is my guide for the 15 best things to do in Guanajuato City in Mexico. #guanajuato #bucketlist #viajar #mexicotravel #travelmexico | Read the blog: Bucketlist Bri
  • Guanajuato City is a mix between Europe and Mexico. There are so many things to do in Guanajuato City, from just exploring the colorful, winding streets to dining on local taco stands or enjoying a night at a cantina. Here is my guide for the 15 best things to do in Guanajuato City in Mexico. #guanajuato #bucketlist #viajar #mexicotravel #travelmexico | Read the blog: Bucketlist Bri
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By: Bri · In: Mexico

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I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

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National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious case of nostalgia for our 2-week Southwest USA road trip! 🏜

The NP’s we visited on this trip:

📍Arches National Park
📍Canyonlands National Park
📍Zion National Park
📍Bryce Canyon National Park
📍Grand Canyon National Park (North & South Rims)
📍Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

+ Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock State Park, & Monument Valley Navajo Park!

Head to my blog bucketlistbri.com for the full 2-week itinerary plus detailed guides & itineraries to each NP!*

*except for BCotG

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I saw her giggling and chatting with a friend from across the street and, despite my shyness, waltzed over to ask if I could take her photo. 

She was simply radiating sitting there; an amateur portrait photographer's dream. Except I don't even own a portrait lens and this was only the second time ever in my life that I whisked up the courage to ask for something that feels so... intimate. 

But without hesitation, she gazed into my lens and pierced my heart. It was like being drawn to a joyous light that I just couldn't resist. So I dared to ask. 

As soon as she said yes, I hurriedly clicked a few shots; rushing so as to not waste her time. After showing her portraits to her, she gave me a big nod and said softly, "de Santa Catarina Palopó" with immense pride.

I think her sweet smile & kind eyes speak for themselves... ✨ 

You can read more about the indigenous Kaqchikel Maya and the colorfully painted town of Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala on my blog @bucketlistbri 💜
10 years together 💛😱 It’s not our annive 10 years together 💛😱 

It’s not our anniversary (it was technically last month, depending on who you ask) and we're not even celebrating Valentine's Day today, but...

I just wanted to remind the internet that I have a pretty badass partner (& not to mention the best cat dad) who puts up with both my silly madness and my need to live around the world in pursuit of adventure. 

If I have any advice for love and long-term relationships, it's this:

Keep choosing each other;
again, and again, and again,
over everything else, no matter what you go through. 

❤️❤️❤️

Can you guess which one of us first "friend-requested" the other all those years ago? 😉

#internationalcouple #ourlove #travelcouplegoals #10yearstogether #digitalnomadcouple #adventuretogether
On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. I am On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. 

I am the granddaughter of a guiding light, a woman so lovely and gentle and spiritual and strong that she attracted to her all walks of life. 

I was the butterfly enamored by her glow. The ship lost at sea that found safety at her shores. 

On every adventure, I’ll think of you. On every adventure, you’ll be with me. 

🦋 ✨
Add this hike to your Caribbean bucket list! ☀️ 

Guadeloupe is rich in breathtaking, diverse landscapes — La Pointe des Châteaux is no exception! Magnificent rocky pillars jut out of the ocean & create a magnificent view that’s best experienced at sunrise from atop Morne Pavillon, the hill marked by the large cross on its summit.

TIPS FOR VISITING:

🚗 Like everywhere in Gwada, you'll need a rental! Parking is free.
☀️ Sunrise and sunset are around 6am and 6pm
🥾 The hike itself only takes 15-20 minutes and is easy!
🦀 Watch for wildlife and other critters (this is a protected heritage site!)
🌊 Plenty of beaches are nearby, including a nude beach and a private beach with cool wave splashing action called "La Douche" (meaning shower 🚿) 

Read more about this epic spot + other must-see places in Guadeloupe on the blog @bucketlistbri 🌴

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#guadeloupeislands #caribbeanisland #pointedeschateaux #wanderlusttravel #caribbeanlife #caribbeanvibes #gwada #hikingtheworld #islandphotography #travelaesthetic
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✍️ 2022 is going to be the year I become a published author. 

💛  It's the year I celebrate 10 years of love & adventure with my best friend. 

💻  It's the year I register my LLC and level up my business. 

🌎  It's the year I hit my bucket list of "slow living in 10 countries" as a nomad and the year I travel and discover even more destinations. 

And some folks will think (do think), "overnight success." But the reality is (as my sweet friend @redwhiteadventures reminded me), it's been about putting one foot in front of the other -- just like on a hike up a mountain (or in this case, to the cliffsides overlooking the Caribbean and Atlantic!). 

2022 is going to be the view from the top!! (Sure, I may get there, and see another summit I want to climb. But I'm so ready for the challenge(s), the journey, & the adventure!) ⛰ 

What are you excited about in 2022?! 

📍Hell's Gate / Porte d'Enfer, Guadeloupe (click the link in my bio to read about this hike!)
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