Location: Guanajuato
Top Things to do in Guanajuato
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Guanajuato, Guanajuato
Best known for its Festival Cervantino, an arts festival that draws attendance from around the world, Guanajuato is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its old town dates back to the 16th century, and you can visit many of Mexico’s important religious and artistic sites. Guanajuato was also home to the Mexican independence movement and the site of the first failed rebellion against colonial rule.
Restaurants in Guanajuato
1. Gorky Pottery by Gorky Gonzalez
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Mexican National Award dish sets, cups & saucers, mugs, tiles, wall tiles, wall platters, salt & pepper shakers, flower base, lamps, sinks
Reviewed By Spicy2
My husband and I have visited this wonderful place on each of our trips to Guanajuato. If you love pottery and ceramics then do try and make the time to visit. The folks that work there are warm and helpful. We were lucky to meet Gorky Jr. on our second visit and he made us feel so welcome. We had 2 boxes of ceramics sent to our home and all of our treasures arrived in perfect condition.
2. Jardin de la Union
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,299 reviews
This popular plaza is the center of social activity in the city.
Reviewed By SimoneK10 - Melbourne, Australia
This is a beautiful public square just to sit and watch people and listen to the Mariachi bands. Really enjoyable.
3. Parroquia de Basilica Colegiata de Nuestra Senora de Guanajuato
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 677 reviews
This 17th-century cathedral holds a wooden image of the Nuestra Senora de Guanajuato that is thought be the oldest piece of Christian art in Mexico.
Reviewed By vagabondginger - San Diego, United States
My first look at the beautiful city of Guanajuato was from the top at El Pipila and not only did the San Diego Church with it's red domes stand out, so did this striking yellow Basilica with 2 towers and the red dome. It seems to just dominate the whole postcard scene. Nuestra Señora (Our Lady) is the patron saint and protector of this city and her statue inside is indeed revered. The chandeliers and interior is stunning too. This Basilica stands at the main square in the Plaza of Peace.
4. Templo La Valenciana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 517 reviews
This lavish 18th-century church was built by a silver baron from the nearby Valenciana mine.
Reviewed By 219sheilad - Tulum, Mexico
Visited this before going to the mine will be best to take quick taxi ride from town and walk back Gold came from mines in the area very intricate details free admission
5. Templo de la Compania de Jesus Oratorio de San Felipe Neri
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
A preserved 18th-century Jesuit church and the place where the Colegio del Estado got started in 1828.
Reviewed By Passenger186994
The Compania cathedral (Jesuits) offers a restful and meditative break from touring this fabulous UNESCO historical city. Sit for 20 minutes, and absorb how you feel taken back into history of Mexico. Walk around the dome lighted pews and discover more: old statues, crypts near the altar; the colorful antechamber, with large period murals. At the rear, Guanajuato University or the city organizes musical horn and string mini concert events of modern and classical nature. Afterwards, walk the nearby, narrow winding road past post office, to Emporium, at Baratillo Plaza, and unwind at outdoor cafe, across from OxOx, and there gather your thoughts and observe residents on the edge of Plaza Union. Coffee is very good and the young servers are excellent. GM Lies, WV
6. University of Guanajuato
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,042 reviews
This prestigious university was constructed to blend in with the rest of the city.
Reviewed By 683brucer
Our tour guide included a tour of the campus and we finished in the Auditorium/Theater. Spectacular. The whole campus was stunning, the architecture the history. Really impressed.
7. Santuario de Cristo Rey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 600 reviews
Located on a nearly 3,000-foot mountain called Cerro del Cubilete, this huge statue of Jesus is one of the largest in the world.
Reviewed By pakomos - Detroit, United States
We did not plan to visit, but due to a change in our itinerary we gave it a try and WOW were we amazed. The drive is not for the faint of heart as some of the curves are unguarded, but the view from the top is not to be missed. The statue of Christ is beautifully designed and the distance from the surrounding cities led to a perfect opportunity to reflect on the wonder of the creation. Set aside some time to visit Christo Rey, you will be glad you did.
8. Monumento al Pipila
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,964 reviews
This monument, which sits above the city atop a large hill, is dedicated to Pipila, an Indian miner who was killed after taking up arms against the Mexican government in an Indian revolt.
Reviewed By O1024AMjims - Bellevue, United States
Don't miss this spot! Th easiest way to get to the Monument is to take the funicular from Jardin de la Union (about a block away) to the top. The view from the area around the top of the funicular offers a spectacular 180 degree view of the Guanajuato valley, with colorful houses stepping up the hillsides. The funicular is 36 pesos each way (you can ride up and walk down, like me, or ride both ways). You can then climb to the top of the Pipila statue for an additional 7 pesos or so, which makes the view even better. There are some vendor stands selling snacks and trinkets, similar to what you'll find elsewhere in GTO. I spent a good hour up there and really enjoyed it.
