Location: Guanajuato
Top Things to do in Guanajuato
What to do and see in Guanajuato, Guanajuato: The Best Things to do
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. Museo Casa Diego Rivera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 826 reviews
The birthplace of Mexico's most famous painter has been preserved as a museum featuring some of his original works and a collection of artifacts from his house.
Reviewed By SeveBellisteros - Kansas City, United States
I am a big fan of Diego Rivera so I very much enjoyed his home. It is beautifully restored and has several of his early works, which are not in the style for which he is famous. I would read about him in advance of going as the signage. /story telling is minimal.
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. Teatro Juarez
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,192 reviews
This early 20th-century building is part Moorish, part Roman and part Greek and is one of the city's more noticeable landmarks.
Reviewed By rossr708
Well worth a visit. It is very ornate and has unique old features (like a smoking rooom). We were very fortunate to see them rehearsing an opera, which was amazing
4. Museo Ex-Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 440 reviews
The origin of the Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera corresponds to the stage of mining exploitation at the end of the XVII, stage focused on the discoveries of rich betas of gold and silver. At the beginning of the 19th century, with the arrival of Independence and Consummation, the mines were suspended and some mining production estates were abandoned, leaving them in ruins. In 1947, the Mexican Francisco Armida Cabrera, acquired the property and dedicated his time to the conservation of what can be seen today as a Museum and the restoration of the old town. The style that is observed inside the House Museum is the Spanish Colonial Viceroyalty on the ground floor level and the French style of the Maximilian era on the top floor. So, you can see decoration and furniture of these stages in the Treasury. In 1975 the State Government acquired the Treasury and in September of 1979 it is given the appointment of a Historic Monument and is opened to the public as a Museum.
Reviewed By Omambo25 - Los Angeles, United States
I read some great reviews and this was on my list of places to see while in GTO. We had the whole garden to ourselves and the setting was perfection. The amount of flowers, foliage and manicured areas are a breath of fresh air from the hustle of the city. Great place for a walk and a nice tour of the hacienda preserved with original furniture and paintings. Highly recommend a short uber ride is so worth it !
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. The Alley Of The Kiss
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,641 reviews
This picturesque alley is so named because it is narrow enough for two lovers to kiss from opposite sides of the street.
Reviewed By awita_92 - Mexico City, Mexico
When in Guanajuato and going with your significant other, the alley is a must visit and the photo too. Legend has it if you cross and don't kiss, bad luck ensures. Approach the narrowest part of the alley and you'll find the entrance to two gift shops from which you can directly access the balconies for the iconic photo for only $30MXN
9. Funicular Panoramico
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 484 reviews
Reviewed By MasterB321 - Los Angeles, United States
Inexpensive ride to the.base of the massive El Pipila monument and some of the best views and photo opportunities in town. Expansive views of the historical center, surrounding neighborhoods, and nearby mountains. A ride on the funicular is a great way to kick off a visit to Guanajuato.
10. Museo de las Momias de Guanajuato
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2,024 reviews
This museum displays over 100 real mummies dug up from the nearby cemetery.
Reviewed By Sundncr - Washington DC, United States
It was an experience to visit this albeit popular tourist attraction in Guanajuato. It is rated as a top attraction, even more than the colonial Centro area. I was curious to visit and the first time, there was a long line in front of the museum. My guide asked me come back early to get ahead of the queue. The museum is on a hill and away from the City Centro. You either need a taxi or a private transportation to visit the museum. There is an entrance fee with an extra fee to visit a special exhibit. Many vendor stalls are located around the outside of the museum. Most of the tourists were local or from Mexico. So, in the guided tour inside, you will not get an English narration. There are multiple mummies displayed in glass enclosures and photography with a flash is prohibited. Depending on you, reactions may be different. I was fascinated, but I also realized that the museum authorities showed great respect towards the displays. An enlightening experience to know what happens to the body after death. This was a unique museum experience for me.
