Fall in Love with Antigua Guatemala

I recently had the absolute pleasure of visiting one of my new all time favorite cities in the entire world, and I am here to tell you exactly why Antigua Guatemala is one of the most unique and amazing places not just in Central America, but honestly, in the world.

From the moment I stepped into Antigua to the minute I left, I was completely encapsulated by its beauty, its experiences, its history, and its culture. I genuinely could not get enough of it.

I am not someone who typically loves cities or gravitates toward places that are super touristic or on a well worn path, but Antigua is one of the biggest exceptions for me.

Antigua used to be the capital of Guatemala, and even more than that, it was once the capital of all of Central America during Spanish colonial rule. The city held huge importance, filled with significant buildings and government institutions that made it the center of the entire region.

A City Shaped by Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Time

However, after a series of devastating earthquakes, most notably the 1773 Santa Marta earthquakes, along with the looming presence of surrounding volcanoes like Volcán de Fuego, Volcán de Agua, and Volcán Acatenango, the city was deemed unsafe. The capital was then moved to Guatemala City.

During that time, many people fled Antigua, and in a way, the city was left behind and frozen in time. That is exactly what makes it so special today. While it has grown again and is very much alive, you can still feel that preserved colonial charm everywhere.

The architecture, the ruins, the streets all tell a story. It has this rare blend of history and atmosphere that feels almost untouched, yet it is surrounded by some of the most dramatic natural landscapes you will ever see.

The city is located about an hour to an hour and a half from Guatemala City, making it very accessible if you are flying into the country. Once you are there, it is incredibly walkable.

The cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings make every single street feel just as beautiful and aesthetic as the last.

Every Street Feels Like a Postcard

That was one of the things that stood out to me the most. There are very few cities where everywhere you walk feels just as charming as the previous street. Every market, café, mural, and monument feels vibrant and full of life.

Where to Stay in Antigua

One of the best things about Antigua is that there is really no bad place to stay. The city is small and walkable, so almost everywhere you stay is close to the main attractions, restaurants, and streets full of life.

I stayed in a few different places during my visit. Tropicana Hostel was not my favorite, but it was good for one night and convenient for a quick stop. Yes, Please Hostel was super, super amazing—super affordable, with a nice pool and a perfect spot to relax and hang out.

And finally, I stayed at a guest house on Airbnb, which was absolutely incredible. It had the most insane views from the rooftop, a beautiful little kitchen, a perfect room, and the nicest host who was so welcoming and helpful.

There are tons of amazing stays in Antigua, whether it be boutique hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, or guest houses. Whatever suits your fancy, you will find something that makes your stay comfortable, beautiful, and convenient.

History, Markets, and the Culture That Fills Every Corner

Antigua is a city that feels like stepping back in time. There are stunning churches and ruins throughout the city like Iglesia de La Merced and Convento de las Capuchinas, where you can really start to visualize what the city once was.

Walking through them adds so much depth to the experience and gives you a stronger connection to its history

The city is also known for its beautiful shops and art scene. There are countless markets filled with traditional textiles, handmade goods, and local crafts. The main market, Mercado Central de Antigua, is an experience in itself.

Even if you are not looking to buy anything, just walking through and seeing the colors, the food, and the energy is something you should not miss.