24Hrs in Guanajuato City

 

Guanajuato City is one of our favorite places in Mexico, and it will be yours too. Its narrow cobblestone streets, underground tunnels and rich history demand at least a 3-day stay; just enough time to stroll around and enjoy the picturesque view of the houses, churches and main buildings, and its great lively-vibe. But, if you’re in a hurry with only a couple of hours in your itinerary, here are our top picks!

 

 

1. Breakfast at Plaza de la Paz

Great spot to sit and enjoy the view with a delicious meal. Both restaurants are delightful and well priced, for being in a touristy area. Try the ‘Enchiladas mineras’ (poor or rich= with or without chicken), Guanajuato’s traditional dish.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Callejón del beso

According to a local legend, this narrow street played an important roll in the tragic love story of a young couple: Carmen and Luis, a girl from a prominent family and a poor miner.

The story goes like this: Carmen’s father heard about his daughter seeing a miner and locked her up in her room to end all contact. Luis, as soon as he heard this, went and bought the house next door, which balcony almost touched Carmen’s room terrace. One day, Carmen’s father caught them holding hands in the balcony, stormed inside her bedroom and struck her chest with a dagger. There, lying on the floor, Luis stretched his hand to hold hers and kissed it one last time. A sign of true love.

 

 

 

3. Teatro Juárez

This theater, inaugurated in 1903 by President Porfirio Díaz, is definitely the highlight of Guanajuato City. It has a similar filling to Bellas Artes Theater in Mexico City, but with a more intricate work put into the walls. An amazing mixture of eclectic-colonial-roman architecture and Moorish décor. Don’t forget to go upstairs and check out the room used to mingle during the intermissions; the furniture will take you straight to the 1900’s.

 

 

 

 

 

4. Traditional Candy

You can’t leave Guanajuato without buying and trying the famous ‘Charamuscas’ –mummies made from piloncillo, milk and nut, dressed with traditional Mexican clothing and paired with a small bottle of rompope or a mug. A great gift to take back home.

 

 

 

5. Funicular

This cliff railway behind Juárez Theater will take you to Pípila’s monument, the best viewpoint of Guanajuato. You can go during the day and walk by the numerous shops around, but our favorite time is at night when the city lights up like a little Christmas village. The most beautiful view for only $50mxn roundtrip, per person.

 

 

 

 

 

6. Callejoneadas

A must. Visiting Guanajuato without experiencing a night with the estudiantinas is unforgivable! This Spanish tradition of guys dressed up in 18^th century costumes singing and playing instruments to pay for their studies and to captivate girls is what brings the beautiful cobblestone streets to life.

We bought our tickets in front of Teatro Juárez, from one of the members of Tuna Compostelana de Guanajuato. The date was at 8:15pm (they have different times to choose from) in front of San Diego’s Temple. Once gathered, we danced and sang along a mixture of Mexican & Spanish traditional music, with some worldwide hits like ‘Despacito’. Then, with everyone full of energy, we began to head into the streets following the voices, laughter and songs of the estudiantina.

For two hours we walked along Guanajuato’s narrow streets and had a blast! Just make sure you wear trainers or your most comfortable shoes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Have you been to Guanajuato? Which are your favorite places, we’d love to know…

Got more time? Check our 48hrs in Guanajuato City itinerary.