Start with our 24hrs Guanajuato City plan and then add these places! Now, you’ll get to know the importance of this city in Mexico’s fight for independence and some great local spots.
Have a lovely trip!
Alhóndiga de Granaditas
Due to a serious food shortage around 1580, the Spanish crown decided to build this huge storage for cereals and grains (also known as an alhóndiga) from where they could manage their ‘correct’ distribution.
But, by 1810, when the movement of Mexico’s independence took place, the Spanish used it as a fortress to take cover from the Insurgent army, who ultimately took over the building and celebrated their first big victory. It then became headquarters of the Realist army, a hospital, a tobacco factory, a school, a neighborhood, a jail, and finally a museum.
Since then, the museum (Museo Regional de Guanajuato) holds the story of Guanajuato, from the pre-Hispanic cultures to its role in Mexico’s Independence. Some banisters and columns still preserve inscriptions made by the inmates during its time as a jail. You can also appreciate the bullet impacts made to the façade back in 1810.
Mercado Hidalgo
This construction with a beautiful pink quarry façade and a clock tower, inspired by the early 20th century railway stations in Paris, houses Guanajuato’s biggest market. Here, you’ll find two floors flooded with stalls that sell a combination of food, handicrafts, clothing, candy, toys and other curiosities.
Tip: if you are looking for more traditional souvenirs, have a look at the stalls just outside the market. They have, in our opinion, better variety and prices.
Universidad de Guanajuato
You might recognize it from the back of the $1,000 Mexican pesos bill. A green quarry stone building, home to Guanajuato’s University, that dates back to 1955.
Its architectural value is in the eclectic façade: a combination of a Renaissance tower, Neo-gothic finishes that give it a medieval castle look, Neoclassic entrance with two Greek-Roman pillars and French windows with baroque details.
Truco 7
A local spot, suggested by our Airbnb host, that offers a Mexican homemade menu. Tasty and cheap! And they have free WiFi, if you need to work on something or figure out your next accommodation. Try the Enchiladas Mineras, you won’t regret it.
Helado Artesanal Las Garrafas
A very popular handmade ice-cream stand around Guanajuato; some say it’s the best they’ve tasted. We wouldn’t go that far, but they’re good (they have little pieces of real fruit in them) and very helpful on sunny days! Go for the smallest size and try a variety of Mexican flavors, like: mamey, zapote, cajeta, pistache or tequila.
El Pinche Grabador
We love buying unique souvenirs, and being newlyweds with empty walls we also love looking for cool artwork. That’s how we got to this etching studio. Here, you can find framed pieces ($200-$500 mxn), bookmarks, cards, and postcards with beautiful-funky Mexican designs. Highly recommend stopping by, even if it’s just to look at the items.
Plazuela San Fernando
An old 1863 Hacienda, which is now opened as a public space and filled with restaurants and bars with live music– mostly troubadour and rock genre. The perfect place to have a drink or a coffee and enjoy a lovely evening.
Got more time? Check our 72hrs in Guanajuato City itinerary
Useful information
How to move
Walk. Don’t, by any chance, take out your car (if you rented one). It’s very difficult to find empty parking spaces, plus they constantly change the hours you are allowed to park in some spots. A complete nightmare; we had both of our plates taken by the police and getting them back was an ordeal.
How to get your plates back
Hope you don’t have to use this information, but if you do, don’t let them dangle you from one place to another. Despite what they say, go first to the office just a couple of meters away from the ‘Pípila monument’ (hop on the funicular to get there); you’ll need an ID and the paper they leave you on the windshield. There you’ll have to pay a fine of around $250mxn.
There’s a second place that rarely hands out plates, but if they don’t find yours elsewhere, ask here. And be insistent.
Alhóndiga de Granaditas
Ask for an English guide at the ticket counter (free of charge). They’ll give you a printed and laminated guide that walks you through every room.
