A Guide To Visiting Antigua, Guatemala: The Best 8 Things To Do And See

Updated On: November 10, 2023 by   Dina Essawy

When you visit Antigua, you discover a vibrant history associated with the Spanish establishments and culture that were placed there. Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it served as the capital of the United Kingdom of Guatemala, which expanded many miles away from the current borders.

Sitting in the central highland of Guatemala, the city is known for its preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture and several colonial churches that have been reimagined to become hotels.

Join us as we explore the fantastic city of Antigua, Guatemala, including its tourist attractions, best restaurants, and the most popular resorts on the island. Scroll down to read through the blog, or click on one of the highlighted sections below to jump ahead! 

History of Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is a small city in the southern region of Guatemala. It is a lively city that is surrounded by volcanoes. Due to destruction from volcanic eruptions, it has been rebuilt several times. In 1773, the ancient city of Antigua was hit by an earthquake. It was not the first earthquake to hit Guatemala, and it would not be the last.

But this particular earthquake was so devastating that it led to the capital of Guatemala being moved from Antigua to Guatemala City, where it is today. In fact, for many years, the city of Antigua was essentially abandoned. The devastation had been so much that all the residents of Antigua moved to Guatemala City.  

Antigua was founded in the early 16th century. It is built 1,500 metres above sea level in an earthquake-prone region. Its major monuments are still preserved as ruins. In under three centuries, the city acquired some superb monuments.

Every year, millions of tourists visit Antigua. It is a tourist centre that attracts visitors from countries around the world. There are several attractions to see, many things to do, and various hotels to stay in around the city. 

How to Get to Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is located in the southwestern part of Guatemala, about an hour west of Guatemala City. There is only one international airport in Guatemala City if you travel by air, but there are various ways to get to Antigua once you land.

You can get a private driver, which is cheaper than Uber as there is a fixed rate. You can get a private driver using Facebook groups or numerous booking sites. You can also book a shared shuttle. Several companies provide shared shuttles. However, you need to reserve your seat 48 hours before your arrival.

Although getting a taxi is the most preferred way to get to Antigua from Guatemala City Airport, it is also the most expensive option. Due to the costs, most tourists opt for the shuttle busses.

Seasons and Weather

Guatemala does not experience a traditional high season, shoulder season and low season. Instead, the country goes through two sets of alternating high and low seasons.

Winter High Season

The winter high season (November–March) is the ideal time for festivals and dry weather. The first high season falls during Guatemala’s dry season, so bright days are guaranteed. The dry weather starts at the beginning of November when the hurricane season comes to an end. The excellent weather comes just in time for the Day of the Dead celebrations!

This first high season generally ends right after Holy Week in the countdown to Easter, typically in late March or the first half of April. The peak time for tourism in Guatemala is during Holy Week. Holy Week is the most important religious holiday for Guatemalans and is when many locals take their annual vacation.

During Holy Week, locals flock to the coasts, especially Lake Atitlán, meaning there will be big crowds along the waterfronts and shores. The historic former capital, Antigua, also gets crowded for Holy Week, when crowds assemble to watch its famously colourful religious processions.

You will need to book your accommodation ahead of this time and budget for higher prices if you plan to visit during the Holy Week celebrations.

Summer High Season

The summer high season (June–August) is the best time to visit Antigua, Guatemala, for outdoor recreation and adventure. The second high season aligns with the annual summer vacation season in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

The country is not as crowded during this time as it is during the winter high season. There are typically fewer tourists during these months because the weather is less enjoyable. June is part of the rainy season, but it can still be hot and sunny in the daytime.

During the summer high season, it typically begins raining at night into the early morning. The rainy season ends towards the end of July and beginning of August. During these months, Antigua, Guatemala, experiences hot, dry weather.

These months are the best time to visit Antigua, Guatemala, if you are interested in outdoor recreation because the air is warm and the sky is clear. It is also the ideal time to try fresh local fruits, as this is the harvest season.

Low Seasons

Guatemala’s low seasons (April–May and September–October) are great times to visit for a more laid-back holiday. The two low seasons begin at each end of the rainy season. The first low season starts after Holy Week and lasts until the end of May. The second low season starts in September and finishes at the end of October.

There are typically no crowds in Antigua during the low seasons, which means you can enjoy the tourist attractions without feeling overwhelmed by other tourists. Because of the few tourists during these months, accommodations tend to be easier to find and less costly.

The downside of visiting Antigua, Guatemala, during the low seasons is that the weather is less stable. There are sunny days with afternoon or evening rain, which can make it challenging to plan your itinerary. The rain makes the landscape lively and green, and lots of flowers grow, but it also causes enormous amounts of mud, which affects outdoor activities. 

Attractions and Activities

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is located at the southeastern end of Antigua and is accompanied by one of the Caribbean’s best beaches. Protected by a coral reef, this crescent of fine white sand and blue sea offers excellent opportunities for snorkelling on calm days.

Activities here depend strongly on the weather; when the wind is high, the surf can be harsh. A small restaurant offers drinks, food, and light bites just off the beach. Visitors can hire chairs and umbrellas as well to protect themselves from the sun while enjoying the beach. 

Stingray City

An exciting trip to Stingray City is one of the most popular things to do in Antigua. It is a shallow pool with a sandy bottom amid a tropical reef. Here, hundreds of friendly southern Stingrays glide through the crystal clear waters, waiting to be fed by visitors.

Depending on your preferences, you can stand, swim, or snorkel with the stingrays. You can also explore the nearby coral reefs and admire their stunning colours. Feeling the stingrays’ smooth, soft bodies brush against your skin is a highlight of this exciting adventure.

Dickenson Bay

Dickenson Bay is located at the far northwest edge of Antigua. It is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in the city. At the bay, tourists will find everything they need for a relaxing or invigorating day by the sea.

Multiple sea resorts and restaurants line this mile-long stretch of white sand. In the clear waters, tourists can enjoy a full range of water sports. Protected by an offshore reef, the bay is perfect for swimming. Or, if you’re more adventurous, booths on the beach rent everything you need for other activities, including surfing, jet-skiing, snorkelling, windsurfing, and kayaking.

If you just want to find a spot on the sand and admire the mesmerizing blue waves as they crash on the shore, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas. After a day in the sun, you can enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the beach or reserve a relaxing massage along the shore.

Dickenson Bay is home to the iconic red phone booth, which many tourists feature in their Instagram photos. It is also home to some of the islands’ most popular resorts, including Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa and Symphony Beach Club.

Nelson’s Dockyard National Park

Nelson’s Dockyard National Park in English Harbour is a popular spot for tourists to explore. Its main claim to fame is that it is the only consistently operating Georgian dockyard in the world. It is home to Antigua’s former 18th-century British naval dockyard, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

During a visit to Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, you can learn more about the dockyard’s rich history. The Dockyard Museum in the former Admiral’s house features displays and exhibits on the area’s naval history.

You can also soak up the ambience by wandering around and exploring the beautifully restored stone warehouses that contrast with the marina’s glitzy superyachts.

Many of these old buildings have been renovated over time to serve as hotels, restaurants, shops and galleries. If you want to explore a little further, the area is also home to some of the island’s best hiking trails, which lead to historic forts with panoramic views.

Placed on the hilltop at Shirley Heights, Fort Shirley provides some of the best vistas in the country. Tourists can also hike to Fort Berkeley at the west entrance of the harbour.

The national park is also home to the 18th-century Clarence House, initially constructed for the future King William IV. You can watch a fascinating multimedia presentation on the island’s history at the Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre along the lockout trail near Shirley Heights. 

St. John’s

St. Johhn’s is the capital city and most popular cruise port of Antigua and Barbuda. It is a wonderful city full of candy-coloured colonial cottages and market stalls piled high with tropical fruits and flowers. Jutting into the skyline are the White Neo-Baroque Towers of St. John’s Cathedral, one of the city’s most remarkable buildings.

For an overview of the island’s history, visitors can check out the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda and the nearby 18th-century former Courthouse. To hear more stories from the island’s past, tourists can stroll around Betty’s Hope, the 17th-century ruins of the island’s largest sugar plantation. A small museum at Betty’s Hope highlights the lives of the slaves who built it.

Since the capital city is a popular cruise ship stop, it is no surprise that shopping is one of the most popular things to do in St. John’s, Antigua. Duty-free shops are plentiful at Heritage Quay, souvenir stalls are commonly found at the touristy Redcliffe Quay, and the lively harbourside public markets are the place to be on Fridays and Saturdays.

For impeccable views of this beautiful city and its harbours, tourists often hike the steep trail to Fort Barrington. The fort was built to protect St. John’s from the French military forces.

Devil’s Bridge

Devil’s Bridge is located in Indian Town National Park. Along the rugged northeast coast, the dramatic scenery of the national park features the Devil’s Bridge, made up of natural limestone. The Devil’s Bridge was sculpted over the centuries by erosion from the pounding ocean waves.

At high tide, waves force powerful bursts of water through eroded holes in the nearby rocks. The park also offers some rewarding hikes and excellent opportunities for bird-watching. More than 36 different avian species perch among the Acacia trees in the park.

The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda

The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is located in the capital city of St. John’s. It is a great place to explore and get a feel for the history of these beautiful islands. The exhibits at the museum are all placed in one main room.

The displays cover topics such as the island’s geological origins, colonial history, slavery, archaeology, sports, and the country’s political independence, gained in 1981. Highlights of the museum include a full-scale replica of an Arawak dwelling with artefacts such as pottery and weaving tools,

The museum also features exhibits on the island’s different ecosystems and the wildlife that calls the area home. The museum is located in the former 18th-century courthouse in St. John’s.

Fig Tree Drive

Along Antigua’s southern coast, Fig Tree Drive winds through rainforest, farmland, and fishing villages. This charming and scenic drive offers a glimpse of the local life on the island. Banana trees are called “figs” by the locals, and is where the route gets its name.

In addition to figs, mango trees and coconut palms mark the landscape. Tourists can find the ruins of sugar mills on this route as well. Along the way, the Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery sells colourful local art. If you take this scenic drive, make sure to look for the roadside stands selling freshly picked fruit, especially the sweet and delicious pineapples.

If you are looking for something more active and adventurous, stop by the Antigua Rainforest Zipline Tours for an exhilarating glide over the treetops.

The Best Coffee

Guatemala is a big coffee-producing country, and Antigua is known for its seemingly unlimited amount of cafes around every corner.

Cafe Raiz has excellent window seats overlooking the city that you just can’t miss. It is an excellent place to sit, relax, and read a book while enjoying views of the beautiful city and scenery.

Artista de Cafe is another great cafe to visit. Its calming atmosphere makes it the perfect place to get some work done. This cafe serves light bites alongside delicious coffee – it is a coffee lover’s dream!

Caoba Farms is another cafe that you have to visit while in Antigua. They are known for their fresh organic coffee. Visitors can take a guided tour of the facility, learning how they source, create, and blend their yummy coffee from their knowledgeable guides.

Top Restaurants

27 Adentro

27 Adentro is one of the city’s top-rated restaurants. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and opens at noon the rest of the week. It is a family-friendly restaurant with a cosy and casual atmosphere. 27 Adentro serves Caribbean, Latin, Fusion, and Guatemalan cuisine.

Wachuma

Wachuma is another highly-rated restaurant in Antigua. It is open every day from 12 to 8 PM. Wachuma’s relaxed island atmosphere is perfect for group outings and grabbing a drink after a long day on the beach.

La Bruja

La Bruja is one of the most popular restaurants on the island. Open every day from 11 A.M. to 9 P.M., it is a family restaurant with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. La Bruja serves Central American cuisine, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. It is an excellent place to grab a cocktail and a bite to eat.

Los Moros by Porta Hotel

Los Moros by Porta Hotel is another excellent restaurant to try on the island. It is open from 7 A.M. to 9 P.M. daily, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Los Moros is a great restaurant for family dinners, romantic dates, and casual lunches. It serves bar food and cocktails along with international and Guatemalan cuisine.

The Most Popular Hotels and Resorts

The resorts on the island vary from luxurious and exclusive 5-star resorts to affordable and family-friendly 3-star all-inclusive hotels. Regardless of your budget, you will find a place to stay in Antigua that will inspire you to explore the beautiful city. 

South Point Antigua

South Point Antigua is a 4-star hotel and part of the Antigua Yacht Club Marina in Falmouth Harbour. This boutique hotel offers attractive views of the bay and the giant yachts that take to the waves. The winter season, which is the yachting season, is an excellent time of the year to visit as their views seem to be even more spectacular.

Rooms at the hotel exude luxury with their large terraces. In addition, each suite comes with a private chef who cooks your meals in their fully equipped kitchen. If you want to dine outside your suite, the hotel has a sushi bar and a restaurant with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern menus.

Jumby Bay Island

Jumby Bay Island is the most exclusive resort in the country. It is located right off the coast on a 300-acre private island. Access to the blissful and exclusive Jumby Bay Island is limited to those staying at the resort.

Jumby Bay Island is a haven for nature lovers; it has abundant tropical flora and wildlife that you can see in this part of the world. The white natural beaches are another beautiful part of this hideaway. The hotel features access to the private beach for all guests.

Jumby Bay Island also features private balconies and babysitting services, not to mention a wide array of family-oriented activities. The resort has 3 pools and a spa to enjoy. The Estate House, the resort’s fine dining restaurant, is one of the best places to eat in the Caribbean; it is a must-visit!

Siboney Beach Club

Siboney Beach Club is located on Dickenson Bay, next to the popular Sandals resort. This small, intimate resort only has 15 suites. If you are looking for a home away from home comforts, you have come to the right place. The hospitality of the staff and the incredible views are all you need.

The beach club features a fabulous tropical garden filled with birds and local flowers. It is the perfect place to sit and relax among the island’s nature. The on-site Coconut Grove Restaurant has palms growing through its roof and dining tables that are separated by a ribbon of sand from the Caribbean Sea.

St. James Club and Villas

St. James Club and Villas is a 4-star property set on a 100-acre peninsula on the southern coast of Antigua. It is tucked away for privacy and offers access to two white-sand beaches. The all-inclusive resort exudes a casual ambience that caters to couples, families, and solo travellers alike.

The resort features 6 swimming pools, 4 tennis courts, a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre, and a spa. Water activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing are all included in the hotel’s packages, making a stay at St. James Club and Villas one full of adventure. The resort also houses 5 restaurants that offer everything from casual dining to formal international cuisine.

Curtain Bluff Resort

Curtain Bluff Resort is a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort perched on a rock bluff between 2 beaches. One of the beaches faces the serene ocean, and the other is on a quiet lagoon, perfect for snorkelling and swimming.

There are 72 rooms in this resort, and they all feature stunning views of the water. The rooms are staged with Caribbean decor, pitched roof ceilings and patios.

The activities offered by the resort include sailing, scuba diving, water skiing and many more water sports. There is also an on-site spa, fitness centre, and squash courts, helping you stay active throughout your stay.

The beach cafe at the resort offers laid-back lunches right on the beach, while the White Tamarind Tree serves romantic dinners by candlelight.

Antigua, Guatemala, is a Scenic and Historic Destination

The tourist attractions in Antigua, Guatemala, offer a captivating blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural richness that make this city a truly remarkable destination for travellers from around the world.

The city’s charming streets, vibrant markets, and numerous museums allow tourists to venture into Guatemala’s rich cultural heritage and history. Visitors can also explore the many ruins and churches rooted in the city’s colonial past.

Antigua, Guatemala, is a multifaceted destination that beckons travellers to explore its historical, cultural, and natural wonders. The city’s wide variety of experiences ensures that every visitor leaves with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the captivating allure of this remarkable island city.

If you’re interested in learning more about Central America, check out our blog on the Best Things to Do in Central America.