Heading to Guatemala City? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
QUICK FACTS
- The capital of Guatemala and its largest city, with a metro population of over 3 million.
- It is the administrative, economic and cultural capital of the country.
- Nickname: locals refer to the city as Guate.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Quatemalan Quetzal (Q).
- Spoken languages: primarily Spanish.
- Best time to visit: from December to April (the dry season).
- Great festival to catch: Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions in April.
- Arriving from the airport: La Aurora International Airport is located in the southern part of the city.
– Taxis are readily available, if somewhat expensive.
– Shuttle buses are cheaper, stopping at various hotels along the way. Airport to Zona 1 costs Q30–Q50 (30 mins).
– The last option is to take a public bus, which will get you to the city center in about an hour.
– Pre-book Uber/shuttle for late arrivals; avoid public transport after dark. - Pre-paid SIM cards are available from Claro or Tigo (telecom providers).
WHERE TO STAY
- Best hostel for solo travelers in Guatemala: Hostal Guatefriends.
– Just a 9 minute walk from the airport, this hostel is perfect for transit or a short stay in town.
– Clean, safe, with welcoming & friendly staff. Daily breakfast included.
– Book ahead! - For budget and mid-range hotels, search for accommodations in Zona 1. For western (upscale) hotels, head to Zona 10.
- If you just need a bed in transit, there are a few guesthouses near the airport.
GETTING AROUND
- The common way to get around in Guatemala City is by bus (Q1.00) or taxi (minimum Q25 for metered taxi).
- Uber: safer than taxis; average fare Q25–Q50 for short trips.
- The Transmetro bus system offers a reliable alternative, connecting many key districts. Be sure to purchase a prepaid card for easy access.
– Prepaid cards cost Q5; connects Zona 1, 4, and 10 - If you prefer walking, stick to populated areas during the daytime and be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid public buses at night.
GUATEMALA CITY NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18, and last call is officially at 11 PM.
- It depends on what you want. If you like the local atmosphere, stay in the historical center.
- Cuatro Grados Norte (Zona 4): Pedestrian street with trendy bars like La Erre and Bajo Fondo Funk.
- If you prefer more fancy discotheques and bars with western music and atmosphere, head to Zona Viva (Zona 10).
- Zona Viva (Zona 10): Upscale clubs like The Box Lounge Groove open until 2 AM (despite official 11 PM curfew).
- Great bar for solo travelers: Shakespeare’s Pub.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- Zona 1 is the most visited and historical part of the city center. Check out:
– Edificio de Correos Central (the cantaloupe-coloured Post Office)
– Metropolitan Cathedral
– Palacio National
– Plaza Mayor de la Constitucion (which hosts a big market on Sundays). - Visit the General Cemetery (Zona 3).
- Zona 4 is an interesting area, with Centro Cultural Miguel Angel Asturias (Guatemalas National Theater) and many streets to explore.
- Kaminaljuyu (in Zona 7) is a historic Maya ruin right in the heart of the city.
- Check out the El Torra del Reformador (akin to a Guatemalan Eiffel Tower) in Zona 9.
- Zona 10 (Zona Viva) is the cosmopolitan district. Hightlights:
– Museo Popol Vuh (Natural History Museum)
– Botanical Garden - Museo Ixchel del Traje Indígena (Zona 10): Textile museum (Q40 entry).
DAY TRIP IDEAS
- Acatenango Volcano Hike: 2-day tour from Antigua (Q600–Q800) with overnight camping.
- Antigua, Guatemala for its colonial architecture and vibrant culture. 1-hour shuttle (Q50); explore Hobbitenango eco-park (ATV tours Q200). See our full Antigua guide.
- Lake Atitlán for stunning views and indigenous villages
- Pacaya Volcano: Half-day hike (Q100 entry + Q150 guide).
INTERESTING WALKS
- The most interesting zonas are 1 to 4 (Centro Historico) and zona 10 (cosmopolitan). One of the best ways to explore the city is to stroll around these zones.
- Zona 10 is a very busy area during the day, and is great for people watching in the mornings.
WHERE TO EAT
- Great restaurants to try: Restaurante The Market, Little India Restaurante, Jakes ($$$), Spartan Grill & Deli, and La Maison Restaurant.
- If you see a bakery, go in and try the banana bread which is very tasty.
- Guatemalan cuisine is based on rice and red beans with meat (chicken or beef). While in town, try some genuine Guatemalan coffee.
- Cheap eats: head to Mercado 24 (Zona 10) street-food hall with delicious local dishes.
- Mayan Cooking Classes: Offered in Zona 1 (Q150–Q200) for pepián or tamales.
LOCAL WISDOM
- Haggling at markets is completely acceptable.
- A little Spanish goes a long way with locals. Greet people with “Hola!” (Hello).
- Avoid Zonas 18 & 21: High crime areas; stick to Zonas 1, 4, 9, and 10.
- Dangerous areas: watch out for pickpockets and don’t walk outside alone at night. Take official taxis when possible (ask for the number at your hotel or hostel and book ahead).
Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days