The Ultimate Tegucigalpa Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Tegucigalpa? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

The capital of Honduras and its largest city, with a population of over 1.5 million.
It is the political and administrative center of the country.
Tegucigalpa is located in the southern-central highland region of Honduras.
Nicknames: Tegus, Cerro de Plata (“Silver Mountain”).

Currency: Honduran Lempira (HNL)
Spoken languages: Spanish.
Best time to visit: from November to May.
Arriving via airport: Toncontín International Airport is a civilian and military airport that serves Tegucigalpa. It is located 7 km from the city centre. Shuttle buses are available that will take you to the city centre. Taxis are also an option – ask airport staff for information on taxi prices and pick-up locations.

Some of the best deals on hotels can be found in Centro Contemporáneo (a safe district). Note: avoid the Comayagüela district.
Tip: if you book your hotel room in advance, ask for pick-up service from the airport (avoid walking through the city with luggage). This service is sometimes included in the price – call ahead and check!

Most city attractions are within walking distance of one another.
The major transport options are: taxis, collectivos (minibuses), or public city buses.
Taxis are usually the best choice, and a ride within the city centre will cost around $2. Collectivos are around half the taxi price ($1).
The public city buses are often crowded (rides are $0.50). There is no central bus station, which makes it difficult to find the right one. Taxis and collectivos are a better option.
Warning: avoid walking outside at night. Take a taxi back to your hotel.

Drinking age is officially 18 (ID’s are sometimes checked at the door).
Tegucigalpa is not very safe at night. If you are looking for a casual night out, look for establishments in the Centro Contempráneo. Be aware that the nightlife is not that active.
If you go decide to go out at night, take official taxis (ask for numbers in your hostel or hotel) and try to find someone else to go with.
Great bars to start your night: Casa de Puros and Beer Garden Clarion.

The city is divided into two major areas: Tegucigalpa and Comayagüela.
Visit Centro Historico to check out the government offices, including the National Congress and City Hall, and museums (visit the Museo para la Identidad Nacional). The area also features parks, a cathedral, and churches (Iglesia de la Merced).
Centro Contemporáno is the largest district, with 40 distinct neighborhoods It is the modern and vibrant downtown of Tegucigalpa where you will find the more upscale hotels and the Boulevard Morazán, Avenida Los Próceres and Avenida La Paz, all of which are busy commercial corridors. The landmarks here are Parque Central and Palacio Legislativo.
Comayagüela is the newer part of the city. Zona Centro de Contemporáno is constructed in a checkerboard street pattern Here you will find government offices, the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcion church, big malls. The other parts of Comayagüela are mostly residential neighborhoods.

The most important area is the old historic center, Centro Historico. This is a small area where you can walk around in the streets and drink something in a café.
If you like shopping, visit the Zona Centro de contemporáno.
Note: exercise caution when walking around parks or side streets alone.

A traditional breakfast in Honduras consists of eggs and beans. Baleada is one of the most common street foods in Honduras, and tortillas are the “bread” around here.
Great restaurants to try: Malportado, Fanburger, Titos Pizza, EA Bistro y Cafe, and Cubanos Kitchen.
Where to find good cheap eats: just about anywhere! Try one of the street food stands or go to a local restaurant and enjoy a local meat dishes (e.g. carneada, pinchos americanos).
Dangerous areas: simply put, Tegucigalpa is not safe. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times – the city has issues with pickpockets and gangs. Stay on the main roads, and don’t walk in the small alleys. Never walk with a camera around your neck or in your hand and don’t show your money in public. Be careful when withdrawing money from an ATM. Begging children can get aggressive if you don’t give in to their demands. There is a reason why many travelers skip this city.

Recommended trip duration: 1-2 days