City of Stairs and Tunnels (Affectionately)
One of my favorite Mexican cities! I would have stayed for 6 months if I could.
Guanajuato has a European feel with ancient tunnels and varying ascending and descending walkways that get you around town. Guanajuato was once the richest city in all of the Americas due to its mining revenues. So the city is full of charm and color.
A Picturesque Colonial City
nestled in the mountains, Guanajuato exudes charm and history at every turn. Its narrow, winding streets lead to vibrant plazas, adorned with colorful buildings and captivating architecture.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a cultural haven, offering museums, theaters, and art galleries galore. Guanajuato’s underground streets add a unique twist to its allure, inviting you to explore its intriguing past.
I recommend visiting Guanajuato if you like…
- Art
- History
- Shopping
- Food
- Panoramic Views
- Colorful Architecture
- Art
Dining and Cuisine
Guanajuato hosts many international visitors and so there is a variety of food available. There was also much catering to vegetarian or vegan diets. Probably the high number of university students in the area attracts a modern pallet.
Take a food walking tour immediately!
I am a true believer in taking a tour immediately to get acquainted with a city. A food walking tour is a great way to get your bearings and you have the full attention of a local expert for great suggestions.
Here are some foodie walking tours and unique culinary experiences I recommend based on ratings and my own research.
w Susana Airbnb Experiences
Regional Dishes
Guanajuato is famous for…
- Enchiladas Mineras: A local specialty, featuring enchiladas filled with spiced meat or vegetables and topped with a rich and savory tomato sauce and cheese.
- Pacholas: Seasoned meatballs made with pork or beef, served in a spicy broth with vegetables, and often enjoyed with rice or tortillas.
Popular Local Tacos
- Tacos de Carnitas: Slow-cooked and seasoned pork, served in soft corn tortillas with toppings like salsa, guacamole, and fresh herbs.
- Tacos de Chicharrón: Crispy-fried pork skin, served with salsa, lime, and sometimes with salsa verde or guacamole.
- Tacos de Bistec: Thinly sliced and seasoned beef, usually grilled or pan-fried, served with guacamole, salsa, and onions.
What to do in Guanajuato
Las Callejoneadas
a walking musical show through the most emblematic alleys of the city of Guanajuato such as the Alley of the Kiss. The student from Guanajuato is interpreting different romantic, Mexican, Spanish, happy, and mischievous melodies to amuse all tourists who come to an alleyway.
Historical Mines
Visit one of the historical mines that once made Guanajuato the richest city in the Americas. Learn about the history and be amazed at what life was like as a miner in early colonial times. We took a 15-minute taxi to the town’s central park and walked to visit one of the mines.
The Mummy Museum
The city of Guanajuato decided to put the mummified bodies on display in a museum in the mid-19th century.
If families failed to pay burial taxes or if the deceased had no family in the area, the bodies were exhumed and found to be naturally mummified due to the region’s unique climate and soil conditions. The city authorities then decided to showcase these naturally preserved bodies in the Museo de las Momias (Museum of Mummies) to generate revenue and preserve the unique cultural heritage of Guanajuato.
Visit the Pipila Monument
and get a panoramic view of the city. Get there on foot or by Funicular.
Museo Regional de Guanajuato Alhóndiga de Granaditas
See the place where Miguel Hidalgo’s head was suspended to make an example of, for rallying Mexican patriots against Spain. This museum is one of the most thorough that depicts the history of the region.
Diego Rivera’s Childhood Home
Apparently, he lived here as a child. The museum shows a slice of what a traditional Mexican home was like just before the turn of the century.
Where to Stay – Accommodations
There are all kinds of options and price points available. I am more economically minded and I wanted to be immersed in the city, so I chose a homestay. I found a cute little Airbnb for under $35 a night. And when you book a month, I have gotten my rate down to $30/night.
Click here to see my stay on Airbnb. I loved it and I would stay here again. I think it was the most comfortable bed I have experienced out of all the stays in Mexico.
Want to know how I find an apartment in a safe neighborhood? Click here
But you can find any price point you want from dorm rooms to luxury.
Click on the links below to go directly to Guanajuato.
If you’re on foot like me, you want to be as close to the center as possible. I recommend staying in the pink highlighted zone shown on the map. This will keep you walking distance from the action.
Guanajuato is very “hilly”. The flat areas are best depicted by Google Maps yellow area.
More Photos
