Things to do in Guanajuato Mexico

Explore the City

Guanajuato, historically and culturally, is one of the most important cities in Mexico. This heritage, together with a certain atsmosphere which surrounds its venerable colonial houses, captivates the city's visitors. Student minstrel groups stroll through the plazas and narrow streets singing merrily, and below ground, traffic flows through tunnels unlike any others in the world. Because of its beauty, its historical importance and its monuments, Guanajuato was declared World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1988.

Guanajuato is also home of the Festival Internacional Cervantino, which takes place in October.

Top 10 Things to do in Guanajuato, Mexico

Monument to El Pipila

Monument built in honor of Juan Jose de los Reyes Martinez, nich-named "El Pipila", who heroically burned down the door of the Spanish stronghold Alhondiga de Granaditas on September 28, 1810, during the first battle in the Mexican War of Independence. The Monument is one of the top Guanajuato attractions, offering spectacular vistas by day or by night. Monday to Sunday, 8am to 6pm.

Presa de la Olla

Inaugurated in 1749, this reservoir was built to provide the city with a constant supply of water. Barrio la Presa.

University of Guanajuato

The University was a school-hospice in 1732. It is the most important center of academic activity in the state, as well as promoter of artistic and cultural activities.

Escuela Normal

An example of neoclassical architecture, built in striking pink cantera stone. This building was formerly the Civil Hospital and also the State College. It now serves as the Teacher's College.

Hillside tram at El Pipila

Spectacular panoramic ride where the city can be seen from a different perspective. Passengers board behind the Teatro Juarez and at the Monument to El Pipila. Constancia (no street number), Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 10:00pm. Sunday, 10:00am to 9:00pm.

Mansion of the Count Rul

Design by architect Francisco Eduarto Tresguerras, this mansion is considered one of the purest examples of neoclassical architecture in Mexico. Today it is a courthouse. Plaza de la Paz 75.

Diego Rivera House Museum

Founded in 1975 in the house which was the birthplace of Diego Maria Rivera Barrientos.

Museo del Pueblo de Guanajuato

It is located in the heart of the city in a 17th century historica colonial mansion formerly of the Marquis of Rayas.

Olga Costa-Jose' Chavez Morado Art House

In 1966, the couple acquired this part of the estate to convert it into what would be their home and the Olga Costa's study.

Restaurants in the area

"Casa del Conde de la Valenciana" - Carr. Dolores Hidalgo Km 5

"La Terraza" - Interior hotel Posada Santa Fe

"La Hacienda de Marfil" - Arco de Guadalupe 3

"Casa Valadez" - Jardin Union 3

"El Gallo Pitagorico" - Callejon de la Constancia 10

Legislative Palace

Built in the nineteenth century, and inaugurated by General Porfirio Diaz in 1903. Its facade is neoclassical and its interiors show art nouveau influence. Plaza de la Paz 77.

Mercado Hidalgo

This market was built at the start of the twentieth century and inaugurated in 1910 by President Porfirio Diaz. Its facade is of pink cantera stone. Inside, one ca buy regional candies and crafts. Calle Juarez.

Jardin de la Union

A beautiful triangular-shaped park located in the center of the city, this is one of the places where locals get together. On Thursdays and Sundays at 7:00pm the plaza comes alive with the music of the State Band.