Is Guatemala City Worth Visiting?

By: Ben Schlappig

Updated: December 22, 2021
Published: September 20, 2021

141 comments

141

OMAAT readers have collectively been just about everywhere, so I’m sure some people will have thoughts here.

In this post:

Is Guatemala City worth visiting?

I’ve been to a few countries in Central America, and largely they’re worth visiting for the beautiful nature. Other than Panama City, I can’t say I’ve specifically gone out of my way to visit a city in Central America, short of a mileage run or being enroute to somewhere else.

I loved visiting Calala Island in Nicaragua

But I’ve vaguely heard pretty good things about Guatemala City, and am tempted to visit. I’m not expecting Paris or Hong Kong, but can any OMAAT readers who have been to Guatemala City chime in? Are there any great restaurants? Is it a fun place to spend a few days, with things to see and do? Are there any fun day trips from the city? Is it safe enough (assuming you use common sense and aren’t acting like an idiot)?

Why I’m considering a trip to Guatemala City

Why am I asking about Guatemala City? A few reasons…

First of all, if I’m being perfectly honest, it’s a country that I haven’t visited, so it’s another one I’d like to check off my list (when you get to 100+ countries, it’s fun to be able to check off countries that aren’t too far away).

Beyond that, flights from the United States to Guatemala are ridiculously cheap — you can fly roundtrip from Miami to Guatemala City for $130 right now, for example.

To top it all off, there’s a Hyatt Centric in Guatemala City that gets awesome reviews, looks pretty nice, and is quite affordable.

At some point in the not-too-distant future, this seems like a worthwhile long weekend trip — cheap flights, a good hotel option, and a new country.

Bottom line

I can’t say that Guatemala City has historically been at the top of my list of places to visit, but I’m seriously considering traveling there. Guatemala is a country I haven’t been to, fares are super cheap, and there’s a nice-looking and reasonably priced Hyatt, so for me that’s just about enough reason to plan a trip.

To those who have been to Guatemala City, any thoughts?

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Charlotte Guest

June 24, 2022, 10:17 am

Guatemala is a fantastic place to go, in the city you most go to paseo Cayala specially for Dinner, if you want local food, Go to Downtown the central Market, IF you have time got o the Palacio Nacional is beautiful. La zona viva is good for people that like to party. In Santa Rosa there is a beautiful Cascade. Guatemala is fantastic for people that Like to Explore nature, if you go in a group, go to the Pacaya volcano there are always guides there and you can clime it, Every tourist goes only to Antigua, Panajachel, and Tikal, they are beautiful, but Trust me if you have time plan to go to Semuch Champay. clime the Water volcano, visit the Laguna Guija, If you are religious go in Holy week you would love it. Visit le central market in the city you will find so many souvenirs an cheaper. Go to el Adove the food is great. if you like museums CAsa mima is a special one. On your way to Antigua stop by el Mirador Mixco the view is great. IS you like the beach Isabal specially Rio dulce, Talk to locals they will show why Guatemala is magical.

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Maria Lauf Guest

September 28, 2021, 8:01 pm

Please Do Guatemala is the country of contrast. The beauty of the nature it is impressive. Once you go there you'll love to visit again. The fact that you can inmerse in the Mayan culture like 2000 years ago has not price.the people are so friendly the university of Chicago had a study that the Guatemalan people are very happy and content After you go please post the pictures of the active fire volcano. Enjoy amigo.

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Samuel M Salazar Guest

September 28, 2021, 5:38 pm

First you must start at Antigua next to Tikal. then you must or should hire a tourist guide. Then last back to Antigua.

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Robert Guest

September 27, 2021, 4:38 pm

I have been to Guatemala at least a dozen times. i have stayed in Antigua each time, because Guatemala City is considered dangerous by my friends in Antigua. Antigua is a beautiful city with a rich history. Lake Atitalan and Chlchicastenango are worthwhile sites to see, however you must use caution as you would in any foreign country.

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Rose Guest

September 27, 2021, 9:32 am

I lived in Guatemala City for two years with my husband before we were married. If you really wanted to, there are a few interesting things to do/see in the City but to be honest I'd highly recommend going to Antigua or the Pacific coast instead. They are both fairly short rides from the city and are so charming. At that hotel you would be in zone 10 which is central and kind of the "cool" party type area where young people go out at night and there are some trendy restaurants etc. It would get old quick and getting anywhere in the city is a huge pain as the traffic is horrendous. You will need to be aware of which zones to avoid and you will certainly have to be very aware of muggers at all times. This is an issue all around the country but in the city it's much more of an issue. When I lived there shootings were a problem in that area of zone 10. While my husband was playing at a bar with his band, the bar was shot at from a car driving by. He has also been mugged multiple times, once at gunpoint. Not trying to freak you out, like I said I lived there for two years (as a young American gringa) and never had anything bad happen, but it easily could have. So basically I'm saying just go to Antigua, it's a beautiful historical small city that isn't far away.

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