Where to stay in Guanajuato – A guide to this Mexican city
Guanajuato is the capital city of the homonymous state, located in the northwest of Mexico.
The city of Guanajuato is a beautiful tourist destination for its history, cobbled streets, picturesque houses and colonial architecture.
The city of Guanajuato has a lot to offer such as museums, viewpoints, theaters, and the famous Calle del Beso, a street that stands out for its atmospheric balconies and romantic vibe.
Guanajuato houses one of the most important events in Latin America, the Cervantino International Festival, one of the city’s tourist magnets.
The delicious gastronomy of Guanajuato includes dishes such as Enchiladas Mineras and Guanajuato-style tamales.
As for the best time to visit Guanajuato, it is recommended to travel to the city from February to December if you want to have a pleasant time exploring its attractions.
To get to the city, you have the Guanajuato International Airport, 9 miles (25 kilometers) away. It is also possible to access Guanajuato by bus.
Guanajuato’s transportation system consists of buses and metro buses, however, a large part of travelers prefer to explore it on foot or by bike. Another option is to rent a car.
As for the best areas to stay in Guanajuato, the Historic Center stands out for its colorful nightlife, with lots of dancing and drinks of all kinds. (See accommodation in Guanajuato City Center).
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Guanajuato, Mexico
The best areas to stay in Guanajuato
1. Our favorite area: Guanajuato City Center
The Historic Center of Guanajuato is the heart of the city and is home to colonial-style churches, museums, squares, and alleys that make it a very picturesque neighborhood.
The Historic Center is the best area to stay in Guanajuato for its many attractions and its varied hotel offer.
Among the attractions that adorn Guanajuato City Center is the Teatro Juárez, a neoclassical architectural gem with 9 sculptures representing the Greek muses.
It also has a series of museums such as the Museo del Pueblo, featuring exhibitions of historical and modern art.
The Casa Diego Rivera Museum, dedicated to the outstanding Mexican muralist, is another point of interest in this area.
The Historic Center houses monuments and places such as the Basilica of Guanajuato and the Plaza de la Paz, both crowded and admired from the terraces of the small restaurants around them.
The Historic Center of Guanajuato is very lively, not only for its many bars and restaurants but also for the famous alley parties where young people dress up, sing and dance to the rhythm of bands throughout the city.
After a walk, the Jardin la Unión or the Main Square are recommended to rest while watching people stroll.
The Historic Center of Guanajuato can be reached by private car or by bus, however, being very busy, it is best to stay without a car and enjoy the tour on foot.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Guanajuato:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Juarez Theater
- Best area to stay without a car
- Basilica of Guanajuato
- Casa Diego Rivera Museum
- Pedestrian-friendly
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Murillo Plaza
Located just 350 meters from the Hidalgo Market, in downtown Guanajuato, Hotel Murillo Plaza offers free WiFi and a restaurant. The famous Mummies Museum is just a 10-minute walk away.
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Budget
Hotel Posada de la Condesa
This hotel is located in Downtown Guanajuato, just 80 meters from Plaza de la Paz. The reception is open 24 hours and there is free Wi-Fi in public areas.
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Luxury
Casa del Rector Hotel Boutique y Arte
Located in Guanajato, 300 meters from the Alhóndiga de Granaditas Museum, La Casa del Rector Hotel Boutique y Arte has a bar, a restaurant and an outdoor pool, as well as free private parking.
2. Cata, San Javier & North Guanajuato
Cata, San Javier and the north of the city are among the best areas to stay in Guanajuato for its monuments, recreational sites, and natural landscapes.
San Javier, Cata and the north of Guanajuato are quiet and mining areas, full of attractions such as the Villaseca de Cata Church, in medieval style.
In San Javier, you’ll find the Eduardo Villaseñor Söhle Museum of Mineralogy, with a large collection of minerals.
In Cata, there is the Guanajuato Aquatic Center, where you can practice different sports.
La Mina el Nopal is an excellent adventure tour in this area, where you can explore tunnels of up to 200 meters.
The advantage of staying in Cata, San Javier and the north of the city is that they have a varied affordable hotel offer for those traveling on a tight budget.
In Cata, San Javier and the north of the city, there are some shops and stores, as well as cafes and several restaurants.
This group of areas connects with the rest of Guanajuato by bus, while walking is the best way to get around its streets.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Good area for adventure trips
- Eduardo Villaseñor Söhle Museum of Mineralogy
- Connected by bus
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Valenciana Midway Inn
The Valenciana Midway Inn Hotel enjoys beautiful panoramic views of the city. It also has a shared lounge, tour desk, shuttle service and free parking.
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Budget
El Refugio de San Matías
Refugio de San Matías has a terrace and is located in Guanajuato in the Guanajuato region, 2 km from the Mummy Museum of Guanajuato and 2.4 km from the Alhóndiga de Granaditas Museum.
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Luxury
Hotel Abadia Tradicional
Hotel Abadía Tradicional has an outdoor pool, a free Wi-Fi zone and a games room. This hotel, located on a hill on the outskirts of Guanajuato.
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