Image: UNESCO World Heritage city of Guanajuato, Mexico.  (photo via JuliScalzi/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Image: UNESCO World Heritage city of Guanajuato, Mexico. (photo via JuliScalzi/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Guanajuato Today: November 26, 9:46 PM 59°F Broken Clouds

Guanajuato Travel Guide 

Dubbed the most beautiful city in Mexico and recognized by travelers and the UNESCO association for its stunning architecture and long history, it’s no wonder that Guanajuato is a thriving holiday spot. 

If you’re thinking of visiting this inspiring and historical city, take a look through our Guanajuato travel guide. Learn about the city, the best times to visit, the weather, and more.

There are a few easy ways to get around Guanajuato. 

  • On Foot: The city isn’t very big and walking to your destination is always an option, especially if you’re only staying in the city. This was our favorite way to travel because it was free and allowed us to explore more of the city.
  • Car Rental: If you plan on going beyond the city limit, you can rent a car. However, if you’re only staying in the city during your stay, we’d suggest walking or public transit. Navigating the city and narrow streets with a car is very difficult. 
  • Public Transit: Buses or minibusses can be found in abundance in the city and traveling on them is very affordable. Most buses will call out their route or have it written on the bus but we’d still suggest confirming the route with the driver. 

 

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Aerial cityscape of Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico.
Guanajuato is known locally and internationally for its vibrant culture, breathtaking architecture, and thriving arts scene. It’s inspired many great Mexican poets, painters, and novelists and continues to inspire visitors like us with its beauty.

Important Things To Know

Currency

Guanajuato uses the Mexican Peso, which uses the $ and Mex$ symbols. The Mexican Peso is available in banknotes and coins and has the following denominations: 

  • $20, $50, $100, $200, $500, and $1000 notes.
  • 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2, $5, $10, and $20 coins.

We’d recommend bringing a mix of USD and MXN on your trip because some tourist destinations use USD.


The state of Guanajuato offers an attractive mezcal route with artisanal and industrial production factories. (Photo via Guanajuato Ministry of Tourism).

The state of Guanajuato offers an attractive mezcal route with artisanal and industrial production factories. (Photo via Guanajuato Ministry of Tourism).

National Languages

Most locals speak Spanish or indigenous languages like Otomi and Náhuatl. Fortunately, English is pretty common in the city, especially around the tourist regions. 

We found it easy to navigate through the city but we’d recommend having a pocket phrases-dictionary or a translation app on your phone. 

Climate And Weather

Guanajuato experiences warm to temperate weather throughout the year. It’s rarely too hot or too cold, which is great for travel. 

The summer months are from July to August. Luckily, summer rain often cools down the harsh heat. 

The winter months are December to February, with mid-January being the coldest. Extreme cold or weather conditions are rare. 

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When To Visit Guanajuato

Jalisco, Guanajuato, Querétaro y Zacatecas firmaron un convenio de colaboración y realizarán acciones de promoción en conjunto
Jalisco, Guanajuato, Querétaro y Zacatecas firmaron un convenio de colaboración y realizarán acciones de promoción en conjunto (Photo Credit: Pacto Centro Occidente por el Turismo)

Fortunately, because of the temperate weather, most of the year is perfect for travel in the city. However, nothing beats the beauty of the summer months. 

To avoid crowds, skip the months of April, July, August, and December. The rest of the year is perfect, with June being the quietest month to visit.  

To witness the iconic Festival Internacional Cervantino, visit from mid to late October. 

Best Attractions In Guanajuato

Guanajuato City
Guanajuato City (Photo Credit: Guanajuato Tourism)

  • If you’re into theater, visit the Teatro Juárez. The historic theater is breathtaking both inside and out. For us, it was the best place to sit back and soak up the city’s artistic soul. 
  • Diego Rivera is a revered Mexican painter and you can explore his home, Diego Rivera's House Museum, in the city. Besides walking through his home, you’ll also see some of his old sketches and items and art that inspired him. 
  • Built between 1671 and 1696, the Basílica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato is a must-see attraction. Known as the emblematic structure of the city, the basilica is a beautiful representation of the bright, bold, and awe-inspiring art, design, and culture of the city. 
  • If you’re into art like we are, then Museo del Pueblo de Guanajuato should be on your itinerary. The small art museum hosts a variety of local art and paints a picture of the history and creative movements of Guanajuato.

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Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

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Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me