Dreaming of visiting Guatemala? Not sure if you should visit Guatemala City? Keep scrolling to answer the question: Should I visit Guatemala City?
Many people ask, should I visit Guatemala City due to safety concerns. After spending 5 nights in Guatemala City with our friends (who are locals), I say yes definitely. BUT you must keep safety in mind. Guatemala is generally pretty safe. Tourists won’t have many issues. I certainly didn’t. However this is not a city to aimlessly wander about. You need to do some research and make a plan. I watched an American woman try to hitchhike (alone) to Antigua at 2am from the airport. Not safe at all! Really, not safe in any country. Also this is not the place to pick just any old hotel, you have to research the zone (neighborhood) to see if it is mostly safe for tourists.
Also, watch out for some travel blogs who write about Guatemala. If they don’t include some safety information then take their prose with a pinch of salt. Naivety and an everything is sunshine attitude, could get you in trouble in any country.
I am not trying to convince you to not go. It is a beautiful country/city with wonderful people and I loved my time there. I highly recommend it to anyone, just you need to take some precautions.
So should you visit Guatemala City, yes!
At Pragmatic Travelers, we only recommend what we actually experienced and enjoyed. Looking for new travel gear? Check out our favorite travel gear and accessories.
As a booking.com, Amazon and TripAdvisor affiliate, I may earn a small commission on some of the links below, at no additional cost to you. As always, I only recommend what I have actually experienced so you know these recommendations are based on honesty rather a round up of internet research.
Best Zones for Tourists in Guatemala City
Guatemala City is broken up into different zones (neighborhoods). Some zones are safe for tourists and others you have no business being there. If you visit the zones that are safe for tourists, you will be fine and have a wonderful time in Guatemala City.
It is important to note zone 1 or the historical center of Guatemala City is a bit sketchy. You should be fine visiting during the day while taking some of the safety precautions outlined below. However, you should not stay there overnight.
Zones to Avoid
This list comes from my friends who are locals, a collection of blogs and the US Government Travel Advisory Page: Zones 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 21 and 24.
Best Zones for Tourists
This list comes from my friends who are locals, a collection of blogs and the US Government Travel Advisory Page: Zones 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 16
What are some safety tips for Guatemala City?
- Don’t flash your wealth. This is not a place to wear your best jewelry or expensive engagement rings. Keep your valuables in your hotel safe. The same applies to fancy clothes and purses.
- Consider investing in a Anti-theft Travelon purse or bag. This is the one I use while I travel. Travelon Addison Anti-Theft Small Crossbody Bag Floral
- Don’t leave your phone or other valuables sitting out while in public areas. Really, you shouldn’t do this anywhere. Also. keep them close on public transit.
- Withdraw from ATMs in safe zones and during the day.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Be vigilant if you need to walk around at night. (This doesn’t apply to every zone.) You shouldn’t walk alone at night.
- Female solo travelers should be ok. Just don’t leave your drink unattended, don’t walk alone at night and share cabs with others.
- Watch out for taxis. There are plenty of unofficial taxis which could lead to getting scammed.
- Due to some political instability, there could be protests and demonstrations. Walk away if you stumble upon one.
- Emergency Numbers: Police 110, Medical Assistance 122/123
Is water safe to drink in Guatemala?
Nope, you will need to buy bottled water while in Guatemala.
Check out our 3 day travel guide to Lake Atitlan!
Now, lets get to the good stuff: some of the best Guatemala City has to offer
I do hope that my safety advice hasn’t scared you off of visiting Guatemala City. Spending time in Guatemala City is a great additional to add on before or after your flights. Guatemala City has wonderful food and people. Don’t skip visiting.
Best Hotel in Guatemala City
AC Hotel Guatemala City: Located in the gorgeous and safe Cuidad Cayala. Cuidad Cayala is a large neighborhood with shopping, dining and nearly an entire pedestrian zone. This location is perfect for exploring Guatemala City. The hotel itself is beautiful with modern, large, and very clean rooms. It also has an amazing rooftop lounge that overlooks the complex and surrounding mountains. The lounge is also where the included breakfast is located. (A decent spread!) Highly recommend this hotel while in Guatemala City.
Not interested in this hotel? Check out other hotels in Guatemala City. Don’t forget to check what zone it is in.
Best Restaurants in Guatemala City
Chains you got to try.
- Pollo Campero: Famous fried chicken chain that can be found all over Guatemala and Central America. Beautifully spiced, juicy chicken. A beloved restaurant.
- San Martin: Coffee/breakfast chain across Guatemala. Coffee was decent. Not the best but a good spot for breakfast. Their beans and tortillas were very good!
Located in Cuidad Cayala
- Wild Guatemala: Organic, gluten free restaurant with great flatbreads and cocktails. Wonderful outdoor seating area.
- Cafe Saul Crepes: Located in a double decker English style bus, is a wonderful creperie. You can get sweet or savory. Wonderful Nutella crepes. Yum!
- Cayibel Food Court: I went here several times. So many delicious options.
- Marcela was great for drinks and trying Micheladas.
- The House of Pupsas was also a winner.
- Kombi Bistro for shucos. (Hot dog deliciousness.)
- The Rose: Great cocktails, tapas and outdoor seating!
- Le Petit Paris: Cute pastry shop with delicious sweet treats.
Best Restaurant in Guatemala
Restaurante Donde Mikel: Located in Zone 10. I said what I said. I love this restaurant. The steak was like butter and the shrimp…sweet baby goodness. That is the best shrimp I have ever eaten. I could have eaten massive platefuls. This is a fantastic restaurant and very much a don’t miss.
Best Coffee in Guatemala City
- Family Bonds: Chain with one located in Cuidad Cayala. Large coffeehouse with a great selection of excellent coffee. Not a bad place to sit and relax/work.
- Entre Volcanes: Located in Zone 10. I am obsessed with this coffee. The coffeehouse is beautiful with plants and an airy space. The coffee is some of the best I have ever had. Absolutely amazing from the espresso to pour overs to the cold brew.
Best Things to do in Guatemala City
Please note I spent a great deal with family and friends so I didn’t get to see all that Guatemala City has to offer.
- Spend time in Cuidad Cayala. It is an absolutely stunning area with beautiful architecture. There is a ton of shopping, restaurants and entertainment options. It is a very safe area and you feel at total ease there.
- Visit Plaza de la Constitucion: This is a beautiful central plaza that includes the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace.
Your Thoughts…
Have you visited Guatemala City? What advice can you give to others? If you have a trip planned, what are you excited for? Leave a comment below. I would love to hear your thoughts.
