Guanajuato — The Most Colorful City in Mexico★★★
Guanajuato is a Technicolor dream: The UNESCO World Heritage city lies in a narrow valley, and the colorful houses climb the steep slopes in all the colors of the rainbow. Added to this is an underground road network (former river channels!), a lively university town atmosphere, and one of the most charming old towns in Mexico.
In the 18th century, Guanajuato was the richest city in Mexico — thanks to the silver mines that supplied a quarter of the world's silver production. This wealth financed the baroque churches, theaters, and squares that make the city so unique today.
Highlights
- Callejoneadas: THE Guanajuato experience. Student groups in medieval costumes (Estudiantinas) lead singing and wine-drinking through the narrow alleys. Every evening from 8 PM. Free (tips expected).
- Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss): Only 68 cm wide — according to legend, couples kiss from the opposite balconies. Romantic and touristy at the same time.
- Jardín de la Unión: The triangular main square under laurel trees. Mariachis, cafés, street musicians — the city's living room.
- Teatro Juárez: One of the most beautiful theaters in Mexico (1903). Neoclassical facade, Moorish interior. Tours 50 MXN.
- Pípila Monument: On the hill above the city. The best viewpoint! By funicular (30 MXN) or on foot (15 min). Come at sunset when the colorful houses glow in the evening light.
- Museo de las Momias: Morbid but fascinating: over 100 naturally mummified bodies from the 19th century. Mexico's most visited museum outside CDMX. 85 MXN. Not for the faint-hearted!
- Alhóndiga de Granaditas: Former granary, now a museum. Here began the Mexican War of Independence in 1810 — the miner "El Pípila" set the gates on fire.
💡 Tipp
Guanajuato is a student city — the nightlife is lively and affordable. The Callejoneadas (singing student groups) are the highlight: just wait for a group at Jardín de la Unión at 8 PM and join in.
