Your Guide to Guanajuato City, and the Top Day Trips from GTO

Guanajuato City offers a wealth of sites and experiences unto itself for travellers to explore and appreciate, but why not explore Guanajuato City, then use it as a base to explore this stunning state in more depth? Here’s an itinerary to help you meaningfully explore both Guanajuato City and Guanajuato State, and to ensure you leave with a myriad of memories.

There are far too many travellers who simply do not comprehend the sheer size of the nation of Mexico and, as such, the opportunity that there is here for meaningful exploration in destinations that may not have been on your travel radar - but very well should be.

Mexico, let us remember, is quite literally two-thirds the size of Western Europe, and so it’s much, much more than Cancun, Mexico City, San Jose del Cabo, or a single well known tourist region. In fact, many of my most fruitful memories in Mexico are from places that I didn’t know well upon arrival, but felt intimately connected to upon departure.

In part, this is why I want to cover Guanajuato City, as well as a number of day-trips that you can take from Guanajuato City to explore the state, so that, ultimately, you can better acquaint yourself with the rich history and culture of the region, and appreciate that it’s often when get off the over trodden tourist trails that we get to find our most valuable travel moments.

That, of course, is not to suggest that Guanajuato State isn't a massive tourist draw. People come from far and wide to see the likes of Guanajuato City, San Miguel de Allende or perhaps Dolores Hidalgo - but my point is that people could and should be coming from farther and wider.

*Please note that this post contains affiliate links. Simply put, this means that we may receive a small commission for our honest and heartfelt recommendations, at no additional cost to you.

What Should You Know About Guanajuato State?

Parroquia de San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende.

Firstly, you’ll find Guanajuato State in the heart of Mexico, bordered by the states of Jalisco to the west, Zacatecas to the northwest, San Luis Potosí to the north, Querétaro to the east, and Michoacán to the south.

It’s one of 32 states in the nation of Mexico, and its capital, rather understandably, is Guanajuato City. There are innumerable stories that define the region, but its prominence in the Mexican War of Independence may be the story that comes to mind first and foremost. Many moons ago, it was one of the hotbeds of mining and agriculture, but has since turned its sights more to manufacturing and, of course, tourism.

You’ll find variations on more classic Mexican dishes here (the enchilada minero or miner’s enchilada comes to mind), but the one food item that always comes to mind first for me is cajeta, a delectable sweet spreadable made typically from a base of goat’s milk and sugar.

There’s significant architecture to set your eyes upon (particularly if you’re a fan of the Mexican Baroque style), museums worth visiting, a myriad of revered painters and authors that hail (or hailed) from the state, and oh so much more.

What Are the Top 10 Things to Do in Guanajuato City?

Below, in no particular order, I’m going to reference 10 things that should be on your radar when you’re visiting Guanajuato city, and then we’ll move onto day-trips from the city, to further explore the state.

Set Eyes on Teatro Juárez

Hello stunning 19th century Mexican Neoclassical architecture, it’s a pleasure to see you.

Nowadays, it’s perhaps best known as one of the top photographs to snap on a visit to Guanajuato City, and the main venue for the annual Festival Internacional Cervantino, but it has a long and storied history as a stronghold for artists and creativity, and regularly enters the conversation as one of the most grandiose and resplendent theatres in all of the nation.

Simply put, there are few buildings as architecturally moving in all of the city, so make time to admire the Teatro Juárez. If you’re a history buff like yours truly, take some time to wander the exterior and notice the nods towards both ancient Greece and Rome.

You can check to see if there’s a show on during your visit.

Stroll Around Jardin de La Union

The ever popular plaza in the heart of the action simply cannot be missed on a visit to the city. If you’re starting at the Teatro Juárez, you’ll be rather pleased to note that this is right across the street.

Yes, there are beautifully cultivated gardens, but it would be a mistake to think of the Union Garden and Plaza like you would a botanical garden. It is very much a meeting place, lined with some of the top hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops.

More than that, though, it’s basically one sizable outdoor musical performance space. When the sun goes down, the Mariachi bands come out to play, and you’re going to want to hear them, especially as they’re known for their repertoire of classic, traditional tunes.

Visit the El Callejon del Beso (Alley of the Kiss)

There are many beautiful alleys worth strolling around in Guanajuato City, but it’s hard to think that the “Alley of the Kiss” isn’t the most famous. For reference, you’ll find this alley hidden right behind the Plaza de Los Angeles.

Many visitors come here to share a smooch with their beloved, and that’s all due to a local legend which says that the wealthy family who actually created the alley lived in one of the bedrooms overlooking it, and the daughter of that family fell for a young man who roomed in the window right across from hers.

The legend goes that they would meet and share a kiss in this quaint little alley, and then we get to the part of the story where everyone finds out, everyone seems to perish - and a legend is born.

Legends aside, it’s a nice excuse to share a quality moment with a partner.

Enjoy the Views of (and from) Monumento a El Pípila

To get to the top, you can hop on the funicular, or take one of two routes to the top from the centre of town. The most common route has you going east on Sopeña from Jardín de la Unión, and afterwards veers right on Callejón del Calvario, which then becomes Pochote, and you take a final right at Subida San Miguel.

Besides offering remarkable views of the city, this is also a place of historical significance. The monument actually honours the hero who burnt down the Alhòndiga gates in September of 1810, and that move enabled Hidalgo to win his first victory of the Independence Movement.

Explore Guanajuato’s Wealth of Museums

If you’re establishing a list of museums to visit in Guanajuato, you’re going to have a few to consider, because this is a city known for its offering of museums. The “Museum of the Mummies” is probably the most well known for tourists, largely because of the nature of the museum itself, but it’s certainly not the only one.

Here are a few to consider on your travels:

Museo Casa Diego Rivera (Diego Rivera's House Museum): Once the childhood home of renowned Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, this museum offers a glimpse into the life and art of this influential figure. It houses some of his original works and personal belongings. His third wife, by the way, was none other than Frida Kahlo.
Museo del Pueblo de Guanajuato (Museum of the People of Guanajuato): Located in a beautiful colonial building, this museum showcases the history, culture, and traditions of the people of Guanajuato through a diverse collection of artifacts, art, and exhibits.
Museo de las Momias (Museum of the Mummies): This unique museum houses naturally mummified bodies that were exhumed from the local cemetery due to a lack of space. It provides a fascinating, though naturally rather graphic, glimpse into the preservation of human remains.
Museo Ex-Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera (San Gabriel de Barrera Ex-Hacienda Museum): House in a very well preserved colonial-era hacienda, this museums aims to use art, stunning gardens, furniture and more to bring you back to another time, and provide adequate context about that time period.
Alhóndiga de Granaditas: While technically not a museum, this historic building played a significant role in Mexico's War of Independence. Today, it hosts exhibitions and cultural events, providing insights into this pivotal period in Mexican history.
Museo Iconográfico del Quijote (Iconographic Museum of Don Quixote): Dedicated to Miguel de Cervantes' iconic novel, "Don Quixote," this museum displays a wide range of artistic interpretations of the novel's characters and scenes. Naturally, the former English Literature major in me was excited to the core about this place.
Museo de Arte Olga Costa-José Chávez Morado (Olga Costa-José Chávez Morado Art Museum): Named after the renowned artists Olga Costa and José Chávez Morado, this museum showcases their works as well as other Mexican artists. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.

Peruse the University of Guanajuato Campus

What’s neat about exploring this campus is that this prestigious university was constructed to very much be a part of the city.

One of the main draws is to take the 83 steps up to the entrance of the University of Guanajuato, but this is one of those activities where you can set aside some time and get a little lost while being in admiration of the campus’ history and colonial charm.

You’ll rarely find a list of the best things to do in Guanajuato without some time scheduled for a visit to this stunning campus in the heart of the city.

Dive In By Taking a Tour of the City

Cities that have rich histories such as Guanajuato City are prime candidates for tours, and that’s because if we choose the right tour, we can get a book’s worth of information in a couple of hours.

Here are a handful of tours that I’d recommend:

A 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Guanajuato: This tour is all about active exploration. Interpreting history as you explore it, tasting things such as “delicious handmade snow,” and seeing not only the most famous spots for tourists, but a huge focus on the favourite local hangouts.
Private Walking Tour of Guanajuato: This tour runs a little shorter than the above (generally 2-3 hours), and on this tour you’ll “make a stop at the main points of interest, such as the university, Baratillo Square, the Hidalgo market, and the local museum” and also “hear tales about the history of silver mining in Guanajuato and wander through the abandoned underground network.” It’s the top rated tour in the city.

If you’re looking for something a little different, then you may want to consider Riding ATVs Through the Mountain and City of Guanajuato or this Mexican equestrial experience where you Take a Half Day to Explore Guanajuato City via Horseback.

Appreciate Guanajuato City’s Gorgeous Churches

There are many to explore, but here are the ones that I’d make sure you don’t miss.

Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato (Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato): Dominating the skyline, this grand basilica is dedicated to the city's patron saint, Our Lady of Guanajuato. Its neoclassical facade and stunning interior make it a must-visit for all visitors.
La Valenciana Church (Templo de San Cayetano): Perched on a hill overlooking the city, this church is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Its gilded interior, elaborate altars, and awe-inspiring dome are all marvels to behold in their own right.
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe): It’s the pink facade that steals the show here with this church located not far from the Alhóndiga de Granaditas. It is dedicated to the revered Virgin of Guadalupe.

Other churches to consider include Templo de San Diego, Templo de San Roque, Templo de la Compañía, Templo de Santa Ana, Templo de San José, and Templo de Sante Fe.

Stay Somewhere INteresting

Here’s a live map to show you what’s available for your visit, with a whole host of options.

What Are the Top Day Trips from Guanajuato City?

A big part of this article is about informing you that you can use Guanajuato City as a fantastic base to explore the surrounding area.

San Miguel de Allende

When you’re talking about day trips from Guanajuato City, it’s hard not to have San Miguel de Allende at the very top of your list. Guanajuato City and San Miguel de Allende are two of the major draws for tourism in the region after all, so many travellers want to say they’ve seen both cities, and rightfully so.

It’s located roughly 80 kilometres from Guanajuato City, and that means it should take you anywhere between 1.5-2 hours to get there.

With its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and plethora of bright, inspiring colours everywhere you look, it’s not hard to imagine why San Miguel de Allende has stolen the hearts of so many.

With a day trip, you’ll likely be a touch tight on time, so you’ll want to be intentional about how you visit the city. It makes sense to start at the city’s central gathering point, El Jardin, and get a feel for the culture.

It would be rather blasphemous to head there and not set eyes on the San Miguel de Allende’s most recognizable landmark, the iconic pink Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel as well. After you’ve checked those off the list, I’d make time to pop your head in and out of the art galleries, as this city is a very well known hub for art, and has gained some international acclaim and recognition in recent years.

For souvenirs, the Mercado de Artesanias is an excellent bet, especially if you’re into handmade crafts and jewelry. If you really want to walk away with some photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime, and you’re there between Thursday and Sunday, then consider taking a hot air balloon ride over San Miguel de Allende and the surrounding countryside.

If you plan to get there nice and early, and want to add a tour into the mix, I’d recommend the Landmarks and Lunch Walking Tour.

Dolores Hidalgo

Dolores Hidalgo, located about 65 kilometers from the city, and roughly a 1.5 hour drive, is a must-visit for history buffs as it’s widely known as the “Cradle of Mexican Independence,” and that’s because it played a pivotal role in Mexico’s fight for freedom.

In light of that, the first thing that you should do is visit the Casa de Miguel Hidalgo (Miguel Hidalgo House Museum). As you might have gathered, this museum is located in the house where Miguel Hidalgo grew up, perhaps the key figure in the Mexican War of Independence. This is actually where he delivered his famous "Grito de Dolores" in 1810. This is where you should come to get the context you need to understand the nation’s independence movement.

You can simply choose to wander around the town as wel, and in all likelihood you’ll come across the major sites, including the likes of the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, a stunning parish church with a photogenic pink facade. It’s hard to miss!

Dolores Hidalgo is well known for its Talavera Pottery, so you should also find some time to visit local studios, and perhaps purchase some of these colourful ceramics to bring home in your preferred luggage. Typically, they’ll wrap ceramics carefully so that you can do just that without any breakage. If you want to take it to another level, you can also keep your eye out for ongoing workshops.

I should also note that this town would be a good place to try some of the traditional sweets that the Guanjuato region is known for, most notably cajeta (basically a type of caramel) and jericalla (more or less Mexican flan).

If you want a touch more history before you go, then a stop into the House of the Visitador (Casa del Visitador) also certainly wouldn’t hurt!

The Guanajuato Wine Region

The wine region in Guanajuato has made a name for itself in recent years, and that makes perfect sense considering the region’s high altitude, which wine lovers like myself will know often leads to high-quality grapes.

Generally speaking, many of the wineries are located about an hour from the city, and you could theoretically tack on a popular winery like Cuna de Tierra onto your day-trip to Dolores Hidalgo since it’s just outside the city, but this can also be its own day if you have the time.

The region cultivates a variety of grape types, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and more. Mexican varietals like Mission and Criolla are also grown, and I’d suggest you sip on those grapes at tastings since you’re in Mexico!

What I appreciate about the wineries around here is that they’re largely boutique wineries or family-owned operations, so visits can be rather intimate. Other popular wineries in the region include Vinos de Celaya and Dos Búhos, but if you’re in road trip mode and you happen across a winery, don’t hesitate to pop your head inside.

By the way, the state of Guanajuato is known for hosting grape harvest festivals, as well as themed wine tastings and culinary events which pair the region’s grapes with local cuisine.

Besides the wine, it’s also worth noting that exploring wineries is a great way to take in the stunning scenery that the region is known for - though probably should be even better known for.

Cristo Rey

Getting to Cristo Rey, one of the most important religious shrines in the nation, should take you a little under an hour if you’re departing from Guanajuato City.

Beyond its religious significance, lovers of geography will be keen to know that this statue is also meant to recognize the country’s geographic centre.

It stands 75 feet tall, and it was created in 1944 to honour the struggle of “the Cristeros” in the late 1920s as they battled against secularist reform. The statue, in that vein, is meant to be a beacon for religious freedom, and to be a physical reminder that the persecution of Christians in Mexico is not something to be repeated.

Fun fact - this statue stands 2579 metres above sea level, which is actually higher than Peru’s famed Machu Picchu.

Mineral de Pozos

Mineral de Pozos, one of the state’s Pueblo Magicos and often colloquially called just “Pozos,” is a historic mining town that’s located about a two hour drive from Guanajuato City. You’ve got the well preserved colonial architecture that you can find elsewhere in the state, but the mining history here is what makes it so unique.

Pozos was once a thriving mining town in the late 19th and early 20th century, and was particularly well known for its quality silver deposits. The remnants of this heritage can be found literally everywhere, but particularly with its haciendas (Ex-Hacienda de San Antonio is the most popular), old mining machinery and, of course, now abandoned mines.

You can take a moment to visit the town’s colourful core, but then place your attention on visiting those aforementioned abandoned mines, as many of these mines have now been turned into popular tourist attractions. When I last checked, there were still four main mines that were being visited - San Baldomero, Santa Brigida, Ex-Hacienda Cinco Señores, and Ex-Hacienda Angustias.

Leon

Getting to Leon, located around 45 kilometres from Guanajuato City, should take about an hour to drive to, which makes it an easy day trip choice.

Leon is a bustling city of over 2 million people, and is probably best known from a tourism perspective for its leather industry and, by proxy, its fine leather goods. In fact, it’s often referred to as “The Leather Capital of the World.” So, shopping for leather products (think belts, shoes, bags and jackets) may be at the top of your list here.

However, you’re also going to want to make sure that you snap a photo of the lovely León Cathedral, and that’s probably where I’d start before you do anything else. After visiting the Cathedral, and doing some shopping, you might be keen to get away from the crowds, and if that’s the case, the walking trails of Parque Metropolitano may be calling your name.

If you’re looking to get more context and understanding on the region at large, then you should also consider visiting the Museum of Art and History of Guanajuato which showcases an impressive collection of art and historical artifacts from the region, and also offers insight into the cultural heritage and artistic expressions of the state of Guanajuato.

Penjamo

Penjamo may not be as much on the tourism map of the state of Guanajuato, but its unique agricultural heritage makes it a stop for lovers of local cuisine. It’s worth tasting the local birria and their corundas, but I’d also leave a little room for some tequila, though not too much if you’re going to be driving, of course.

The Ex-Hacienda de Corralejo is actually the birthplace of Miguel Hidalgo, and now operates as a museum that tells the story of Mexico’s struggle for independence. Of course, there’s always a church to visit in population centres in Mexico, and this time you’ll want to make sure you visit the Church of San Francisco de Asís (Templo de San Francisco de Asís).

Nature lovers will appreciate the Jardin Prinicipal, but should also be cognizant of the fact that the area around Penjamo offers access to some of the most picturesque rolling hills and agricultural landscapes in the state, and that’s part of what makes it such an ideal day-trip from Guanajuato City.

What Other Day Trips From Guanjuato City Should You Consider?

Yes, I wanted to ensure that you had the information you need to explore Guanajuato City, but a huge focus of this piece is setting you up for day trips from the city, so what are some other adventures you could add to the mix if you’ve got the time?

Go hiking, and even do a little camping, around the Sierra de Santa Rosa Nature Preserve. It’s an easy way to get more familiar with the flora and fauna of the region.
For those with a passion to explore other cities in the state, consider also adding the Pueblo Magicos of Dolores Hidalgo, Jalpa de Cánovas, Salvatierra or Yuriria. I also have a good friend from Salamanca who tells me they offer “the best tacos in the state!”
Another friend of mine tells me that the town of Atotonilco “has the Mexican version of the Sistine Chapel” which is “super cool,” so I know that will be on my list for my next road trip of the state! He also tells me that it can be worth driving to Celaya “just for the strawberries.”

However you approach your time road tripping in and around Guanajuato City, what I largely want to convey is that you can build out a solid itinerary to suit your needs whether you’re staying a week, a month, or longer. There are rich stories here that are worth understanding, and you can do just that with an itinerary just like this.

I want to humbly thank Guanajuato State Tourism for working with me as media. All expressed opinions are completely my own.