A Tour of Guatemala City's Architectural Landmarks
Guatemala City is full of beautiful colonial buildings and interesting architectural landmarks. From the unique Mapa en Relive to the impressive Palacio Nacional de la Cultura, here are the sights and buildings that you absolutely must visit.
1. Palacio Nacional de la Cultura
Building, Museum
The imposing Presidential Palace sits on the north side of Parque Central, and you should definitely take a couple of hours to explore the ins and outs of this fascinating building (tours are available). Built between 1936 and 1943 by prisoners on the orders of dictator General Jorge Ubico, today the palace is a museum and cultural center. This palatial building has dozens of interesting quirks; ironically the stately banquet hall, with its intricate stained-glass panels, is meant to signify the virtues of good government.
6A Calle, Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala +502 2239 5000
2. Explore Mapa en Relieve
Museum
3. Metropolitan Cathedral
Cathedral
5. Iglesia La Merced
Church
6. Guatemalan National Theater and Miguel Ángel Asturias Cultural Centre
Building, Theater
Guatemala’s National Theater was built as a military fortress, and this unique building is made up of five different complexes. In honor of Guatemala’s Mayan culture, the theater is shaped like the volcanoes that circle the city, and it has remarkable acoustics and views. Come to explore the building, then stay for a show; from ballets to operas and concerts, they’re unlike anything you’ve seen before.
24 Calle 3-81, Guatemala +502 2208 7777
7. Tower of the Reformer
Guatemala City’s Tower of the Reformer is known for being the capital’s very own Eiffel Tower. Built in 1935 to honor 100 years since former Guatemalan President General Justo Rugino Barrios was born, the Tower pays homage to Barrios’ liberal reforms and quest for social freedom. Located in Zone 9, it might not be as pretty as the real Eiffel Tower, but a running joke among residents is that it’s definitely the next best thing…
7A Avenida, Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala +502 2422 1800
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
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