Founded in 1776, Guatemala City can be explored through a range of themes: city history, museums, public squares and parks. When looking for accommodation, you can first consider which of these themes you would like to shape your stay. The places below offer concrete points of reference to help you decide.

Squares and events

Plaza de la Constitución, also known as Parque Central, is located on Sexta Avenida in Zone 1. To the north is the Palacio Nacional, the former seat of government; to the east, the Catedral Metropolitana; to the south, the Portal del Comercio; and to the west, Parque Centenario and the Biblioteca Nacional de Guatemala. These cardinal directions help you locate the square in relation to its named neighbors.

Events held in the plaza include celebrations and parades for Guatemalan Independence Day, concerts and speeches. These are different types of events you can plan your visit around. If you want to travel specifically for an event, check its date in advance.

Museums with different focuses

The history of the Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología offers a historical perspective on the city. It was established in 1931, initially in the former El Calvario church. It was later moved to the grounds of Finca La Aurora in Zone 13, where it opened in June of that same year. The information about the two locations and the opening date illustrates the museum's early development.

The Museo Ixchel del Traje Indígena is dedicated to textiles and clothing, as well as clothing traditions from across Guatemala. Its collection includes ceramics, textiles, jewelry and books. This gives it a different focus from the history of the Museo Nacional: here, clothing traditions and the different areas of the collection take center stage.

Parks and what makes them distinctive

Cerrito del Carmen became a public park during Jorge Ubico's administration. The grounds have several paths, gardens and benches, and offer a view of the city. If you would like to take park paths, garden areas and the view into account when choosing what to see, these are the specific features of this place.

Parque Jocotenango, also known as Plaza de Jocotenango, is located in Zone 2 and has green spaces. There are food stalls selling traditional dishes in the surrounding area. Since 1881, the traditional Feria de Jocotenango, also known as Ferias Angostinas, has been celebrated there in honor of the Virgen de la Asunción. The park's features therefore differ from those of Cerrito: in Jocotenango, the green space is complemented by nearby stalls and the Feria tradition. If you want to plan your trip specifically around the Feria or an event at Plaza de la Constitución, check the relevant dates in advance.

Choose a focus for your hotel search

The places mentioned offer different points of reference for your decision: museums and city history, event venues or parks. Consider which of these themes matters most for your stay, then compare specific hotels based on the location and amenities that matter for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Amatitlán, San Jorge Muxbal, Mixco, San José Pinula, Villa Canales.

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