Guanajuato is a delightful Mexican city that is situated close to the geographical centre of the country.

The city offers a turbulent history and wonderful traditional architecture that was funded by the extensive silver deposits found in the surrounding hills.

Guanajuato is also a vibrant and enjoyable destination with a young student population who perform in the city’s main plazas. This guide will detail the main tourist attractions and highlights of Guanajuato.

There is always a fantastic atmosphere every evening in the “Jardin Union”. The central three-sided plaza is lined with good restaurants and popular bars.

Added to this are the Mariachi bands which sing and blast their trumpets out to the semi inebriated Mexicans. The “Jardin Union” is popular with well-to-do locals and the young and fun student crowd.

The nights in Guanajuato have a vibrant atmosphere able to rival Mexico City, but without the issues associated with the capital city. To read more about the “Jardin Union”, please click here.

Students performing classic Mexican guitar and shows in the “Jardin Union”

Valenciana is the location of the largest silver vein discovered in Guanajuato, and from this wealth one of the city's greatest churches was constructed.

Valenciana is located 5 km north of central Guanajuato and here visitors can both see the Temple La Valenciana and the La Valenciana mine.

The Temple La Valenciana was constructed in the flamboyant Churrigueresque style and the La Valenciana mine is how it was during the 18th century, allowing visitors to descend the first 60m of the shaft. To read more about the Mine or the Temple La Valenciana, please click here.

The Templo Valenciana outside Guanajuato

Guanajuato is a bright colourful city, which is surrounded by many steep hills and this provides visitors fantastic panoramic views of the city.

One of the best viewpoints is from the El Pipila statue. Arrive here at sunset to view the gradual transition of the bright colours of the city into greys and the stunning illumination of the Basilica. To read more about the El Pipila Viewpoint, please click here.

The viewpoint just below the El Pípila Statue

The “Basílica de Nuestra Señora” reflects how Guanajuato was during the 18th century: strong, self-confident and powerful.

The church is adorned in the most vibrant yellow, the interior is lavish and there is even an important religious artefact provided by the Spanish nobility in recognition of Guanajuato’s significance in its colonial empire.

The “Basílica de Nuestra Señora” is magnificent when either viewed close or from the vantage points overlooking Guanajuato. To read more about the “Basílica de Nuestra Señora”, please click here.

The stunning Guanajuato’s Basilica

It's highly unlikely that most visitors will watch a show at the theatre, but the “Teatro Juarez” is a little slice of ancient Rome located in the centre of Guanajuato.

Visitor patrons have to walk up steep steps to the imposing columns, which supports a roof decorated with statues of Greek mythology. The styling of Guanajuato's premier theatre is unique in Mexico and the “Teatro Juarez” should be appreciated.

The “Teatro Juarez” is a hive of activity and stunningly illuminated at night

Guanajuato is a city perfectly suited for just wondering, exploring and even getting slightly lost in.

From the main roads the small alleys creep up steep hills and hide brightly coloured buildings, the 27 churches of Guanajuato and the traditional Mexican way of life.

To read more about the Alley of the Kiss, please click here. Just go out for a walk without a map and sooner or later, after passing many interesting sights, a recognised monument will be spotted.

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