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Guanajuato has numerous small alleys but the El Callejon del Beso is the narrowest with the balconies at the top levels almost touching.

The El Callejon del Beso has a Romeo and Juliet styled love story (which can be read here) which makes the area popular with lovesick Mexicans. To guarantee yourself 15 years of happiness ensure you kiss your partner on the third step where the unfortunate lovers died.

Retrace your steps back to the Plaza de Los Angeles and follow the main shopping street of Juárez. Approximately 200m down the street of Juárez on the right is the Roman inspired entrance to the Jardín Reforma.

The Jardín Reforma is a pleasant large Plaza which was once the market of Guanajuato, dotted around the Plaza of relics from the silver mining era. The Jardín Reforma is highly recommended location for a drink or snack.

The Mercado Hidalgo market

The Street of Juárez continues into the centre of daily life of Guanajuato and two sites of interest for visitors; the Mercado Hidalgo market and the Templo de Belén.

The Mercado Hidalgo was originally constructed as a grand train station for a railway line to connecting Guanajuato with Mexico City but the project was abandoned leaving only the husk of the station.

If visitors are looking for gifts and souvenirs the Mercado Hidalgo market is the best place to start. Opposite the market is the Templo de Belén (Church of Bethlehem) the only church in Guanajuato constructed with two distinct design styles, with a Baroque facade and Gothic interior. The true marvel of the church is hidden deep below in the massive faults which holds 300 crypts.

Continue to follow the Street of Juárez and turn right under the arch into Manuel Leal. The short Street of Manuel Leal opens up to the most famous sights of Guanajuato, the Alhondiga de Granaditas.

The Alhondiga de Granaditas was constructed as a grain store but its historical significance was during the Mexican independence struggle. It was here that the independence movement achieved their first victory against the Spanish.

Inside the Alhondiga de Granaditas is the interesting Museo Regional de Guanajuato museum.

The Alhondiga Ganaditas in Guanajuato

After visiting the museum continue along the Calle Positos which is another colourful Mexican street. On the left is the house where Guanajuato's most famous artist Diego Rivera, was born and spent his early years.

Diego Rivera's house has been converted into a surprisingly good museum (Casa Museo de Diego Rivera) which is split over three levels; the lower-level recreates his house at the time of his birth, the middle level displays examples of his work and the top-level hosts travelling exhibits.

Further along the Calle Positos street is the Museo del Pueblo de Guanajuato, which displays objects and paintings important to the state of Guanajuato.

The final building of interest on the question walking tour of Guanajuato is the main university campus. Guanajuato has always been a centre of learning and the university campus can be traced back to the Jesuits who promoted education in the early colonial town.

The main campus building was constructed during the 40s and students love to conjugate on the many steps leading to the main entrance. Plaza de La Paz were the tour started is just one block to the south of the University building.

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