Is travel to Guatemala City safe?
Guatemala City is no resort and that's what makes it so special. You'll probably see a lot of articles telling you why not to stay in Guatemala City but not this one. Many travelers skip over time in the capital beyond the airport for the more popular travel destination of Antigua. Antigua is definitely worth staying and spending time in but you're surely missing out on these perks if you don't also make it to the largest city in Central America.
Airport Proximity
The airport is in the city and very close by, no more than a 15-minute Uber ride from Zone 4 where I stayed. In my experience, Uber is a safe, reliable, and cash-free way of being transported throughout the city and to and from Antigua. It's very convenient to stay in a place that is so close to the airport, especially when you're on the backend of your trip. It's never fun to leave, so maximize the time you have.
Mayan-Inspired Food
Treat yourself to a modern Mayan culinary experience at restaurant Flor de Lis with an 8-10 course meal. The atmosphere is dark, mystical, and intimate with masks lining the back wall, tribal music playing, and only a few tabletops. Each course has a story and leads along a journey of the Popol Vuh, a sacred text of one of the Maya peoples. I found the courses to be unique, delicious, and especially playful.
Authenticity
While Antigua is gorgeous and a must visit, it is touristy taking away some of the authentic charm that some like to experience when traveling internationally. I found the local culture and food to be much more accessible in Guatemala City. Many articles will recommend not going to Zone 1 and I highly disagree. You may not stay in the neighborhood or walk there at night but during the day it is alive and the hub of local life, much like so many other Latin American cities I've been to.
Guatemalan Hot Dogs
Try Guatemalan street food, especially the shukos, or "dirty" hot dogs Guatemalan style. You'll also see breakfast carts of steaming food, taco stands, small bodegas, women making handmade tortillas and even street goat milk being sold in Zone 1.
City Market
The central market is the true mark of a bustling Latin American city, I preferred this one to the one in Antigua. It was large, fresh, and vibrant bursting at the seams with produce, spices, meat, and other goods. I regret being too full to eat when walking through the food court because it all looked so unique and enticing. I bought a loofah gourd to cut into smaller sponges and small clay plates for serving appetizers.
Fresh Juice
Lovely sweet breads and fresh tropical juice can be found in Zone 1 at Panaderia Berna. They serve the juice in a bag and give you a straw, highly recommend the melon! Also loved the smoothie bowls at La fruteria.gt in Zone 4. This quaint, yellow-colored spot has a French-trained chef, and an open kitchen and the food is healthy.
Working ATMs
Almost everywhere we went took credit cards except for small shops and the market. We could not get extra cash out of any of the ATMs in Antigua using our US Mastercard but we had no issues in Guatemala City. A quick google search will tell you about issues others have had with the ATMs in Antigua and other areas beyond the capital. Also highly recommend getting any cash you need at the currency exchange at the GUA airport for the smoothest experience overall.
Street Art
There are street art and murals everywhere, especially where we stayed in Zone 4, and it's picture worthy. If you love an urban and modern vibe, this will be for you. Worth mentioning is Cayala with the giant white sculpture poking out of the grass.
Affordability
The prices in Antigua are closer to prices in the US compared to Mexico, for example, but I noticed that things were much more affordable and matched local pricing in Guatemala City. Accommodations, food, and drinks were all much less in the capital city and I believe it's due to being where the locals live and more so where the Americans are not staying.
The Historic Plaza
If you love a large, governmental square you'll get that experience complete with a fountain and swooping pigeons in Guatemala City. This was the piazza, where people go to people watch, vend, take photos, and visit the ornate buildings towering over the area.
Safety
It's much safer than you'll read about in the travel blogs. Guatemala City is the largest Central American city so it's a busy place to be and like any other large city, there is crime. Do your research and stay clear of the red zones. I spent my time staying in Zone 4, and visited Zones 1, 10 and 16 with my husband and we felt safe at all times.
