A walk through the historic streets of Antigua is quite an experience. The beautiful colonial buildings, colored houses, the medieval (bumpy) roads and the large parks make Antigua a unique town. Those are just a couple of reasons why it is very popular with travelers in Central America.

It is known for its language schools and so it also attracts many students who want to learn Spanish in Guatemala.

This town is rich in culture. One example where this can be seen is during the ''Good Week'' (Semana Santa), when many processions, where the people walk over flower carpets (alfombras), are done by the people. Antigua is known for the jade that is sold there.

Main attractions are:

• Parque Central (with the replica of the fountain of sea mermaids, constructed in 1936),
• the Santiago Cathedral, museum of the University of San Carlos, churches of La Merced, San Francisco and Las Capuchinas,
• Casa Popenoe (restored colonial house),
• museum and hotel Santo Domingo, and
• the view point Cerro de la Cruz.

In the nearby town of Jocotenango visitors can visit the La Azotea museum. This gives an overview of the coffee plantations and harvesting. It also has a fine collection of musical instruments used by the Mayas. Popular excursions from Antigua also include climbing the Pacaja volcano, the Sunday market of Chichicastenango and the Mayan Ruins of Copan in Honduras.