Part 2: Top 10 Things to Do in Guanajuato, Mexico

In the last post, you read about the first five things you should definitely do in Guanajuato, Mexico. Now, enjoy the other five activities post-lunch. (Read about the first five things)

6. Laze at Jardin Union– When you are at Jardin Union (Zona Centro), you may hear Mariachi. I got into a full-filled conversation with Andres and Pedro who were at Jardin Union as part of their Mariachi band Santa Rosa. Their band played a Mariachi for me and my wife. What a performance, could not help myself from tapping my feet. We paid them 150 Mexican pesos and received fascinating memories from them. Photos with them, of course. Immerse yourself in the architectural buildings around it like Teatro Juarez, San Diego church and other buildings. Let the time go by. You will hear bells ring in the church, heralding the completion of an hour. But they ring to enlighten you that you have lived an hour of your life fully. You will find myriad of activities going around you. Close your eyes and hear the birds chirping in beautifully manicured trees lined in Jardin Union. Hear the footsteps. Or appreciate the colors you have seen so far during your walking tour, with closed eyes. Unlike many other Mexican cities, you will not be disturbed by hawkers trying to sell their products here. You can get yourself sketched by an artist for few pesos. When you are hungry, get into one of the numerous restaurants and taste the Mexican food with a drink. Wait for the evening to fall at Jardin and splendid lights at the buildings to glow. Time for you now to get active and hit one of the bars. And hey, don’t miss the all-famous tequila.

7. Learn Spanish – Now that you love this city more than what you had read before your trip, spend more days here. And learn Spanish. If you do not know Spanish, few smiles, Gracias, Holas, Buenas Tardes, Cuanto cuestas will definitely give you some feel of being in an erstwhile Spanish colony. But don’t you want to enhance that experience? So, my friend, choose a school and fall in love with Spanish, according to your itinerary.

8. Shop at Mercado Hidalgo – Walk of 15 min from Jardin Union will take you to a magnificent pink facade building. An early 20^th century building houses several shops where locals go. Here you can find souvenirs, and fresh produce and flowers at really good price. Delight yourself at one of those numerous food stalls. It’s a very lively place with lot of colors. You may get into a conversation with locals here and they will graciously oblige you for a photo. Do not miss this place.

9. Explore Hills and Panoramica for Stunning Views of Cities – Tired of walking? Drive up the Panoramica to the hills, overlooking the city. Or take a bus ride to Guanajuato Mummies Museum and view cityscape from the hill, outside the cemetery. Look at the colorful and vivid city in the valley below. Orange, Green, Blue, yellow and all colors on the Guanajuato houses shine in bright sun. Tempting enough to hold the city in the trough of your palm and keep in your pocket. Interestingly, these naked hills, from a city street below, resemble the jewels in the splendid crown of Guanajuato. Such is the grandeur of this 16^th century city that you soon start wishing, if I had few more days. Word of caution though. Avoid jogging or walking here in early morning and evening for safety reasons. Always try to go in a group. Another way is to go up in the funicular (cable car) to the monument of Pipila and view the city below. Spot the University of Guanajuato and Basilica and other major tourist attractions. You may walk up as well using staircase, rather than using funicular. When you are at Pipila, look for trail which takes you to hills. Amazing view of the city after a walk of 30 min. Our strategy was to go up in funicular and in return, use stairs. Best time may be to go before twilight when you see the city bathed in bright sunlight and then draped in lights.

10. Finally, Kiss your sweetheart at Callejon del Beso – Knowingly, I saved it for the last. Callejon del Beso is the kissing street of Guanajuato.  Your trip to Guanajuato is incomplete if you do not kiss your partner at this street. According to tradition, couples kissing here at the third step can expect fifteen years of happiness in their lives. Legend is that two lovers used to stay in the two houses, whose balconies are separated by only 69 cm. But currently, these houses are private houses and not open for public to go up the balconies and strike a pose. Street is so narrow that two people can kiss each other. This is  the spot where you should click a photo, definitely. You will find a number of urchins at Plaza de los Angeles, close to the street, who will tell you the story of lovers in return for few pesos. And a very interesting fact about this street, which I read in the blog of Raphael. Let me quote it. “If you’re in the vicinity of the Callejón del Beso but have the misfortune of being single, you can rent university students to kiss you (but ONLY to kiss you, mind you). Always remember to negotiate the style of the kiss beforehand! What do I mean by that? Take a look at this chart (Source: Raphael Blog) of Mexican kisses and see for yourself!” So, what are you waiting for?

Which are your favorite from this list? Let me know if I missed out anything. Planning to visit Mexico?

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