Guatemala

Cost of living

What a month costs

Life is affordable by regional standards, but where you live sets the price. Safe, walkable zones like 10, 14 and 16 cost far more than the rest of the city, and international school fees add up fast for families.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Guatemala City

1. Palacio Nacional de la CulturaGreen-stone former presidential palace on the main square, open for guided tours.
2. Plaza de la ConstituciónThe historic central square in Zona 1, flanked by the palace and cathedral.
3. Catedral MetropolitanaThe city's grand metropolitan cathedral on the central plaza.
4. Museo Popol VuhOutstanding collection of Maya and colonial art at Universidad Francisco Marroquín.
5. Museo Ixchel del Traje IndígenaBeautifully presented museum of Guatemalan indigenous textiles and weaving.
6. Museo Nacional de Arqueología y EtnologíaThe national archaeology museum in Zona 13, holding major Maya finds.
7. Mapa en RelieveEnormous open-air relief map of the whole country, built in 1905 in Zona 2.
8. Paseo CayaláPolished white pedestrian district in Zona 16, full of shops, cafes and restaurants.
9. Sexta AvenidaRevived pedestrian boulevard in the old centre, lined with shops and street life.
10. La Aurora ZooWell-regarded city zoo with leafy grounds in Zona 13, popular with families.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Antigua GuatemalaCobbled UNESCO colonial city under three volcanoes, about 45 minutes away and a favourite weekend escape.
2. Lake AtitlánDeep volcanic lake ringed by Maya villages, roughly three hours west via Panajachel.
3. Pacaya VolcanoActive volcano you can hike in a morning, about 90 minutes south of the city.
4. MonterricoBlack-sand Pacific beach town with turtle nesting and mangrove lagoons, around two hours away.
5. Tikal and FloresTowering Maya temples in the Petén jungle, best reached by a short flight to Flores.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Café LeónHistoric coffee house on Sexta Avenida in the old centre, a Guatemala City institution.
2. SophosBookshop cafe in Plaza Fontabella, Zona 10, good for a quiet coffee and browse.
3. Cafe BaristaHome-grown Guatemalan chain pouring local beans, with branches across the city.
4. &CaféLocal specialty-coffee spot focused on Guatemalan single-origin brews.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. KacaoBeloved showcase of traditional Guatemalan cooking under a palm-thatch roof in Zona 10.
2. Arrin CuanLong-running local favourite for regional dishes like pepián and kak'ik.
3. Jake'sWarm upscale kitchen in Zona 10 known for its wine list and international menu.
4. TamarindosStylish Zona 10 restaurant mixing Asian, Italian and Guatemalan flavours.
5. AmbiaModern Asian and fusion dining in a garden setting, a Zona 10 mainstay.
6. Clio's BistroFrench-leaning bistro in Zona 10 popular for long lunches and dinners.
7. Frida'sLively Mexican restaurant and bar in the Zona Viva nightlife district.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. San Martín & CompanyBakery and cafe chain with fresh pastries and full breakfasts across the city.
2. Saúl BistroPolished all-day bistro at Cayalá and Fontabella, good for a leisurely morning.
3. Café LeónClassic old-centre cafe for strong coffee and a simple breakfast.
4. Casa ChapinaHomely spot serving the traditional Guatemalan breakfast of eggs, beans and plantain.
5. SophosBookshop cafe in Fontabella that opens early for coffee and light breakfast.
6. Los CebollinesReliable local chain doing Guatemalan and Mexican breakfasts across town.