The Casa Museo Diego Rivera in Guanajuato is a quiet, well-kept museum set in the artist’s birthplace, where visitors can walk through rooms furnished to reflect his early life and view a modest but interesting collection of his original artwork that shows different stages of his career.
Mexico: Guanajuato – “Jewel of America”
About Guanajuato
Guanajuato is a city in central Mexico known for its colourful houses, winding alleyways, and rich colonial history. The city was founded in the 16th century and quickly became one of the most important mining centres in the world, especially for silver. Today, much of the wealth from that era can still be seen in its grand churches, ornate buildings, and the tunnels beneath the city that were originally built to divert floodwaters but now serve as roads. With its steep hills and narrow streets, Guanajuato has a unique charm that draws in both tourists and locals looking for culture and beauty.
One of the most famous landmarks in Guanajuato is the Teatro Juárez, a beautiful theatre that opened in the early 1900s and still hosts performances today. The city is also known for its role in Mexican history, particularly the War of Independence. The Alhóndiga de Granaditas, a former grain storage building turned museum, played a key role in the early days of that conflict. Visitors can learn about national heroes like Miguel Hidalgo, who led a rebel army that took the building in a pivotal battle. Guanajuato’s museums, including those dedicated to art, history, and even mummies, help tell the story of both the city and the country.
In addition to its historical significance, Guanajuato is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and yearly festivals. The most well-known is the Cervantino Festival, which celebrates international art and culture with music, dance, and theatre from around the world. Students and artists bring energy to the city, and its plazas are always lively with music, food, and conversation. Despite its popularity, Guanajuato has maintained a relaxed and welcoming feel, making it an ideal place for people who enjoy exploring on foot and soaking in the culture at a slower pace. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply enjoying a beautiful setting, Guanajuato offers something for everyone.
Our visit to Guanajato
Our visit to Guanajuato unfolded gradually over a few days, offering a mix of history, art, and everyday moments. We arrived from San Miguel de Allende by bus and found ourselves immediately struck by the city’s layout—nestled in a steep valley, with narrow, winding streets and underground roads. Getting to our accommodation involved a bit of a climb on foot, made harder by the altitude, but the small flat at the top was comfortable and had a lovely view over the city. We spent our first afternoon getting our bearings, attempting to shop at the local market (which had mostly closed) before finally finding a few open stalls and a small supermarket to get us started.
The following days allowed us to explore more deeply. We visited several churches and museums, including the Don Quixote-themed Museo Iconográfico del Quijote, the grand Teatro Juárez, and the Museo Palacio de los Poderes, where a temporary photography exhibition was a highlight. Karen’s birthday fell during our stay, and although we kept it low-key, we marked the occasion with a trip on the funicular to El Mirador for views of the city, followed by a modest meal and margaritas in the evening. Rain slowed us down for a while the next day, but it gave us time to relax before the skies cleared enough for a walk to another museum and a peaceful café tucked away in a backstreet.
One of the more unusual experiences was our visit to the Mummy Museum, where naturally preserved bodies—some dating back to the 1800s—are displayed upright in glass cases. The museum was unsettling but fascinating, and we followed it with a visit to a nearby cemetery that was surprisingly soothing. Later, we stumbled across a group of traditional dancers preparing for a performance in a small square. We watched them for nearly an hour before continuing on to the Diego Rivera Museum, located in the artist’s birthplace. The museum included both a recreation of the Rivera family home and several of his original works.
Things to do
Explore The Basilica of Guanajuato
We visited the Parroquia de Basílica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato during our time in the city, and it was an interesting place to see. The church is easy to spot because of its bright yellow exterior and red dome, and it’s located right in the centre of town, close to other landmarks. When we went inside, it was quiet and not too crowded. The space felt calm, with soft lighting and high ceilings. The statue of Our Lady of Guanajuato is the main feature, placed above the main altar, and people seemed to treat it with a lot of respect. There were also side chapels, religious paintings and carved details throughout, which gave a sense of the building’s long history. We didn’t stay for a service, but we did spend some time walking around and taking it all in. It’s clearly an important part of the city, not only for religious reasons but also for its role in local culture and tradition. Visiting the basilica gave us a better sense of the city’s identity and history.
Check out the Templo de San Francisco
We stopped by the Templo de San Francisco while exploring Guanajuato and found it to be a quiet, less crowded spot compared to some of the city’s more well-known churches. The outside of the building is simple but distinctive, with a pinkish stone façade and a tall bell tower that stands out from the nearby streets. Inside, the church was peaceful, with just a few other visitors sitting quietly or walking around. The interior wasn’t overly decorated, but there were some detailed altars and religious artwork that showed signs of age and long-term use. It felt like a place that is still very much part of the community, not just a tourist site. We didn’t spend a long time there, but it was a good break from the busier areas, and it gave us a look at a different side of Guanajuato’s religious history.
Admire the impressive façade of the Teatro Juárez
While walking through the centre of Guanajuato, we stopped to have a look at the Teatro Juárez, which is one of the city’s most well-known landmarks. We didn’t go inside or see a performance, but the exterior alone was worth a visit. The building has a strong, formal appearance, with tall stone columns across the front and a row of bronze statues on the roof. The design is quite striking and looks different from most of the other buildings in the area. There were a few people sitting on the steps and others taking photos, but it didn’t feel overcrowded. We took some time to look at the details, like the carved stonework and heavy wooden doors, which give a sense of how old and well-kept the theatre is. Even without going inside, it was easy to appreciate the building’s historical and cultural importance. It clearly plays a big role in the city, and its location near the main plaza makes it a natural place to stop and take in the atmosphere.
Museo Iconográfico del Quijote
We visited the Museo Iconográfico del Quijote in Guanajuato not really knowing what to expect, but it turned out to be one of the more unusual and focused museums we’ve seen. The entire museum is dedicated to artworks inspired by the character of Don Quixote from Cervantes’ novel, and there’s a surprising variety on display. There were paintings, sculptures, drawings, and even some modern pieces, all showing different interpretations of the story and its main figures. The building itself is well-kept and quiet, with several rooms spread across different levels. We moved through at our own pace and appreciated the clear layout and signs, which helped explain the works and their connection to the book. Some of the art was very traditional, while other pieces were more abstract or unexpected. You don’t have to be an expert on Don Quixote to find it interesting, but having a bit of background helps. It’s a niche collection, but the range of styles and the dedication to one theme made it stand out from other museums we’ve been to.
Diego Viera Casa Museo
We visited the Museo Casa Diego Rivera in Guanajuato, which is the house where the artist was born and spent part of his early years. The building has been turned into a museum that combines elements of a historic home with a small art gallery. The lower floors show rooms furnished to reflect how they might have looked during Rivera’s childhood, giving a basic sense of the domestic setting he grew up in. The upper floors contain a collection of his early drawings, paintings, and sketches, covering various stages of his artistic development. There are also a few pieces that show the beginning of the political themes he later became known for. The museum isn’t large or crowded, and it was easy to move through the rooms at our own pace. Most of the information is available in both Spanish and English, and the displays are straightforward. Although the works on show aren’t his most famous, the visit helped give a clearer picture of his background and early influences. The museum also includes a small gift shop near the entrance with books and souvenirs related to Rivera and Mexican art. Overall, it’s a quiet and focused stop that gives a more personal view of one of Mexico’s most important artists.
Explore the Museo Conde Rul
We visited the Museo Conde Rul in Guanajuato, which is set inside a well-preserved colonial mansion that once belonged to a wealthy local figure. The building itself is one of the main attractions, with its large rooms, high ceilings, and original architectural features giving a sense of how the upper class lived in the city during the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum currently functions more as an exhibition space than a traditional historical museum, and during our visit it was hosting a temporary art exhibit. The collection on display was modern and quite different from what we expected in a historical house, but the contrast between the contemporary artwork and the classical setting made it interesting to walk through. Some of the rooms were empty or only partly used, which made the space feel a bit underdeveloped, but it was still worth seeing for the building alone. There were signs and labels explaining the artwork, although most were in Spanish, and the staff at the entrance were helpful with basic information. The museum wasn’t busy, which allowed us to look around at our own pace. Overall, Museo Conde Rul felt more like a flexible cultural venue than a fixed museum, but it offered a quiet, well-maintained environment and a different way to experience both the history and ongoing creativity of Guanajuato.
Museo Palacio de los Poderes
The Museo Palacio de los Poderes is located in the historic government building on the city’s main square. The building itself is impressive from the outside, with a formal stone façade and large doors, and it was originally used as the seat of state government. Inside, the museum is well organised and focuses on the political and administrative history of Guanajuato and the state’s role in Mexico’s broader national history. There are several rooms set up with original furniture, documents, portraits, and displays about key political figures and events. One of the highlights is the legislative chamber, which has been preserved to show how it looked when it was in use, with rows of wooden desks and a raised platform for speakers. The information panels throughout the museum are mostly in Spanish, though some areas do have English translations, and the exhibits are generally easy to follow. We didn’t need a guide to understand the layout or the themes, and there weren’t many other visitors, so we could take our time. The museum gives a clear sense of how local and national politics have developed over time, and while it’s not particularly interactive or modern in its presentation, it’s informative and well maintained. It’s a good stop for anyone interested in the political history of the region or looking for a quieter museum experience in the city centre.
Wander through the Mercado Hidalgo
The Mercado Hidalgo turned out to be one of the livelier parts of the city. The market is housed in a large, iron-framed building that looks a bit like an old train station, and inside it’s full of narrow aisles lined with all kinds of stalls. The atmosphere is busy but not overwhelming, with locals and visitors moving between vendors selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to clothes, souvenirs, and street food. There’s a lot of colour and noise, with people calling out prices, chatting with customers, or preparing food behind small counters.
We didn’t go there with a plan, so we just walked around looking at what was on offer. Some parts of the market are geared more towards tourists, especially the souvenir stalls, while other areas are clearly used by local residents for their daily shopping. We stopped to try some snacks and look at a few of the artisan products, though we didn’t buy much. It’s not a polished or particularly modern place, but that’s part of what makes it interesting. The market gives a more everyday view of the city, and even if you’re not shopping for anything specific, it’s worth a visit just to see the range of activity all happening under one roof.
Explore the Mummy Museum
Tucked away in the heart of central Mexico, the Mummy Museum of Guanajuato is one of the most curious and eerie cultural attractions in the country, perhaps even the world. This unusual museum, or Museo de las Momias, offers visitors a chilling yet fascinating journey into history, death, and the strange ways nature can preserve the past. Located just uphill from the city’s historic centre, the museum houses over a hundred naturally mummified bodies, most of which were exhumed from the local cemetery during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The mummification wasn’t intentional—rather, the bodies were preserved due to the region’s unique combination of dry climate and soil composition, which prevented decomposition. Many of the mummies still wear their original burial clothing, and some retain shockingly intact features like hair, skin, and even expressions frozen in time. Walking through the dimly lit halls, visitors can see everything from infants to elderly townspeople, each displayed in glass cases with information about who they were and how they ended up there. It’s an emotionally complex experience—part macabre spectacle, part poignant reminder of mortality. The museum doesn’t shy away from confronting the darker aspects of life and death, and that’s what makes it so powerful. It provokes reflection on history, identity, and what happens to us after we’re gone.
Walk The Streets Of Guanajuato
We spent a good part of our time in Guanajuato just walking through the streets, which turned out to be one of the best ways to see the city. The layout isn’t straightforward, with narrow alleyways, steep steps, and winding paths that often don’t follow a clear grid, so it’s easy to get slightly lost, but that’s also part of the experience. The streets are full of colour, with buildings painted in shades of red, yellow, blue and green, many of them with balconies and small details that are easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. There’s a mix of residential areas, small shops, cafés, and historical landmarks, and the whole city feels compact but full of life. Some areas are quiet and residential, while others, especially around the central plazas, are more active, with people sitting on benches, street performers, and groups of tourists. We didn’t follow a set route, but we came across a few small plazas, murals, churches, and viewpoints just by wandering around. The hills can make walking tiring at times, but they also give you great views over the city once you reach the top. There’s a lot to take in, and the city has a lived-in feel that mixes daily life with history in a way that doesn’t feel staged or overly touristy. Walking without a plan ended up being one of the most enjoyable and memorable parts of our visit.
Getting to and around Guanajuato
✈️ Fly to Mexico
Book a flight from the UK (usually from London Heathrow).
Fly to Mexico City (MEX) or León (BJX) – both are international airports.
✈️ London → Mexico City or London → León
🚌 From Mexico City to Guanajuato
If you land in Mexico City:
Take a bus from the North Bus Terminal (Terminal Norte).
Choose a reliable company like ETN or Primera Plus.
The trip takes around 5–6 hours.
🚕 From León to Guanajuato
If you land in León (BJX airport):
Take a taxi or shuttle directly to Guanajuato.
It’s about a 30-minute drive.
🥾 Walking
Guanajuato is a very walkable city, especially in the historic centre, which is mostly pedestrianised. Be prepared for:
Steep hills and lots of steps
Narrow alleyways (many are too tight for cars)
Uneven, cobbled streets – comfy shoes are a must
Walking is often the best way to explore, as many attractions are close together but not accessible by vehicle.
🚕 Taxis & Ubers
Taxis are available, but Uber is generally easier and cheaper.
Ubers are reliable and available in most parts of the city
You may need to walk to a main road or meeting point if you’re staying up a hill or down a narrow lane
Always double-check your pickup spot and be ready to walk a bit to meet your driver
🚌 Local Buses
There are local buses, but they’re more commonly used by residents than tourists. They run:
Along major roads and between neighbourhoods
Mainly above ground (although many main roads in the centre are underground tunnels!)
If you speak some Spanish and are up for a challenge, they can be very cheap, but not always the easiest option for first-time visitors.
🚠 Funicular
The funicular railway is a short but handy ride:
🚉 Goes up to El Pípila viewpoint (great for panoramic photos!)
🎟️ Tickets are affordable and it’s much easier than climbing dozens of stairs
A good option if you want to avoid a strenuous walk uphill.
🚗 Driving
Not recommended unless you’re very confident. Guanajuato:
Has many one-way streets, tight corners, and tunnel roads
Parking can be hard to find
Much of the old town is off-limits to cars
The best time to visit Guanajuato
☀️ Spring (March – May)
Best overall time to visit
Weather: Warm days, cool evenings, low chance of rain
Vibe: Lively but not overcrowded
Why go: Flowers are blooming, the city is colourful, and it’s a great time for walking and sightseeing
🌸 Top Tip: Bring layers – mornings and evenings can still be chilly
☀️⛅ Summer (June – August)
Warmest time of year
Weather: Hot during the day, with afternoon rain showers quite common
Vibe: Busier with local tourists and some festivals
Why go: Everything is green and vibrant after the rain, and the city feels festive
🌧️ Top Tip: Pack a light raincoat or umbrella just in case
🍁 Autumn (September – November)
Great for culture lovers
Weather: Pleasant temperatures, especially October and November
Vibe: Cultural events, including Festival Internacional Cervantino in October
Why go: The city comes alive with music, art, and theatre
🎭 Top Tip: Book accommodation early if visiting in October – it gets busy
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Quietest and coolest time
Weather: Crisp mornings and evenings, with mild days
Vibe: More relaxed, fewer crowds
Why go: Good for budget travellers, and festive decorations in December are charming
Where to stay in Guanajuato
1. Luxury – Hotel Ex-Hacienda San Xavier
2. Mid-Range – Hotel de la Paz
3. Budget – Hotel Dos Rios
More to Explore
