Antigua, Guatemala

• Antigua sits at 5,000 feet surrounded by three volcanoes - Agua, Acatenango, and Fuego, which erupts continuously in the background. The whole historic center is preserved colonial architecture with cobblestone streets, which looks nice but wears out your feet and destroys wheeled luggage. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, so everything stays colonial-looking, for better or worse.
• Things shut down early here. The town is busy during the day with people visiting Parque Central and the markets, and the cafes are full of language students and digital nomads. But after 10pm the streets empty out fast and most places close by midnight. If you're expecting nightlife, this isn't the place.
• ASISTUR (dial 1500) is the tourist police service with English speakers trained to help foreign visitors. Pickpocketing happens in the markets and around Parque Central, like you'd expect in touristy areas. Violent crime against tourists is rare. There's visible police presence in the colonial center during the day.
• The historic center is small - about 1.5km x 1.5km - so you'll mostly walk. Tuk-tuks work for longer trips but the cobblestone ride is bumpy. Uber also operates here and usually costs less than tuk-tuks. You need real shoes, not sandals or heels, because the colonial streets are uneven. Bring a jacket because it cools down at night at this elevation.

Spanish is the main language. English is spoken at tourist hotels, restaurants, and tour companies around Parque Central, but not much elsewhere. ASISTUR (1500) has bilingual operators 24/7. Tourist Police (+502-7832-0532) have English-speaking officers who help foreign visitors.

• Guatemala is conservative. Locals cover shoulders and knees, and you should too to avoid standing out more than necessary. Tank tops and shorts mark you as a tourist. Churches and religious sites require modest dress. The cobblestones make heels impossible anyway.
• English is common at tourist hotels, restaurants, and tour companies around Parque Central, but that's about it. Learn basic Spanish - 'buenos días', 'buenas tardes', 'gracias', 'disculpe'. People are patient with Spanish learners since Antigua is full of language schools.
• Ask before photographing people, especially indigenous women in traditional dress. Some may want a small tip (Q5-10) for photos. The town shuts down early - most places close by 10-11pm, so don't expect much nightlife. Lunch is around noon-2pm, dinner starts 6-7pm.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Tourist Assistance (ASISTUR): 1500. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• You can walk across the historic center (1.5km x 1.5km) in 15-20 minutes. The cobblestones look nice in photos but they're uneven and tiring to walk on all day - wear real shoes with support. Most of what you'll want is within walking distance of Parque Central.
• Tuk-tuks are everywhere. Agree on price before getting in - usually Q10-25 ($1.30-3.25) for trips within the center. The ride is bumpy on cobblestones but they can get through narrow streets cars can't.
• Uber works here and usually costs less than tuk-tuks - around Q15-30 ($2-4) for in-town rides. The app handles the language barrier and price haggling. Use Uber or registered taxis at night instead of walking alone. Skip the chicken buses (public buses) - they're known for targeting tourists with pickpocketing and theft.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Antigua with local guides and curated experiences.