The 8 Best Bars in Antigua, Guatemala To Visit

Antigua, Guatemala will always be up there with one of the best cities I’ve ever been too! It has so much going for it, including being one of the best places to do a Spanish Immersion program but also a great place to find cute bars and speakeasys. I only spent two weeks in this incredible city in Central America but used my time very wisely and tried out a bunch of the best bars and cool coffee shops around the city. 

Full of cute cobblestone streets, Antigua is a very picturesque city that I could easily see myself basing myself in for an extended period of time. The city center is full of fun things to do, great bars and rich history. The nightlife in Antigua was thriving! Plenty of bars selling cheap booze and playing live music. Plus a few good spots to learn some salsa moves! In this post I’m going to share 8 of the best bars I visited during my time in this cute city.

Before we get into the 8 best bars in one of the most incredible places I’ve travelled to, let me answer a few common questions about Antigua… 

FAQs

How to get to Antigua?

There are lots of ways to get to small city of Antigua from the main international airport in Guatemala City. The cheapest way would be to get a public bus but private transfers are also relatively affordable. We’re talking around $30 for this hour-long journey. Alternatively, if you are visiting Antigua for a Spanish Immersion program like I did then your school will more than likely throw in a free airport pick up as a perk. 

Do you need a visa to visit Guatemala?

Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, EU, and many other countries can visit Guatemala visa-free for up to 90 days. For up to date and specific visa information please check the official entry requirements on your government website.

How do you get around Antigua?

Antigua is very walkable, and most bars, restaurants, and the best things to do are within walking distance of the central park.

Read Next: The Frugal Explorer’s Guide To Antigua, Guatemala

What currency is used in Antigua Guatemala?

The official currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ). US dollars are sometimes accepted at hotels or tour companies, but most places prefer Quetzales. Many restaurants and bars accept cards, but smaller cafés, market stalls, and local spots often require cash.

What is the drinking age in Guatemala?

The legal drinking age in Guatemala is 18 years old.

8 Best Bars in Antigua

Now I’ve answered a key general questions about Antigua, let’s get into the 8 best bars you should add to your Antigua itinerary…

Charleston

6a Avenida Norte 1, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

This is your classic speakeasy – the entrance is through a mirror in a tailors shop! Once you are through the mirror, the bar is super cool and the menu is very unique. You won’t find any of your classic beach cocktails in this place! The menu is full of craft cocktails and this is the perfect place to visit when you’re in Antigua. 

Antigua Brewing Company

3a Calle Poniente 4, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

On my first day in Antigua I took an orientation walking tour with my Spanish school and our guide pointed this place out as a good but “expensive for Antigua” place to grab dinner. I ate here one night after salsa night with a group of new friends and we sat on the rooftop bar and enjoyed a decent meal. I wouldn’t say it was one of the best restaurants in Antigua but they do have a great selection of craft beer and is a staple stop on an Antigua bar crawl.

Plus on the ground floor of the bar you’ll find the next bar which was one of my favorite places in Antigua.

Ulew Cocktail Bar

3a Calle Poniente 4, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

This place is a personal favorite of mine and a super popular spot in Antigua! Ulew Cocktail Bar is another cool speakeasy! This time through the phone booth just inside the entrance of Antigua Brewing Company. They had a brilliant selection of the unique cocktails and served up a great marg!!! Plus all the drinks came on the quirkiest coasters – I mean just look at these things! This excellent place is small size but features a dozen or so hightop tables with bar stools. 

Read Next: Is Antigua Really The Cheapest Place To Learn Spanish?

Las Palmas

6a Avenida Norte 14, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

This one is a salsa bar that offers free lessons everyday from 5-6pm. It’s also good place to watch locals dance in the evening, they are just so cool! Located not far from parque central, this bar is an Antigua institution with such a fun vibe. Its bar serves up a wide range of drinks from different countries and even sells some of the classic best cocktails like pina coladas but would be a cool place to grab a glass of wine too. 

La Cashba

5a Avenida Norte, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Every Wednesday night is ladies night at La Cashba and that means only one thing in Antigua, free drinks!! This place is a mix between a club and a bar set over a couple of different levels. We went on Ladies Night and they had a DJ on. The free drink was your choice of anything off the bar. I ended up getting a free gin & tonic – lovely!

Wig shop next to La Cashba

Avenida Norte, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

The wig shop next to La Cashba is a front to another speakeasy! We unfortunately didn’t get to try this place out as I was with a group of about 10 people and the bouncers didn’t have room for us in there as the tables are mostly for 2 people.

This is actually how we ended up in La Cashba instead! When the speakeasy bouncers said no the bouncer next door invited us in there and sold us on the option with the free drinks.

El Barrio

4 Avenida Norte 3, Antigua Guatemala 03001, Guatemala

Probably my favourite bar I went to during my two weeks in Antigua! This place is a crazy mix of pub, bar and club. Set over two floors with a few off rooms, this place is great for a range of different nights out. On the ground floor there is two sections, the main bar and the sports bar room full of merchandise from different countries and big screens playing a range of games. It felt like an Irish bar but with a latin america twist. Then on the upper terrace you’ll find one of the best club in Antigua. This place has a great atmosphere and Friday nights are booming in this place. 

I visited El Barrio multiple times over my two weeks in this fabulous city, spending a night on the upper terrace drinking cheap margaritas. Then another memorable night in their dive bar room where they were hosting a karaoke night. Sing and get a free shot was a promotion I couldn’t ignore! 

Adra Hostel

4a Calle Oriente No. 15 Antigua, Guatemala 03001, Guatemala

I found this place on @gabsexplorers instagram stories and after seeing a glimpse of the view I immediately added it to the list. Adra Hostel has a great bar, restaurant and rooftop terrace that is open to the public. The rooftop terrace has amazing views of one of the three surrounding volcanoes. We sat admiring the views enjoying passionfruit margaritas. This is a great spot with super friendly staff and also serves up good food. 

There you have it! 8 of the best bars in Antigua, Guatemala to add to your must see list for this incredible city! Have you been to any of these? Any others you’d add to the list, share them in the comments section.