The cobblestone streets are glimmering from the quaint streetlamps reflecting light in puddles left over from an afternoon storm. Music fills the air as crowds gather to watch the Callejoneadas dance through the narrow alleyways. The air is filled with romance.The Callejoneadas begin at 9pm and cost $120 pesos (includes an alcoholic drink and souvenir). If I didn’t know better I’d think I was in Verona or San Francisco. The colorful city of Guanajuato spills over into the mountainside and as I gaze around me I have to remind myself I’m in Mexico.

Views from climbing the stairs up to the Pípila, a statue of a famous Mexican revolutionary.

I love this city. Home to Diego Rivera and a museum dedicated to icons from Cervantes’ “Don Quijote”, it’s hard not to fall in love with the carefree ambiance here. It’s easy to see why ex-pats, backpackers and tourists from all over Mexico mix and mingle in the shops and restaurants. From seeing the famous Mummy Museum to touring a nearby silver mine or walking down the Callejon de Beso at night (an alley so narrow it’s said two lovers could kiss from opposite balconies), there’s a lot to see and do in Guanajuato. Most of the streets are dedicated to pedestrians only, making this city easy to navigate on foot.

Almost touching!

There are a plethora of fancy hotels (even a Holiday Inn and Applebee’s outside the town center), but there are plenty of options for budget conscious backpackers as well. We stayed at Hostel Guanajuato in the center of town for 100 pesos (about $8 USD) per night which included a simple breakfast and free Wifi. If you’re traveling through the heartland of Mexico, I’d highly recommend spending a few days wandering the streets and being serenaded!

Guanajuato at night is even more magical!
The colors of Guanajuato are simply stunning!
Have you ever traveled to Guanajuato or the nearby San Miguel de Allende? What were your favorite parts of the city?