Views and Vibes: The Best Antigua Guatemala Bars

Antigua is a fun and vibrant town to explore. With a variety of rooftop bars and craft cocktails, I’ve got a list of the best Antigua Guatemala bars to visit. 

Getting around Antigua

The city of Antigua is very small which makes it incredibly walkable.  There are Tuk Tuks available, especially at more popular sites.  However, if you are staying in the city center you should be able to walk most places in Antigua in under 15 minutes. 

To see what to do during the day in Antigua, read The Best Things to do in Antigua Guatemala

Breweries to visit in Antigua Guatemala

Antigua Brewing Company

Centrally located between the town square and the Arch of Santa Catalina, the Antigua Brewing Company offers one of the largest rooftops in Antigua. 

To get to the rooftop you’ll have to climb a metal spiral staircase, but once you arrive there are three separate seating areas to choose from.  

The interior portion of the brewery has a large venue space that features live music and DJs most nights of the week. 

Antigua Cerveza – El Bosque

Antigua Cerveza has a number of locations in Antigua and throughout Guatemala.  The location that’s most recommended in Antigua is El Bosque, which is two blocks west of the Iglesia de La Merced Church.  

This spot features an expansive outdoor patio with multiple fire pits, and regular live music. They also have a number of food options including empanadas. 

Best Antigua Guatemala Bars with Rooftops

Antigua is both a colonial city, and a Unesco heritage city.  This means that the building structures are no more than two stories high.  The benefit of this is you can get unobstructed views of the surrounding volcanoes from a rooftop bar or restaurant. 

As mentioned above Antigua Brewing Company has a wonderful rooftop bar, but there are plenty to be found in the city. 

Aqua

This is one of the must visit Antigua Guatemala bars. Aqua has a large restaurant and pool on the ground level.  The pool is accessible with a day pass that costs Q150 ($20 USD) and includes a towel and access to the lounge chairs. More information on the pool is available on their website.  

For me, the real gem is the rooftop.  You’ll walk up an outdoor staircase surrounded by greenery and enter the roof with spectacular views of the volcanoes. The Volcán de Fuego is on full display and you can watch it regularly let out puffs of smoke. 

While there we even got a spectacular show from the Volcán de Agua which had a lightning storm happening behind the mountain. 

The drinks here are on the higher end price wise at around Q75 for specialty drinks, but they are also giant.  By giant, I mean they are the size of a goblet. 

This is the perfect place to have a drink or dinner and watch the sunset on your trip. 

Cafe Sky Bar

Located on the eastern edge of town above Hotel Bikers Antigua, you’ll find Cafe Sky Bar. 

Cafe Sky Bar features an interior dining room, covered exterior patio and an open air rooftop to enjoy in any weather.  Like most rooftops in Antigua, you’ll have unobstructed views of Volcán de Agua. 

They are open morning through night, to enjoy views with breakfast or a coffee or drinks in the evening. 

The bar has very affordable drinks starting around Q25 for local beers and Q40-50 for most cocktails. Between the prices and the views there’s a reason why this is one of the best bars in Antigua Guatemala.

Snug

One of the most popular Antigua Guatemala bars is Snug, an Irish pub run by an expat.  The name reflects the size of the bar as well.  The interior portion of the bar is snug, with the rooftop bar not much larger. The downstairs has a small number of bar seats and about 4-5 tables.  The rooftop seats a similar number of people but is much more spacious. 

Snug is known for hosting live music regularly on the rooftop in the evenings. They also have friendly staff and a welcoming environment.  If you need a break from Central American food, you can find all your favorite bar foods and Irish fare on the menu, including all day breakfast. 

Best Antigua Guatemala Bars for Cocktails

Ulew

If you’re looking for a well crafted cocktail in Antigua Ulew is the place to go.  What makes this cocktail bar special is not just that they don’t believe in menus, but it’s also a speakeasy. 

To get to Ulew you’ll head to the Antigua Brewing Company, walk through the shop, then head to the old school phone booth.  You’ll walk through and find the entrance to Ulew and wait to have the host/waiter find you a spot.  Like most speakeasies, the bar is small.  There are a handful of seats along the main bar and about 6 tables inside to allow around 25 people total in the bar. 

Once seated your server will tell you they don’t have a menu. Instead, you’ll tell them what types of spirits and flavor profiles you like.  Wait a few minutes and then you’ll have a one of a kind drink made just for you. 

The drinks here are on the pricey end (for Guatemala) at Q80 per cocktail with an automatic 10% tip included in the bill.  But this is one of the best cocktails you’ll find in Antigua Guatemala bars.

Best Antigua Guatemala bars for Atmosphere

Restaurante Fridas

Located between the Arco de Santa Catalina and the Iglesia de La Merced, you will find Restaurante Fridas.  This restaurant is themed for the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo with colorful paintings in her honor and vibrant walls and graphics throughout. 

The bar sits just inside the entrance along the street so you’re able to people watch as you have a drink or snacks. 

While they have an extensive bar they are best known for the selection of mezcals and mezcal cocktails. If you find one you like you may be able to purchase it from their shop as they have a few brands available.  Through the shop you can also buy a Frida inspired sugar skull mug or t-shirts. 

Tabacos y Vino

Across the street from Fridas, and directly next to the arch is Tabacos y Vino. Stop by this beautiful wine and tobacco shop after sightseeing and enjoy a glass of wine. 

The shop is small in a very cozy way.  Have a drink on top of a wine barrel or at the one communal table inside to make new travel friends. 

Outside the shop they often have signs for happy hour wine, but inside you’ll also notice signs that show a sliding scale of prices.  You might pay Q35 for your first glass, but the more you drink the cheaper the pricing gets. When in Antigua!

Best club in Antigua

El Barrio

Whether you’re looking to go dancing, enjoy a rooftop, or watch a soccer match, El Barrio has something for everyone. 

El Barrio is spacious!  You’ll find a sports bar at the entrance with large screen tvs playing soccer matches and pool tables in the back.  Next there are two bars adjacent to the main courtyard, which has tables by day and dancing by night.  Off to the side you’ll find an extremely cute bar with jungle decor that’s a little quieter than the main space.

As you head upstairs, take a quick instagram photo on the non-moveable swing.  Once you get upstairs you’ll find the 5th bar.  The rooftop is very spacious with two large areas on opposite ends of the courtyard below. 

El Barrio is one of the most fun and friendly Antigua bars you’ll find which attracts locals and tourists alike.  While not late by US standards, they’re open until 1am which is about as late as you’ll find in Antigua.

Frequently Asked Questions