Architecture in Guatemala City

The Guatemalan capital isn’t the most glamourous of destinations, but it’s an increasingly interesting place for visitors.

One of the intriguing things you will notice as you wander around the historic center of town, in Zone 1, is the varying architectural styles. While most of the rest of the city has no discernible style, Zone 1 is home to some impressive buildings.

Many of these buildings are Art Deco, an architectural style in fashion in the 1920s and 30s. If you follow the main shopping street, 6^th Avenue, you’ll be able to see many of them. Look out for Edificio La Perla, on the corner of the central square, which houses an old bar called El Portal where Che Guevara used to drink during his time in the city.

Then take a look at Edificio Engel, a pink building that now houses apartments. Across the street is the old LUX cinema, now home to the Spanish Cultural Centre. Next up is the Cine Tikal, with the old façade intact but a discount clothing store inside.

It’s also worth walking down to 5^th Avenue to see the Imprenta Hispania building, with its impressive lettering on the outside.

Other impressive buildings include the National Palace of Culture and the Metropolitan Cathedral in the central square. Neither are Art Deco, but they are great to have a wander around.