One of the world's most beautiful cities by LADH
Antigua is somewhere that takes hold of you and doesn't let go. The evocative ruins, purple jacaranda trees, beautiful old buildings, lovely friendly people and its volcanoes are all magical. It's built in a grid system, so it's easy to orientate yourself, as long as you remember the extinct volcano, Agua, is to the south and the hill with the cross is to the north. Don't visit the cross on your own - the tourist police take groups regularly (check the times in their office, just off the Parque Central on 4a Ave Norte). Walking to the cross can be a dangerous route where muggers hang out, knowing there'll always be some tourists too cool to go with the police. There are wonderful shops in Antigua - don't miss Chocotenango inside Deliciosa on 3a Calle Poniente, 2, which sells fab handmade chocolates (very expensive but worth it). There are also lots of great delis - worth seeking out - including a really good one on 6a Ave Sur, which sells organic and veggie food and is run by two really lovely men, who will make food up to order. It's one of the few places that sells cakes not covered in sickly artificial icing. The market in Antigua, at the end of Calles 3a and 4a Poniente, is superb. Don't go there looking like you have anything expensive as pickpocketing is rife. You can get great bargains though - just make sure any food you buy there (such as vegetables, rice etc) is well and truly washed in safe water before eating it.I miss the atmosphere, the way everyone smiles and says Buenas Dias to strangers and the sight of the volcano Fuego smoking.