Abutting the Parque Central and set on the corner of the Catedral de Santiago itself, the Casa de la Cultura holds a wealth of cultural artifacts such as textiles and massive exemplifications of wooden marimbas, a traditional instrument of Guatemala. Tourist assistance is also offered inside, so give them a visit!
Antigua is a city full of artists, and La Luna evidences the most elegant forms of this creative bent with its line of handmade paper products. These range from tiny jewelry boxes to ballooning overhead lamps, some cut so intricately that they seem like some geometrical evolution of origami. Cards, journals, picture frames, gift boxes, and photo albums are also fashioned out of the paper, some of which is pressed with fresh flowers embedded in it. Enter through the Casa del Conde, across the street from Parque Central, to access the paper shop; it is on the left before reaching Café Condesa.
Only a few blocks away from the hotel sector, this store is located in one of the quietest parts of the city. Stocked with every basic grocery article and more, this place has a warm atmosphere to shop in.
The original market, designed by Miguel Rivera Maestre, was located at the Plazuela del Sagrario where the first cemetery of the city used to be. Throughout the years it has been used for different purposes. In 1871, it was used as barracks, but due to the earthquakes of 1917 and 1918, the building started deteriorating. After the earthquake of 1976 it was declared a dangerous building, and it was re-built underground. At present, it offers a wide range of products, including foodstuffs such as grains, fruits and vegetables, live animals, and a great variety of handicrafts made of textiles, silver, leather, wood, maize leaves, bamboo, clay and many other materials.
The little shop filling the entranceway to Sabe Rico is a sweet place, in all senses of the word. It stocks specialty foods both packaged and homemade, including gluten-free products ranging from chocolates and granola to bread and pasta. The already impressive establishment is increasingly amazing as patrons walk deeper; the shop gives way to a courtyard, then two separate garden areas filled with lush greenery and charming shaded tables. The menu lists a delicious variety of dishes, and pleasant surprises like teas brewed from herbs grown organically just a few feet from your table... or, with luck, the pure white rabbit who was too cute to cook might pop out of the vegetation to lend a fanciful feel to your dining experience.
There's a good chance that travelers to Antigua can find what they're after at Kafka : the restaurant, bar, and hostel serves customers meals or drinks in their choice of seating spaces, including a terrace, garden, and even hammocks. Wireless internet is available throughout, although events like happy hour may prove distracting! A tiny clothing store in the entrance, where a talented weaver can often be found selling her textiles, will even keep guests well-clothed for exploring this beautiful city. Call ahead for hours of operation.