Entertainment Overview

"Eat, drink, and be merry" sums it up for Guatemala's burgeoning capital. Toss in visits to a couple of Guatemala City's world-class museums, too. There's no question that parts of the sprawling city are chaotic and congested, and yet the quiet, polished streets of the New City, with their fine restaurants and comfy hotels, can be a much-needed dose of civilization after hitting the country's more remote sights. Guatemala City's problem will always be that equally polished, equally fine, equally comfy Antigua sits nearby and offers those same advantages with a stunning colonial city as backdrop to boot.

The Zona Viva is the city's nightlife center, offering everything from bars (sedate or lively) to noisy discos. Strolling the streets is especially entertaining, as people come here to see and be seen. Dress codes have been implemented by some of the nicer places, which generally means men must wear dress shoes to be admitted. Expect lines at the most popular places.

Old City nightspots have more character than those in the New City, so they shouldn't be passed up just because the area isn't the greatest. Never walk alone at night, especially south of 15 Calle. Pick a place you want to visit, take a taxi there, and have your hotel or restaurant call one to take you back.