Plaza del Obelisco
A central landmark in Guatemala City, featuring an iconic obelisk, vibrant street life, and a hub for community events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Plaza del Obelisco
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A central landmark in Guatemala City, featuring an iconic obelisk, vibrant street life, and a hub for community events.
"Great for pictures and to feel the movement of the citizens!"
🚶♀️ Enjoy a Morning Stroll
Visit on a Sunday morning to see locals walking with families and pets. It's a peaceful and authentic experience.
🍔 Taste Local Delights
Explore the variety of fast foods and drinks available around the plaza. Perfect for a quick and tasty bite.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Obelisco Monument
Center of the Plaza
A towering monument commemorating Guatemalan history and national achievements. A must-see landmark.
Weekend Family Gatherings
Throughout the Plaza
Experience local life as families and pets enjoy morning walks and community events. A lively, authentic atmosphere.
Vibrant Street Food Scene
Around the Plaza
Savor a variety of local fast foods and drinks. A delicious way to experience Guatemalan flavors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Plaza del Obelisco
Navigating the Plaza's Surroundings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Enjoy a Morning Stroll
Visit on a Sunday morning to see locals walking with families and pets. It's a peaceful and authentic experience.
🍔 Taste Local Delights
Explore the variety of fast foods and drinks available around the plaza. Perfect for a quick and tasty bite.
📸 Great for Photos
The plaza and its monument offer fantastic photo opportunities to capture the city's energy.
🎉 Experience Local Events
The plaza is a hub for celebrations and cultural events, offering a glimpse into Guatemalan life.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Enjoy a Morning Stroll
Visit on a Sunday morning to see locals walking with families and pets. It's a peaceful and authentic experience.
🍔 Taste Local Delights
Explore the variety of fast foods and drinks available around the plaza. Perfect for a quick and tasty bite.
📸 Great for Photos
The plaza and its monument offer fantastic photo opportunities to capture the city's energy.
🎉 Experience Local Events
The plaza is a hub for celebrations and cultural events, offering a glimpse into Guatemalan life.
🛍️ Explore Nearby Shops
Discover various shops and cafes surrounding the plaza for a complete city experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Plaza del Obelisco is a well-regarded landmark in Guatemala City, praised for its iconic monument and vibrant atmosphere, especially on weekends. Visitors appreciate the lively community feel, the variety of street food, and its role as a central hub for events and local life. Some find the surrounding traffic intense, but overall, it's seen as a clean and engaging place to experience the city's energy.
"Plaza Obelisco is one of the most famous landmarks in Guatemala City, located at a major intersection in the city. The plaza is dominated by a tall obelisk monument that commemorates important moments in Guatemalan history, including the country’s independence and other national achievements. The surrounding area is a hub of activity, with nearby roads leading to various parts of the city.
The plaza is often a focal point for celebrations, protests, and cultural events. It serves as an iconic symbol of Guatemala City, providing both a historical and modern atmosphere with bustling traffic, shops, and cafes nearby. The area is a popular place for locals and visitors to gather, take photos, and experience the energy of the city."
Dani Baal
"It's an excited and nice experience ti be there in plaza obelisco in Sunday morning. A lot of people came here for morning walk with their families and pets. From the government sude, the security is very high, national police, army troops, fire brigade, municipal clean personnel, pet care department. Also many non governmental organizations also present to educate the people with variety of activities. I love this historic place. You’ll find variety of fast foods, drinks. Thus is the nice place to spend a good and quality tine with family with wide open space, park, flowers, many trees."
Shivananda Sasmal
"Good wide open city park, it serves as link between Reforma and Americas avenues in Guatemala City, those are a green walking areas"
Luis Perea
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plaza del Obelisco is located at a major intersection in Zone 10 of Guatemala City, connecting Reforma and Americas avenues. It's easily accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services. If you're using public transport, look for buses that pass through this central area.
Yes, it's a very prominent landmark at a key intersection, making it hard to miss. It's a central point in the city.
Plaza del Obelisco serves as a link between Reforma Avenue and Americas Avenue, which are known for their green walking areas.
Depending on your starting point in Guatemala City, walking might be an option, especially if you are in nearby zones. However, be mindful of traffic.
While the plaza itself is a public space, surrounding areas and nearby commercial centers may offer parking options. It's advisable to check for parking availability in advance if you are driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Plaza del Obelisco is a public square and generally free to enter. You can walk around and enjoy the monument and atmosphere without any charge.
As a public outdoor space, the plaza is accessible at all times. However, specific events or nearby businesses might have their own operating hours.
The Obelisco monument is a historical landmark and typically viewed from the plaza. Access to climb or enter the monument itself is usually restricted, though special events might offer limited access.
While the plaza is free, any specific festivals or organized events held there might require tickets or have associated costs. It's best to check local event listings.
The plaza is a busy area, but like any urban center, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. Security is often present, particularly during events.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
You can admire the Obelisco monument, enjoy the open space for walks, experience local street food, and witness community gatherings, especially on weekends. It's also a great spot for photography.
Yes, it's a popular spot for families, especially on Sunday mornings when many locals bring their children and pets for a stroll.
Public restrooms may not be readily available within the plaza itself. It's advisable to use facilities in nearby cafes or commercial establishments.
The plaza is a focal point for celebrations, protests, and cultural events, including national holidays like Independence Day.
Absolutely! The Obelisco monument and the surrounding urban landscape provide excellent backdrops for photos, capturing the essence of Guatemala City.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a variety of street food vendors offering fast food and drinks. It's a great place to sample local flavors.
Yes, the area surrounding Plaza del Obelisco is a commercial hub with numerous shops and cafes, offering a range of dining options.
Street food options might be limited for strict vegetarian or vegan diets, but nearby restaurants in Zone 10 are likely to offer more diverse choices.
Street food is a popular part of Guatemalan culture. While generally safe, it's always good practice to choose vendors that appear clean and busy.
Look out for traditional Guatemalan snacks and fast foods. Trying local specialties is part of the experience!
📸 📸 Photography
The Obelisco monument itself is the primary subject. Also, capture the surrounding architecture and the lively street scenes, especially during events.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while evenings can provide dramatic city lights. Golden hour before sunset is also ideal.
Drone usage in urban areas like this is often restricted due to airspace regulations and privacy concerns. It's best to check local drone laws before flying.
During national holidays like Independence Day, the plaza is often decorated and hosts events, offering unique and festive photo opportunities.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both the monument and wider scenes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the plaza's expanse.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific playgrounds, the wide-open space allows for running around, and the general ambiance is lively and engaging. You can also find various food options to satisfy young appetites. Consider visiting nearby commercial centers like Oakland Place for additional family-friendly activities.
🛍️ Shoppers and Foodies
Nearby, you can explore commercial hubs like Oakland Place Guatemala or find unique items at stores like Country Díaz which has a branch within the plaza itself. This makes it a great destination for a combined sightseeing, shopping, and culinary adventure.
📸 Photographers and History Buffs
History enthusiasts will appreciate the monument's significance as a commemoration of Guatemalan history. The plaza itself often hosts events and gatherings, providing dynamic scenes to photograph that reflect local culture and national pride.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Obelisco Monument
Many national celebrations and historical commemorations take place around the Obelisco, making it a dynamic and ever-present part of Guatemala City's cultural fabric. Whether it's a national holiday or a community gathering, the Obelisco is often the backdrop, embodying the spirit of the nation. Its visibility from various parts of the city further solidifies its status as an iconic symbol.
For visitors, understanding the historical context of the Obelisco enriches the experience. It's not just a tall structure but a representation of national identity and historical milestones. Taking a moment to appreciate its significance adds a deeper layer to your visit to Plaza del Obelisco.
Experiencing Local Life at Plaza del Obelisco
The plaza also serves as a hub for various community organizations and government services. You might find educational booths, health initiatives, and environmental awareness campaigns, showcasing the active civic engagement within the city. This offers a unique opportunity to observe and even interact with local initiatives.
Beyond the organized activities, the street food scene is an integral part of the plaza's charm. Numerous vendors offer a tempting array of local fast foods and refreshing drinks, providing a delicious way to immerse yourself in Guatemalan culinary culture. It's a place where you can feel the pulse of the city and connect with its people.
The Commercial and Architectural Landscape
TikTok creators have highlighted the presence of commercial centers like Oakland Place Guatemala nearby, often described as one of the prettiest malls in the city, featuring multiple floors of stores and restaurants. Another notable establishment is Country Díaz, a store specializing in Western wear, which has a branch within Plaza Obelisco itself, offering a unique shopping experience.
The architecture surrounding the plaza often reflects a blend of modern and traditional styles, contributing to the urban aesthetic. The proximity to these commercial areas makes Plaza del Obelisco a convenient spot for both sightseeing and shopping, offering a comprehensive urban experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit