Portal del Comercio (Pasajes) - Image 1
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Portal del Comercio Pasajes

4.3
·604 reviews·Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala

Step into Guatemala's past at Portal del Comercio Pasajes, a historic commercial hub with neoclassical charm and the city's oldest bar.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
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Portal del Comercio (Pasajes) - Image 1

Portal del Comercio Pasajes

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into Guatemala's past at Portal del Comercio Pasajes, a historic commercial hub with neoclassical charm and the city's oldest bar.

4.3
(604 reviews)

"A must-see place to visit... the oldest bar in the city is located here."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the History

Take photos of the stunning neoclassical architecture and vibrant street vendors.

🍻 Enjoy a Local Brew

Experience the city's oldest bar and try a traditional 'chibola' of beer.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Oldest Bar in the City

Oldest Bar in the City

Inside Portal del Comercio Pasajes

Sip on a 'chibola' of beer at the city's most historic bar, a true taste of Guatemalan tradition.

Reddit
Neoclassical Architecture

Neoclassical Architecture

Marvel at the elegant neoclassical facade, a testament to the building's rich history and architectural significance.

Reddit
Diverse Shops

Diverse Shops

Browse a variety of shops selling everything from jewelry and shoes to fabrics and unique handcrafted items.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Step Back in Time

Explore the historic Portal del Comercio Pasajes, one of Central America's first commercial centers. Admire its neoclassical architecture and discover a unique blend of old-world charm and modern shops. Reddit

A Taste of History

Don't miss the chance to visit the city's oldest bar, rumored to have opened in 1932. Enjoy a local beer and soak in the atmosphere of this iconic establishment. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, bar visits
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

¿No sabes a donde ir hoy? ☕️ te recomiendo este lugar al aire libre 🍃 #guatemala #lugaresparacita #zonaportales
@keeganbuchhalter
89.3K likes • 1.5M views

📸 Capture the History

Take photos of the stunning neoclassical architecture and vibrant street vendors. TikTok

🍻 Enjoy a Local Brew

Experience the city's oldest bar and try a traditional 'chibola' of beer. Reddit

El PORTALITO - Un viaje al pasado en el corazón de la Ciudad de Guatemala. El lugar donde el tiempo se detiene y los sabores chapines explotan. 🍻 ¿Te atreves a probar una ‘Chibola’ en el bar más antiguo de la ciudad? #Guatemala #PasajeRubio #elportalito
@dannyflorian.gt
43.1K likes • 625.4K views
Primera academia de trading en GUATEMALA 🇬🇹 #guatemala #cayala #tradingforex #education #Trading #centroamerica
@javier_irahetasv
29.9K likes • 203K views

🛍️ Explore Unique Shops

Discover handcrafted goods, jewelry, and other unique items from local vendors. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Discover

Take your time to explore the different sections and soak in the historic ambiance. TikTok

Aprendamos a invertir en bonos del tesoro de Guatemala! Acompañenme a invertir! . . . . . . . . Esto no es una recomendación financiera. Únicamente lo hago con fines educativos. #Guatemala #interés #inversion #interescompuesto #invertir #dinero #finanzaspersonales #finanzas
@inversionistas.so
13.2K likes • 325.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the History

Take photos of the stunning neoclassical architecture and vibrant street vendors. TikTok

🍻 Enjoy a Local Brew

Experience the city's oldest bar and try a traditional 'chibola' of beer. Reddit

🛍️ Explore Unique Shops

Discover handcrafted goods, jewelry, and other unique items from local vendors. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Discover

Take your time to explore the different sections and soak in the historic ambiance. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(604 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Portal del Comercio Pasajes as a must-see historic site, highlighting its unique blend of old-world charm and diverse shops. The presence of the city's oldest bar is a significant draw, offering a taste of local tradition. While generally well-maintained, some may find the abundance of street vendors and private guards notable.

"A most see place to visit... the oldest bar in the city is located here"

Pedro Arias-Mourato

"Nice old shopping center, said to be among the first such places set up for commerce in Central America. Municipal workers are almost always around keeping it clean. There are also police officers present keeping the peace. Modern shopping in old-fashioned style shops--jewelry stores, shoes, fabrics, antiques, a small hair salon, a tiny convenience store, a store offering nothing but purses and backpacks. A small pizza place--Al Macarone. Do not be alarmed by the armed private guard present in almost all shops here and in other shops, restaurants and stores in the country. Also, plenty of street vendors selling al kinds of wares, from electronic accessories like cheap headphones and selfie sticks to socks and underwear, but mostly small handcrafted items such as friendship bracelets and beaded necklaces."

Sol García-Juárez

"The mother of all shopping malls.
The Portal Del Comercio was built in 1788 by architect Luis Monzón, but was destroyed by the earthquakes of 1917 and 1918. It was rebuilt in 1924 by the Aycinena clan and was given its neoclassical aspect.
Legend has it, that the first merchants to set up shop here, were selling underwear for women. Due to this parents forbade their daughters to pass in front of the store fronts, lest they were exposed to such "indecency".
Nowadays it houses various restaurants, bars and shops."

Cuija Gaming

What People Like

Historic architecture
Oldest bar experience
Variety of shops

What People Dislike

Abundance of street vendors
Presence of armed guards

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Portal del Comercio Pasajes is located in the heart of Guatemala City. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing services, or local buses that frequent the downtown area. TikTok

Parking can be challenging in the downtown area. It's often recommended to use ride-sharing services or public transport. If driving, look for nearby paid parking lots. TikTok

The area is best explored on foot once you arrive. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll want to wander through the different pasajes and shops. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Portal del Comercio Pasajes is generally free. You can walk through the historic corridors and browse the shops without purchasing a ticket. Reddit

The shops and bars within Portal del Comercio Pasajes typically operate during regular business hours, usually from morning until early evening. It's best to check specific shop hours if you have a particular place in mind. Reddit

There is no admission fee to enter the oldest bar. You only pay for any drinks or food you consume. Reddit

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

You'll find a variety of shops including jewelry stores, shoe shops, fabric stores, antique dealers, a hair salon, a convenience store, and stores selling purses and backpacks. Reddit

Yes, there are dining options including a small pizza place called Al Macarone and the historic bar which serves drinks. Reddit

Absolutely! Many street vendors sell small handcrafted items like friendship bracelets and beaded necklaces, perfect for souvenirs. Reddit

A 'chibola' is a local term for a small bottle or can of beer, commonly enjoyed at bars in Guatemala. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed, especially to capture the unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Be mindful of private shops and ask permission if you plan to photograph inside them. TikTok

The neoclassical facade, the interior corridors with their historic charm, and the lively street vendors offer great photo opportunities. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Portal del Comercio Pasajes offers a unique educational experience for families. Kids can marvel at the neoclassical architecture and learn about the building's history as one of Central America's first commercial centers. Reddit The variety of shops, from jewelry to handcrafted items, can be interesting for children to explore, and the presence of street vendors selling small trinkets provides fun souvenir opportunities. Reddit While the oldest bar is a highlight for adults, families can enjoy the general atmosphere and perhaps a snack from one of the eateries. Remember to keep an eye on children in crowded areas and ensure they are comfortable with the presence of armed private guards, which are common in Guatemala. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Portal del Comercio Pasajes is an excellent destination for budget travelers. Entry to the complex is free, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere and admire the architecture without spending a dime. Reddit You can find affordable souvenirs from the numerous street vendors selling handcrafted items like bracelets and necklaces. Reddit For a taste of local life without breaking the bank, consider visiting the oldest bar for a reasonably priced 'chibola' of beer. Reddit Dining options like Al Macarone offer casual and budget-friendly meals. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

Portal del Comercio Pasajes is more than just a shopping center; it's a living piece of Guatemalan history. Originally built in 1788 by architect Luis Monzón, it was tragically destroyed by earthquakes in 1917 and 1918. It was subsequently rebuilt in 1924 by the Aycinena clan, who gave it its distinctive neoclassical appearance. Reddit This architectural style, characterized by its grand proportions and classical detailing, makes it a visually striking landmark in the city. The building's legacy is deeply intertwined with the commercial development of Guatemala City, making it one of the earliest commercial hubs in Central America. Reddit

Legend even whispers that the first merchants here sold women's underwear, a fact that reportedly caused parents to forbid their daughters from passing by, fearing exposure to such 'indecency.' Reddit Today, it continues to serve as a vibrant commercial space, housing a variety of shops and eateries, while retaining its historical significance. The presence of municipal workers and police officers ensures a safe and well-maintained environment for visitors. Reddit

The Iconic Oldest Bar

A major draw for many visitors is the presence of the city's oldest bar, a place steeped in local lore and tradition. Said to have been operating since 1932, this establishment offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience a piece of Guatemala City's social history. Reddit Visitors are encouraged to try a 'chibola' of beer, a local term for a small beer, and soak in the authentic atmosphere. TikTok The bar is not just about the drinks; it's about the experience of being in a place that has witnessed generations of conversations and celebrations. Reddit

This historic bar is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Portal del Comercio Pasajes. It represents a continuity of social gathering and local culture within the bustling city. For those looking to connect with the authentic pulse of Guatemala City, a visit to this bar is a must. Reddit It's a place where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and the simple pleasure of a cold drink is elevated by the weight of history. Reddit

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