The Best of Downtown Guanajuato
It is a pleasant 20-25 minute downhill walk from La Presa to the city center. Keep walking downhill until you reach the Jardin de Union. Buses stop in front of Cafe Tal until 9pm and they all go downtown. To take a return bus, go to the tunnels and take any bus marked "PRESA". It doesn't hurt to ask the driver to make sure!
Taxis and Uber run all night and cost around 60 pesos. It is generally okay to walk back at dusk, but there is a risk of minor crime like in any city.
Lunch
Delica Mitsu: Japanese delicatessen with sushi
La Vie en Rose: authentic French food and pastries
Food stalls on the left and inside the Mercado Hidalgo
Dinner
La Tasca de La Paz: Mexican classics with a great view of the Plaza de la Paz
Bars
La Clave Azul is hidden in Plaza San Roque, quirky decor and free tapas when you buy drinks in the afternoon
Nigromante Rooftop has a great view and good cocktails
El Incendio is a traditional student bar, nothing fancy but popular with locals.
In the Jardin de la Union, there are several sidewalk bars with mariachis and great people watching. Bar Tradicional Luna is my favorite for its specials and food.
Museums
There are many museums in Guanajuato, from art to mummies. My favorites in the center are:
Diego Rivera Museum, in the house where Rivera was born, which has a variety of his works in different styles throughout his life.
Don Quixote Iconographic Museum, which shows the various interpretations of the hero of Cervantes in various forms.
Activities
Walking through the center can keep you entertained for days. From La Presa to La Alhóndiga, you pass most of the important squares in about 45 minutes of slow descent.
Take the funicular to Pipila from behind Theatro Juarez for great views of downtown.
Callejonadas: Buy tickets for students dressed in medieval clothing around the Jardin de la Union for an evening singing tour of the city, starting in front of the Templo San Diego
Theatro Juarez - check box office for plays and concerts around the city
Shopping
La Casa de las Artesanías in Plaza de la Paz has a few rotating local craft shops, but San Miguel has more variety
Taller Pinche Grabador: best for traditional ink prints, there are several studios on this street (map)
Gym
Strong Gym in Centro It’s about a 20 minute walk into town. Does day, week and monthly passes with no other fees or paperwork. Simple gym with all basic cardio and weight equipment, but not other things like bands, towels, showers, medicine balls, etc. Very simple gym but good for basic workout needs.