Guatemala City, Guatemala
Historic center with major cultural sites and heavy daytime police, but dangerous after sunset. Visit 9am-4pm with tour groups only, leave before evening.
Zone 1 is the historic center - National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza de la Constitución, some museums. During busy hours (9am-4pm) the plaza fills with tour groups, families, vendors, business people. Police and security guards at major sites, Tourist Police patrol and speak basic English. The colonial buildings are nice, important historical sites if you're into culture. The safety situation changes dramatically as the day goes on. Around 4-5pm vendors pack up fast, tour groups leave, locals clear out. By sunset the side streets are poorly lit and empty. Even Guatemalans from other parts of the city avoid Zone 1 at night - high crime including muggings and armed robberies. Pickpockets work during the day too, especially around the central market and bus stops. Only visit during peak hours with tour groups or Tourist Police, see the sites, then Uber to Zone 10 well before evening. Don't stay overnight here and don't wander side streets even during the day.
Daytime Safety
ModerateNight Walking Safety
PoorHarassment Risk
HighPublic Transport Safety
ModeratePickpocketing Risk
HighScam Risk
HighPolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
PoorSolo Dining
ModerateDrug Activity
ModerateHomelessness Visibility
HighGetting By in English
Moderate"Beautiful historic buildings but left by 3pm as locals advised"
"Saw lots of police during day but area empties fast in afternoon"
"Pickpocketing attempt at the central market - stay very alert"
"Join a morning walking tour - don't explore alone"
"Important cultural sites but genuinely unsafe after dark"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Creative district with galleries, cafes, and street art. Good during the day, unsafe after dark. Strictly daytime only.
Airport area with hotels in gated communities. Functional transit zone for early flights or late arrivals. Not interesting, just practical.
Zone 10 is Guatemala City's tourist bubble - safe but expensive and lacking local character. It's the only area where walking at night is reasonable, with constant security and English-speaking staff.
Help other women stay safe in Zone 1 (Centro Histórico)
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.