The city is a maze of cobblestone streets and alleys that wind around steep hillsides upon a small ravine, opening into vistas of beautiful churches and small plazas. The famous Underground Street, officially known as Calle Miguel Hidalgo, follows the course of the old Guanajuato river and runs barely 3 kilometres beneath the city. Guanajuato has no traffic lights or neon signs, creating an extremely enjoyable place to walk, peaceful, yet with plenty of life in the streets, and plenty to see.

Guanajuato hosts several festivals through the year:

• Festival Cervantino, a major international art fiesta on the streets and theaters each October (1th to 17th in 1999). After Miguel de Cervantes, author of "Don Quixote," whose plays are performed by college students on a small and picturesque plaza.
  
• Hot Air Balloon Festival, runs each November.
  
• Alfenique Fair, Last days of October, November 1st and 2nd, at San Fernando Square. Many vendors of almond candies in various shapes, and traditional skulls labeled on foreheads with proper names. Prizes given to best works.
  
• The Festival de la Presa marks the start of the rainy season, and it officially begins on June 24th.