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Ringed by forested hills in a highland valley, sprawling Tegucigalpa enjoys a relatively fresh, mild climate and a spectacular setting. It's a bustling and dynamic place, but one that many travelers minimize their time in or skip over entirely. This is a shame as Tegus (as all locals call it) is a fascinating place, with some good museums, restaurants and the air of a place on the up. Keep your ear to the ground and you'll discover a dynamic young urban scene led by emerging artists, musicians, DJs and designers.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Tegucigalpa.
Museum
If you hit only one sight in Tegus, head here. The museum is housed in the gorgeously renovated 19th-century former Palace of Ministries. It's a superb overview of the nation's history and identity through modern exhibits. Displays are in Spanish, but there are free tours in English by excellent guides four times a day (also ask for French or German tours).
National Park
This small hilltop park 6km from downtown has busy walking trails, but the main reason to visit is to stand at the feet of the approximately 20m high El Cristo del Picacho (entry L10) that you may have seen lit up, hovering high above the city at night. There are sweeping views over the city from up here.
Plaza
At the center of the city is the Plaza Morazán, often called Parque Central by locals – this is Tegucigalpa's hub. A statue of former president Francisco Morazán on horseback sits at its center. An elaborate baroque cathedral dating from the 18th century overlooks the square: step inside and you'll find an intricate altar of gold and silver.
Cultural Center
It's well worth dropping by this cultural center, and situated right on the Parque Morazán, which is handicrafts, clothing and tools on display, as well as a library and information about the Garifuna people. Employees will also be able to tell you where you can see Garifuna dance troupes performing their incredibly athletic and sensual dance moves.
Church
The most important church in Tegucigalpa – and therefore in Honduras – is this neo-Gothic basílica. La Virgen de Suyapa is the patron saint of Honduras; in 1982 a papal decree made her the patron saint of all Central America. Construction of the basilica, which is famous for its large stained-glass windows, began in 1954.
Church
This striking church, which dominates an otherwise unremarkable plaza, has some attractive religious art. Its facade contains figures representing the Passion of Christ – his unseamed cloak, the rooster that crowed three times – all crowned by the more indigenous symbol of the sun.
Church
In 1847, the convent of La Merced was converted to house Honduras' first university; the country's national gallery was established there in 1996, but moved to Comayagua in 2015. The well-restored building is itself a work of art, and as impressive as the paintings inside.
Notable Building
This unusual modern building on stilts (next door to the Parque La Merced) is the Palacio Legislativo, where congress meets. It was here in December 2009 that congress voted against reinstating ousted president Manuel Zelaya.
Monument
This monument, inside Tegucigalpa's largest park, was erected in 1996 in the name of eternal peace between the 'fraternal nations of Central America.'