guadalajara mexico tourism

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Guadalajara

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Guadalajara may be Mexico's second largest city and the capital of the state of Jalisco, but it is a city that has still managed to preserve the independent character of a town conscious of its own traditions.

The city exudes a distinct European atmosphere, with wide tree-lined boulevards, leafy plazas, Spanish-influenced architecture, and sidewalks humming with activities and attractions. But Guadalajara is also famous as a center of mariachi music, and is a stronghold of Charreadas, the Mexican version of the rodeo.

The Tapatios, as the people of Guadalajara call themselves, celebrate the popular folk dance, known as Jarabe Tapatio. These three things together are often what travelers imagine when they think of Mexican folk traditions, and Guadalajara is at the heart of them all.

It's also an easy city to explore, thanks to its mild subtropical climate. It's easy to navigate, as well, thanks to the city center's four magnificent squares, handily connected and arranged in the form of a cross, with the city's principal tourist attractions and things to do set around them.

Guadalajara is as cultural and diverse as Mexico City, but much smaller in size and less hectic in energy. For ideas on the best places to visit, read our list of the top tourist attractions in Guadalajara.

See also: Where to Stay in Guadalajara

1. Instituto Cultural de Cabañas

2. guadalajara cathedral, 3. expiatory temple (templo expiatorio del santísimo sacramento), 4. the government palace, 5. teatro degollado, 6. guadalajara zoo, 7. josé clemente orozco's frescoes, 8. rotonda de los jaliscienses ilustres, 9. parque agua azul & bosque colomos, 10. the regional museum of guadalajara, 11. the churches of santa mónica and san agustin, 12. guachimontones archaeological site, 13. charros de jalisco, 14. tlaquepaque, 15. haciendas, where to stay in guadalajara for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in guadalajara, guadalajara, mexico - climate chart.

In the downtown historic core, the World Heritage-listed Instituto Cultural Cabañas (formerly called Hospicio Cabañas) is a splendid Neoclassical former hospital and orphanage built at the beginning of the 19th century.

Today, the complex is home to the Cabañas Cultural Institute and the Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Besides the building's graceful architecture, based on similar designs in Paris and Madrid, the main highlight here is the collection of 57 magnificent frescoes painted by José Clemente Orozco , which are widely considered to be among his finest works.

Most of the murals adorn the ceiling and walls around the vast nave and cupola, including his famous The Man of Fire ( El Hombre del Fuego ) mural . Guided tours are available in English and Spanish and are highly recommended.

Afterwards, visit the huge Market Hall (Mercado Libertad) nearby, where regional costumes, pottery, paper flowers, and musical instruments are offered for sale. It is the largest indoor market in Latin America.

Address: Cabañas 8, Las Fresas, 44360 Guadalajara, Jalisco

While occupying much of the lovely public square known as Plaza de Armas , the beautiful Guadalajara Cathedral (Catedral de Guadalajara) stands with its façade fronting the adjoining Plaza de los Laureles, a smaller square with an impressive fountain.

Built between 1558 and 1616 and much altered in later periods, the cathedral, although mostly Baroque in appearance, shows a remarkable mingling of different styles, particularly in its fine mostly Gothic interior. Highlights include its many chapels with their paintings attributed to Cristóbal de Villalpando, Miguel Cabrera, and Murillo, some of Mexico's finest artists. A particularly beautiful example by Murillo - the Assumption of the Virgin Mary - hangs over the doorway of the sacristy.

Address: Av Alcalde 10, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jalisco

Although one of Guadalajara's newer churches - construction started in 1897 and didn't end until 1972 - the Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento is undoubtedly one of the finest religious structures in the city.

Built in neo-Gothic style, the church is famous for its richly embellished exterior and many European-made components. Highlights include its finely carved doors inlaid with bronze reliefs, exquisite mosaics from Italy, a unique German clock, and a superb carillon capable of playing 25 different pieces of music (it can also be played from inside the church) while figures of the 12 Apostles move around it.

Also of interest are the building's fine stained-glass windows from France and the richly decorated Golden Altar with its many biblical stories.

Address: Av López Cotilla 935, Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jalisco

Steps from the cathedral in the finest of Guadalajara's four main squares, the Plaza de Armas , stands the Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno). Started in 1643 and completed in 1774, this splendid Baroque building is well worth a visit with its many columns displaying zigzag ornamentation, large volutes, and Churrigueresque pilasters (estípites).

Notable interior highlights include its fine old staircase and, in one of the council chambers, a number of murals depicting the War of Independence, along with the heroes of the three Mexican wars, painted by famous fresco-painter José Clemente Orozco, a native of the state of Jalisco.

Address: Avenida Ramón Corona, Guadalajara, Jalisco

Opposite the cathedral, the Neoclassical Teatro Degollado is the city's most important - and beautiful - performing arts venue. Completed in 1866, this impressive theater is worth visiting for its fine architectural details and lavish interior design. The exterior features 16 Corinthian columns and a marble relief of Apollo surrounded by the nine muses.

Known for its excellent acoustics, the theater is home to the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jalisco and Guadalajara City Ballet, among other local cultural institutions, and it also hosts international Mariachi competitions. Even if you can't catch a performance here, it's worth poking your head inside to gape at the plush, gilded interior. Like a red and gold layer cake, five tiers of balconies soar above the stage, and dramatic frescoes depicting scenes from Dante's Divine Comedy adorn the ceiling.

Address: Calle Degollado s/n, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

Just a few minutes north of the city is the Guadalajara Zoo (Zoológico Guadalajara). In addition to its fine setting - it overlooks the stunning Santiago Gorge - this fun attraction is one of the largest and most important zoos in Latin America.

Highlights of its collection of animals include many rare species such as white lions, Bengal tigers, and black panthers, plus a large primate contingent featuring gorillas and orangutans, along with a number of native Mexican species such as Mexican wolves.

Other highlights include a large aquarium and a reptile house with numerous lizards, snakes, and spiders. The zoo is also noted for its large aviaries, in particular two dedicated to songbirds and tropical species. Kids will love Safari Masai Mara, a fun ride through the African savannah stocked with antelope, rhinos, and other species.

Address: Av Paseo del Zoologico 600, Huentitán El Alto, 44390 Guadalajara, Jalisco

Spread across the city are a number of sites featuring artwork by one of Mexico's most renowned painters, José Clemente Orozco (1883 - 1949). Some of his finest work can be seen in the form of frescoes in a former chapel in the Instituto Cultural Cabañas complex. Painted between 1938 and 1939, these huge murals portray the Four Elements, Art, and Science , as well as the Conquest and the Four Riders of the Apocalypse .

The high point is the superb fresco The Man of Fire ( El Hombre del Fuego ) in the dome.

Various rooms around the complex are also of interest as they contain a variety of exhibits devoted to Orozco's life and works. Another site containing examples of Orozco's frescos is the Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno).

Just outside Guadalajara Cathedral in Plaza de Armas, the Rotonda de Los Jaliscienses Ilustres (Rotunda of the Illustrious Jaliscienses) is one of the city's most distinctive monuments and lives in a beautiful park-like setting.

Constructed in 1952 in honor of the state's best-known historical figures - including famed artist José Clemente Orozco, whose work can be seen in murals across the city - this large circular stone monument features 17 tall columns and houses the remains of 98 important individuals. Statues of some of these individuals adorn the surrounding lawns.

Hot Tip: Visit the site after nightfall when it's lit up in spectacular fashion, an effect heightened by a flaming cauldron in the middle of the rotunda.

Address: Av. Fray Antonio Alcalde 108, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

Guadalajara's most popular public park is the beautiful Parque Agua Azul, literally translated as the Blue Water Park. Opened in 1952, the park covers an area of some 168,000 square meters and is a wonderful place to stroll among the landscaped gardens and trees.

Highlights include a tropical orchid house, as well as a Butterfly House and an aviary, both home to a wide variety of indigenous species. Also of interest is the adjacent Casa de las Artesanías , an area where local folk art is exhibited and sold, as well as a small anthropological museum (the Museum of Paleontology ), an open-air theater, and a flower market.

Another popular park in Guadalajara is Bosque Colomos . Densely wooded in parts and punctuated by meandering waterways where ducks glide, this peaceful green space offers a relaxing respite from the city buzz. Other highlights here include a tranquil Japanese garden, running tracks, and a cultural center with art-related workshops in genres such as folk dancing, painting, drawing, and sculpture. Bird-watching and picnics are other popular things to do here.

Address: Calz Independencia Sur 973, Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

The Regional Museum of Guadalajara (Museo Regional de Guadalajara) is just a short stroll from the Plaza de Armas and is worth a quick visit.

Housed in a former 18th-century seminary that also served as a headquarters and prison during the War of Independence, the museum opened in 1918 and features numerous Pre-Columbian finds and scattered ethnographical displays, but note that the descriptions are mostly in Spanish.

Highlights include 14 dioramas and exhibits dealing with local fossils and geography, a large mineral collection that includes an 800-kilogram meteorite, and a fine collection of colonial-era artwork, as well as contemporary and modern art.

Depending on the day of your visit, some rooms might be closed.

Address: Calle Liceo 60, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jalisco

Guadalajara boasts many splendid old churches and most are easily accessible from the historic city center. One of the prettiest, the 17th-century Church of Santa Mónica (Templo de Santa Mónica), lies a few blocks northwest of the cathedral and is notable for its Baroque façade, with its twisted columns and intricately carved ornamentation including grapes, cobs of maize, angels, double eagles, and symbols of religious orders.

Also of interest is the splendid Church of San Agustin (Templo de San Agustín), part of a former convent built in the 16th century with later Baroque flourishes and boasting a splendid interior that includes a fine altar with an image of the church's patron saint. Other Baroque churches of interest are the 17th-century San Francisco, San Felipe Neri, and Aránzazu Churches.

Address: Esq Degollado, Calle de Morelos, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jalisco

Mexico is steeped in thousands of years of indigenous culture, the most well-known of which are the Mayan and Aztec cultures.

But Mexico is home to many more indigenous tribes who have left their marks on history. The Teuchitlan people lived in what is now known as the Tequila Valley outside of Guadalajara, from 300 BC through AD 900, and have left monumental structures behind, which make for a great day trip from Guadalajara.

These structures are known as the archaeological site of Guachimontones, distinct circular step pyramid structures that look similar to beehives and seem to pop out of the grassy valley floor. This is one of the only examples of rounded pyramids in Mexico, though excavations at other Teuchitlan sites reveal that there may be similar structures.

It is one of the most spectacular sites in Jalisco, but be sure to arrive prepared with comfortable shoes and water. It's a bit of a challenging climb up to the archaeological site.

Sunday is a very special day in Guadalajara. Sunday is the day that Guadalajara comes alive with the tradition of charreria. What exactly is charreria? As of 1933, charreria is the official national sport of Mexico. It's often aligned with the rodeo in the United States, but it has distinct differences.

Charreria can trace its roots back to the 16th century, when horses were brought to Mexico on Spanish ships. The charreria culture started on the haciendas, predominantly in the state of Jalisco. Haciendas were large, ranch-style homes on sprawling acres of land with many employees and farmhands. The original charros (charreria competitors) were farm workers, who would hold competitions to show off their horse skills.

Fast forward to the 1920s and 30s, when the hacienda culture had ended and the rise of formal charreadas began. Today it is a national sport performed all across the country and one that is deeply rooted in the traditions and history of Mexico.

One of the best spots in Guadalajara to watch the charreria events is at the Lienzo Charro. Charros here are not paid but rather participate in the events out of sheer passion. The event always starts at noon and features about nine different competitions to show off horse-riding and wrangling skills. The entire event is usually over by 2pm – just in time for lunch.

Charreria events are always entertaining, especially in Guadalajara. The stands come alive with spectators who come for the revelry, the socialization, and, of course, the competition. Afterwards it's not uncommon for families and friends to all have a big meal together. It's a day of family, history, and cultural pride.

Just outside Guadalajara is the small village of Tlaquepaque. Tlaquepaque is a shopper's and art-lover's paradise, splashed in color, packed with galleries and boutiques, and restaurants.

One of Mexico's famous Magical Towns, Tlaquepaque has a history rooted in pottery and sculpture tradition, which is why it has attracted so many artists and artisans over the years to open their own shops and galleries. Today it is home to more than 200 workshops and art galleries.

In this stunning small town, visitors love to meander the cobblestone streets, which are often flanked with buildings festooned with colorful flags, murals, or outdoor art.

Several museums can be found in Tlaquepaque, as well, like the Panduro Pottery National Prize Museum or the Regional Museum of Ceramics of Tlaquepaque . The latter sits inside a house that dates back to the 17th century.

Since Tlaquepaque is so close to Guadalajara, it can easily be done for an hour or two, if not for a full day. But Tlaquepaque also has great boutique hotels for people who want to linger a bit longer.

An important part of the history of Western Mexico is the hacienda culture that was in place for the better part of 300 years. Since the arrival of the Spanish up until the Mexican Revolution, haciendas played an integral role in the culture and society of Mexico.

While hacienda culture is long gone, many of the historic buildings still remain. Many of them have even been renovated and modernized for the 21st century and converted into luxury hotels. A trip outside the city to visit or stay at one of these haciendas provides such a unique glimpse into the past of Jalisco and the area surrounding Guadalajara.

One of the most famous haciendas is Hacienda El Carmen Hotel & Spa , which is about an hour from Guadalajara. Sitting on a sprawling amount of land, the 16th-century building has been in the hands of one family for generations. Today it is a gorgeous hotel with a fabulous restaurant, spa, horseback riding, and lovely views over the rolling mountains and farmland.

In the city proper, Villa Ganz Hotel Boutique is another historic hacienda that has been converted into a boutique hotel. This villa sits in the vibrant Lafayette neighborhood, known for its galleries, museums, restaurants, and shopping.

If you're visiting Guadalajara for the first time, the best place to stay is in the historic city center. The main tourist attractions lie a short walk from each other in this central area, including Guadalajara cathedral, Government Palace, and the Rotunda of Illustrious Men. Some of the city's luxury hotels are a short taxi ride from the historical center in an upscale area of the city, near Expo Guadalajara. Here are some highly rated hotels in these convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• Next door to Expo Guadalajara, The Westin features in-room spa treatments and a fitness center.
• Step back in time at the Quinta Real Guadalajara , a five-star hotel in a historic garden oasis in the heart of the city.
• In an exclusive area of the city, about a 15-minute drive from the Plaza de Armas, Hotel Riu Plaza Guadalajara has contemporary guest rooms, with accents in bright, bold hues, and an inviting spa and outdoor pool.
• Not far from the Hotel Riu Plaza Guadalajara is Casa Habita , a design-forward hotel that is heavy on chic, vintage vibes, from its rooftop plunge pool to deep soaking tubs and minimalist (yet modern) accents.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The Hotel Morales Historical & Colonial Downtown Core , with a heated rooftop pool, drips with history and sits within walking distance of the city's major historic attractions.
• In a beautiful old mansion, about a seven-minute walk from the cathedral, the boutique, family-owned Casa Pedro Loza has individually styled rooms with striking color schemes and stylish accents.
• Also near the cathedral as well as Teatro Degollado, One Guadalajara Centro Historico sports a sleek, modern decor. Breakfast is included in the rates.

Budget Hotels:

• In a great location near the top sites in the historic center, the BEST WESTERN Gran Hotel Centro Historico has basic rooms and a swimming pool.
• Also near the historic center, Dali Plaza Hotel offers clean, spacious rooms for a budget-friendly price.
• Another good option is the colonial-style Hotel la Rotonda , just steps away from the cathedral.

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Guadalajara

As Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara delivers a less frenetic alternative to the nation’s capital. And, while many of the images recognized as Mexican have their roots here – mariachi music, wide-brimmed sombreros, the Mexican hat dance and charreadas (rodeos) – Guadalajara is as much a vanguard of the new Mexico as it is guardian of the old. An embarrassment of museums and theaters drive the cultural life forward, fusion chefs have sharpened the edges of an already legendary culinary scene and foresighted local planners are doing their damnedest to tackle the traffic.

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Home » Travel Guides » Mexico » 15 Best Things to Do in Guadalajara (Mexico)

15 Best Things to Do in Guadalajara (Mexico)

The capital of the western Mexican state of Jalisco, Guadalajara is at the heart of the second largest urban area in Mexico.

The city has monuments to match its status, like the Hospicio Cabañas, a splendid hospital complex from the turn of the 19th century, and a 400-year-old Colonial Renaissance cathedral.

Also in Guadalajara’s conurbation is the city of Tlaquepaque, featuring a charming old centre with a flair for arts and crafts and mariachi.

For a day trip, Tequila is an easy drive through fields of blue agave cultivated for Mexico’s beloved spirit.

Guadalajara also hosts the mammoth Mercado San Juan de Dios, the largest indoor market in the Americas.

There you’ll be tempted by treats like iced horchata, a refreshing rice, vanilla and cinnamon drink, and tortas ahogadas, sandwiches soaked in a chilli sauce.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Guadalajara :

1. Cathedral

The main church for the Archdiocese of Guadalajara, the cathedral is edged by four plazas that form a cross shape.

This monument has come through all kinds of catastrophes, including no fewer than seven earthquakes.

One in 1818 brought down the dome and the towers, which were rebuilt later in the century in a neo-Gothic style.

The remainder of the cathedral dates to the 16th and 17th centuries and has Colonial Renaissance architecture.

The stained glass was shipped from France, while in the chancel and various chapels are seven majestic altars, including one to Our Lady of Zapopan, Guadalajara’s patron saint.

She divides her time between the cathedral and a nearby basilica, which we’ll cover later.

A creepy curiosity is the preserved mummy of Santa Inocencia, a girl said to have been killed by her father in the 1700s.

2. Hospicio Cabañas

A World Heritage Site, this immense complex was established in 1791 as a hospital, almshouse, orphanage and workhouse.

With a large rectangular footprint, it has the same kind of format as Madrid’s El Escorial or Les Invalides in Paris.

Something interesting about Hospicio Cabañas is that everything is laid out on one level, to make it easier for the infirm, elderly and children to get around.

The man behind the design was the Mexico City architect Manuel Tolsá who embellished the complex with balustrades and arcades around 23 courtyards.

If there’s one thing to look out for, it’s the series of frescoes by José Clemente Orozco, culminating with “Man of Fire” in the dome, painted in 1936-39.

3. Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento

A shining piece of neo-Gothic architecture, this church was built over 75 years between 1897 and 1972. With dainty tracery, crockets, a rose window and mosaics in its tympana, it’s almost indistinguishable from a European Medieval building.

That is no accident, as the church’s stonework and fittings were handmade using the same methods.

The church’s clock was crafted in Germany, together with its 25-bell carillon.

When the clock chimes you can see little statues of the 12 Apostles rotating through the campanile.

The chancel and nave are lit by tall and slender stained glass windows painted by two artisans from Orléans on a template by the artist Maurice Rocher.

4. Tlaquepaque

Once a city of its own, Tlaquepaque was engulfed by the conurbation in the 20th century, and is set just six kilometres southeast of the centre of Guadalajara.

The Historic Centre of Tlaquepaque is as pretty as it gets, with historic mansions, orange trees, colonial churches and a beautiful arcaded plaza, El Parián.

This is traced by bars and restaurants and has a bandstand at the centre, and the sound of Mariachi bands will never be far away.

Tlaquepaque is famed for these ensembles, and they’re a key part of the San Pedro festivities in June when the streets of the Historic Centre are garlanded with papel picado (paper banners). The city also has an artisan tradition, and glassware, pottery shops, candle stores, pewter forges and art galleries abound.

5. Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres

In the very centre of the city, opposite the cathedral, is a monument behind railings, paying homage to the State of Jalisco’s most prominent figures.

Designed by the architect Vicente Mendiola and built in 1952, the rotunda has 17 fluted columns without capitals or bases, arranged in a circle.

In the frieze above is an inscription reading “Jalisco a sus hijos esclarecidos” (From Jalisco to its enlightened sons). In the trough below are the tombs of 96 famous Jaliscans, while the garden around has 22 statues of some of the more distinguished personalities.

Among them are the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Luis Barragán, poet Enrique González Martínez and painter José Clemente Orozco.

6. Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan

This 17th-century Franciscan church complex is in Zapopan, eight kilometres northwest of Guadalajara Cathedral.

The basilica has theatrical colonial Baroque architecture, fronted by a gateway that has a pair of powerful Ionic columns.

Passing through to the courtyard you’ll be greeted by a sumptuous facade of scrolls and delicately sculpted reliefs, under two domed bell towers.

The interior is similarly exuberant, with fluted columns, polychrome statues, paintings and lots of gold leaf.

On 12 October the basilica witnesses Mexico’s third-largest pilgrimage.

More than a million worshippers join a procession with the Virgin of Zapopan from Guadalajara Cathedral to the basilica.

This image of Mary was carved in Spain in the Middle Ages and brought to Mexico in the 1500s.

7. Palacio de Gobierno

The seat of Guadalajara’s Municipal Council is an eye-catching neo-Colonial building completed in 1952. The facade has an arcade, pinnacles and Guadalajara’s carved coat of arms, while the interior is known for the massive murals that decorate its hallways and chambers.

These were painted by José Clemente Orozco and Gabriel Flores, another of the luminaries to appear on the Rotunda nearby.

You can pop inside to see the monumental image of the revolutionary leader Miguel Hidalgo y Costillo on the ceiling above the main stairway.

8. Plaza de la Liberación

There are four plazas around the cathedral, all with food vendors if you’re up for a tamale, taco or torta (sandwich). The largest public space is Plaza de la Liberación to the east.

This square, drawn up in 1952, is often used for free concerts and is known locally as the “Plaza de las Dos Copas”, for its two fountains shaped like wine glasses.

There’s a larger than life-sized monument to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla symbolising his abolition of slavery in 1810. Afterwards you can drop by Plaza Guadalajara, which has an underground shopping centre, and Plaza de Armas, where there’s a French 19th-century wrought iron bandstand used in the past for rabble-rousing political speeches.

9. San Juan de Dios Market

Guadalajara has the largest indoor market in Latin America.

The San Juan de Dios Market was built in 1958, taking up 40,000 square metres and with 2,980 stalls.

These sell almost anything you can think of, be it shoes, DVDs, eyeglasses, homewares, electrical and clothing.

Tourists flock to the market’s many arts and crafts stalls, found along with fresh produce on the first floor.

Go up a level and you’ll come to the restaurants and food stalls, which are another big attraction.

One indulgent Guadalajaran speciality to taste is a torta ahogada (drowned sandwich), in which a bolillo bread sandwich is filled with fried pork (carnitas), chicken or beans and served on a deep plate flooded with a sauce made with arbol chillies, vinegar and garlic.

You can decide how spicy you want the sauce and how “drowned” you want your sandwich to be.

10. Bosque Colomos

At the boundary between Guadalajara and Zapopan is a lush 92-hectare park with more than 32,000 trees.

At Bosque Colomos you’ll meet families having picnics under eucalyptus trees and jogging trails that weave deep into the woodland.

The park has a Japanese garden for a few minutes of quiet contemplation, and at the centre is a large lake, supporting a few bird and amphibian species.

There’s a regular market for food and arts and crafts, and stables for children to try horse riding.

11. Panteón de Belén

Until the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres was built, Jalisco’s preeminent figures were honoured at this cemetery, in use from 1848 to 1896. With mausoleums, chapels, tombs and statues the Panteón de Belén is an outdoor museum of 19th-century funerary architecture.

It was planned by architect Manuel Gómez Ibarra, who also appears on the Jalisco rotunda.

A standout monument here is the Egyptian Chapel, so-called for its pyramidal roof.

The general spookiness of the cemetery has given rise to all manner of legends about pirates, monks and vampires, all now engrained in local folklore.

There are extra visitors around Day of the Dead (2 November) for daylight and creepy night-time tours.

12. Guadalajara Zoo

A swift taxi ride from the Historic Centre, the Guadalajara Zoo is rated as one of the best in Latin America and has a higher variety of species than any in Mexico.

The enclosures are embedded in well-maintained gardens, providing ample shade and equipped with added attractions like the “Sky Zoo” an aerial tramway with a bird’s-eye view of the monkey, gorilla, lion, bison and wolf habitats, and a “Masai Mara” safari experience in which you’ll get close to giraffes, elephants, rhinos, hippos and ostriches.

Other family favourites are the zoo’s train, aquarium with a glass tunnel and the Antarctica Zone, where you can briefly experience sub-zero temperatures and watch playful Adélie and Gentoo penguins.

13. Parque Mirador Independencia

Just past the zoo on the northern edge of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area is the Barranca de Oblatos, a canyon cut by the Río Grande de Santiago and the most convenient hiking destination near the city.

In the 1970s a park was set up on the rim of the canyon, with sweeping vistas across the 500-metre ravine.

The most dramatic lookout in the park is from the benches at the amphitheatre where the bluffs and verdant slopes are mesmerising.

14. Lake Chapala

Under an hour south of Guadalajara is Mexico’s largest freshwater lake, with a surface area of 1,100 kilometres.

The shore has consistently mild temperatures, around 22°C in any season, and this has drawn lots of American and Canadian expats to lakeside communities like Ajijic.

In this town there’s a superb market on Wednesdays, and a gorgeous waterfront park and palm-fringed promenade looking towards the mountains on the south shore.

Something to taste at Lake Chapala are charalitos, which are deep-fried minnows like Spanish pescaditos fritos, topped with chilli and lemon.

From the town of Chapala you can catch a boat out to Scorpion Island, which has food and drink stands, a couple of chapels and paths traced by lush vegetation and flowers.

15. Tequila

The road leaving the conurbation to the northwest passes through an ocean of bluish-green spikes.

These belong to the blue agave plant, which is the main ingredient in Mexico’s most famous beverage.

Tequila is an hour away from Guadalajara and is essential, even for non-drinkers, as Tequila and its agave landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Almost every shop in the town is tequila-related, selling shot glasses and tequila sets, but if you want to cut to the heart of the industry you have to book a tour at La Rojeña, the distillery for Jose Cuervo.

This best-selling tequila brand was founded in 1795 and is still operated by the descendants of Don José Antonio de Cuervo, who was awarded a land grant for Tequila by King Ferdinand VI in 1758.

15 Best Things to Do in Guadalajara (Mexico):

• Hospicio Cabañas
• Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento
• Tlaquepaque
• Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres
• Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan
• Palacio de Gobierno
• Plaza de la Liberación
• San Juan de Dios Market
• Bosque Colomos
• Panteón de Belén
• Guadalajara Zoo
• Parque Mirador Independencia
• Lake Chapala

• North America
• 15 Must Visit Attractions In...

Must-Visit Attractions in Guadalajara, Mexico

Northern England Writer

Guadalajara is a Mexican destination like no other. As the capital of Jalisco – the state which gifted mariachi, tortas ahogadas and tequila to the world, lest we forget – Guadalajara boasts a big-city feel and small-town charm, and is chock full of unique sights and sounds that more than justify paying it a visit. So skip the coastal classics, make room in your Mexico itinerary, and pay a visit to the top 15 attractions in Guadalajara.

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Bosque Los Colomos

Bosque Los Colomos is the most famous park in Guadalajara. It is home to many attractions, including a Japanese garden, a cultural center, bridges, a small dam, and many trails, often occupied by runners and bikers getting in a workout. The park, a natural protected area, sits in the western part of the city, with new houses and apartment towers trying to invade the land, but the citizens continue to defend the rich landscape.

Mercado San Juan de Dios

Market, Mexican, $

Sprawling San Juan de Dios is Guadalajara’s largest market , filled to the brim with vendors who’ll happily hawk you anything from fresh produce to live animals, and from tacky tourist trinkets to some of the most emblematic of Mexican crafts (leather products and tyre-soled sandals, anyone?). Prepare to haggle with the sellers (within reason), because if you walk in as a tourist, you can be sure their price point will suddenly shoot up.

Guadalajara Cathedral

The two iconic towers of Guadalajara’s cathedral loom out over the downtown area, making for an impressive attraction in the centre of the city. It’s no wonder, then, that locals are incredibly proud of this architectural highlight, which (in its current iteration) dates back to 1854 and is made up of a veritable blend of architectural styles. Those famed towers are neo-gothic, while the rest of the building is Spanish renaissance.

Tlaquepaque

Art Gallery

Around 20 minutes from the historic centre of Guadalajara is Tlaquepaque , one of the state’s most colourful and typical pueblos, as popular with locals as tourists. Wander the cobbled streets, pick up plenty of typical Mexican goods, and enjoy some of the city’s best dining while you’re there too. For small-town charm just a stone’s throw from Guadalajara, a day trip to Tlaquepaque can’t be missed.

Barranca de Huentitán

Natural Feature

For nature fans in Guadalajara who want to escape the city for a few hours and enjoy a day out in the countryside, the official Protected Area of Barranca de Huentitán is the ideal getaway spot. Situated on the outskirts of the city, if you love hiking, extreme sports or just great views, you should make time in your itinerary for a visit. And, if you’re feeling extra-prepared, take a picnic or pack a disposable barbecue to make the most of the afternoon… but take your rubbish with you when you leave!

Hospicio Cabañas

The stunning Hospicio Cabañas building is not just one of Guadalajara’s architectural highlights; it may also be one of the city’s most haunted. At various times, the establishment has been used as an orphanage, an asylum, and a military barracks. Several ghost stories are told about the property, the most popular being the legend of the huge clock which stopped every time a child died in the orphanage.

Templo Expiatorio

Building, Church

One of Guadalajara’s less-visited Catholic attractions , Templo Expiatorio makes for a pleasant hour or two, especially thanks to the peaceful plaza situated out front. After exploring the interior of this neo-gothic build, which took three quarters of a century to construct, you can take it easy with a book and enjoy the pleasant Guadalajara weather outside. Keep your eyes peeled for the display that takes place every time the hour strikes.

Rotunda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres

Surrounded on all sides by well-manicured grass on which you can enjoy a moment of relaxation in the heart of Guadalajara’s historic centre, the Rotunda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres (“illustrious Jaliscienses”) is a monument constructed in 1952 which pays tribute to the most famous sons and daughters of the state of Jalisco. Take in the busts of Dr. Atl, muralist Jose Clemente Orozco, Irene Robledo G., and even Pedro Moreno, or just see which names you recognise.

Teatro Degollado

Building, Theatre For a traditional theatrical experience in Guadalajara, getting tickets for a show at the historic Teatro Degollado is a must. Opened in 1866, this imposing downtown building is the best conserved example of neoclassical architecture in all of Latin America and one of the most important performing arts institutions in the country. If you can, check out an orchestral performance or catch a dance show; you can pay a visit without buying a ticket, but do check the opening times for guided tours carefully.

Avenida Chapultepec

Market Chapu to the locals, and Chapultepec to the guidebooks, this avenue slices through Guadalajara, providing a dividing line between the Obrera and Americana neighborhoods. It is known for its great cafés during the day, great restaurants for the evening, and even better nightlife after dark. If you go to Guadalajara without going out on Chapu, have you really been to Guadalajara? (No.) If you’re not much of a party person, you can head there for the weekly Saturday tianguis (market) and pick up some souvenirs instead.

El Mercado de Santa Tere

Market, Juice Bar, Mexican, $

Nothing is more typical in Mexico than market dining, and it’s not uncommon to be the only foreigner in the Mercado de Santa Tere tucking into deep-fried quesadillas or a hearty chile relleno , served with rice, soup, or tortillas. Watch Mexican ladies haggle for chiles and admire the colorfully decorated juice bar and the even more colorful characters that run it. Even if you didn’t fancy eating here, soaking up the buzzing atmosphere makes it worth the trip. Outside of the market, strolling around the entire Santa Tere neighborhood allows a peek into daily Mexican life, too.

Palacio de Gobierno

Building Constructed in the mid-20th century, this neoclassical edifice is a must-visit for anyone finding themselves in the historic centre of Guadalajara, especially if you’re interested in the art, culture, and history of the city and state. As well as housing many archeological finds and rooms dedicated to discussing the typical crafts of Jalisco (tequila-making, anyone?), there are a number of impressive Orozco murals for you to snap a few photos of, and a pleasant courtyard in which to take a break.

Distillery Jalisco is the birthplace of tequila , the famous Mexican spirit made from the blue agave plant, and visiting Guadalajara without spending a day in Tequila is unthinkable. There are several tour companies that run trips to this small and vibrant town, including the Tequila Express. Although the most expensive option, everything is planned out for you and it includes travel, food, entertainment, and tastings. Alternatively, make your own way there and join a distillery tour group when you arrive, but either way, prepare for a boozy day.

Natural Adventure

Amusement Park The Natural Adventure amusement park makes for the ideal afternoon out if you’re travelling to Guadalajara with kids. With paintball, climbing walls, and go-karts, among other attractions, you’ll surely be able to find something to keep everyone amused all day long.

Panteón de Belén

Cemetery The Panteón de Belén was originally built and expanded upon to provide a final resting place for the sheer volume of Jaliscienses who were dying from cholera, and once housed the homages to famous Jaliscienses which can now be found at the aforementioned Rotunda de los Jalisicenses Ilustres. Nowadays, it is simply one of Guadalajara’s spookiest attractions , and is well known for hosting guided nighttime tours complete with ghost stories and tall tales.

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8 Best Things To Do in Guadalajara

Updated May 8, 2023

You could fill a visit to Guadalajara simply by visiting its countless plazas, which are shadowed by grand architecture and peppered with colorful vendors hawking their wares. But along with touring historic buildings, such as the Guadalajara

• All Things To Do

Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres free

The Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, or Rotunda of the Illustrious Jaliscans, is a circle of 17 Doric columns and a monument to the region's favorite writers and revolutionaries. In fact, bronze statues of teacher Irene Robledo García, artist José Clemente Orozco and 20-some others ring the rotunda. Some of their ashes are even tucked into the monument. 

Recent travelers said the rotunda is a great place to get a quick dive into the history of Guadalajara. Many also suggest viewing the monument at night when it's lit by multi-colored lights 

Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento free

The Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento is a Gothic church that first opened its doors in 1897. It's defined by large stone pillars and equally enormous stained-glass windows. If you're passing by at 9 a.m., noon and 6 p.m., you'll witness 12 apostles process out through a door in the clock tower – just like clockwork. 

Recent visitors called this church "an amazing piece of art" and a must-see. Others recommend planning your visit on weekend afternoons when the plaza around the church fills with vendors selling delicious foods, such as strawberry and pineapple tamales. 

Guadalajara Cathedral Guadalajara Cathedral free

Guadalajara's cathedral is one of the region's most iconic landmarks. Begun in 1558 and finally completed in 1618, it didn't get its signature neo-Gothic towers until the 19th century after an earthquake damaged the structure. Aside from its fusion of architectural styles, some of the treasures housed inside include richly adorned vaults, one of the largest organs in Mexico and stained-glass windows imported from France.

Travelers highly recommend stopping by the ornate cathedral (especially at night when it's illuminated), and some suggest visiting in November and December when street fairs fill the cathedral surrounds. Some reviewers even said the church's elaborate interiors rival Europe's most famous houses of worship.

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Instituto Cultural de Cabanas Instituto Cultural de Cabanas

The Instituto Cultural de Cabanas is an architectural gem – done up in neoclassical style – that has earned the coveted UNESCO World Heritage site designation. The massive complex, which used to shelter orphans, the elderly and individuals with disabilities, houses everything from several resplendent courtyards to modernist murals by famed artist José Clemente Orozco, as well as works by a handful of other Mexican artists.

Recent travelers can't say enough positive things about the Instituto Cultural de Cabanas, praising its architecture, exhibits and Orozco frescoes. One reviewer suggests taking the time to read the descriptive placards beside the artworks since they were written by Mexican poet and diplomat Octavio Paz.

San Juan de Dios Market San Juan de Dios Market free

Tapatíos ( Guadalajara natives)  like to say that their San Juan de Dios Market – also called Mercado Libertad – is the world's largest indoor market, but whether that's true or not, the Mercado's modern building is filled with traditional treasures that are worth a perusal. Handfuls of stalls hawk everything from Paracho guitars to leather goods to scrumptious foods like gorditas and candy.

Many visitors said this sprawling market is like a maze, adding that it's easy to get overwhelmed and even lost in its overflowing stalls. For many, it wasn't the market's goods that drew them to visit; it was the building itself. Many described the market's interior and the promenades surrounding it as visually arresting, while others cited this attraction as the best place to find affordable local food. For some of the market's best eats, travelers suggest visiting the stalls with the longest lines, which tend to be the most popular with locals. 

Guadalajara Zoo Guadalajara Zoo

The Guadalajara Zoo contains the usual suspects – rhinos, giraffes, monkeys and more – but what's unique is that many of the enclosures don't have barriers separating the visitors and the more than 4,000 animals that call the zoo home. This means that giraffes can eat right from visitors' hands and that monkeys can climb all over patrons. The zoo also boasts an aquarium, an area devoted to Australian animals and a herpetarium, among other attractions. What's more, travelers can board a safari truck to see the zoo's collection of African animals or hop on its chair lift, which gives you a bird's-eye view of the zoo's flora and fauna.

Recent travelers said that to really see this enormous zoo (which spans several hundreds of acres), you'll need more than one day. Additionally, many were impressed by the immaculate landscaping and the animals, which looked happy and cared for. 

Parque Agua Azul Parque Agua Azul

This park's green space is consistently enjoyed by kids on the playgrounds, families watching performances at the outdoor concert stage called la concha (the shell) and recreational footballers playing pick-up games. There's also an aviary and a butterfly enclosure, jogging trails, as well as a separate greenhouse for orchids. 

One recent visitor described the Parque Agua Azul as the "lungs of the city," since it allows visitors to take in deep breaths of fresh air amidst the park's fountains, flowers and trees. However, a few travelers said that they felt the park attracted pickpockets; some also lamented the park's dirty appearance. 

Tequila Express Tequila Express

The travel, tour and tastings are all included on the Tequila Express, a train that transports visitors from Guadalajara through the rolling landscape of agave fields to the Casa Herradura Distillery in the nearby city of Tequila. The family-owned enterprise also offers mariachi entertainment and a buffet lunch. 

Recent visitors described their experience as "well-organized" and the tour guides as "fantastic," though one traveler recommended asking about English-speaking guides if you know little Spanish. Another tip: Double-check your booking. Several travelers cautioned that a similar but less popular tequila train tour is offered by Jose Cuervo. 

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10 Unique Things to do in Guadalajara, Mexico

Haven’t been to Guadalajara yet? This Mexican city is rich with culture, great food, and a vibrant arts scene and it’s become one of the most visited destinations in Mexico. It’s also one of the most populous cities in the country, making it impossible to cover everything in just one visit.

In this post, I’m sharing some of the most unique and awesome things to do in Guadalajara so you can make the most of the limited time you have!

I’ve traveled to over eight different destinations within Mexico, and what I especially loved about Guadalajara is that it’s a city that combines the historic and the modern into one. It has the feel of an old Spanish town, with cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings, but it also has a thriving nightlife scene and a vibrant cultural life.

In fact, Guadalajara is considered to be the traditional cultural center of Mexico. The city boasts many museums and galleries and the region has birthed some of Mexico’s most beloved traditions like mariachi music, tequila, and Mexico’s national sport, Charrería.

Let’s get into all the best things to do in Guadalajara below so you can get to planning your trip!

Where is Guadalajara Located?

Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco , located pretty smack dab in the center of Mexico. It’s about 350 miles northwest of Mexico City and directly inland by 200 miles from Puerto Vallarta.

The massive metropolitan area of Guadalajara is broken down into smaller urban districts that include Guadalajara Metropolitan , Tlaquepaque , Tonalá , and Zapopan . There are also three suburban districts, Tlajomulco, El Salto and Tequila.

This part of Mexico also has designated “magical towns” or Pueblo Magicos that surround Guadalajara, including places like Tlaquepaque and Tequila . I recommend pairing any trip to the city of Guadalajara with a day trip or overnight out to one or more of these magical towns to experience both the bigger city and more unique town culture.

Where to Stay in Guadalajara

The good news about finding accommodation in Guadalajara is that everything is relatively inexpensive compared to similar hotels in the US, so it’s easy to stay on a budget.

Here are the best places to stay in Guadalajara depending on how much you want to spend:

• JW Marriott Guadalajara
• Quinta Real Guadalajara
• Hyatt Regency Guadalajara
• Staybridge Suites
• Casa Habita
• Grand Fiesta Americana
• Hotel Demetria
• Hotel Grand Isitia
• Hotel Real de Castilla
• Hotel Rosa Morada

Check out more places to stay in Guadalajara, Mexico :

Unique Things to do in Guadalajara

1. Plan Your Visit Around an Amazing Festival

With so many beloved Mexican traditions that were birthed in Guadalajara, experiencing one or all of these during your visit is a must. And there’s really no better way to experience the most magnificent traditions here than during one of the many festivals and holiday events.

We planned our visit around the Mariachi Festival in late August which allowed us to catch live performances in the historic Teatro Degollado and really experience firsthand why these traditions are so important to Mexican culture.

Here are some great festivals throughout the year in Guadalajara area to plan your trip around:

• Guadalajara International Film Festival (March)
• Día de los Muertos /Day of the Dead (Oct/Nov)
• Tequila Festival (March)
• International Mariachi Festival (August/September)
• May Cultural Festival (May)
• Jalisco Jazz Festival (July)

2. Explore the Pueblo Mágico of Tlaquepaque

Since Guadalajara is so massive, it can be hard to get your bearings here which is why it’s so easy to mistake Tlaquepaque as a neighborhood of Guadalajara. But in fact, Tlaquepaque is its own independent city or “Pueblo Magico” within the greater Guadalajara metropolitan area!

This town is known as the creative and cultural mecca in this part of Mexico, and it doesn’t take long exploring here to run into more galleries, ceramics shops, street vendors and unique sculptures than you can count. I’d recommend spending a full day here to thoroughly explore and shop. Even better—pack an empty tote bag in your suitcase so you have room to fill it with goodies you find along the way in Tlaquepaque.

While in Tlaquepaque, don’t miss:

• Walk Calle Independencia : This is the main pedestrian walking center lined with street vendors, galleries and shops.
• Lunch at Casa Luna : This restaurant is just as artful as the rest of the area, with a gorgeous tiled bar and art mobiles hanging from the ceiling and regular live music performances.
• Step into another world at sculptor Sergio Bustamante’s Gallery
• El Parian — Considered the largest bar in Mexico, it’s really more like a bunch of bars and restaurants all centered around a center gazebo that offers live music. I wouldn’t recommend getting food here, but go for the drinks and experience!

3. Visit a Lienzo Charreria

Charreria is Mexico’s national sport, but as we learned after visiting the first Lienzo Charro in all of Mexico (a Lienzo is basically an arena), Charreria is so much more than that. This sport based around the craft of horse handling originated in the state of Jalisco and has been passed down through families over many generations in Mexico.

Deeper than what meets the eye, this tradition symbolizes to Mexican families the life lessons of working hard at your craft, overcoming challenges time and time again, and passing traditions down to younger generations.

We had the honor of visiting Lienzo Charro de Jalisco to learn about this tradition and witness the unique competitions that happen here. Sunday is the best time to visit to actually see the competitions that take place, so plan to book your trip over a weekend.

At Lienzo Charro de Jalisco, you can grab a bite to eat and something to drink while you watch the Charros (both men and women!) compete in various events to showcase the skill of horse handling. Our tour guide even taught us how to lasso—although fair warning, it’s a lot harder than it looks!

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For a brunch unlike any other, take a trip to the hip La Americana neighborhood and book a table at La Postreria. This spot opened in 2013 and is known for their dramatic desserts and pastries—ours was served with a rose and smoking dry ice!

You can also have a totally normal brunch here though too if desired, with classics like Chilaquiles, french toast and croque monsieur on the menu. However, I don’t recommend leaving here without ordering a sweet treat. The presentation alone is worth it!

5. Book a Show at the Teatro Degollado

The Teatro Degollado is one of the most historic theaters in Guadalajara and one of the best preserved in Latin America. Originally built in the 1800s, this neo-classical structure now stands as one of the iconic landmarks of the city.

There are plenty of shows and cultural events happening here on a monthly basis, so it’s worth looking at their schedule and tickets when you have the dates of your visit to see if there’s anything you’re interested in attending. While viewing the outside of the building is magnificent, catching of a glimpse of the inside is even more awe-inspiring. You’ll feel like a spectator transported in time to hundreds of years ago.

We were able to watch Mariachi here, but you can also take in a wide range of performances including opera and dance.

6. Stay Overnight in a Tequila Barrel

Near the Pueblo Mágico town of Tequila, Mexico, just one hour outside of Guadalajara, guests have the ability to sleep overnight in a giant tequila barrel. How’s that for a bucket list item!

Matices Hotel de Barricas is just a short drive outside of downtown Tequila and every room here literally looks like a tequila barrel. At the hotel, you can also dine in their cave restaurant, relax in the garden area or even book an art class and paint your own handcrafted tequila bottle to take home.

The town of Tequila itself produces 65% of the world’s tequila, so it’s definitely worth a visit for anyone who takes an interest in tequila making or wants to see a different side of Jalisco.

While here, take a stroll in the town square, pop into the Jose Cuervo distillery , eat lunch at Casa Sauza , and take a drive out of town for a tour of one of the tequila distilleries. We personally visited Cava de Oro which was located in a beautiful setting amidst the agave fields.

If you don’t want to spend a full night in Tequila, you can also make it a day trip and ride out from Guadalajara on the tequila train, the Jose Cuervo Express , which is a unique experience in and of itself. Departures only happen on Saturdays though, so make sure to check the train’s schedule and book tickets ASAP as they book far in advance!

7. Check out the Art of Sergio Bustamante

Sergio Bustamante is one of the most famous artists and sculptors in Mexico, and if you’re familiar with artists, then you’ll likely equate his surrealist works a bit to viewing something of a modern-day Mexican Salvador Dali.

You’ll notice Bustamante’s famous bronze sculptures have a theme of featuring humanoids with triangular-shaped heads; I particularly loved some of his works in the gallery that depict whimsical little staircases that seem to twist and weave together like a maze.

Stepping into his gallery in Tlaquepaque feels like stepping into a fantasy world, and it has an outdoor patio and separate garden which make it a unique thing to do in Guadalajara and a must for art lovers.

You can visit his gallery in Tlaquepaque at: Independencia Eje 238, Centro, 45500 San Pedro Tlaquepaque, Jal., Mexico

8. Try Candy From a Guinness Book of World Records Holder

If you want to try a local sweet treat from the winners of the Guinness Book of World Records’ largest dulce de leche candy, you’ll find it at Nuestros Dulces .

This small market-like candy shop has mini storefronts where you can taste locally made caramel candy, chocolate, and even bring your kids to an honor system storefront that is meant to teach little ones early habits of honesty.

If you’re looking for a great gift to bring home to loved ones that is guaranteed to be enjoyed by all, this is the place to go.

9. Find Unique Sculptures All Around the City

Probably one of the biggest things that surprised me about Guadalajara was all of the unique sculpture and monuments that pop up out of nowhere around the city.

There is of course the surrealist works of the city’s most famous sculptor Sergio Bustamante, but that’s not all you’ll find around Guadalajara.

Other works of note include the famous Quetzalcoatl sculpture in Plaza Tapatia and my personal favorite, this giant head sculpture (pictured) with a tree growing out of it. In the back, there’s actually a staircase you can climb to get to the top of the head, which is perfect for grabbing a unique photo in Guadalajara!

10. Visit a Pink Church in the Historic Center

Have you ever seen a pink church? I hadn’t until visiting Guadalajara’s El Sagrario Metropolitano de Guadalajara (or Metropolitan Tabernacle of Guadalajara), which is considered to be the second most important neoclassical building in the city. It’s located right off the Plaza de Armas in the historic center of the city.

I’m not typically a huge fan of visiting churches in places that I visit, but this one was too gorgeous to pass up. The dome ceiling in the center of the church featuring ornate sculpture and chandeliers is incredibly beautiful. Also don’t miss the unique crypt of Bishop José de Jesús Ortiz y Rodríguez which has a skull and cross bones on it!

Did this post help you plan an itinerary of the top things to do in Guadalajara? Let me know in the comments!

Planning a trip right now don’t miss my go-to websites for booking everything from flights and tours, to accommodation and more:.

• Booking.com for the best hotel deals
• World Nomads for flexible travel insurance
• VRBO for awesome rentals
• Skyscanner for finding the best flight deals
• Hostelworld for budget accommodation
• Rentalcars.com for easy car rentals

***This post was sponsored by Guadalajara Tourism, but as always, all of my opinions are my own and I would never promote anything I don’t freaking love.***

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Guadalajara Travel Guide

Mexico › Guadalajara Updated: March 1, 2022

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Frequently Asked Questions about Guadalajara

The iconic Guadalajara Cathedral with its unique 2 spires sits in the main plaza in downtown.

Where is Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco, in western Mexico. It is located in the central part of the state, in the Atemajac Valley, at an altitude of 5150 ft. (1570 meters). Eight municipalities make up its metropolitan area, which is the second-largest in the country, right after Mexico City.

How big is Guadalajara?

The population of Guadalajara is around 4,500,000 inhabitants, including its metropolitan area, distributed in an area of 1698 square miles (2734 square kilometers). Without counting the other seven municipalities, Guadalajara measures 94 square miles (151 square kilometers) and its population exceeds 1,500,000 inhabitants.

What is the history of Guadalajara?

In 1530, the Spanish Conquistador Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán decided to conquer the region of Guadalajara. Once he achieved this, he named it Guadalajara in honor of the Spanish city where he was born. The colonization process was long and complex due to the indigenous resistance and it wasn’t until 1542 that the new settlement finally took hold of the place it now occupies in the Atemajac Valley. In 1560, it became the capital of Nueva Galicia, now called Jalisco.

Mariachi music originated in the region around Guadalajara, and is one of 7 Mexican cultural traditions recognized by UNESCO.

How do I get to Guadalajara?

Guadalajara has an international airport located 10 miles (16 kilometers) away from the city center. It’s the third airport with the most air traffic in the country (after Mexico City and Cancun). There are daily flights from various parts of Mexico, the United States, and Central America. Transfer time from the airport to the city center by taxi is around 35 minutes.

When is the best time to go to Guadalajara?

Guadalajara has a privileged climate. The average maximum temperature in the year is 80°F (27°C) and the minimum is 51°F (11°C). The rainy season begins in late June and ends in early October. Even though the city’s tabachines and jacaranda trees aren’t in full bloom in the winter, this is a good time to explore the city on foot without worrying about rain or excessive heat.

What neighborhoods should I visit in Guadalajara?

Tlaquepaque is a popular neighborhood for both locals and tourists, filled with restaurants and art galleries, and a pedestrian only central area.

Guadalajara exemplifies tradition and modern-day life at the same time. There are neighborhoods where visitors can feel the timeless flavor of tequila and mariachi music, and others where they can breathe avant-garde through art, design, and gastronomy. ‘Musts’ include visiting the buildings in the historic center, the markets in Mexicaltzingo and Santa Tere, the galleries and bars in the Americana neighborhood, as well as strolling through Tonala and Tlaquepaque, two traditional neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city.

Where should I stay in Guadalajara?

The historic center of Guadalajara combines iconic buildings, good nightlife, and access routes to the rest of the city. Travelers looking for luxury and exclusivity will find that Puerta de Hierro, home to the business district, is the right choice. Host to renowned events like the International Book Fair , Expo Guadalajara —the city’s main convention center— is a magnet for visitors. There are plenty of accommodation options for all budgets in its surrounding area, known as Zona Expo. The Americana neighborhood has an appealing hipster vibe where younger, or young at heart, visitors might feel right at home staying at Airbnbs.

How do I get around in Guadalajara?

Guadalajara has several main roads that cross the city. Transportation options include light rail, minibus, buses, bicycle rental, and taxis. It’s best to request taxis through hotel concierges or restaurant reception staff. Transport companies also operate in the city through apps such as Uber and Cabify .

What are the best things to do in Guadalajara?

Visiting the agave fields and distilleries in Tequila on the outskirts of Guadalajara is a popular day trip.

Guadalajara has many interesting buildings worth visiting but some unmissable ones are Hospicio Cabañas , Degollado Theater , and the Expiatory Temple . The town’s culinary offer is impressive and Chapultepec Avenue is a good example of it. With bars lining both sides of the street, visitors can breathe in its enchanting atmosphere, even late at night. And to fully experience this thoroughly Mexican city, visitors would do well to sit in a bar in Tlaquepaque and listen to live mariachi music while sipping a jarrito with tequila.

How many days should I spend in Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is a great city in every sense, and its essence can’t be absorbed in less than four days. One or two days should be allocated to go sightseeing around the historic center, another one to explore iconic places such as Tlaquepaque, and one more to discover its artistic side by popping into galleries, designer shops, and restaurants in the Americana neighborhood. Travelers wishing to visit tourist attractions in the surrounding areas, such as Tequila or Chapala, will need to allocate at least a week to the trip.

What currency is used in Guadalajara?

In Guadalajara, as in the rest of the country, the currency is the Mexican peso. In 2020 the average exchange rate has been about 20 pesos per US dollar. There are foreign currency exchange agencies in the airport but the best rate is usually offered by the bank, so it’s advisable to pay with a credit card whenever possible and withdraw cash from an ATM. Carrying small bills is useful because many smaller establishments don’t accept cards. The same is true for markets, taxis, and street vendors.

Should I tip in Guadalajara?

In Guadalajara, as all over Mexico, waiters’ salaries are generally low, so tips are a fundamental part of the hospitality industry. The usual range is between 10 and 15%, but if service has been extraordinary, that percentage can be increased. In hotels, it’s also common to leave some bills to the housekeeping staff at the end of the stay. Unlike in the United States, it is not customary to tip taxi drivers in Mexico.

San Juan de Dios market in downtown is the largest indoor market in Latin America, covering 40,000 sq meters, filled with endless clothing stalls and a huge interior food court.

Is Guadalajara expensive?

Being the second-largest city in the country, Guadalajara’s prices are above those of the rest of Mexico, but also due to its size, it adapts to all budgets. As in all large cities, prices fluctuate from one area of the city to another, so it will not cost the same to buy handicrafts in Zapopan as in less touristy Juanacatlán. For travelers arriving from the United States, Europe, or Australia, it will not feel like an expensive city.

Is Guadalajara safe?

Like any great metropolis, Guadalajara is a city where crime is present. It’s best to carry money in a front pocket or crossbody bag, and going into sketchy neighborhoods should be completely avoided. To travel long journeys, especially at night, it’s best to call a taxi or Uber instead of walking back to the hotel or Airbnb.

What should I eat in Guadalajara?

Guadalajara has a culinary offer that will make the most demanding palates fall in love. Foodies will revel in the signature cuisine at Alcalde and D’Franck , the interesting fusions at Anita Li and Bruna , and local food staples such as tortas ahogadas (drowned sandwiches) and carnes en su jugo (meats in their juice). Karne Garibaldi , a restaurant that serves this specialty, holds the Guinness Record for the fastest service in the world.

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65 Things to Do in Guadalajara Mexico: Best Activities & Attractions 2024

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LOOKING FOR THE TOP GUADALAJARA MEXICO THINGS TO DO?

Guadalajara is known as a huge pueblo, or as the song goes, it has the soul of the provinces. Even though it is Mexico’s second most important city it is much smaller than Mexico City and much easier to navigate. There are hundreds of cool things to do in Guadalajara that make it well worth visiting.

If you happen to run out of things to do, take one of these Guadalajara tours , or hop in the car and head to one of the nearby towns .

The State of Jalisco and the capital Guadalajara , have always been known as a hub of traditional Mexican culture. Tequila, folkloric rodeo, and mariachi music help to define what Mexico is known for across the globe.

Guadalajara is a great place to travel and live because of the juxtaposition of traditional and modern esthetics that creates a lot of style. The best part of living in Guadalajara is being pleasantly surprised on a regular basis.

I moved to Guadalajara in 2009 for grad school and have been in love with this town ever since. I got married here, my kids were born here, and I started a blog because I wanted a space where I could jot down some notes about the cool things I was doing. I hope you find one or two cool new things to do in Guadalajara on this list and have a great time exploring. Enjoy! 

Today, Guadalajara is a destination for all that traditional culture but also for the excellent schools, the multinational technology industry, the movie production scene, and the massive services industry. There is a lot of history but Guadalajara is also a very modern city.

There are highly conservative and extremely liberal sections of society but they seem to get along in a rising-tide-lifts-all-boats type of way. I know immigrants from just about every continent who lovingly call this place home.

As the community becomes more diverse so has the culinary arts scene. Not only can you find Korean barbecue, Venezuelan arepas, and regional Indian cuisine, but you can also find an astonishing collection of Mezcal from Oaxaca, wine from Baja California, and regional dishes from all over Mexico.

The area has one of the best economies in Latin America with a spectacular quality of life. Jalisco has one of the highest rates of foreign direct investment in Mexico because of the multinational organizations like the business climate and the educated labor market.

There is a lot of wealth and opportunity but there is also a level of poverty that suburbanites may not be acquainted with. While I feel very safe here, things are different from where I grew up in Southern California. You probably shouldn’t drink the tap water or walk around distracted on your cell phone in the bar district.

Editor’s Choice: Best Street Art Tour of Guadalajara

Karen Mora is one of the authorities on street art in Mexico and knows all the best murals.

The beauty of Jalisco is that it maintains the traditions of centuries past while keeping in touch with what is going on in the rest of the world. There is a constant stream of contrasts that will surprise you and delight you at every turn.

This is a quick glimpse of what I think makes Guadalajara so great a place to live and visit. And this is just the beginning. I always keep a list of places to visit: museums, botanical gardens, pueblos mágicos , birrierias , and beaches that I can’t wait to experience.

Things to Do in Guadalajara: Centro Histórico

Guadalajara was founded at its current location in 1541 and has not stopped evolving since. Walking the main squares of this beautiful place with an awesome guide is the best way to appreciate the history and the preservation efforts. There is a contrast between traditional and modern ways of life that we will see over and over again, and we are going to start in the oldest part of town.

Besides the amazing architectural heritage, there is a festival-like atmosphere downtown with food vendors, artists, musicians, restaurants, cantinas, museums, and lots of space to walk.

Over the last century, the area has been redeveloped to create a series of plazas and pedestrian streets that link the most popular tourist attractions. In 2020, line 3 of the Guadalajara Metro was inaugurated, running underneath the main plazas and Avenida 16 de Septiembre. After years of construction, the whole downtown is more enjoyable than ever.

Downtown Guadalajara deserves an entire day to explore. There are Tapatíos (the name for people from the State of Jalisco) who have lived their entire life in Guadalajara and still find new corners of downtown that take their breath away. 

When I have guests in town, I love to give them one of my tours of downtown Guadalajara. I’ve lived here for ten years and I still love spending a Sunday museum hopping, enjoying a carriage ride, and looking for new restaurants and cantinas. There is no shortage of things to do in downtown Guadalajara. 

From the Plaza de las Nueve Esquinas to the Hospicio Cabañas it is just over one mile. Even though you can walk a mile in less than 20 minutes, there are dozens of interesting things to see along the way. These are my favorites:

1. Puente de las Damas

Avenida Cristóbal Colón 570, Zona Centro, Guadalajara

This little piece of Guadalajara history only reappeared in 2016 when construction unearthed some archeological finds downtown. An old bridge used to connect the Spanish settlement of Guadalajara with the Indian community Mexicaltzingo.

The San Juan river used to create a pool where kids would swim in the summer and women would wash clothes.

The whole area was buried when the modern floodway system was built and forgotten for more than a hundred years. It is an interesting and photogenic look at local archeology.

2. Plaza de las 9 Esquinas

Calle Galeana 379, Zona Centro, Guadalajara, Jalisco

My favorite walking tour of Downtown Guadalajara starts with breakfast in the Plaza de las 9 Esquinas. There are a number of traditional restaurants situated around a quaint fountain and plaza. The restaurants are famous for birria, one of Guadalajara’s favorite local recipes. El Pilón de Los Arrieros and Birrieria de las 9 Esquinas are both some of the best places to eat in Guadalajara.

3. Biblioteca Iberoamericana Octavio Paz

Calle Pedro Moreno, Zona Centro, Guadalajara, Jalisco

Continuing north along the pedestrian street of Calle Colon you will reach the Plaza Universidad and the Biblioteca Iberoamericana Octavio Paz.

Like many of the buildings in the area, this library has seen a lot of changes over the years. Originally it was a Jesuit college dedicated to Saint Tomas of Aquino. When the Jesuits were expelled from Spain in the 18th century the property was given to the Royal University of Guadalajara. It continued to change ownership for another three centuries.

In the 19th century, the architectural style was altered by adding some neoclassical columns. In the 20th century, Big Three Muralist, David Alfaro Siqueiros painted some murals in the main hall of the library. The murals are by no means the most impressive works by Siqueiros but they are interesting nonetheless because his style is so distinct.

4. Guadalajara Metropolitan Cathedral

Avenida Fray Antonio Alcalde 10, Zona Centro, Guadalajara, Jalisco

The Guadalajara Cathedral is one of the most easily identifiable churches in Mexico due to its yellow, gothic bell towers. The 16th-century cathedral is easily one of the best places to visit in Guadalajara.

The first stone was laid in the mid-16th century and the Spanish renaissance style temple was dedicated in 1618.

Earthquakes in the 19th century took down the original bell towers which were rebuilt in the no-gothic style of the day.

The Guadalajara Cathedral is the final resting place of cardinals, bishops, and a young girl called Santa Inocencia who was murdered by her father for converting to Catholicism. If you saw Narcos Mexico, the bishop killed at the Guadalajara Airport is laid to rest in the Guadalajara Cathedral. 

5. Cruz de Plazas

The Guadalajara Metropolitan Cathedral is surrounded by four plazas in the shape of a cross when viewed from above . The four plazas that make up the Cruz de Plazas are the Plaza de Armas, the Plaza Guadalajara, the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, and the Plaza de la Liberación.

In the 1950s, Governor José Jesús González Gallo wanted to revitalize Downtown Guadalajara and make it a tourist destination. This involved tearing down some buildings including a church where the Rotunda now stands. The resulting pedestrian areas are lovely and connect some of the most important historic buildings in Downtown Guadalajara. Museum hopping from plaza to plaza is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Guadalajara.

6. El Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco

Avenida Ramón Corona 31, Zona Centro, Guadalajara, Jalisco

There are two Palacios de Gobierno on opposite sides of the Cruz de Plazas: one for the City of Guadalajara and one for the State of Jalisco. The city palace is cool but the state palace is much more interesting because of the Jose Clemente Orozco murals and small museums.

On the south side of the cathedral is the Plaza de Armas and the state-level government palace. The building was finished in 1774 and has housed important historical figures like Father Miguel Hidalgo during the War of Independence and Benito Juarez during the War of the Reform. This building was the Palacio Nacional for one month in 1858 when Guadalajara was the capital of Mexico

The government palace houses two excellent works by muralist José Clemente Orozco and some interesting information on the State of Jalisco.

7. La Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres

Avenida Fray Antonio Alcalde 108, Zona Centro, Guadalajara, Jalisco

On the north side of the cathedral sits the Rodonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres. One square block is part memorial, cemetery, park, and statue garden. The actual Rotonda is a circular ring of 17 neo-classical stone columns. The base of the columns houses the remains of some of the most notable people from the State of Jalisco. There are an additional 22 statues of some of the most popular folks from Jalisco.

Originally called the Rotunda of Illustrious Men, the name was changed to be more inclusive. You will recognize the names of the people memorialized because of the many streets that have been named after them. Its fun to see who they were and what they did. Ironically, Illustrious painter Gerardo Murillo, Dr. Atl, who was missing a leg was sculpted missing the wrong leg.

The Rotunda is a great place to catch a tour of the city in an electric carriage or on the double-decker tour bus. It is also where you will find the entrance to the Guadalajara Regional Museum.

8. Cantina La Fuente

Calle Pino Suárez 78, Zona Centro, Guadalajara, Jalisco

Cantina La Fuente is one of the oldest drinking establishments in Guadalajara and a perfect place to make a pitstop along your walking tour. The cantina is located 25 meters behind the Miguel Hidalgo statue and the Guadalajara letters in the Plaza de la Liberación.

There are a number of great cantina tours of Guadalajara that tell stories and legends while drinking in the most historic parts of town.

9. Take in a Show at the Teatro Degollado

Calle Degollado s/n, Zona Centro, Guadalajara, Jalisco

Seeing a concert at the Degollado Theater will be one of the highlights of your things to do in Guadalajara. The theater was built in a classical architectural style in the second half of the 19th century. It is a time capsule. You feel transported back in time as you walk in the door. Growing up in San Diego, I wasn’t familiar with this type of ornate theater before.

The neoclassical architecture is marked by huge columns and carved marble scenes of Greek theater carved in stone. Inside the theater is an immaculately restored 19th-century performance venue with four levels of balconies and detailed murals on the ceiling.

It can be difficult to pay attention to the presentation because the theater is so beautiful. Sitting in one of the balconies, I would often look up at the mural on the ceiling and wonder what were the most popular shows that played here in the 1800s.

There are a number of different groups that use the Degollado Theater as their home base. The Philharmonic Orchestra of Jalisco has a season and plans events from classical music to the Beatles. The University of Guadalajara has a folkloric dance group that performs in the summertime. They also offer ballet interpretations of famous productions like Don Quijote de la Mancha.

My absolute  favorite date night in Guadalajara  is to dine at Restaurante Alcalde before going to the theater.

Check Ticketmaster to see what is coming up.

10. La Sala de los Magos

There is a collection of brass sculptures by the renowned local artist Alejandro Colunga in front of the Hospicio Cabañas. This is one of the most photographed areas downtown for the surrealism of these pieces. Alejandro Calunga has similar works on the boardwalk in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Click here to see more about Alejandro Colunga .

11. Cabañas Cultural Center (AKA Hospicio Cabañas)

Calle Cabañas 8, Las Fresas, Guadalajara, Jalisco

The Hospicio Cabañas, also known as the Centro Cultural Cabañas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cultural center, and the most important museum in this part of Mexico. The property dates back to the 18th century when it was operated as a Catholic charity taking care of children, the elderly, the poor, and the sick. In the 1930s Jose Clemente Orozco pained a series of 57 murals that are considered to be his masterpiece. If you only visit one museum in Guadalajara, it has to be the Hospicio Cabañas.

The English language-guided tours of the murals are enthralling. There are a number of rotating expositions by local artists, the Guillermo del Toro movie theater that screens all sorts of international genres of film, as well as an outdoor space that is used to stage ballet and theater productions that incorporate the building’s architecture into the set design.

In addition to the Orozco murals, there are rotating exhibitions, the Guillermo del Toro Movie Theater, ballet, and theater performances. There are some cool pictures of Barack Obama, Felipe Calderon, and Stephen Harper at the North American Leaders’ Summit in the Cabañas main hall with the murals.

Check the calendar to see what events are going on while you are in town. 

12. Mercado San Juan de Dios (AKA Mercado Libertad)

Saint Johnny, Taiwan de Dios, the largest market (of its type) in Latin America; people come up with some great names for this place. It is huge. It is iconic and it is only 50 meters from the Hospicio Cabañas.

The current building was designed by celebrated modernist architect Alejandro Zohn and inaugurated in 1958. The market has both indoor and outdoor sections.

After walking all the way over from the Plaza de las 9 Esquinas, San Juan de Dios Market is a great place to get something to eat and drink. The tacos de tripa and the tortas locas are two of the famous dishes the market is known for.

They say that the market has a little bit of everything. I love looking at the saddlery and embroidered leather goods. There is a type of best used by cowboys called a cinturon piteado that are embroidered with silver wire thread that I think is beautiful.

Watch out for pirated goods. You shouldn’t support that no matter how cheap the movies are. A lot of the time they don’t even work anyway or the audio only comes in Korean and Russian.

Things to Do in Guadalajara: Eat

Guadalajara is an underrate yet world-class foodie destination. The combination of traditional eateries and fine dining establishments means there is a lot to choose from. I recommend eating at both a high-end local restaurant and sampling food from the many exquisite street vendors

When I have friends visiting from abroad, I would like them to have a memorable experience. Cruising Mercado de Abastos or Mercado Santa Teresita before deciding where we will actually sit down and eat is one experience. Introducing a friend to tripe tacos before a big soccer match in the Estadio Jalisco is another. Personally, I love the combination of liver and onion tacos, ox tail soup, and with a bottle of Rioja wine (Federico Paternina Banda Azul, Hemingway’s favorite) out of a leather wine bladder while tail gaiting in the Plaza Nuevo Progreso. Now that is a culinary experience.

Look for experiences that you will be telling stories about for years.

13. The Best Restaurants in Guadalajara

Recently, a list of exceptional chefs including Francisco Ruano (Alcalde), Fabian Delgado ( palReal ), Tomás Bermúdez ( La Docena ), Oscar Segundo and Xrysw Rules (Xokol ) has modernized the culinary scene. They all operate local restaurants that have turned Guadalajara into a destination for the epicurean set. These chefs are forging relationships with small farmers, fishermen, cheesemakers, coffee roasters, brewers, and winemakers to show the depth of tradition and artisanal products available in Mexico.

If you have a limited amount of time in Guadalajara it is worth doing some research. Don’t settle for average. These are my suggestions for finding great restaurants in Guadalajara .

14. The Best Street Food in Guadalajara

Don’t be afraid to try the street food in Guadalajara . Some of the best culinary experiences in the region are sold out of mobile kitchens. The chances of getting ill after eating at a busy street food stand are very slim

I like to follow the big-name food Instagrammers for taco recommendations. I talk to everyone I cross paths with about tacos and ask for recommendations. Everyone wants to talk about their favorite food.

15. Taco Tour of Guadalajara

Be willing to get in the car or the Uber to search for the best tacos in Guadalajara . The metropolitan area is huge and there are more tacos than you could taste in a lifetime. Don’t settle for average either. Get recommendations for the best tacos in each style. Try something new and order the liver tacos.

16. Market Food

Mexican markets are amazing. Under one roof you have a concentration of small vendors that represent local ingredients and recipes. Whenever you get to a new town you should check out the markets. In Guadalajara, the most important markets are Abastos (wholesale market), Alcalde (old school downtown market), Santa Tere (neighborhood-style), San Juan de Dios (massive indoor market), and the Mercado del Mar in Zapopan (seafood). For those of us not accustomed to eating in a market the experience is visceral. The food is exceptional but the experience could be life-changing.

When it comes to the traditional foods of Guadalajara, I am all about the birria. Jalisco-style roasted goat stew is one of the great culinary traditions of Mexico. You can find excellent birria in the markets, in the Plaza de las 9 Esquinas, or in the Chololo Hacienda. Do not miss out on this one.

18. Torta Ahogada

The torta ahogada is a quick summary of the comfort foods in Guadalajara. The birote sourdough bread is thought to be unique to this area and has a history going back to 19th-century French immigration.

Tapatios love sauce. It is not uncommon to see other foods drowned in sauce. The torta ahogada sauce is a cooked tomato sauce. The sandwich is filled with pork. The best torta ahogada restaurants will have a selection from loin to buche stomach lining, and everything in between. I like a mixture surtido of pork belly, tongue, and buche. Lastly, the spicy sauce is made with a chile from the Jalisco Highlands town of Yahualica. It is considered to be the highest quality chile de arbol.

Give it a go and don’t worry about making a mess.

19. Breakfast

Sunday breakfast is a sacred institution in Guadalajara. You will see large groups of family and friends waiting for tables at the hottest breakfast restaurants in Guadalajara .

There are plenty of modern and cosmopolitan breakfast restaurants but the traditional restaurants are unique to this part of Mexico. Try something new. Order the birria, try the menudo, and taste something new for the first time. These experiences are not found anywhere else.

20. Get Coffee

There is a wonderful specialty coffee scene in Guadalajara . It will take you weeks to see all of the excellent coffee shops and roasters the city has to offer.

Café Estelar coffee roasters won the best roaster in Mexico in 2020 and the second-best barista in the world in 2012. Needless to say, they have set a very high bar. Many of their ex-employees have gone on to open successful coffee shops with excellent coffee programs. Guadalajara is swimming in a sea of really good coffee.

21. Café palReal

Highly regarded as the best coffee in town, Café palReal has become one of the most celebrated kitchens as well. The weekend breakfast is packed, always. The lonche de pancita is one of the most Instagrammed dishes in Guadalajara, the encacahuatadas are my personal favorite, and everything goes down better with specialty coffee. Make sure to buy a few bags of coffee and learn about all the parts of Mexico that grow excellent coffee.

22. Alcalde

I like to think about the Guadalajara food scene before Alcalde and after Alcalde. Chef Paco Ruano put Guadalajara on the map as a destination for Haute Mexican cuisine. He has convinced the locals to try new things and paved the way for a modern food movement. I love sitting at the kitchen bar to watch all the action. Make sure to try the frijoles puercos appetizer and the arroz con leche dessert are world-class.

Alcalde Restaurant is the highest-rated restaurant in Guadalajara on the World’s Best list .

23. Xokol Tortilleria, Molino y Antojería

There is a building movement of traditional foods and ingredients in Mexico. Small farmers and heirloom ingredients are fighting back against industrialized farming. Xokol prepares heirloom varietal corn tortillas in the morning and operates a boutique restaurant in the evening. There are waiters but the chef comes out to explain the cultural significance of the ingredients and recipes.

24. Andares Shopping Mall

Andares is one of the best places to eat in Guadalajara. The high-end shopping mall has an impressive selection of restaurants by famous restaurant groups. There are more Mexican names than international restaurant brands.

If you enjoyed eating at Alcalde Restaurant with Chef Paco Ruano then try his cantina concept called Fargo Cantina. La Docena restaurant is listed on the best restaurants in Latin America. Cuerno is a high-end steakhouse concept by the fabulously popular Sonoran Restaurant group Grupo Costeño. Even the casual Pasteria is a great choice.

Places to Visit in Guadalajara

25. stay at an awesome hotel.

I have lived here for a long time and I still love staying in a new neighborhood in Guadalajara . We take mini staycations when the kids are out of school so that we can use the pool or just see something new.

There are some great hotels in Guadalajara for every budget. Personally, I like hotels with some kind of historic or unique architecture.

26. Tour Tlaquepaque and Go Shopping

Tlaquepaque is famous for its artisans. They are famous for pottery but there are glass blowers, carpenters, and leather workers among many more skilled tradesmen.

Most of the workshops have been pushed outside of the historic downtown and replaced by high-end galleries. I really enjoyed the ceramic museum and seeing examples of all the regional styles. The style of ceramics in Jalisco is different from other regional styles from places like Puebla, Oaxaca, or Tlaxcala.

In 2018 Tlaquepaque received the designation of Pueblo Magico from the Secretary of Tourism for the work they have done to preserve and protect culture. The cobblestone streets and pedestrian malls house some of the best art galleries in the country. There are very high-quality examples of folk art from Western Mexico including pottery, embroidered textiles, leather, and even tequila.

On the weekends there is a party-like atmosphere with musicians in the street, food vendors on every corner, and of course, one of the oldest bars in this part of Mexico: El Parián.

There was a time when Tlaquepaque was a whole different city. Today there is no break in the urbanization between the different municipalities of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Region: Zapopan, Guadalajara, and Tlaquepaque. Tlaquepaque is only 10 minutes east of downtown Guadalajara but it is a world apart.

Internationally renowned artists like Rodo Padilla and Sergio Bustamante have set up boutiques in beautifully renovated colonial mansions that line the cobblestone pedestrian streets. There is Instagram gold to be found around every corner. 

27. Cruise the Colonia Americana

In 2022, Time Out Magazine named the Colonia Americana the coolest neighborhood in the world because of the restaurants, bars, galleries, and nightclubs. In my opinion, the old mansions are a wonderful place to party.

The Colonia Americana is considered to be a 20th-century architectural laboratory with some of the best examples of eclectic local style. The old mansions are cultural heritage and only some have been restored while others lay in ruins.

Many people describe the area as hipster because of the quantity of specialty coffee shops and fixed geared bicycles but it still retains a pre-gentrification authenticity.

The name is a blanket term applied to vast swaths of the west side of Guadalajara first developed during the Porfiriato era but continuing all the way through the 20th century. Originally, the Colonia Americana was just a few blocks between Avenida Chapultepec and Avenida Enrique Díaz de Leon. Today it is common to hear this term applied to the area from Av Federalizmo to the Glorieta Minerva.

After touring the downtown area, I highly recommend touring the Colonia Americana on foot or on a bicycle.

28. Downtown Zapopan

Zapopan is the western side of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Region. It is a large, independent municipality with its own city government and a lot of money. Downtown Zapopan is a quaint walking district situated around the Basilica of Zapopan with some excellent places to eat and drink. Cafe Candela is awesome.

Line 3 of the metro now connects Downtown Zapopan, Downtown Guadalajara, Downtown Tlaquepaque, and gets close to Tonalá . It is easy and cheap to visit the neighboring municipalities.

29. Tianguis de Chapultepec

Avenida Chapultepec is the main drag in the bar district of Guadalajara. There are three lanes of traffic in each direction with a lovely park running down the middle of the street. On the weekend during the dry season, an open-air market tianguis is set up in the park section of Avenida Chapultepec.

The Chapultepec Tianguis is part indigenous art, part counter-culture, and hipster. There are always a lot of people out and about on the weekends in Chapultepec. The people watching is excellent.

30. Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento

The Templo Expiatorio is one of the finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in Mexico. The church was commissioned by Porfirio Díaz in 1897 but the construction was halted by the Mexican Revolution and later the Cristero Wars. It took 75 years to finish.

The project was originally designed by Adamo Boari, an Italian architect who also designed the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Palacio de Correos in Mexico City. The mosaics were imported from the Vatican, the stained-glass windows were imported from France, and there is a carillon imported from Germany. It is a fine example of Italian neo-gothic religious architecture.

In addition to the church itself, there is a plaza in front that has some great street food on Saturdays.

31. Museo de las Artes de la Universidad de Guadalajara

The University of Guadalajara Museum of the Arts is one of the most important museums in the region because of the Jose Clemente Orozco murals and revolving exhibitions.

The historic building was the original campus when the university reopened in the 20th century. It sits right next to the Templo Expiatorio and the current university administration building. This is a very cultured section of Guadalajara and the street food at night is excellent.

32. Panteon de Belen

Calle Belén 684, El Retiro, Guadalajara, Jalisco // Facebook

The Panteón de Belén is a 19th-century cemetery built on the orchard grounds of the 18th-century Alcalde Hospital. Today the cemetery is maintained as a museum of funeral architecture. It was designed by Martin Gomez Ibarra, the same architect who designed and rebuilt the towers on the Guadalajara Cathedral when they were damaged by an earthquake in the early 19th century. You will see a lot of gothic-style towers similar to the ones on the cathedral and some that resemble the towers on the Expiatorio Temple.

The old cemetery is a who’s who of 19th-century Guadalajara society and there are plenty of ghost stories to scare your friends with. The nighttime tours are a favorite activity in the month of October but are probably not recommended for kids under 12 years old.

Prior to the pandemic, the Panteon de Belen was open year-round but the most popular time to visit is during the month of October leading up to the Day of the Dead. Check their Facebook Page to get updated schedules.

33. Bosque Los Colomos

Calle El Chaco 3200, Providencia, Guadalajara, Jalisco // Facebook

You can tell how wealthy a community is by the condition of its parks. The Colinas de San Javier and Providencia neighborhoods have some money and they have, arguably, the best park in Guadalajara. The thematic gardens, such as the Japanese garden, are very well-manicured and this is a very enjoyable place to get your steps in. There are equestrian areas where kids and adults can ride horses.

Things to do in Guadalajara with Kids

Guadalajara may not have as many world-class amusement parks as Mexico City but there are still plenty of things to do for the little ones.

34. Guadalajara Zoo

Calle del Zoológico 600, Huentitán El Alto, Guadalajara, Jalisco // Website

The Guadalajara Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country and some people say one of the best in Latin America. I grew up with the San Diego Zoo and my first job was at Sea World. I love these types of parks and can say that the Guadalajara Zoo is one of the coolest things you can do in Guadalajara, easily.

I was just watching the Penguins From Madagascar movie with my son ad there was a reference to the penguins from the Guadalajara Zoo which I absolutely loved.

The Zoo is located on the outskirts of town where there is a lot of space and some animals are in open enclosures accessible through a safari tram ride. They take good care of their animals, it is clean, and the gardens between the exhibits are well-manicured. In addition to animals, the collection of plants is widespread.

The Guadalajara zoo really doesn’t get busy until late. We arrived at 10 am on a Saturday of a three-day weekend and got parking in the second row. It felt like we had the park to ourselves for hours and there was no line for the tram. By 1 pm the place was packed and the lines were long.

The University of Guadalajara has a top-notch biology program that supplies the zoo and the aquarium with amazing zookeepers.

35. Acuario Michin

Calle Mariano Bárcena 990, Zona Centro, Guadalajara, Jalisco // Website

The Acuario Michin is small but new and in excellent condition. There is an emphasis on animals from Mexico both salt water and fresh water. The axolotl exhibit is really cool. They are amphibians endemic to the floating gardens of Xochimilco and highly endangered. 

There is a petting tank where you can get up close and personal with the rays. If you have seen the movie Moana, you can empathize with the grandmother who loves all the different types of rays. I know I do.

36. Trompo Mágico Children’s Museum

Av. Central 750, Poniente, Zapopan, Jalisco // Facebook

Kids are going to love the Trompo Mágico Museum. There are more activities and science experiments that children will be able to finish in a weekend. It is worth checking out the website because some of the classes are small and require making a reservation the morning of. The cooking class is one that tends to fill up early.

We loved the bubble station, the playground, and the reading teepees with books in Spanish, English, and Huichol. My oldest son is four years old and some of the building activities were for kids older than he is. I, personally, loved the exhibit on Mexican muralists like Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco. I think there is one whole wind of a huge building dedicated to different sorts of experiments with electricity and physics. The best part is that it is children sized so they can touch everything and experiment.

37. Selva Mágica

Calle del Zoológico 600, Huentitán El Bajo, Guadalajara, Jalisco // Instagram

In front of the Zoo is the Selva Mágica amusement park with small roller coasters and other games.

38. Cinema Live

Cinema Live is an outdoor movie series throughout Guadalajara. While not exclusively for kids, the children’s movies on Saturday night are wildly popular.

Movies are shown at the Parque Metropolitano, Parque Montenegro, Parque de las Niñas y los Niños in Zapopan, and Parque Mirador.

We usually go to the Parque Metropolitano on Saturdays but the view from Parque Mirador looking down to the Barranca de Huentitan is really spectacular.

Check out the Cinema Live calendar to see what is playing in the near future.

Guadalajara Attractions

39. soccer in guadalajara.

Soccer is a big deal in Mexico and the games are a lot of fun to attend not just for the sports but also for the spectacle. Witnessing a big game when the stadium is full and the fans are on the edge of their seats is a memorable experience. Plus, the food is excellent.

Guadalajara has two first-division soccer teams, Chivas and Atlas, and the second-division Leones Negros. Chivas is one of the most popular and wealthy teams in the country. Atlas hasn’t won a championship since the 1950s but still has a strong following. The Leones Negros are associated with the University of Guadalajara which draws a more family-oriented and intellectual crowd. No matter which soccer game you choose, it will be a winner.

Estadio Jalisco: Atlas Fútbol Club and Leones Negros de la U de G

Calle Siete Colinas 1772, Independencia, Guadalajara, Jalisco Atlas Schedule Leones Negros Schedule

Atlas Fútbol Club and the Leones Negros share the Estadio Jalisco. Chivas also played here until 2010 when they finished their new stadium, Estadio Akron, on the other side of town.

The Estadio Jalisco is an old, historic and some would say sacred place. It was built in 1960, is the third-largest stadium in Mexico, and has hosted World Cup and Olympic matches. The stadium is in a residential neighborhood where the neighbors rent out their parking spaces and sell tacos in front of their houses. The food outside the stadium is excellent and many of the vendors have been to every game for decades.

Estadio Akron: Club Deportivo Chivas

Cto. JVC 2800, El Bajío, Zapopan, Jalisco Chivas Schedule

I am really excited that Guadalajara and Estadio Akron were selected to host World Cup matches in 2026. I can’t think of a better city to travel to for the event.

Chivas Football Club is one of Mexico’s top teams and Guadalajara is one of the top destinations within Mexico to see a soccer (futbol) match because of the Akron Stadium. People come from across the country to watch big games here.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the atmosphere at Estadio Akron is more family-friendly than the Estadio Jalisco. The security is much better and hooligans are quickly thrown out. I am a fan of a rival team from Tijuana and I am not worried about wearing my team’s jersey like I am at the Estadio Jalisco where you have to sneak out hiding your colors.

40. Catch a Baseball Game at the Charros Stadium

Calle Santa Lucía 373, Tepeyac, Zapopan, Jalisco Charros Website Mariachis Website

Guadalajara now has two professional baseball teams playing in different leagues. The Pacific League plays winter ball and the Mexican League plays summer ball. Baseball is one of the best things to do in Guadalajara

The Guadalajara Charros play in Liga del Pacífico along with Mazatlán and Culiacán. The winner of the Pacific League gains entry into the Caribbean Series. This is considered winter ball and many players from the US will use the time to get some additional at-bats and playing time.

The stadium was built for the 2012 Pan-American games and is really enjoyable. In 2019 the Charros won their first championship which helped fill the stadium. The level of play may not be on par with the MLB but the atmosphere is awesome. The smaller stadium gives you a close-up vantage point. The fan base feels well-to-do.

In 2021 Guadalajara launched the Mariachis Baseball Team in the Mexican League to compete with the Red Devils from Mexico City and the Toros from Tijuana.

41. Charrería Mexican Rodeo

Federación Mexicana de Charrería A.C.

Charrería is the official national sport in Mexico and the sport is so iconic the local Guadalajara baseball team is named after the men who practice that sport, charros. Escarramuza charra is the name for women who practice this style of folkloric equestrian competitions.

There is a mariachi and charrería festival in August that is held throughout the Guadalajara Metropolitan Region. The charrería portion of the celebration is held at Vicente Fernandez’s old ranch off the freeway to Chapala called Rancho los Tres Portrillos.

There are competitions held all over the country but the Bajío region of central Mexico hosts many of those competitions.

There is a Charro for a day tour near Downtown Guadalajara that lets guests get up and personal with the sport. They learn rope handling, how to ride a horse, and it is all taught by professsional Charros.

42. Bullfights in the Plaza de Toros Nuevo Progreso

Montes Pirineos 1930, Monumental, Guadalajara, Jalisco // Facebook

It is not surprising that this brutal activity is a thing in Guadalajara. Given the amount of immigration from Spain to Mexico during the Spanish civil war, it was bound to happen.

The professional corridas take place on Sundays at 4 pm in Spring and Fall. The atmosphere outside the plaza is excellent and the street food is world-class. Oxtail stew, and liver and onion tacos are just a couple of my favorite dishes. Bring a bottle of wine and buy a Spanish-style wine bladder to bring into the plaza. Just be prepared to watch six animals meet a violent death.

43. Mariachi in the Parián de Tlaquepaque

Calle Juárez 68, San Pedro Tlaquepaque, Jalisco // Instagram

They say that Mariachi music was born in the town of Cocula, Jalisco just 70 km southwest of Guadalajara. Even though it is difficult to ascertain the exact origins of this iconic musical style, it is very easy to find excellent mariachis in Guadalajara.

The Parián de Tlaquepaque is a 19th-century drinking hall that has evolved into a large collection of restaurants and bars with entertainment. The building takes up one city block and there is a large bandstand in the center with mariachi and folkloric dance shows performed every day.

I really enjoy drinking in the old cantinas but have just gotten average food at the restaurants that I have visited (though I haven’t hit every restaurant in the food court yet).

I recommend learning a few songs before attending a dinner that includes tequila. It is impressive how tequila can make singers out of the shyest individuals.

The best way to appreciate mariachi is with a serenade. You bring a group of musicians to an unsuspecting friend’s window and start playing your favorite songs. It is the classiest way I can imagine to ask someone out on a date.

Lots of people recommend Plaza de los Mariachis to find a group for parties or a serenade, 24 hours a day. The neighborhood is sketchy after dark so I wouldn’t recommend heading down there unless you know your way around Oblatos.

44. Muralism and History Tours

Guadalajara is a town that appreciates art. There is both a long history of art and a thriving contemporary art scene. Remember, dead artists, don’t need the money. Living artists still have to pay rent for their studios.

José Clemente Orozco (1883-1949) was one of the three great Mexican muralists. Born an hour south of Guadalajara in the town of Ciudad Guzman, his family spent part of his youth in Guadalajara, and would later move back to paint what are considered his masterpieces in the Hospicio Cabañas.

Taking a history and muralism tour of the Centro Historico is an enjoyable way to learn about Mexico. The Orozco murals are little treasures spread about Guadalajara and can be found in the Hospicio Cabañas, the Palacio del Gobierno, and the Museo de las Artes.

There are still a lot of living artists in Guadalajara too. The street art scene in this part of Mexico is exceptional. Karen Mora runs a great street art tour through the Colonia Americana which has been called the coolest neighborhood in the world. The streets have something to say and many times that message is in conflict with the official history put forth by the government. Street murals can tell you a lot about Mexico.

45. Lucha Libre Mexican Wrestling

On Tuesday nights Guadalajara loves to get together for lucha libre. Lucha libre can be found all over the country but Guadalajara has a long history of hosting events dating back to the 1950s when Blue Demon inaugurated the Arena Coliseo in Downtown Guadalajara.

The crowd is a big part of the show and the wrestlers are often thrown out of the ring and spill beers. The locals know who the heroes and villains are. A friend casually pointed out a guy named Vampiro Canadiense at the mall once even though he was dressed in street clothes.

The best way to see lucha libre is with a tour operator like Camina GDL . The Arena Coliseo is in a sketchy part of Downtown, there is limited parking, and getting an Uber after the event can take a while. It is not recommended to use TicketMaster to buy your tickets because you have to arrive two hours before the event to pick them up from will call or they will not respect your purchase.

Unfortunately, The Red Pub went out of business during the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, they operated the most popular party bus that many of my colleagues are still recommending. Let’s hope that the Red Pub can come back from the dead to ride the double-decker party bus once again.

Luchas are a lot of fun and one of the best things that you can do in Guadalajara.

46. Ride the Via Recreactiva Car-Free Sundays

On Sundays, huge swaths of the city are closed to cars and opened up for pedestrians, bikes, skateboards, and all sorts of non-motorized forms of transportation. The Mi Bici program allows you to easily rent a bike and get an intimate view of the city while not having to worry about bad drivers. The bike rentals are cheap and you can pick them up and drop them off at numerous locations throughout the area. 

I recommend starting somewhere near the Glorieta Minerva roundabout and heading east down Av. Vallarta. Once you get to the city center walk the bikes around the main cathedral, the Plaza Tapatio, the Degollado Theater to the Instituto Cultural Cabañas and head back up by the San Juan de Dios market.

47. Take a tour

Since I started writing this blog I have really jumped on the organized tour bandwagon. I really enjoy talking with tourism professionals and hearing stories from people who have dedicated a lot of time and effort to learn the history of a place.

Camina GDL offers a free walking tour of the city’s historic center covering architecture, history, and legends. Tours are offered every morning at 10:30 am in the Plaza Liberación near the big Guadalajara Guadalajara sign. Look for the people with the yellow umbrellas.

The tour last approximately two hours and makes the short walk to finish at Mercado San Juan de Dios. No need to reserve, just show up. Tours happen seven days a week in both English and Spanish.

48. Guadalajara Art Crawl and Studio Visits

Airbnb Experiences

Guadalajara is a cultured town famous for its artistry. That is not just in the historic sense. There are a large number of modern artists with small galleries and studios that will enchant art lovers.

The best way to see the depth of the modern Guadalajara art scene is to take a tour with Alexandra Duncan who is a local art dealer and Ph.D. in art history. She will walk you through the public art space and invite you into the private studios of local artists. Her love and passion for art are apparent from the moment you meet her, and her knowledge about both the historic side and modern sides of the Guadalajara art scene will leave you impressed.

49. Mountain Biking in Bosque De La Primavera

The Primavera forest is considered to be the lungs of Guadalajara. This massive open space reserve just west of the periferico freeway has a lot of different activities and access points.

The Mariano Otero entrance has access to some of the best mountain biking in the region. There are a number of tour companies that will supply gear and a guide to show you around.

The Interstate 15 entrance is popular with families looking to picnic, camp, hike, and visit the hot springs. There is still a lot of wildlife in the area so tread lightly.

50. Hike La Barranca de Huentitán

Spectacular views and a challenging hike greet visitors to the Barranca de Huentitán National Park. The Santiago River has dug deep canyons along the North West corner of the Guadalajara Metro Region. The trail is a little rough and includes a steep section of cable car tracks. At the bottom of the canyon is a bridge with distinctive red cantera stone pillars and lush vegetation as far as the eye can see.

There is a lovely park perched atop the canyon where morning yoga classes contemplate the view. The barbeques and swings are in excellent condition for this family-favorite Guadalajara park.

Try to get there early to see the sun coming up over the canyon and avoid climbing back up the hill under the mid-day sun. During the rainy season, the water is rushing and the landscapes are vivid green.

51. Skate Parque Montenegro

Avenida de la Solidaridad Iberoamericana 7007, La Capilla, Las Pintas, Jalisco

Out in the middle of nowhere on the freeway that leads to Chapala is one of the best skateparks in Latin America. Large, uncrowded bowls await those that have skateboards.

There are a bunch of skate parks in Guadalajara but nothing as large as the Montenegro park. Glorieta La Normal has a super fun pump track. La Curva Skatepark in Zapopan has some sick bowls.

52. Nighttime Bike Ride: Paseo Ciclista Nocturno

Another spectacular thing to do in Guadalajara is to take a nighttime bike tour ( Paseo Ciclista Nocturno ). This is a very well-organized and very large bicycle group that meets every Wednesday (weather permitting). The pace of the bike ride is mellow with police escorts shutting down major intersections for the cyclists. A new path is taken every week but it has been going on for so long I am sure they repeat some favorites. The group meets at the intersection of Av. Mexico and Av. Chapultepec a little before 10 pm. I shot this photo from my apartment in the Torre Minerva while a particularly large group was coming through. This is a super fun bike ride with cool people and a great vibe.

53. Tianguis Cultural in Parque Agua Azul

Calzada Independencia Sur 973, Centro, Guadalajara, Jalisco // Facebook

There really should be more parks downtown but Parque Agua Azul is a nice, old-school place to explore. The Paleontology Museum is small but has some interesting exhibits. The Jalisco Institute of Artesania is a gem. There is an alternative flea market on Saturdays selling heavy metal music and clothing. There are often concerts of local bands.

Imbibe: Coolest Things to do in Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a big city and a percentage likes to go out and get a drink. There are all sorts of historic cantinas, modern bars, and everything in between.

54. Historic Cantina Tour

If you are into history, there is a good chance you will enjoy drinking in a cantina or two. In a city as old as Guadalajara it is no surprise there are a number of classic cantinas that evoke the memory of a bygone era. The Traditional Cantinas Tour by Jalisco Tours tells stories about the oldest neighborhoods of Guadalajara while walking from cantina to cantina.

The most famous traditional cantina in Guadalajara is Cantina la Fuente on Calle Pino Suarez in the heart of downtown, right behind the Miguel Hidalgo statue and the Plaza de la Liberación. The place has been there for a hundred years. If a business can hang on for a hundred years they are doing something right. There is an old bike hung on the wall, an antique cash register, and huge blocks of ice keeping the beer cold like in the old days. The food is good, the tequila is commercial and there is probably a couple of guys playing the marimba on the sidewalk out front. It’s an absolute classic.

On the other end of the spectrum is Cantina De La O on Calle Argentina just off of Av. Vallarta. The place is new but it was conceived by guys who love the classic old-school cantina but wanted a more artisanal menu. De La O doesn’t sell beer made by multinational companies preferring to sell local microbrews. It’s the same thing with the cocktail list. They have an excellent selection of traditional Mexican fermented drinks like pulque, tepache, and aguamiel, that you won’t see almost anywhere. They have some great food specials too like raw scallops and smoked oysters.

Los Famosos Equipales is on Calle Juan Alvarez and feels like a time capsule. La Occidental Cantina is in the Plaza de las 9 Esquinas neighborhood right where they sell the pitayas in the spring. They do some great cocktails with fresh pitayas that you won’t see anywhere else. Saloon del Bosque is in the Colonia Americana right next to the Casa Guadalupe Zuno. It is a little fancier in a well-maintained old mansion with table cloths and waiters in long-sleeve white shirts and bowties. The food is simple but excellent. Think albondigas, verdolagas, and guacamole with cecina.

Make sure to head over to Tlaquepaque to have a drink in El Parian . It’s a 19th-century public bar. There are mariachi shows daily but my favorite was getting off work at 1 am and heading to the cantina to get a drink before heading home.

55. Agave Tastings: Tequila, Mezcal, and Raicilla

Jalisco is the heart of tequila country and if you are interested in learning about the history and culture of agave-based spirits you should  schedule a tasting at Mezonte . There are around 40 different classes of agaves used to make distilled spirits all across Mexico and Tequila is a class of mezcal that uses the Weber blue agave ( agave tequilana ) exclusively.

Mezonte will give you a chance to try the whole spectrum of agaves while teaching you the difference between something industrial and something artisanal. This isn’t so much a bar as it is a classroom with alcohol. You are more than welcome to stop by and have a drink but the two-hour tasting is really the way to go.

These are other establishments with excellent selections of agave bases spirits where you can continue your education.

El Gallo Altanero  |  Calle Marsella 126, Lafayette, Guadalajara

Mezonte Destilados Mexicanos de Agave  |  Calle Argentine 299, Americana, Guadalajara

Pare De Sufrir Mezcaleria  |  Calle Argentina 66, Americana, Guadalajara

El Rey Mezcaleria  |  Bernardo de Balbuena 124, Ladrón de Guevara, Guadalajara

Agüita Agavería  |  Calle Marsella 167, Lafayette, Guadalajara

56. Nightclubs and Anthros: Things to do in Guadalajara at Night

Mexicans know how to have fun and Guadalajara is such a large city that there are nightclubs for every budget and style. The nightlife in Guadalajara doesn’t get going until much later than people from the United States are used to. The  precopa , or drinks before the nightclub, runs from 9 pm until 11 pm and you will probably get to the nightclub a little before midnight.

My favorite things to do in Guadalajara at night take place in the Colonial Americana and surrounding neighborhoods. Not the bars on Av Chapultepec, but the side streets around Av Chapultepec have some incredible old mansions that have been renovated to show off the architecture with a great party.

The Guadalajara nightlife scene is very trendy. One minute a nightclub is how and the next it sits empty for no reason than another nightclub just opened and took all the publicity, momentarily.

El Chacal | Calle Bernardo de Balbuena 110, Ladrón de Guevara, Guadalajara

Casa Cobra  |  Av. de las Américas 966, Italia Providencia, Guadalajara

Bar Americas  |  Av Chapultepec Sur 507, Americana, Guadalajara

Strana  |  Av Pablo Neruda 2715, Providencia, Guadalajara

La Santa  |  Real de Acueducto 371, Puerta de Hierro, Zapopan

57. Craft Beer in Guadalajara

It is really cool to see how the microbrewery and craft beer scene has absolutely blown up over the last ten years. There was a time when nobody could compete with the multinational brands. And it isn’t just Guadalajara but all of Mexico is making craft beer that they want to drink. Today, you can learn the geography of Mexico through microbrews. Check these ones out.

Cervecería Fortuna  |  Carretera Guadalajara-Nogales 4380, La Primavera, Zapopan

Cerveceria de Colima’s Casa Trapiche  |  Calle Gabriel Ramos Millán, Americana, Guadalajara

Cerveza Minerva’s La Taberna Minerva  |  Calle Lateral Periferico Sur 4250, Los Periodistas, Zapopan

Patan Ale House  |  Calle Morelos 1281, Americana, Guadalajara

58. Wine Tastings

The successful growth of the Valle de Guadalupe wine region in Baja California has helped to promote a new generation of Mexican wine drinkers. There are plenty of classicly trained sommeliers but my favorite local wine personalities run an Instagram handle called @vinosenlacalle. They bring interesting wines and proper glassware to their favorite traditional food vendors.

Wine in Guadalajara is different from what I learned in California. There are different trade agreements and currency exchanges. The Mexican peso is strong against the Argentine peso so there is a lot of malbec and bonarda in Guadalajara.

Keep an eye out for the newest wine growing regions near Lake Chapala and in the state of Querétaro. Things are looking up.

Rayuela Bodega de Vino  |  Av Alemania 1779, Moderna, Guadalajara

Cru Wine & Deli  |  Av Tepeyac 1030A, Chapalita Oriente, Zapopan

Romea  |  Calle Emerson 5, Americana, Guadalajara

Roothouse  |  Av López Mateos Norte 779, Lomas de Guevara, Guadalajara

59. Cocktail Bars

This is another category that is blowing up. You can find some cool speakeasies in more neighborhoods but the center of the cocktail world in Guadalajara is the Colonia Americana.

Oliveria Cocktail Bar  |  Libertad 1852, Americana, Guadalajara

Guilty  |  Calle Gral Coronado 75-A, Zona Centro, Guadalajara

Fat Charlie  |  Calle Manuel López Cotilla 1940, Lafayette, Guadalajara

De La O Cantina  |  Calle Argentina 70, Americana, Guadalajara

Pigalle  |  Calle Emeterio Robles Gil, Americana, Guadalajara

Take a Day Trip from Guadalajara

While I make day trips to the beach to surf big swells on a regular basis I would not recommend it. For me, a day trip is about an hour away from Guadalajara depending on the traffic. I like to have at least a weekend to travel to the different towns more than an hour away from Guadalajara.

This is just a short sample of the complete article on the best day trips and weekend getaways from Guadalajara .

60. Lake Chapala

Lake Chapala is the largest body of fresh water in Mexico and a favorite international vacation destination going back more than a hundred years. President Porfirio Díaz had a ranch on the lake in the late 1800s and there are still some interesting mansions from that era that have been preserved.

The area is famous for great sunsets, lovely weather, and lots of English-speaking retirees. There are dozens of pueblos to visit on both the Jalisco and Michoacan side of the large lake. The town of Ajijic was designated a Pueblo Magico by the Mexican Secretay of Tourism.

Chapala, Ajijic, and Jocotepec are an easy day trip from Guadalajara. This tour visits a tequila distillery on the freeway to Chapala before visiting three pueblos and going for a quick boat ride.

62. The Tequila Valley

There are a lot of different experiences in Tequila. Yes, there are a lot of tourist traps but there are also authentic, traditional, and cultural tours of the Tequila Valley .

The Tequila Valley Region is less than an hour away from Guadalajara and is easily one of the best things you can do in the area. First and foremost, the agave fields are spectacularly beautiful but there is a lot of small-town, ranching culture to experience.

This is the heart of tequila country and here are cult favorite distilleries making the best tequila to buy in Mexico . After tasting some types of tequilas that are free of artificial flavoring and coloring it is hard to go back to drinking the old commodity tequila

I specifically say the Tequila Valley Region because there are 11 unique towns in the region that each have some interesting tourist attractions. The pueblo magico of Tequila is the crown jewel of the Valles Region and has some amazing experiences that are complemented by the other towns that circle the volcano.

I highly recommend spending at least one extra day in the Tequila Valles Region to explore. 

If you are looking for a gourmet, luxury experience check out Mickey Marantes Tours . They go to the best distilleries and the coolest restaurants in the area.

63. José Cuervo Express Tequila Train

Grupo Cuervo has created one of the finest tourist products in Mexico. The tequila train ride through the agave fields is a premium experience and the highlight of many travelers’ time in the region. More than just a train ride, José Cuervo has built a boutique hacienda experience that reminds me of a Mexican Downton Abbey. Hotel Solar de las Animas is stunning, the distillery tour is run by professionals, and the event spaces are world-class. It’s like Disney World for adults.

64. Guachimontones Archeological Site

Camino a Guachimontones, s/n, Teuchitlán, Jalisco // Facebook

The Guachimontones archeological site is located about an hour outside of Guadalajara at the base of the Tequila Volcano near the town of Teuchitlan. The site is somewhat newly rediscovered and has only been partially excavated.

The pyramids at Guachimontones are unique in their conical shape.

This was a large settlement with a chinampa agricultural system that supported close to 40,000 people. There is a deposit of obsidian at the base of the volcano that the original people used to make tools like knives and traded all over the region.

I recommend going just after the rainy season because the area is bright green and oh-so photogenic.

The easiest way to get to Guachimontones is driving. There are also a number of great tours that combine the archeological site with a tequila distillery tour . I think that is the best way to see the valley in one day.

Just a few minutes away from Guachimontones there is a wonderful Hacienda nearby that is the perfect place to get lunch after exploring the ruins. Hacienda El Carmen is a luxurious boutique hotel that will take you back in time. The restaurant is lovely.

65. Hacienda El Carmen Boutique Hotel & Spa

⭐️ Rating: 9.6 /10 | Neighborhood:  Ahualulco de Mercado | View on Expedia.com

I have been watching the Netflix series Monarca about a wealthy Mexican family that is partially set in Tequila. They filmed a number of scenes at the Hacienda El Carmen. This is a special place.

Hacienda El Carmen is not in Guadalajara. It is located an hour outside of the city at the base of the Tequila Volcano, very close to the Guachimontones pyramids. Jalisco is famous for its country culture. It would be a great experience to see both the big city and the nearby ranches.

The luxury hotel haciendas in Mexico are spectacular.

Best Guadalajara Day Trips

One of the best parts of living in Guadalajara is the proximity to really cool destinations that are very different from the city. Within just a few hours, you can be in the tropics or on top of a snow-covered volcano. The State of Jalisco is amazing but there are a lot of neighboring states with unique experiences. The hardest part is trying to decide between the beach and a magical colonial town.

These are some of my favorite quick getaways from Guadalajara.

• The Pueblos Mágicos in Jalisco
• Puerto Vallarta Punta Mita
• Boca de Pascuales
• Barra de Navidad
• Day of the Dead in Michoacan
• The Old Highway from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta

Even more articles about Travel to Guadalajara

Is guadalajara safe.

• Where to stay in Guadalajara
• The Traditional Foods of Guadalajara
• The Best Restaurants in Guadalajara
• The Best Coffee in Guadalajara
• The Best Birria in Guadalajara
• Downtown Guadalajara
• Colonia Americana
• Tlaquepaque
• Zapopan (Coming Soon)
• Guadalajara to Mexico City
• Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta
• The traditional markets of Guadalajara
• José Clement Orozco Murals in Guadalajara
• Guadalajara Metropolitan Cathedral
• Vía Recreactiva Guadalajara

Visiting Guadalajara: FAQs

Contrary to popular belief, Guadalajara is not Mexico’s second-largest city nor the second-largest metropolitan region. [ 1 ][ 2 ] It is the capital of the state of Jalisco and is considered the second most important city in Mexico because of its contributions to Mexican culture.

Many of the things that come to mind when people talk about Mexico have their origins in the state of Jalisco and its capital, Guadalajara.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Guadalajara?

Any time of year is a great time to visit, but fall is the best time to visit Guadalajara. By October, the rainy season has ended and the weather is mild. There are lots of events and festivals such as the Guadalajara International Book Fair, Day of the Dead, the Fiestas de Octubre, Calaverlandía, and the Mariachi & Charrería Festival.

Guadalajara is not considered to be one of the safest places in Mexico by the people who live there. It is a large metropolitan area with both safe and unsafe sections, much like Los Angeles or San Francisco.

If you leave luggage in your vehicle while parked on the street it is not likely that it will be there when you return, just like in San Francisco. Guadalajara has a sensational problem with motorcycle thieves stealing cell phones out of the hands of unsuspecting tourists. It is akin to the brazen holdups in wealthy districts of Los Angeles. With a little forewarning, it is easy to avoid these sorts of crimes.

Read the complete article on safety in Guadalajara . Safety is about preparation and knowing how to avoid dangerous situations.

What is Guadalajara Known For?

The cliché answer is that Guadalajara is known for Mariachi, tequila, and rodeo. Today, Guadalajara is known as a tech hub with close ties to both India and the United States.

Luis Barragán, one of the world’s most celebrated modernist architects was from Guadalajara and left an important food print.

Club Deportivo Guadalajara, more commonly known as Chivas, is one of Latin America’s favorite soccer teams. The stadium where Chivas plays is slotted to host some World Cup 2026 games so a lot more people are talking about them these days.

Birria has absolutely taken over social media and most people will admit that birria is from Guadalajara.

There is a lot more to Guadalajara than just tequila , mariachi, and rodeo, but those are pretty cool too.

Where is Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is in the western state of Jalisco , the westernmost point of the Bajío Region. It is west of Mexico City, east of Puerto Vallarta, and north of Colima.

The Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) is one of the busiest airports in Mexico with direct flights to many locations in Mexico and North America.

Where To Stay In Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a large metropolitan area with lots of unique experiences. I recommend reading up on the neighborhoods of Guadalajara and having a look at the list of best hotels and the list of the best cheap hotels in Guadalajara to get an idea about what is available.

If you are looking for the short answer, I love Casa Habita . I love the neighborhood, the architecture, and the amenities. It has some of the best coffee in Mexico on the ground floor, bomb street food all around, and lots of treelined streets to walk.

Casa Habita is one of the nicest places to stay in Guadalajara, without a doubt.

Conclusion: Best Guadalajara Activities

This turned into a little bit more than I had originally planned. I have been updating the article for more than two years now and it reminds me of all the fun there is to be had in this town. I hope you find some cool ideas and have an absolute blast in Guadalajara, Jalisco.

Paul Hudson is a food, travel, and surf enthusiast who writes about Mexico on his blog Playas y Plazas. Originally from Southern California, Paul has lived in Guadalajara since 2009. He has a BA in Global Economics from UC Santa Cruz (Go Banana Slugs!) and speaks English and Spanish fluently. He can often be found exploring the Pacific Coast of Mexico looking for isolated beaches, fun waves, and exotic foods.

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Guadalajara Attractions

Guadalajara is a cosmopolitan destination with plenty of things to do, including visiting earby magical towns such as Tequila, where the popular spirit is produced; explore colonial architecture; and visit museums and small towns with exquisite crafts and artwork.

Attractions: Teasers

Top Attractions

Visit Guadalajara’s best museums, malls, murals, markets, and more. No visit is complete without a look at one of the several historic cultural sites and a tour inside a genuine tequila distillery.

Guadalajara is the ideal base for enjoying Mexico's largest freshwater lake and extensive fields of tequila-producing blue agave plants, a Unesco World Heritage Site.

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The Ultimate Guadalajara Itinerary In 1-4 Days

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Planning a trip to Guadalajara? I would highly recommend it. I recently spent an awesome 4 days in Guadalajara hence I wanted to share with you my Guadalajara itinerary and tips for visiting.

GUADALAJARA QUICK LINKS Accommodation: Booking.com / Hostelworld Copy of Lonely Planet Mexico / Mexican Spanish Phrasebook Activities: GetYourGuide / Viator Getting there: Rentalcars.com / Busbud Getting around: Bus / Uber

Where is Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is located in the west of Mexico , approximately a si x -hour drive from Mexico City . I headed there a non-direct way, visiting San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato en route but you can also make the journey directly. Drive, take a bus or carpool using BlaBlaCar . Mexican buses aren’t as cheap as those in other countries but at least they’re very comfortable, often with complimentary snacks and TV screens in front of your seat!

To book buses in Mexico, use Busbud .

By air: To book flights around Mexico, use Skyscanner . Direct flights from Mexico City to Guadalajara start from $50. You can fly direct from the US from several airports including Miami, New York City, Oakland, East Bay and Orlando.

Guadalajara intro

Guadalajara is without doubt a large city, although it’s no rival to Mexico City. It has 1.5 million residents compared to CDMX’s 9 million (in the metropolitan area alone). Like the capital, Guadalajara has a hectic city centre but also some leafy, more upmarket neighbourhoods. There are also some excellent day trip options which is why I would recommend spending at least 4 days in Guadalajara. Keep reading for what to do during 1 day in Guadalajara as well as how to spend 2 days in Guadalajara & 3 days in Guadalajara.

Read next: a complete guide to solo travel in Mexico

Where to stay in Guadalajara

Chapultepec neighbourhood is a great location for your 4 days in Guadalajara. With leafy, wide streets and cute coffee shops, it’s the perfect base to relax after a busy day of exploring. Hostel: Hostal Hospedarte in Chapultepec has a garden area, kitchen, bar and generous free breakfasts each morning. They also run bar crawls, lucha libre wrestling trips, street food tours and more. The rooms were nothing special but they were comfy enough. It’s a great place to meet other travellers. Note – Hostal Hospedarte have two branches, one in Chapultepec and one in the Zocalo. I would suggest the Chapultepec one as this neighbourhood is both nicer and safer. Other accommodation options: Budget hostel: Hostel Isabel ($32)

Boutique: Del Carmen Concept Hotel ($52)

Splash out: Quinta Real Guadalajara ($97) Apartment: Life Style Executive Suites ($59)

Below are the main areas I’d suggest exploring during your 1, 2, 3 or 4 day Guadalajara itinerary. I’ll discuss these in this blog.

Best experiences in Guadalajara

• Tequila and distillery tour with tastings
• Lake Chapala and Ajijic tour
• Legends of Tequila town night tour
• Guadalajara street art tour
• Canyoning & hiking at Comala Waterfalls

GUADALAJARA ITINERARY

I’d recommend 4 days in Guadalajara in order to take 2 day trips during your stay. These are to Tequila (yes it’s actually a place) and Lake Chapala . The latter is a refreshing break from the busy city and you can tie in a stop at charming Ajijic town. However, if you don’t have as long as I did, don’t worry. This Guadalajara itinerary accounts for 1, 2, 3 and 4 days in Guadalajara. If you have just one day, simply follow day one’s itinerary. Add the additional days depending how much time you have!

1 day in Guadalajara: Zocalo and Chapultepec

If you have just one day in Guadalajara, start the day in the Zocalo (city centre). Guadalajara centre reminds me of Mexico City because there are lots of grand colonial buildings but also some hectic local markets. Guadalajara Zocalo is a generally safe place to wander around with lots of wide, sunny squares and impressive churches. As a word of warning, I would suggest you catch Ubers at night rather than walking because the city centre can be known for pickpockets. The guy in the bunk above me at the hostel had his phone stolen whilst speaking on it during a trip to the Zocalo. So just be smart and exercise caution like you would e lsewhere, particularly at night. Don’t fancy walking? Take a bike tour of the historic centre with a local guide .

Mercado General Ramon Corona

One of the best places to eat in Guadalajara Zocalo is at this local market, Mercado General Ramon Corona . It’s not a huge market compared to the one I’ll mention next but it’s still worth checking out during 4 days in Guadalajara, especially to ease yourself in before hitting the big’un.

There are plenty of popular Mexican foods to try in Mercado General Ramon Corona such as tacos, tortas, chilaquiles and more. Don’t miss the fish tacos , especially since they’re just 15 pesos apiece. Crispy breaded fish topped with salad, coleslaw, salsa and a squirt of lime can only be improved by washing it down with a cold beer. Bliss!

Mercado Libertad San Juan de Dios

If you’re a fan of local markets, head to Guadalajara’s Mercado Libertad San Juan de Dios , a short walk from the Zocalo. This hectic local market is a total maze but offers an authentic Mexican market e xperience. Tightly-packed alleys overflow with clothes, bags, spices, sweets, counterfeit DVDs, technology… Literally everything you can think of.

You might be the only foreigner in Mercado Libertad San Juan de Dios. Don’t feel nervous, just keep an eye on your belongings and explore this vibrant corner of Guadalajara. Very few of the vendors will speak English so any Spanish you know will go a long way. Head upstairs in Mercado Libertad San Juan de Dios for one of the most authentic places to eat in Guadalajara . At this bustling food court, you can try every type of Mexican food and drink but I’d particularly recommend Guadalajara’s national dish, a torta ahogada or ‘drowned sandwich’. These meaty sandwiches in tomato-based sauce are messy but very tasty.

Another corner of Mercado Libertad San Juan de Dios I’d recommend is this cute coffee stand below. The speciality coffee equipment and numerous drinks from affogato to ChocoBoom (get me some of that!) would be at home in any hipster cafe so I was surprised to find this cafe in the otherwise local market. I know this cafe is in the downstairs section towards the left side but it’s hard to pinpoint the exact location. Good luck finding it. It’s worth it!

Afternoon – Chapultepec / Tlaquepaque

I headed back to Chapultepec where my hostel was located and explored the leafy neighbourhood. There are lots of street art murals in this part of town, as well as cute cafes and restaurants. I really liked Roart Cafe where I chatted to the owner for several hours and had some great coffee. If you’re staying in Chapultepec for the evening, head for tacos at Tomate Taqueria . This busy local joint has queues out the door but it’s worth it to get your hands on some of Guadalajara’s best, meatiest tacos. This place is open ’til 12.30am so feel free to show up for post-drink tacos.

2 days in Guadalajara itinerary: Tequila

Everyone’s heard of Tequila but not everyone knows where it comes from (although the clue’s in the name). Tequila is much like Champagne: the beverage has to be made in the town of the same name to qualify. I’d highly recommend a day trip to Tequila if you have 2 days in Guadalajara. As well as mariachi music, Tequila is one of the main things that puts Guadalajara on the map. The small town is an hour’s drive away in the state of Jalisco and there are a few ways to visit.

Ways to visit Tequila:

• Take the Tequila train from Guadalajara, sampling unlimited tequila as you journey through the scenic agave fields. This is your most expensive option at $100.
• A Tequila day tour travelling between Guadalajara and Tequila by shuttle bus as part of a small group. Everything is organised including a Tequila factory tour. Take this tour with GetYourGuide .
• Take the public bus from Antigua Central Camionera . Journeys leave hourly and cost just 260 pesos return. Even considering you’ll have to pay for your own Tequila factory tour when you arrive, this is still the cheapest option.

What to do in Tequila: The main activity is visiting one of the Tequila factories to tour the venue, learn about the production process and (most importantly) sample the famous beverage. I can confirm it tasted just as lethal as any time I’ve tried it in the past. It’s not my favourite drink but when in Tequila! We visited Jose Cuervo Distillery at Fábrica La Rojeña which is one of the most popular and longstanding venues in Tequila. For 150 pesos, you get a factory tour and tasters. Alternatively, you can upgrade to other packages which include tequila cocktails. The whole tour took around an hour which gave us plenty of time for wandering T equila. There isn’t a great amount more to do but it’s a pretty colonial town which is usually busy and vibey at weekends with local markets and voladores performing. If you haven’t seen these guys yet, expect to be amazed as they swing from the top of a 150-metre pole attached by harnesses.

3 days in Guadalajara: Chapala

With a third day in Guadalajara, you can take another day trip within Jalisco state, this time to Mexico’s largest lake. Chapala is the name of the lake as well as the popular tourist town on its banks. The cheapest option is taking a bus but the easiest option is an organised day tour to both Chapala and Ajijic .

Chapala town can get very busy, especially if you visit on a weekend. I would suggest visiting on a weekday if you can. There’s another nearby town called Ajijic (pronounced ah-he-hic) which is also worth adding to your Guadalajara itinerary. I’d suggest starting your day at Ajijic as it’s furthest away, then stopping at Chapala town on the way home. How to get to Ajijic from Guadalajara by bus: Along with two girls from the hostel, we caught an Uber to Antigua Central Camionera , the same place we’d caught a bus to Tequila the day before. We paid around 100 pesos for a ticket to Ajijic and the ride took around 1.5 hours.

Things to do in Ajijic

Ajijic is a funny place because it’s widely known as an American and Canadian retirement town. Many of the residents clearly aren’t Mexican and eat at Western-style restaurants with menus in English. While this doesn’t make Ajijic sound particularly authentic or interesting, I still liked this pretty, colourful town. A taxi driver also told us that the foreigners are friendly and respectful, bringing with them job opportunities for locals. It’s also worth a visit for the lakeside views!

Things to do in Ajijic:

• Take a hike to El Tepalo Waterfall, although maybe not in the dry season – it was all dried up when we arrived
• Walk the lakeside promenade and take in scenic views
• Explore the quiet lake banks away from the promenade to ditch the crowds (not that there are many in Ajijic compared to Chapala town) and spot wildlife
• Eat at Chilli Verde Restaurant . The chile relleno (giant breaded chilli stuffed with cheese and bathed in a tomato sauce) was very tasty, as were the juices
• Spot street art and visit art galleries.

Getting to Chapala: Call an Uber or hail a local taxi for the short ride between Ajijic and Chapala town. I can’t remember the exact price we paid but I believe it was around 100 pesos split between three of us.

Things to do in Chapala

We arrived in Chapala and felt instantly overwhelmed by the amount of people, as well as baffled by a man walking a honey badger on a lead.

Chapala was overwhelming and I wasn’t as enamoured as I was by Ajijic. Still, it’s an iconic place to include in your Guadalajara itinerary nonetheless.

Things to do in Chapala town:

• Take a boat trip on Lake Chapala. Vendors will approach you selling tickets as soon as you arrive
• Eat seafood beside the lake
• Shop for snacks, souvenirs and shoes at Tianguis Market on Wednesdays
• Drive 10 minutes to San Juan Cosalá town and bathe in natural hot springs
• Stroll the Malecon (lakefront area) and snap photos with the colourful Chapala sign.

We set off from our hostel at 9am and arrived back at 6.30pm, having toured both Ajijic and Chapala before catching the 1-hour bus back to Guadalajara. It’s a busy but easy day trip. If you would rather take a tour, you can book a Chapala and Ajijic trip with Viator .

4 days in Guadalajara: Tlaquepaque

To finish this 4 day Guadalajara itinerary, make sure to visit Tlaquepaque. This charming suburb of Guadalajara was once its own town but has since been absorbed into the urban sprawl. Tlaquepaque is a fun place to visit… As is trying to pronounce it! Tlaquepaque is known for its traditional pottery and ceramics. There’s not a whole load to do but you can easily kill a few hours browsing craft shops and sipping coffee.

Things to do in Tlaquepaque:

• Head to El Parían bandstand to watch mariachi players perform. Mariachi, now known around the world, started life here so catching some is a must for your Guadalajara itinerary. You can get a drink at one of the many cafes and watch as performers sing and play violin and guitar while wearing traditional dress. Tlaquepaque may have changed over the decades but this is one thing that hasn’t!
• Shop for pottery. You’ll get great deals on colourful Mexican crafts in Tlaquepaque. You can also attend workshops to see how it’s made. Check out Cantú craft shop.
• Visit Pantaleón Panduro Museum to see modern ceramic style arts including mini models of Guadalajara’s famous buildings.
• Stroll Sergio Bustamante Gallery and admire exhibits including statues with a modern art focus. I liked the leafy garden at the back of this gallery.
• If you spy street vendors selling this local drink called tuba, give it a try. It’s sweet and fruity with peanuts and candies floating inside.

Afternoon activity for street art fans

If you’re a street art fan, there’s one final thing to add to your Guadalajara itinerary. This impressive street art location isn’t in the centre of Guadalajara, in fact it’s quite far out. But I can vouch for it as a cool, colourful activity if you have the time. To reach this street art mural by Boa Mistura, set your Google Maps to Mural Urbano ‘Nierika’ . From central Guadalajara, you can catch a direct bus with a short walk at the end. From Chapultepec or Tlaquepaque, you’ll need to change buses in the centre. Alternatively, take an Uber there. Tip – for navigating Guadalajara by bus, use the Moovit app.

This cool street art mural is spread out over several apartment buildings, even extending to the baseball court. I don’t think this location gets a lot of tourist traffic judging by the curious but friendly welcome from the locals. I was happy to find it and learn about a street artist I didn’t know about previously. Boa Mistura is from Madrid but now has street art all over the world. This mural is dedicated to Wixáritari indigenous people living in Mexico. Nierika  is a word in their language referring to energy that comes from the wisdom of their ancestors and guides the next generation in building their future. We could all use some of this, I think! If you can get a panoramic view of all the buildings at once (which we got by climbing a stairwell opposite) you’ll see the words FUI, SOY, SERÉ (I am, I was, I will be) written across three buildings. I loved the scale of this art and the different message conveyed by seeing it from another angle.

Guadalajara packing list

Wondering what to pack for Guadalajara? I’d suggest:

• Clothes: Cooler clothes for day times: shorts, dresses and skirts etc
• Jeans and a sweater for the evenings
• ‘Nicer’ clothes for restaurants and bars
• Comfy sneakers – you’ll do a lot of walking
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Security: A handy bum bag with secure zip
• Combination padlock (ideal for hostel lockers)
• Research: The latest copy of Lonely Planet Mexico
• A Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary
• Technology: a GoPro if you’re making videos – I use the HERO8 Black
• Solo photography pick: Manfrotto tripod and Joby Gorillapod
• A power bank to keep your devices alive
• Sustainability: stainless steel reusable water bottle with straw lid to reduce the use of plastic bottles
• Alternatively, a filtering water bottle that allows you to safely drink tap water
• Reusable coffee cup (collapsable) for hot takeaway drinks
• Metal straw kit with straw cleaner and cloth bag .

Thanks for reading my Guadalajara itinerary!

Check out my other Mexico blogs:

• Complete Mexico bucket list
• Ultimate Mexico City itinerary
• Solo female travel in Mexico
• Things to do in Puebla
• 23 Mexico City travel tips
• Things to do in Coyoacan Mexico City
• Solo female travel to Mexico City
• Visiting Hierve el Agua
• Guide to visiting Queretaro wine region
• Visiting Xochimilco Mexico City
• Oaxaca Day of the Dead guide
• Best food in Tepoztlan Mexico

VISITING MEXICO? These are my trusted resources: Getting around by air – the quickest (and often cheapest) way to travel between Mexican cities is by flight. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Getting around by bus (environmental option) – buses in Mexico are comfy with free snacks and an in-journey entertainment system. I use Busbud to find the best prices. Driving in Mexico – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in Mexico (and all around the world). For hotels and apartments, I use Booking.com . They have a wide range of accommodation for all budgets, plus the loyalty programme gives you discounts and upgrades. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . Hostels in Mexico are great for meeting other travellers. To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. I use GetYourGuide for tours & activities when I don’t want to travel solo. I also check Viator as they often have fun & unique options. EatWith – your one-stop for Mexico food tours, cooking classes and hosted meals with local chefs and foodies. Need to top up your Spanish? Pack a Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips from 10+ years of travel!

See you next time for more adventures,

Ps. Liked this Guadalajara itinerary? Pin it for later!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

2 thoughts on “ The Ultimate Guadalajara Itinerary In 1-4 Days ”

What a cool city and I love that you can experience a tequila tour! Sounds like my kinda place ahaha

I did not know there is so much to do in Guadalajara! Thanks for sharing!

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