Woven into the rich cultural tapestry of Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, are tequila distilleries, colonial architecture, Maya ruins, and world-class museums. The lively metropolis—which is actually comprised of three separate cities: Tlaquepaque, Zapopan, and official Guadalajara—serves as an equally dazzling and less daunting alternative to Mexico City’s overwhelming sprawl. Guadalajara Historic Center (Centro Historico) is crowned by Plaza Tapatia and studded with fountains and sculptures, and serves as an excellent people-watching spot—venture inside the Instituto Cultural Cabanas, and you’ll find world-famous frescoes by Jose Clemente Orozco. A tour is an ideal way to see Guadalajara’s many dispersed monuments, including the must-visit Guadalajara Cathedral and the Governor's Palace, as well as Tlaquepaque’s market of traditional Mexican handicrafts. For something even more intoxicating, take a ride on the Jose Cuervo Express train, destined for tequila distilleries and abundant samples of Mexico’s national drink; or watch a lucha libre (Mexican wrestling match) over tacos and beer. When you’re finally ready for a city break, take a day trip to Lake Chapala (Lago de Chapala), Mexico’s largest natural lake; the conical pyramids of Guachimontones, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; or the artisan villages of Jalisco, where the surrounding landscape offers stunning fields full of blue agave.
Fall in Guadalajara is when locals come together under sunny skies for the Day of the Virgin of Zapopan and the October Parties, which run for 31 days straight. For lower prices, but also lower temperatures, visit in winter—just be sure to order a warming bowl of pozole corn soup, a regional specialty.
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Before moving to Mexico City, Yorkshire-born Lauren spent a year living and working in Guadalajara, where she fell in love with tequila, tortas ahogadas, and regular sunshine.
get breakfast in the Santa Tere Market. The sauce-doused quesadillas stuffed with the fillings of your choice are the best way to start the day.
includes breakfast at Neretta in the Americana neighborhood, people-watching by the cathedral, and craft beers on Chapultepec Avenue as the sun goes down.
Tlaquepaque, an artsy district just 30 minutes outside of the city center. Go at the weekend for cute stores, street food, and, after dark, tequila and mariachi at El Parián.
branch out from Chapultepec Avenue. Look for a local tianguis (street market) and sample fresh juice, coconut water, and birria tacos.
go to the Parque Mirador Independencia viewpoint on the fringes of the Barranca de Huentitán (Huentitán Canyon) for sweeping views of a very different side to Guadalajara.
is thinking Guadalajara is a mini-Mexico City. It is Mexico’s second city, but Guadalajara is far less chaotic (in some ways), cramped, and earthquake-prone than the capital.
Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, is best known for the murals of José Clemente Orozco and for its historical architecture—including the Gothic Guadalajara Cathedral and neoclassical Degollado Theater. It’s also famous as the birthplace of mariachi music and is a popular launchpad for day trips to the town of Tequila.
...MoreSpend the morning exploring the historic center, where you’ll find landmarks such as Guadalajara Cathedral. Then relax in La Rotonda de Los Jaliscienses park. In the afternoon, sample the eponymous liquor in the town of Tequila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or explore Chapala, home to Mexico’s largest lake.
...MoreTourists go to Guadalajara to listen to mariachi music, drink tequila, experience the vibrant nightlife and dining scene on Chapultepec Avenue, and explore the city’s historic center. The city is near the town of Tequila, home to the Jose Cuervo Distillery, and the small villages of Ajijic and Chapala.
...MoreYes, Guadalajara is known for its nightlife. The city’s top spot is undoubtedly Chapultepec, a six-avenue stretch that’s popular with travelers and international students. On this street that never sleeps, you can find everything from chic cocktail bars and craft beer bars to nightclubs and traditional Mexican cantinas.
...MoreThe nice areas in Guadalajara are the historic center (El Centro)—home to Guadalajara Cathedral, Degollado Theater, and Hospicio Cabañas—and Tlaquepaque, a bohemian neighborhood that emanates small-town charm. If you’re looking for fine dining and high-end cocktail bars, Colonia Americana is a hipster hot spot.
...MoreYes, Guadalajara is worth visiting. It’s the birthplace of mariachi music and some traditional foods, such as birria (stewed meat) and torta ahogadas (stuffed baguettes), and offers exceptional historic architecture. Plus, the city is within driving distance of the town of Tequila and Lake Chapala, the largest lake in Mexico.
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