Things to do in Guadalajara

Itineraries for Your Trip to Guadalajara

Guadalajara locals share their perfect days.
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2 Days in Guadalajara for First Timers

Curated by Lauren CockingLauren is a Mexico City–based writer, editor, and translator from Yorkshire with bylines at CNN, BBC Travel, and Al Jazeera. She’s currently working on her first full-length literary translation in between harassing her cat, drinking smuggled Yorkshire Tea, and blogging about Latin American literature at leyendolatam.com.

With two days in the capital of Jalisco, you can enjoy the main sights and sounds of Guadalajara proper before venturing beyond the city for a tequila tour or a Tlaquepaque day trip. Whether you like food, art, or history, here’s how to get the most out of two days in Guadalajara.


Day 1: Morning

Take advantage of the cool Guadalajara morning to do some sightseeing on foot. Center your exploration around Guadalajara’s four central plazas and take traveler-free photos of highlights such as Guadalajara Cathedral and the neoclassical Degollado Theatre. Alternatively, explore the city’s principal buildings during a guided mural tour.

Day 1: Afternoon

In the afternoon, dive deep into the Guadalajara dining and street-food scene during a guided, introductory walking tour of some of the city’s best dishes. Foodies may prefer a full-day gastronomic experience instead, while budget travelers can explore independently at the Santa Tere Market.

Day 1: Night

Take it easy on your first night in Guadalajara with a fun escape-room challenge, although if you’re still itching to explore the city, stop by a traditional cantina in the historic center for a beer and botana (bar snacks).

Day 2: Morning

Wake up early for an out-of-city excursion on your second day in Guadalajara. Tequila lovers can’t miss the opportunity to tour the town of Tequila. Choose a full- of half-day visit to suit you. Meanwhile, history buffs should venture to Guachimontones to marvel at circular, concentric pyramids.

Day 2: Afternoon

If you opted for a half-day excursion in the morning, spend the afternoon at Guadalajara Zoo or the Selva Mágica theme park. Buy your tickets in advance to save time on the day. Alternatively, take a taxi to nearby Tlaquepaque and explore the center independently for a couple of hours.

Day 2: Night

Celebrate your final night in the city with an exploration of Guadalajara’s nightlife. Whether you want cocktails or dive bars, there’s likely something to suit you near lively Chapultepec Avenue. If you find Guadalajara overwhelming after dark, join a pub crawl instead and take advantage of complimentary drinks.

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