15 Awesome Things to do in Guadalajara
Guadalajara, Jalisco is the birthplace of tequila and mariachi music! This incredible city is the second largest in Mexico and only a short one-hour flight from Mexico City.
It is full of Mexican culture and history. In addition, there is stunning architecture, a historic center, exciting museums, excellent markets, and beautiful cathedrals. Guadalajara has so many things to do in Guadalajara that you can enjoy on a solo trip or with others.
Four days was the perfect amount of time to explore this great city. However, you can enjoy the city for three days or a whole week. Consider adding it to your Mexican travel bucket list.
Guadalajara has various sections or areas you’ll want to visit. The major ones I mention are: Centro Histórico, Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, Tonalá, and Tequila. All except Tequila connect to Guadalajara and are part of the city. Getting to them is as simple as catching a short and inexpensive Uber ride.
Things to do in Guadalajara
Table of Contents
1. Admire the Guadalajara Cathedral
This cathedral is the main building found in Centro Histórico. It’s an impressive religious landmark with a Gothic vibe to it and boasts beautiful stained glass.
The cathedral was initially built in 1541 but has been rebuilt several times after surviving earthquakes and fires. You can marvel at its beauty inside and out while strolling through the city center. Three sides of it have a plaza or square to enjoy!
2. Enjoy Plaza de Armas
Who doesn’t love historic centers!? They’re always so full of charm and history about a city. The best way to explore it is to walk around and marvel at the beautiful architecture. You can enter the various churches to marvel at their beauty.
The historic center also has a plaza with a gazebo in the middle, typical of towns and cities in Mexico. Plaza de Armas is where the locals hang out by the benches to enjoy the day.
3. Plaza Guadalajara
On the other side, you’ll find Plaza Guadalajara a great place to hang out by the church. There is also a section where you can grab some delicious Mexican food and listen to live music.
4. Walk Plaza Liberación
Next to the Cathedral is this large square, and it’s much larger than the other two, Plaza de Armas and Plaza de Guadalajara. A statue of Miguel Hidalgo, a hero for independence, and two central fountains are the main attraction in this square.
5. Shop and Eat Mercado Libertad o San Juan de Dios
I visited Mercado Libertad twice because I enjoyed it so much! It’s souvenirs galore! You can find all types of hand-crafted goodies that represent Mexican culture.
There is food, clothing, shoes, toys, candy, pets, and almost anything you can imagine. I’ve been to markets worldwide, and this one is now one of my favorites. The prices were terrific and the food and snacks delicious.
I wanted to take everything home, but I only traveled with a backpack, making it challenging to shop for everything I loved. So instead, try leaving some space in your luggage for souvenirs.
They are incredibly cheap and so cool! Also, I ate some delicious 11 cent tacos de cabeza here at a small restaurant called “Ricos Tacos!” I couldn’t believe the price!
6. Listen to Music at Plaza de los Mariachis
You can’t go to Mexico without letting your ears experience the beautiful sound of Mariachi. Also located in the Historical Center, this plaza is an open-air walkway lined with bars and restaurants.
What’s famous about this plaza is that it’s known for Mariachi music entertainers walking around in their traditional clothing and playing live music for people. It’s a tradition in the city, and people come to enjoy the music.
Keep in mind you might hear Mariachi players are often referred to as tapatíos. You can come to this plaza to enjoy live music, entertainment, food, and tequila.
7. Visit Artwork in Centro Cultural Cabañas
Also known as Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, this museum is a UNESCO World Heritage site and landmark. This museum has a beautiful ceiling and a dome of modern murals by José Clemente Orozco.
You can see more of his work throughout the building, but the museum also has some other amazing artwork that’s both contemporary and modern.
What’s so great about the building is the labyrinth of arched courtyards and exhibitions. The courtyards feel peaceful and enjoyable.
Interestingly, the original purpose of the building was an orphanage and a home for invalids. At one time, it housed over 500 children, and it remained open for 150 years as such.
8. Have Fun in Chapultepec Avenue
Guadalajara is a party city, and it all happens down at Avenida Chapultepec. It is a trendy avenue with bars, clubs, and restaurants for those who like to have fun on the weekend. But during the week, the non-partiers can find a busy market and some great places to eat.
Nearby and Connected Towns
Guadalajara has grown so much that all the towns that once surrounded it became part of the city. So even though they have their own name, they feel like part of the city because of the proximity.
I see them mainly as an “area or section” of the Guadalajara. Most of these areas are only a 20-minute ride away, except Tequila which you leave the city. Here are the places to explore:
9. Immerse yourself in Tlaquepaque Town
The “place above clay land” is what the name of this town name means in Nahuatl. Here you will find hand-painted pottery, excellent souvenirs at the Mercado de Artesanías, and you’ll pass many shops.
Ask an Uber to drop you off at El Parían. El Parían is the main walkway with stores, restaurants, and all types of goodies that you’ll be exploring.
Before leaving, go to Mercado Juarez and Eat at “Restaurant Bar El Toreo” for the best cazuelita of Tequila you’ll have. There, you can listen to live Mariachi center stage! Just be careful with the tequila!
You don’t want to leave drunk. Don’t miss the cute heart décor throughout the area. Tlaquepaque was my favorite part of Guadalajara!
10. Roam the City of Zapopan
Zapopan city lies at the northwest edge of Guadalajara. It’s mainly a manufacturing center but a great area to explore. The Basilica of the Virgin of Zapopan is here, and it’s known for the annual pilgrimages that people take to it. I enjoyed the cheap food, Christmas decor, and simply exploring the area.
11. Explore Tonalá Town
Similar to Tlaquepaque, Tonalá is also known for its artisan work but without the folksy character. Mainly locals hang out here, but you can explore this area for a more authentic town feel.
12. Go on a Tequila Town & Tour
There is actually a town called Tequila, just like Mexico’s most famous alcoholic drink. Taking a trip to Tequila is probably the funnest thing you’ll do during your stay in Guadalajara.
You don’t even need to drink tequila. In the town of Tequila, there are many distilleries and agave fields. Here, you’ll learn about how drinks are made and even enjoy a few shots.
If you’re on your own or like organized tours, you can go with the Tequila Express Train. It’s a little pricey but well worth the experience. The other best option is to rent a car to drive to the distilleries and the town. I recommend this option if you’re with a group of friends.
During our tour, we visited the Distillery. They let us try about five shots, taught us about the agave and tequila-making process, and then ended with live Mariachi, which created a whole dance scene.
That was the best part of it all! From there, they took us to the town center of Tequila to explore and eat. It was a long but incredible day.
13. Go on a Free Walking Tour
Free walking tours are always a great way to get to know the basics of the city but also a great way to make friends. Every morning at 10 AM, you can join a local guide who gives you insights about the city.
They meet at the gazebo at Plaza de Armas and last about two hours. What’s cool about walking tours is you can get recommendations about the city and learn about the history and culture.
Even though I didn’t join this specific one, my hostel had a guide who took us on a night tour to experience Lucha Libre, took us to some restaurant bars and street food. But I’ve done walking tours before, and they are always a great option.
14. Watch a Lucha Libre
If you want to have a good laugh, take a Lucha Libre tour to Arena Coliseo, where you’ll see some Mexican wrestling. It was pretty entertaining, and we went back and forth asking ourselves how fake it was, but it was fun!
The ticket with my hostel included transportation, a free beer, and the wrestling matches. Most hotels and hostels offer this tour. Afterward, you could visit La Ultima Lucha Pulquería to try the famous drink pulque and keep the vibe of all the Lucha Libre mask décor.
15. Eat & Drink Your Way Around
The best thing to love about Mexico is the food, and Guadalajara is a culinary heaven for foodies. It is famously known for tequila and popular dishes, drinks, and snacks that you must try during your visit to the city. There is so much I can recommend, but try to taste the following.
- Tequila
- Pulque
- Birria
- Cazuelita
- Jarritos
- Tortas Ahogadas
- Jericallas
How to Get Around
Even though Guadalajara is a huge city, it didn’t feel overwhelmingly big like Mexico City. It is very easy to get around. I highly recommend using Uber because it’s very cheap, safe, and easy to catch.
From the airport to Centro Histórico, the drive was about 35 minutes for 150 pesos ($6). Getting around the city, each ride was less or about the same price. You also can ride the bus. Recently two metro lines opened up.
Where to Stay
If you plan to stay at a Hostel, I recommend Hostel Hospedarte Centro, where I stayed. It is close to the city center and within walking distance.
Or, Hostel Hospedarte Chapultepec is in Chapultepec if you plan to go out to enjoy the bars. Both Centro and Chapultepec are great sections of the city to stay in.
What to Pack
Here are some travel items to pack for your trip to Mexico.
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
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15 Awesome Things to do in Guadalajara
