Guadalajara, Mexico: travel guide
Birthplace of tequila and mariachi, with grand plazas and crafts
Mexico's second city and cultural capital — birthplace of tequila, mariachi, and charreada, with a thriving food and arts scene.
About Guadalajara
Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco and the heartland of much that the world thinks of as Mexican: tequila, mariachi and charrería all have roots in this region. The city is large but easy to enjoy, with a handsome historic centre of plazas, arcades and the grand Palacio de Gobierno.
Across the centre you can follow the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, browse the Mercado San Juan de Dios, and head to Tlaquepaque for its craft shops, courtyards and cafés. Day trips go out to the agave fields and distilleries near Amatitán, where tequila is made, and the town of Tequila itself is nearby.
Guadalajara suits food lovers, craft shoppers and those exploring tequila country. Days are warm and the evenings gentle, with the dry months from November to May being the most comfortable.
- Country
- Mexico
- Currency
- MXN
- Time zone
- America/Mexico_City
- Nearest airport
- GDL
Last updated
Top places to visit in Guadalajara
Catedral de Guadalajara
Church · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Twin neo-Gothic yellow-tiled spires define the city skyline; foundation dates to 1618.
Instituto Cultural Cabañas
Museum · about 1.5 h · entry $90 (≈ ₹470)
UNESCO neoclassical hospice with Orozco's masterpiece murals, including "The Man of Fire".
Teatro Degollado
Heritage · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
19th-c. neoclassical opera house with a frescoed dome, home to the Jalisco Philharmonic.
Mercado San Juan de Dios (Libertad)
Market · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
One of Latin America's largest indoor markets — food, crafts and everything else.
Tlaquepaque Centro & El Parián
Cultural · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Artisan town within the metro area famed for pottery, mariachi and the El Parián cantina plaza.
Palacio de Gobierno de Jalisco
Heritage · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
Baroque government palace with a soaring Orozco mural of Hidalgo above the staircase.
Casa Herradura (Amatitán)
Activity · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Historic Herradura tequila distillery in Amatitán, the heart of Jalisco's agave country.
Basílica de Zapopan
Church · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
17th-c. basilica home to the venerated Virgin of Zapopan pilgrimage image.
Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres
Heritage · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Monument and plaza honouring Jalisco's notable figures beside the cathedral.
Chapultepec Avenue
Nightlife · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Tree-lined boulevard that is Guadalajara's nightlife, café and art-walk artery.
Things to do
- Tequila Town & Distillery Day Trip Day Trip · 8 h · from MXN 1,100 per person
- Birria & Torta Ahogada Food Tour Food Tour · 3 h · from MXN 600 per person
- Historic Centre & Murals Walking Tour Tour · 3 h · from MXN 400 per person
- Tlaquepaque Art & Mariachi Evening Tour · 3.5 h · from MXN 650 per person
Where to stay in Guadalajara
- Colonia Americana about MXN 2,200 per night
Trendy tree-lined district (Lafayette/Americana) with the best cafés and nightlife.
Hotels
- Hotel Demetria 5-star · MXN 3,800 to MXN 7,500 per night
- Casa Fayette 5-star · MXN 3,000 to MXN 5,800 per night
- Hotel Morales Historical & Colonial 4-star · MXN 1,600 to MXN 2,800 per night
- Hostel Hospedarte Chapultepec 2-star · MXN 300 to MXN 900 per night
Where to eat
- Alcalde Contemporary, Mexican · about MXN 1,400 per person
- La Tequila Mexican, Jalisco · about MXN 550 per person
- Birrería Las Nueve Esquinas Birria, Mexican · about MXN 180 per person
- Karne Garibaldi Mexican, Jalisco · about MXN 220 per person
- Casa Luna (Tlaquepaque) Mexican, International · about MXN 480 per person
- Tortas Ahogadas El Güero Street Food, Mexican · about MXN 90 per person
- Anita Li Contemporary, International · about MXN 600 per person
Getting to Guadalajara
Airport: Guadalajara (GDL)
Getting around
- Bus
- Metro
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Mexico
Frequently asked questions about Guadalajara
- What are the main places to visit in Guadalajara?
- Places covered in our Guadalajara guide include Catedral de Guadalajara, Instituto Cultural Cabañas, Teatro Degollado, Mercado San Juan de Dios (Libertad), Tlaquepaque Centro & El Parián.
- Where should I stay in Guadalajara?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Guadalajara: Colonia Americana.
- How do I get around Guadalajara?
- Ways to get around Guadalajara covered in our guide: City bus, Metro, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Guadalajara?
- The nearest airport to Guadalajara has the code GDL.