Guadalajara, Mexico's second largest city and capital of the state of Jalisco, offers a vibrant mix of tradition and modernity. Known as the birthplace of mariachi and tequila, this city is full of history, culture, and magical places.
1. Walk through the Historic Center
The Historic Center of Guadalajara is a must-see for any visitor. Here you can find some of the city's most iconic monuments, such as the Guadalajara Cathedral, which is an icon of colonial architecture with its distinctive neo-Gothic towers. In front of the cathedral, lies the Plaza de Armas, ideal for strolling and enjoying the gardens.
Other points of interest include the Government Palace, which houses murals by the famous artist José Clemente Orozco. You can't miss the Teatro Degollado, one of the oldest and most beautiful theaters in Mexico, with its impressive facade of neoclassical columns. In the same area is the Cabañas Cultural Institute, a World Heritage site that houses an impressive collection of Orozco murals.
2. Tour of the Tlaquepaque neighborhood
Tlaquepaque is a picturesque municipality located just a few minutes from Guadalajara. This neighborhood is famous for its pottery and handicraft workshops, and is full of shops where you can buy unique souvenirs made by local artisans. The alleys are adorned with colorful decorations and are perfect for an afternoon stroll.
During your visit to Tlaquepaque, don’t miss the Parián, a large covered plaza surrounded by bars and restaurants where you can enjoy live mariachi music. You can also try a “cantarito,” a refreshing drink made with tequila and citrus juice that is a specialty of the region.
3. Visit to the Museum of Arts of the University of Guadalajara (MUSA)
MUSA is one of the city's most prominent museums, housed in a neoclassical building. This museum houses contemporary art as well as murals by José Clemente Orozco, one of the three great Mexican muralists, which gives it a special and distinctive touch. The exhibitions change regularly and range from Mexican art to international works.
The museum also hosts cultural and educational events, so check their calendar to see if you can enjoy a lecture or workshop during your visit.
4. Excursion to Tequila
About 60 km from Guadalajara lies the Magical Town of Tequila, famous for being the birthplace of this iconic Mexican drink. This excursion is an excellent opportunity to learn about the tequila production process, from the harvesting of the agave to the distillation. The most popular experience is the ride on the “Tequila Express” or the “José Cuervo Express”, two tourist trains that offer themed rides through the agave fields with tequila tastings included.
In the town of Tequila, you can visit distilleries such as Casa Herradura, Sauza or José Cuervo, where you will learn about the history and manufacturing process of tequila. In addition, the center of Tequila is charming and has a plaza surrounded by restaurants and bars where you can try different varieties of tequila and typical dishes from the region.
5. Tasting at the San Juan de Dios Market
If you are a foodie, the San Juan de Dios Market is a must-see. This market is one of the largest in Latin America and offers a wide variety of local food, crafts, clothing, and more. Here you can sample typical Guadalajara dishes such as tortas ahogadas, birria, pozole, and tacos.
Tortas ahogadas are a local specialty, consisting of a bolillo filled with carnitas and bathed in a spicy tomato sauce. Birria, on the other hand, is a dish of goat or beef slowly cooked in a spiced broth, and is usually accompanied by tortillas. Don't forget to order a jericalla, a traditional dessert similar to crema catalana.
6. Relax at the Agua Azul Park
The Agua Azul Park is one of the green lungs of the city and an excellent place to relax. This park has a wide variety of exotic plants and areas to walk, exercise or simply sit and enjoy nature. One of the main attractions of the park is the Butterfly House, which houses different species of butterflies that fly freely within the park.
In addition to the Butterfly House, you can also visit the Aviary, where there is a great variety of birds, and the Botanical Garden, where you can find plants endemic to the region. This park is ideal for a quiet day with the family or for a walk in the fresh air in the city.
7. Explore the Los Colomos Forest
Los Colomos Forest is another beautiful natural space in Guadalajara worth exploring. This park is known for its Japanese Garden, a zen space that invites relaxation. It is a popular place for hiking, practicing yoga, or simply enjoying a picnic.
This forest also features exercise areas and zones for biking or jogging. If you prefer a cultural experience, there are often open-air theatre activities and art events held in the park, making it a great place to mingle with city dwellers.
8. Enjoy art and culture at the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG)
If you're visiting Guadalajara in March, the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG) is an event you can't miss. This is one of the most important film festivals in Latin America and offers a platform for filmmakers from around the world to present their works. The festival features screenings, conferences, workshops and a series of activities where you can meet actors and directors.
The FICG has a focus on Ibero-American cinema, and its events and galas are perfect for immersing yourself in the film culture and talent of the region.
9. Walk around Chapultepec and enjoy its nightlife
Chapultepec Avenue is one of the most vibrant cultural and gastronomic corridors in Guadalajara. This area is especially popular for its nightlife, and in its surroundings you will find a large number of bars, restaurants, cafes and galleries. During the weekends, the avenue becomes pedestrianized in some areas and there are cultural activities, exhibitions and live music.
Among the most popular bars in the area are “Cantinero” and “Patán”, where you can enjoy a wide variety of drinks and cocktails in a bohemian atmosphere. In addition, Chapultepec has some art galleries and street murals that give an artistic touch to the walk.
10. Participate in a Charrería
Charrería is the national sport of Mexico and is very important in Jalisco. If you are interested in learning more about this tradition, you can attend a charreada in Guadalajara. These competitions showcase the skills of riders and horses in a series of charro tests and feats, such as coleadero and bull riding.
Charreadas are often held at the Lienzo Charro Jalisco in the city on weekends. Attending one of these exhibitions is an excellent way to understand and enjoy the local culture.