Guadalajara
Mexico · Jalisco · 1566 m
Description
Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco and one of Mexico’s most important cultural centers. The metropolis is closely associated with some of the country’s most iconic traditions, including mariachi, charrería, and tequila, and is known for its colonial architecture, lively plazas, and José Clemente Orozco’s impressive murals at the UNESCO-listed Hospicio Cabañas. Guadalajara blends Mexican history and tradition with art, regional cuisine, and modern urban life. The renowned craft centers of Tlaquepaque and Tonalá, as well as the Blue Agave landscape around Tequila, make the city an ideal base for exploring the cultural richness of Jalisco.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 5 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: November – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Hospicio Cabañas (Instituto Cultural Cabañas)
- Guadalajara Cathedral & historic center
- San Pedro Tlaquepaque historic center & handicrafts
- José Clemente Orozco murals at Hospicio Cabañas
- Teatro Degollado
- Plaza de Armas
- Plaza de la Liberación
- Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres
- Government Palace of Jalisco & Orozco murals
- Regional Museum of Guadalajara
- Plaza Tapatía
- Founders' Square (Plaza Fundadores)
- Liberation Square & Quetzalcóatl Fountain
- San Juan de Dios Market (Mercado Libertad)
- Guadalajara street food at Mercado San Juan de Dios
- Expiatory Temple of the Blessed Sacrament
- Tequila & Agave Landscape(Day trip)
- University of Guadalajara Museum of Arts (MUSA)
- José Clemente Orozco murals at MUSA
- Colomos Forest (Bosque Los Colomos)
- Lake Chapala(Day trip)
- Japanese Garden at Bosque Los Colomos
- Avenida Chapultepec
- Colonia Americana
- Guadalajara nightlife & cantinas
- Birria
- Tortas ahogadas
- Mariachi culture in Guadalajara
- Plaza de los Mariachis
- Lucha libre at Arena Coliseo Guadalajara
- Tlaquepaque's Independencia pedestrian street
- El Parián de Tlaquepaque
- Sergio Bustamante Gallery in Tlaquepaque
- Regional Ceramics Museum in Tlaquepaque
- Tonalá handicraft market
- National Ceramics Museum in Tonalá
- Guadalajara Zoo
- Selva Mágica amusement park
- Huentitán Canyon (Barranca de Huentitán)
- Huentitán Canyon hiking
- Arcos de Guadalajara
- Glorieta de La Minerva
- Tequila distillery tours & tastings(Day trip)
- José Cuervo Express(Day trip)
- Guachimontones archaeological site(Day trip)
- Ajijic historic center & Malecón(Day trip)
- Chapala Malecón(Day trip)
- Los Guachimontones Interpretive Center(Day trip)
- Hacienda El Carmen(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- GDL
- Train stations:
- Guadalajara, Independencia