Located in the Western part of Mexico, Guadalajara is the largest city and the capital of the state of Jalisco. Guadalajara is a massive city with a population of over 5 million people so suffice it to say that Guadalajara will have tons of amazing things to do and discover for anyone visiting. Guadalajara is also a major center for Mexican culture being the home of Mariachi music and the city being named the American Capital of Culture for 2005. Guadalajara is home to many other amazing events like film festivals and hosted the 2011 Pan American games. If you’re visiting Guadalajara and looking for something to check out here are some of the best things to do in Guadalajara.
1. Watch a performance at Teatro Degollado
Teatro Degollado is not only a historic part of the city but it is a building that has significantly contributed to the culture in the city. Teatro Degollado was built in 1866 and was initially home to operas and classical works and performances. The building, to this day, is still used as a performing arts center continuing on in its legacy. The Neoclassical design is something to behold whether you’re catching a performance or not.
Teatro Degollado
Address: Calle Degollado s/n, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Website: Teatro Degollado
2. Be amazed by Expiatory Temple
Similar to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Expiatory Temple is a beautifully shining example of Neo-Gothic-style churches and is considered to be one of the greatest works of its kind in Mexico. The construction of the Expiatory Temple began on August 15, 1897, and only finished 75 years later in 1972. The church is a breathtaking place to visit, with hand-carved wooden doors and Italian mosaics. The buildings itself was mostly built out of stone and carved as it was typically done in the middle ages.
Expiatory Temple
Address: Calle Manuel López Cotilla 935, Col Americana, Americana, 44160 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
3. Explore history at the Regional Museum of Guadalajara
The Regional Museum of Guadalajara is arguably one of the most important museums in Guadalajara. The museum tells the story of the locals of the city and the city of Guadalajara itself. The museum has fossils on display and also exhibits a wooly mammoth skeleton dating back to 10,000 years B.C.E. The exhibition rooms display things from pre-European life, to the colonial era, and up to the Mexican Revolution. If you’re looking for a trip through time, check out the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.
Regional Museum of Guadalajara
Address: Calle Liceo 60, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Website: Regional Museum of Guadalajara
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 3 USD
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4. Walk around Centro Historico
If the Regional Museum of Guadalajara isn’t enough history for you then definitely head to the Centro Historico and walk among the historic center of the city taking in the beautiful sights and sounds of the city. Located in the central part of Guadalajara, the area is one of the most interesting parts of the city as there is a huge concentration of historic, cultural, and architectural landmarks. The area has a lot of restaurants so after a long day of walking around and marveling the city head to a local bar or cafe and cool off.
5. Marvel at the remarkable architecture of Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan
The remarkable Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan started out its as a Franciscan abbey located in the heart of downtown Guadalajara. It was built in the 17th century and is still currently one of the most visited abbeys in Western Mexico. The Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan is an intricately built building that houses its own museum on the inside. The basilica has a wooden, hand-carved statue of the Virgin Mary that is one of the most valuable items in their possession as it has medieval origins and arrived from Spain in the 16th century.
Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan
Address: Calle Eva Briseño 152, Zapopan, 44250 Zapopan, Jal., Mexico
Website: Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
6. Explore the 19th-century Panteón de Belén
The Panteón de Belén is one of Guadalajara’s most interesting places but few people tend to check it out when they are in town. The Panteón de Belén is a cemetery, housing the remains of some of Jalisco’s most prominent people. The cemetery was used initially used to bury the large amounts of dead during Guadalajara’s early colonial days. When a cemetery is as old as this you can bet there are a number of legends and myths that surround it, including a number of ghost stories.
Panteón de Belén
Address: Calle Belén 684, El Retiro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Website: Panteón de Belén
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 10am - 12:15pm, 1pm - 3pm; Thu - Sat: 10am - 12:15pm, 1pm - 3pm, 8:30pm - 12:45am
7. Visit the historic Instituto Cultural de Cabañas
Located at the end of one of Guadalajara’s most iconic landmarks, Plaza Tapatia, is Instituto Cultural de Cabañas. Instituto Cultural de Cabañas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you have to step inside to really get a sense of the grandeur. The building houses some of Jalisco’s most beautiful art pieces including over 340 works from Mexican artists Jose Clemente Orozco.
Instituto Cultural de Cabañas
Address: Calle Cabañas 8, Las Fresas, 44360 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Website: Instituto Cultural de Cabañas
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 3 USD
8. Stroll along Plaza de la Liberación
While other centers and plazas around the city are home to some of the most important cultural landmarks, the Plaza de la Liberación is a wide open space that’s a little less concerned about keeping historic monuments and buildings intact. Plaza de la Liberación is home to Guadalajara’s Museo Regional and Palacio Legislativo which is where government officials meet. Nearby is the Palacio Justicia which is a historic landmark built in 1588 and was Guadalajara’s first nunnery.
Plaza de la Liberación
Address: Calle Pedro Loza 27A, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
9. Admire the animals at Guadalajara Zoo
If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, then there’s no better way to spend an afternoon outdoors than at the zoo. Guadalajara Zoo is the main zoo in the city and is one of the biggest in North America. The zoo is home to tons and tons of exotic animals, especially birds and the rare Mexican Wolf. Among some of their most popular attractions are the Bengal tiger, lowland gorilla, and male white alligator.
Guadalajara Zoo
Address: Calle Paseo del Zoológico 600, Huentitán El Alto, 44390 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Website: Guadalajara Zoo
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 6pm; Mon - Tue: 9:30am - 6pm
Price: 4 USD
10. Go shopping at San Juan de Dios Market
If you’re staying in Guadalajara for a while and you’re looking to do a little cooking then head to San Juan de Dios Market and pick up some fresh food. San Juan de Dios Market is the biggest indoor market in Latin America and so as you’re walking through the alleyways and going past all the stalls, make sure you don’t get lost! The market has been around since the 1950s and has since been one of the most important places for local vendors to sell their wares. There is everything here ,from groceries to electronics to CD’s, games and clothes, and literally everything else in between. The market is laid out so every area has a theme so there is some order to the chaos.
San Juan de Dios Market
Address: Calle Dionisio Rodríguez 52, La Perla, 44360 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Website: San Juan de Dios Market
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
11. Dance the night away at La Santa
Posted by LA SANTA GDL on Tuesday, 6 February 2018
Guadalajara has some amazing nightlife and if you’re looking to dance the night away then La Santa is one of biggest places to hang out for a nigh and maybe have one too many drinks. The place is vibrant and fun with cool decor and a lively atmosphere and not to mention to top-quality DJ sets that come by on a weekly basis. Attracting DJs from around the world and from Mexico itself, La Santa is the place to be seen for the hip and cool folks of Guadalajara.
La Santa
Address: : Real de Acueducto 371, Puerta de Hierro, 45116 Zapopan, Jal., Mexico
Website: La Santa
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 10:30am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Wed)
12. Discover the murals at Government Palace
Government Palace is home to some of the best art in Guadalajara, oddly enough! It is located in a marvelous and ornate 17th-century building where a lot of important laws were passed in Mexican history such as the law to abolish slavery. The building is home to tons of murals by Mexican contemporary artists Jose Clemente Orozco, and together with the building’s Baroque style of architecture, they really give the palace a very interesting, classy motif. Tours are offered in English and are free.
The Government Palace
Address: Av Ramón Corona 31, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Website: The Government Palace
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 7pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
13. Pray and marvel at the architecture of Guadalajara Cathedral
The Guadalajara Cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Guadalajara. Although the Guadalajara Cathedral is not one of the most popular cathedrals or basilica’s in the city but the massive building in Spanish Rennaisance style is absolutely stunning with intricate designs and towering Neo-Gothic spires. The cathedral was built in 1541 on the site of another church that was pretty primitive in comparison having been made of adobe and a thatched roof.
Guadalajara Cathedral
Address: Av Alcalde 10, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Website: Guadalajara Cathedral
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
14. Look for José Clemente Orozco's frescoes
José Clemente Orozco is regarded as one of the greatest painters of Mexico, along with Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. Orozco’s works are often bright and striking with intense visuals that sometimes border on the macabre. Dark reds and deep black often characterize his work as a symbol for his anger at the social injustice in Mexico. Take yourself on self-guided tours throughout Guadalajara and hunt for some of José Clemente Orozco’s most iconic frescoes and murals found throughout the city. His work can be found all throughout places in North America but his best work is here in Guadalajara.
15. Visit the ancient Churches of Santa Mónica and San Agustin
The old churches of Santa Mónica and San Agustin are related and located right next to each other. These are marvelous buildings both built in 1573 and originally used a monastery for the colonial missionaries in Guadalajara. Santa Mónica and San Agustin churches are both regarded as some of the most iconic colonial churches and are an important part of the city’s local history. The former convent has retained much of its character but it is now used by the school of music for the University of Guadalajara.
Santa Mónica and San Agustin
Address: 188 Calle Morelos, Zona Centro Guadalajara, Jalisco, 44100, Mexico
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free
16. See the butterfly houses at Parque Agua Azul & Bosque Los Colomos
Parque Agua Azul and Bosque Los Colomos are two beautiful parks in the city that are certainly worth your time so be sure to go and visit this beautiful attraction. Both places are also home to amazing butterfly houses where guests can come and observe the variety of butterfly species that call these parks home. Bosque Colomos has a wonderful Japanese Garden, many walking trails, and a natural protected area while Parque Agua Azul is over 60 years old and has an open-air stage with free performances being shown often.
Parque Agua Azul
Address: Calz Independencia Sur 973, Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Website: Parque Agua Azul & Bosque Colomos
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
17. Enjoy picnicking at Bosque Los Colomos
While you’re at the Bosque Los Colomos make sure to stop and enjoy the scenery while you’re around. Either before or after you check out the butterflies make sure to pack a small lunch or some snacks and hang out the park for a while! Bosque Los Colomos is full of nature to explore, like the elaborate Japanese Garden, walking trails, and rivers and dams. The park is considered a protected area and you’ll usually see joggers and bikers going about their day.
Bosque Los Colomos
Address: El Chaco, 3200, Providencia, 44630 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Website: Bosque Los Colomos
Opening hours: 6:30am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
18. Be amazed by stunning views from Parque Mirador Independencia
Continuing on the trend of natural parks and beautiful landscapes, here we have Parque Mirador Independencia. Located in the northern part of the city, Parque Mirador Independencia is a hiker’s paradise with lots of trails around the park. And the best of all, you’ll have an incredible view of Huentitan Canyon. There is a pretty good restaurant located in the park as well which is great if you get hungry or thirsty during your walk through the area or if you simply need a place to sit down for a minute. Make sure to visit during the months of July and September when everything is green and lush.
Parque Mirador Independencia
Address: Volcán Hueytepec, Panorámica de Huentitán, 44259 Mascuala, Jal., Mexico
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
19. Try tacos at Taco Fish La Paz
You’d be missing out if you came all the way to Mexico and didn’t indulge in some of the best Mexican classic foods. Although Guadalajara is some distance away from the ocean, that doesn’t mean that the locals don’t love a good fish taco. Guadalajarans are fond of their seafood and their tacos and Taco Fish La Paz serves some of the best seafood tacos in the city. After a long day of walking throughout the city make sure to stop and enjoy some local cuisine.
Taco Fish La Paz
Address: Avenida, Av. de la Paz 494, Mexicaltzingo, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Website: Taco Fish La Paz
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun)
20. Dine at Birriería Las 9 Esquinas
Birriería Las 9 Esquinas is truly something special and is one of the best restaurants in the city. The 9 esquinas neighborhood (or 9 corners) is famous for its birria. Birria is a dish of meat that is stewed in its own juices until flavourful and tender. Birriería las 9 Esquinas is one of those restaurants specializing in this dish. The semi-open-air restaurant is quaint but known far and wide in the city for its amazing birria and its iconic white-and-blue tiled interiors. Dine as the locals do and make sure to make this a stopover on your Guadalaara trip.
Birriería Las 9 Esquinas
Address: El Pilón de los Arrieros, Calle Galeana # 388, Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Website: Birriería Las 9 Esquinas
Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)
21. Enjoy the nightlife at KIN KIN
After your delicious meal, why not head to one of Gudalajara’s coolest nightclubs? Get friends together, grab a few drinks, and party the night away. KIN KIN night club is a late-night place modeled after New York’s underground electronic clubs. DJs are on deck all night to spin the tunes and drinks are abundant and cheap. Space is limited so show up early or practice your patience and wait in line for a bit.
KIN KIN
Address: Planta baja, Av. México 2981, Vallarta Nte., 44690 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Website: KIN KIN
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10pm - 4am (closed from Sun - Tue)
22. Sample authentic Mexican food at Santo Coyote
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you leave Santo Coyote feeling unsatisfied, then you probably didn’t do it right. Santo Coyote is home to some of the best classic Mexican dishes in the city. Everything from tacos to chicharron is all served in this amazing restaurant with a beautiful atmosphere in an outdoor setting. Enjoy the lovely outdoor atmosphere, great dishes, and some amazing cocktails and wines as well.
Santo Coyote
Address: Calle Miguel Lerdo de Tejada 2379, Col Americana, Arcos, 44150 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Website: Santo Coyote
Opening hours: 8am - 12pm (daily)
23. Take a walk through La Barranca de Huentitán
La Barranca de Huentitán is also known as the Barranca de Oblatos. La Barranca de Huentitán is known as one of the most beautiful spots in Mexico with its massive canyon and lush rolling landscapes. You’ll definitely need to bring your camera with you while you ’re here. Located on the northeast side of Guadalajara, its beauty and grandeur is just on a slightly smaller scale than the Grand Canyon in the Unites States. Important events in Mexican history took place here such as a major battle between Spanish conquistadors and natives of Huentitan as well as several battles during the Mexican revolution.
La Barranca de Huentitán
Address: Anillo Perif. Nte. Manuel Gómez Morin s/n, Tetlán Río Verde, 44720 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Opening hours: 6:30am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
24. Party it out at Lola Lolita
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Guadalajara is home to some amazing nightlife with crazy clubs, cozy bars, and some great venues for live music and fun. Lola Lolita is another one of Guadalajara’s best nightclubs. Open until very late the clubbing culture in the city is among some of the best in Mexico and Lola Lolita is a place where you can party the night away until the wee hours of the morning. They have an extensive list of drinks and some pretty cool perks if you’re going there for a birthday or bachelorette party. Lola Lolita is your spot for a fun night out in the city.
Lola Lolita
Address: Av. Ignacio L. Vallarta 1110, Col Americana, Americana, 44160 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Website: Lola Lolita
Opening hours: Wed, Fri - Sat: 10pm - 4am (closed from Sun - Tue, Thu)
Vibrant Guadalajara culture
Guadalajara is home to so many important landmarks both in the state of Jalisco and for Mexico as a whole. There’s amazing natural beauty to behold as well as an exciting nightlife and gorgeous historic landmarks. With all these sights and activities, you’ll never run short of things to keep you occupied - keep these suggestions in mind on your next trip to vibrant Guadalajara, Mexico to enjoy the best it has to offer.
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