GUADALAJARA AT A GLANCE
CITY
Guadalajara
COUNTRY
TIMEZONE
UTC-6
TRAIN
Sistema de Tren Eléctrico Urbano ($9 MXN / $0.45 USD)
BUS
Ruta Empresa (Macrobús) ($9 MXN / $0.45 USD)
TERRAIN
Temperate Valley Metropolitan City
WEATHER
Winter: 46ºF - 75ºF December to February / Spring 77ºF - 95ºF March to May / Summer: 68ºF - 86ºF and Rainy June to August / Autumn: 68ºF - 86ºF September to November
AVERAGE HOSTEL COST
$300 MXN / $15 USD
LAST UPDATED
29/11/2024
LANDSCAPE
NOTABLE FEATURES
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, is widely known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and contributions to Mexican identity. It is the birthplace of mariachi music, which is celebrated globally, and is home to the famous Tequila region, where the world-renowned spirit is produced. The city is also famous for its colonial architecture, with landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral, and for being a hub of arts and crafts, particularly in pottery, textiles, and glasswork. Guadalajara's culinary scene is a highlight, offering traditional dishes like tortas ahogadas and birria. As a major economic and tech center in Mexico, it combines modernity with deep-rooted traditions, making it a dynamic destination that blends the old and new seamlessly.
ACTIVITIES
Popular Activities
Visit the Guadalajara Cathedral: A stunning example of colonial architecture, this iconic church in the heart of the city is a must-see landmark.
Explore the Historic Center: Stroll through the vibrant streets of Guadalajara’s historic district, filled with colonial-era buildings, squares, and museums.
Tour Tequila: Take a day trip to the Tequila Valley to explore the birthplace of the famous Mexican spirit, including distillery tours and tastings.
Visit the Hospicio Cabañas: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this former orphanage houses murals by renowned artist José Clemente Orozco and is a cultural landmark.
Take in Mariachi Music at Plaza de los Mariachis: Experience live mariachi performances, a genre that originated in Guadalajara, at this lively square.
Explore Tlaquepaque: This charming neighborhood is known for its colorful streets, artisanal shops, and galleries, perfect for an afternoon of shopping and dining.
Go to the Mercado San Juan de Dios: One of the largest indoor markets in Latin America, offering everything from local food to handcrafted goods.
Relax at Chapala Lake: A short drive from Guadalajara, this picturesque lake offers boating, hiking, and a relaxing atmosphere for a peaceful getaway.
Stroll through the Parque Agua Azul: A beautiful park with lush gardens, walking paths, and tranquil ponds, ideal for a picnic or leisurely walk.
Visit the Museum of the Arts of the University of Guadalajara: A cultural treasure trove offering exhibitions of contemporary and classical art, housed in an old convent.
Underrated Destinations
Visit the Mercado de Abastos: Often overshadowed by other markets, this large wholesale market is a hidden gem for those looking to experience authentic local food, fresh produce, and traditional Mexican ingredients. It's a bustling, non-touristy spot where locals do their shopping.
Explore the Bosque Los Colomos: While many visitors head to Chapultepec or the Guadalajara Zoo, the Bosque Los Colomos is a peaceful and less crowded park perfect for nature walks, picnics, or even bird-watching. It’s a beautiful green space with serene lakes and Japanese-inspired gardens.
Discover the street art in Barrio de Analco: This historical neighborhood is home to a growing street art scene, where murals and graffiti reflect the city’s culture, politics, and vibrant artistic spirit. It’s a great place to take a walking tour and discover unique art off the beaten path.
NEIGHBORHOODS
Centro Histórico: The heart of Guadalajara, this area is rich in history and culture. With landmarks like the Guadalajara Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, and the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, it attracts many tourists. It’s generally safe during the day but can become less so at night, especially in isolated areas. Still, it's a must-visit for anyone new to the city.
Chapultepec: This lively neighborhood is known for its cafes, bars, and vibrant nightlife. It's a trendy area popular among young people, locals, and tourists alike. The atmosphere is dynamic, and it’s considered a relatively safe area, especially in the day and evening hours.
Tlaquepaque: Known for its charming cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and mariachi music, Tlaquepaque is one of the most picturesque and safest neighborhoods in the Guadalajara metro area. It’s great for those looking to experience traditional Mexican culture and art.
Colonia Providencia: A well-off neighborhood, Providencia is home to upscale homes, restaurants, and shopping centers. It is considered one of the safer areas in the city and is popular with expats and affluent locals. It’s an excellent area for a comfortable stay.
Zapopan: Although technically a separate municipality, Zapopan is part of the Guadalajara metro area and is known for its suburban feel. It’s home to the iconic Basilica de Zapopan and large green spaces, and generally considered safe, especially in the more modern areas near the shopping centers like Andares.
Colonia Americana: A historic area that blends old architecture with modern developments, Colonia Americana has become increasingly popular for its lively bar scene, unique boutiques, and proximity to Chapultepec. It’s generally safe but should be navigated cautiously at night in less trafficked areas.
El Santuario: Close to the historic center, this area features a mix of residential homes and businesses. It can be slightly less safe, especially at night. While it's not a notorious danger zone, it's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings.
La Perla: Known for being one of the more economically disadvantaged and high-crime neighborhoods, La Perla is located near the city’s industrial zones. It’s best avoided, particularly at night, as it can be dangerous due to gang-related activity and higher levels of poverty.
Colonia Oblatos: This area, located in the southern part of the city, is one of the more impoverished neighborhoods, and it’s known for higher crime rates. While it’s not necessarily a tourist destination, it is home to a local community that you may encounter during an authentic visit to Guadalajara. Travelers are advised to avoid this area unless familiar with it.
El Mirador: Located on the western side of Guadalajara, this area has a mix of residential and industrial spaces. It’s considered to be somewhat unsafe due to occasional gang activity and drug-related issues. Travelers should be cautious and avoid venturing here, especially after dark.