1. Tlaquepaque
A neighborhood on the Southern side of Guadalajara, this place is what you imagined when you first started thinking about a vacation to the real Mexico. A bustling community and tourist center alike, you can find a whole day’s worth of activities within a few blocks of each other. We mentioned El Parian in our Places to Drink and the whole area in our Places to Eat articles to fuel you throughout the day. They have two incredible churches right in the center, which is also great to lounge around in and shop for small souvenirs. You can find all kinds of shops, art galleries, and small specialty museums as you stroll around the area. It’s a great place to go without a plan and spend a day exploring for yourself.
Recommendation – Reserve or arrive early to grab a spot at one of the rooftop bars/restaurants for a nice view of the area and the churches during the sunset hours.
HINT – If you have a little extra time and and are looking for a break from the center, head to Parque Roberto Montenegro to get a glimpse at some “X-Games” action in their public skate park.
2. Tequila
It’s interesting that one of the best things to do in Guadalajara, Mexico isn’t technically in Guadalajara, Mexico, but you’re not going to want to visit this city without a day trip to Tequila, and nor should you. A little more than an hour outside of the city lies the delightful namesake of Mexico’s favorite export (maybe second favorite to avocados). With tons of shops, streets to explore, and restaurants/bars to relish in, you could spend a whole day here without visiting one of the numerous famed tequila distilleries, though I can’t think of a reason why you would want to.
Recommendation – If you can get your hotel to arrange for a private driver to and from the destination, I highly recommend that over joining one of the more commercialized tours. It gives you a lot more freedom to visit the distilleries (haciendas) that you want to visit as well as when and where you can sober up. If your hotel doesn’t offer that service and you are going to take a tour, consider the train option for a slightly more special experience.
HINT – All those shops selling the super inexpensive high end tequila might not be the most authentic or trustworthy. If you are going to buy bottles, buy them at the distilleries to ensure authenticity and quality.
3. Hospicio Cabañas – Instituto Cultural Cabañas
This museum, housed within a former hospital/orphanage, is a sight to behold whether standing out front or within its confines. Incredible architecture from the late 17/early 1800’s make it a can’t miss while meandering around the city center. Once you have your ticket and step inside however, you become instantly more awestruck by the José Clemente Orozco murals filling the structure. Imposing, unforgiving, and endlessly breathtaking, these works of art could take up an entire day of your trip themselves.
Recommendation – Make sure you save some time to wander the halls of the rest of the museum and catch some of the temporary exhibits they showcase as well.
HINT – There is a fun outside bar right across the way that has great views of the place and is a perfect spot for a mid-afternoon cerveza.
4. Templo Expiatorio
A hop and a skip away from the city center, this church is considered by many to be one of the most impressive neo-gothic works of architecture in Latin America. Not exactly sure what that means specifically but I can tell you it was pretty damn stunning. Filled with elaborate stained glass and majestic towers (great to view from within or outside), it’s certainly worth the 7 minute drive from the center.
Recommendation – Go at sunset to snatch some incredible shots of the building during the twilight hour. There are also a lot less people after the mid day rushes.
HINT – After the dusk photo-shoot, you’re only a few blocks away from the famed Avenida Chapultepec and just in time for dinner and drinks.
5. Catedral
The can’t miss attraction in Guadalajara is actually one of the least awe-inspiring cathedrals I have visited while in Mexico, though it is up against some staunch contenders. That sldo still puts it at the top of the list when compared to most of the churches back home in the states. Massive, filled with history, and a communal meeting place, this cathedral falls right in line with the reasons why Mexico’s heartland should be just as much of a tourist destination as its beaches or European countries.
Recommendation – It is probably best to wait until the later hours to visit as the crowds tend to die down in the later afternoon. This gives you time to really walk through and appreciate all the artwork contained by the structure and not feel so ashamed about sneaking photos
HINT – Be wary right outside of the cathedral as there are numerous scams for tours and pickpockets abound. Keep valuables in your front pockets and only book with reputable companies or through your hotel. Simply treat it like any major tourist attraction and you’ll be fine.
6. Avenida Chapultepec
The infamous party street of Guadalajara is actually an extremely inviting and pleasant stroll for on a Saturday afternoon where you can work out the hangover you got from drinking there the night before. Lined with a nicely shaded sidewalk that splits the avenue, there are great shops, coffee shops, and restaurants to stop in at before the hoards of youngsters descend upon the street at night time. The monument Glorieta Ninos Heroes stands tall at the end of the street and is a great place to snap some vaca photos
Recommendation – Librería José Luis Martínez is a really nice book store that sometimes holds special events (live readings, music, etc…) and is a great stop to escape the afternoon sun.
HINT – You can rent bikes from the city sponsored MIBICI stations located all around town. If walking seems too daunting, this is a great way to get a glimpse of the same area and even have the opportunity to explore further.
7. Parque Metropolitano
A vast, winding, and incredibly gorgeous park is settled about 35 minutes outside of Guadalajara’s city center. It contains everything you would need for a nice Sunday afternoon; monuments, walking trails, families having picnics, plenty of room for sports and stands for refreshments. If you’re looking for an relaxing, outdoor activity for a few hours, you can’t go wrong with a visit here.
Recommendation – Can’t go wrong with a basket filled with some local goodies bought at the grocery store and a sheet to spread out. Plenty of people watching to do at Guadalajara’s most popular outdoor space.
HINT – There is a stand near the Yellow Entrance that sells some of the best “agua frescas” that we have come across in Mexico. Try out some of the classics (horchata, jamaica) or give some of the more exotic regional specialities a go (tejuino, tuba).
8. City Center
Though not officially, or in any way actually a quote unquote attraction, the city center can be enjoyed on its own as one. A lot of times nowadays when I see people visiting new destinations, they are running from point A to point B to make sure they see absolutely everything on their arduously prepared to-do list. I have been culpable of this sort of behavior myself. Even sites and blogs such as this one can exacerbate the issue. Therefore, I find it important to try and point out here and there that in order to really experience a city and get an authentic feel for it, sometimes there is nothing better than to wander around it. Guadalajara’s city center is a perfect starting spot for doing so.
Recommendation – The point of this particular entry on the list is not to have any specific objective. I will say however that you should plan your stroll around what you want to encounter. Looking for a relaxing, quiet time to soak it all in? Head out late morning/early afternoon on a weekday and the crowds will be significantly smaller. Looking for the hustle and bustle of a thriving metropolis? Anytime on the weekends or right around 5-6pm weekdays.
HINT – The “City Center” is quite large and can easily take all day just to meander through. Make sure you pack a good pair of walking shoes and carry cash, as there are a lot of street vendors selling impressive work all around the immediate area.
9. Teatro Degollado
Something that we don’t have very many of in the US, this 1800’s theater provides a step back into the past. As a faux history buff, I was captivated by the building and the narrative it told. I pictured my wife and myself coming in to see whatever they came to see back then. Dressed in traditional fancy garb, entering in an excited hush with the rest of the crowd. The place doesn’t look like it changed a bit since those times, so allowing your imagination to run is an easy task to take on, and one that I strongly suggest you make a small amount of time for.
Recommendation – They still have shows in the theater so, if you plan ahead and can truly enjoy some of the finer traditional performances (along the lines of opera and ballet), I can’t imagine it not being worth the price of admission.
HINT – The small cafe out front provides a great spot to sit outside and have a cold beer while people watching in one of the busiest plazas in Guadalajara.
