Travel Guide of Guadalajara in Mexico by Influencers and Travelers
Guadalajara is a metropolis in western Mexico and the capital of the state of Jalisco. The city has a population of 1,460,148, while the Guadalajara metropolitan area has a population of 5,002,466, making it the second-largest metropolitan area in the country.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Guadalajara
TRAVELERS TOP 9 :
1 - Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres
The Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres is a landmark of the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, located at the flanked avenues of Fray Antonio Alcalde, Miguel Hidalgo and the streets Liceo and Independencia, in the heart of the capital of the state of Jalisco known as historical centre, by the Cathedral of Guadalajara.
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2 - Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento
The Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento is a Catholic church dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament, located in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. It is of neo-Gothic style and is considered the greatest work of its kind in Mexico. Its construction began on August 15, 1897 and ended 75 years later in 1972.
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3 - Archaeology Tours in Guadalajara
Feel the energy of the unique circular ruins in the world, discover it's riddles of this amazing enclosure and interpret the remnants of the area.
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4 - Café Boutique Teatro Degollado
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5 - Hospicio Cabañas
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6 - Rotonda of Illustrious Jaliscienses
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7 - Plaza de Armas
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8 - Zapopan
11 km away
Zapopan is a city and municipality located in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Part of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, the population of Zapopan city proper makes it the second largest city in the state, very close behind the population of Guadalajara proper.
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9 - México 23
34 km away
Mexico City is the capital and largest city of Mexico and the most-populous city in North America. Mexico City is one of the most important cultural and financial centres in the world.
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Pictures and Stories of Guadalajara from Influencers
5 pictures of Guadalajara from Joseph Pérez, Ruth Ochoa, Kenneth Lopez and other travelers
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Why should you visit Guadalajara ?
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🏰 Temple 🐾 Wildlife 🏘️ Town 🗼 LandmarkHow to visit Guadalajara ?
Why traveling to Guadalajara?
Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city, is a vibrant cultural hub with a rich history and stunning architecture. With an authentic Mexican atmosphere, Guadalajara offers a unique experience with its mariachi music, tequila distilleries, and traditional charro culture. The city also boasts a thriving arts scene, numerous museums, and impressive colonial buildings.
How to get there?
Guadalajara is easily accessible by air, with the Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) offering numerous domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use ride-sharing apps like Uber to reach the city center. Alternatively, you can reach Guadalajara by bus from other major Mexican cities or by train via the Tequila Express.
What to book in advance?
To make the most of your trip, consider booking the following in advance:
1. Tequila Express train tickets: This popular train journey takes you through the scenic agave fields and includes a tour of a tequila distillery.
2. Tickets for popular attractions like the Instituto Cultural Cabañas and the Guadalajara Zoo.
3. Accommodation: Book your hotel or Airbnb in advance to secure the best deals and locations.
What are the costs?
Guadalajara is an affordable destination for travelers. Budget accommodations start at around $10 per night, while mid-range hotels cost between $40 and $80 per night. Meals at local restaurants cost between $5 and $15, and street food is even cheaper. Admission to attractions varies, with some being free and others costing between $5 and $20.
Best things to do
1. Explore the historic city center, including the Guadalajara Cathedral, Palacio de Gobierno, and Plaza de Armas.
2. Discover the vibrant street art in the Colonia Americana neighborhood.
3. Visit the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to stunning murals by José Clemente Orozco.
4. Take the Tequila Express train to learn about tequila production and sample the local spirit.
5. Attend a mariachi show or a charreada, a traditional Mexican rodeo.
Where to eat?
1. La Chata: A local favorite serving traditional Mexican cuisine in a casual setting.
2. Casa Luna: A charming restaurant offering delicious fusion dishes combining Mexican and international flavors.
3. Tacos Providencia: A popular street food spot known for its delicious tacos al pastor.
Where to stay?
1. Hotel Morales: A beautiful historic hotel located in the city center, offering comfortable rooms and excellent service.
2. Demetria Hotel: A stylish boutique hotel in the trendy Colonia Lafayette neighborhood, perfect for travelers who appreciate modern design.
3. Hostel Hospedarte Chapultepec: A budget-friendly option with clean dorms and private rooms, located near bars and restaurants.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience, head to the nearby town of Tlaquepaque. This charming artisan village is known for its colorful streets, art galleries, and handicraft markets. Explore the local workshops to witness the creation of traditional pottery, glassware, and textiles. Tlaquepaque also hosts a vibrant El Parian market, where you can enjoy live mariachi music and sample regional delicacies like birria, a spicy goat stew.
Learn More about Guadalajara
Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico with 4 million inhabitants in its agglomeration. It is considered as the "Silicon Valley" of Mexico because it is the economic and cultural pole of the west of the country. On the spot, it presents many attractions like its old center very picturesque where one can admire a colonial architecture like its cathedral or its theater Degollado for example. It is also in this city that the mariachis were born, these musicians that one finds everywhere with a sombrero.
You need to spend at least two days in Guadalajara to appreciate all its richness. Stroll through its parks, shop along its wide avenues, stop in front of the splendor of its monuments... At every corner the city bears witness to its historical past. In addition to having seen the birth of mariachis and tequila, Guadalajara is also the cradle of the jarabe, a wide-brimmed hat, and the charreada, the Mexican rodeo. A visit to the city is a must if you want to discover Mexican traditions!
After touring the downtown area and discovering the colorful frescoes that cover many of the city's monuments and that have earned the city the nickname "Florence of Mexico", take a walk along Lake Chapala, one of the most pleasant places to live in the country. It's a fascinating mix of cultures and nationalities. Then, move away from Guadalajara and visit the village of Tequila and its surroundings. It is here, in the middle of colorful agave fields, that all the tequila in the world is produced.
Where to Stay in Guadalajara
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Guadalajara
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Explore popular touristic places around Guadalajara
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