5 Things to Do in Guadalajara Mexico

Nestled in the heart of Jalisco, Guadalajara is a vibrant tapestry woven with rich history, colorful traditions, and a captivating spirit that enchants visitors from around the globe. So pack your bags and prepare for a journey that will awaken your senses with these 5 things to do in Guadalajara!

Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural beauty, Guadalajara offers visitors a blend of traditional Mexican charm and modern amenities.

The city is renowned as the birthplace of mariachi music and is home to numerous festivals and events that showcase its artistic heritage.

With a population of approximately 1,385,629 people, however, its metropolitan area has an estimated population of 5,179,874 inhabitants. Guadalajara stands as a testament to Mexico’s cultural diversity and historical significance.

It lies roughly in the center of the state, in the Atemajac Valley near the Río Grande de Santiago, at an elevation of about 5,100 feet (1,550 meters). Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico and serves as a major cultural and economic hub in the region.

5 Things to Do in Guadalajara Mexico

Welcome to Guadalajara, Mexico – a vibrant city filled with rich culture, history, and delicious cuisine.

From mariachi music echoing through the streets to the colorful architecture lining the avenues, Guadalajara captivates its guests with its unique atmosphere. Whether you’re strolling through historic plazas or exploring local markets brimming with handicrafts, there’s always something new to discover around every corner.

The city’s warm hospitality extends beyond its bustling neighborhoods, making it a welcoming destination for travelers seeking an authentic Mexican experience. With a diverse array of attractions ranging from museums and galleries to lively nightlife spots, Guadalajara has something for everyone to enjoy.

So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Guadalajara – where tradition meets innovation in a perfect fusion that will leave you wanting more.

1. Visit Downtown Guadalajara

The beautiful city of Guadalajara, the capital of the state of Jalisco, is the second most important city in Mexico, it is a majestic city that will never cease to amaze you.

The city has many parks and colonial architecture in many buildings. Guadalajara is the birthplace of mariachi and tequila and also has one of the most important craft centers in the country, Tlaquepaque. 

Guadalajara has a warm climate that will make your stay very comfortable because most of the year you can sunbathe, Guadalajara only has rains in July and August. 

2. Walk the Cabañas Cultural Institute

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Cabañas Institute is a beautiful building full of history and culture, completed in 1845, in its beginnings it was as a shelter for homeless people, orphaned children, and the elderly.  

The Cabañas Cultural Institute has a magnificent neoclassical style, with a structure made up of 23 patios, 2 chapels, and 106 rooms, also in its interior houses the famous mural “The Man on Fire”, painted by Jose Clemente Orozco. 

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3. Enter the Guadalajara Catedral

The Guadalajara Cathedral, located in the historic center of Guadalajara, on 16 de Septiembre Avenue, is undoubtedly the most iconic building in the city of Guadalajara, México. 

Also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral, its construction dates back to 1561 when King Philip II of Spain ordered it to be built to become one of the most important religious centers of New Spain.

An aerial view will make you notice that the squares surrounding this majestic building form a cross, which would protect and bless this city. 

The interior has a gothic style decoration, as well as vaults and golden touches everywhere, which makes it unique in Mexico.

4. See a Play at the Degollado Theater

This magnificent building, inaugurated in 1866, which hosts numerous orchestras and artistic works, has a neoclassical architecture, surrounded by equally old infrastructure, reminiscent of a European theater.

Inside, you can appreciate a waiting room similar to the Scala in Milan, and in its vault, several works of art highlight a mural alluding to the divine comedy. 

Undoubtedly Degollado Theater is a place full of history and culture!

5. Visit a Traditional Restaurant in Guadalajara

And since Mexican food is a must, we present you some of the best restaurants in Guadalajara, we will focus on typical Mexican food, where you can also enjoy some delicious tacos from Jalisco.  

Birrieria Las 9 esquinas

Located on Galeana Street south of the historic center of Guadalajara in the famous square “Las Nueve Esquinas” is an iconic restaurant with the same name where you can enjoy traditional and delicious Jalisco tacos, made with birria.

The beginnings of this birriera date back to shortly after 1800 when a gentleman started selling birria in a room of the nine corners, brought from the south of Jalisco. 

The birria from this place is undoubtedly rated as one of the best in town, you can’t go to town without checking it out.

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La Tequila Restaurant

Another restaurant that you can not miss in your palate and that will also give you a great time is La Tequila, which boasts several awards such as the distinctive H, the distinctive T, and the first to have the award “Treasures of Mexico”. 

It is a restaurant with a great variety of tequilas and different dishes typical of the region. A place with a lot of Mexican essences that you can not miss.

Alcalde Restaurant

Located on Mexico Avenue in the west of the city, this modern restaurant offers complex gastronomy in its dishes.

Alcalde’s cuisine combines traditional Mexican food with European cuisines, and its menu is based on the seasons of the year, which makes it very special, not for nothing Alcalde has been in the top 50 of the best restaurants in the world.

Extra Tip: Visit Tequila Town in Jalisco

We are not talking about the traditional liquor, but about the magical town of Tequila, one hour from Guadalajara, home of the largest tequila factories in Mexico. 

In the town of Tequila and its surroundings, you can appreciate a beautiful landscape covered with agaves, the town’s flagship plant and key to Tequila production, bars with great tradition and design similar to those of the old West in the state of Jalisco.

You will find various tours to get to know Tequila without driving. Tequila Express is the most picturesque option.