The ultimate guide to visiting Guadalajara
We took a break in Guadalajara and it felt like a much needed time off the road. After about 2.5months driving from Canada to Mexico, we were ready for a staycation.
Guadalajara sounded like the best city as we could run some errands like getting the drone fixed and the hard drive's data recovered. Jeremy's drone crashed one fine morning while he was just flying it around for fun and hadn't been taking photos or video. My hard drive just quit on me one evening while I was transferring photos onto it.
A city that had a DJI store and a hard drive recovery center was what we needed.
Is Guadalajara worth visiting?
Situated in the western part of Mexico, Guadalajara is the capital and largest city of the state of Jalisco. It stands as a beacon of cultural richness and historical significance.
GDL is a large metropolitan, the 2nd largest city in Mexico and definitely one of the largest cities in North America. It's also regarded as the silicone valley of Mexico. Despite being a vibrant metropolis, it is often overshadowed by its more renowned counterparts like Mexico city, Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende.
This city however clearly invites travelers to embark on an immersive journey through its captivating streets, storied landmarks and we can never forget its culinary delights.
From the moment you set foot in Guadalajara, you're enveloped in an atmosphere brimming with authenticity and allure. The city's colonial architecture, adorned with vibrant hues and intricate designs, serve as a testament to its rich heritage. We spent our time wandering through the historic center, where iconic landmarks like the majestic Guadalajara Cathedral and the imposing Government Palace stand as guardians of the city's past.
It's a busy , hectic city but there's something energizing about the chaos. One frustration though was driving through this city and trying to find parking. It is not something most visitors encounter while visiting the city, but it is something to be aware of if renting a car for exploration within GDL and beyond. Our airbnb offered parking for the van, from there, exploration via taxis, uber and the transit system were a breeze.
After living out of a van for 2.5 months, we felt it fitting to treat ourselves to a bigger space. We found a wonderful house on Airbnb that had parking and best of all a play ground for the kids. It was nice to spread ourselves out in such a large space for a week. Once we were settled and had a safe parking for the van, it was time to go exploring the city and first on the list was getting to know the history that made the city what it is now.
Attractions in Guadalajara
1. Guadalajara Cathedral (Catedral de Guadalajara)
Guadalajara's colonial architecture is a testament to its rich history and cultural heritage, characterized by intricate designs, vibrant colors, and ornate details that transport visitors back in time to the city's colonial past.
Approaching the Guadalajara Cathederal, we were immediately greeted by its imposing outward exterior. With its majestic spires that tower high up, the intricate carvings and dignified arches, it’s easy to see why this always shows up in the places to see in GDL.
We stepped into the church and are right away enveloped in a sense of awe as sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors upon the intricately decorated interior. We marveled at the ornate altars reminding the children to pay attention to the exquisite paintings, and gilded ceilings that adorn this sacred space, each telling a story of faith, devotion, and artistic mastery. I must include I always have to remind the kids not to touch anything.
2. Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno)
The Government Palace stands as a symbol of power and authority, its neoclassical façade adorned with intricate reliefs depicting scenes from Mexico's history. Stepping through its grand entrance, we were transported to a bygone era of opulence and elegance.
We wandered through the spacious halls and opulent chambers adorned with ornate furnishings, intricate tapestries, and priceless works of art. A must visit is the iconic mural "The Hidalgo's Journey" by José Clemente Orozco, which chronicles Mexico's struggle for independence in vivid detail.
3. Hospicio Cabañas (Instituto Cultural Cabañas)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hospicio Cabañas is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, renowned for its stunning beauty and historical significance. As you enter its grand courtyard, you're greeted by the sight of elegant arcades, graceful columns, and a majestic dome soaring overhead.
The museum holds different displays within its multiple rooms. We started off by admiring art from different artists around Latin America.
Inside, we are transported to a world of artistic wonder as we marvel at the breathtaking frescoes by José Clemente Orozco, which adorn the chapel's walls and ceilings, depicting scenes of human suffering, redemption, and transcendence.
It used to be an orphanage for a long time before becoming a hospice and then a museum. The murals painted by José Clemente Orozco are a fantastic display of art. He did them all in about 18months and he had only one arm.
4. Teatro Degollado
A true gem of Guadalajara's architectural landscape, Teatro Degollado is a masterpiece of neoclassical design, with its grand façade adorned with elegant columns and ornate carvings, it is the perfect space to take in a classical concert, a ballet performance, or an opera production.
Visiting these landmarks in Guadalajara for us was not just a journey through time, but an immersion into the soul of Mexico.
We experienced history, culture, and art converged to create an unforgettable experience that will stay with us long after we leave the city’s storied streets.
Experiencing the Guadalajara food culture:
Besides the history and culture, no visit to Guadalajara is complete without experiencing the culinary delights this region has to offer.
The city’s culinary scene reflects the region's diverse cultural influences and agricultural bounty. From street food stalls and market vendors to upscale restaurants and trendy cafes, the city offers a feast for the senses that celebrates the flavors, textures, and aromas of Mexican cuisine.
At the heart of Guadalajara's food culture is a deep reverence for tradition and authenticity. Many of the city's signature dishes, such as birria, pozole, carne de jugo and tortas ahogadas, have roots that trace back centuries and are cherished as symbols of Jalisco's culinary heritage.
Locals take pride in preparing these dishes using time-honored recipes and techniques passed down through generations, ensuring that each bite is a taste of tradition and history.
For a more local experience, we visited the Mercado Libertad which is better known as Mercado San Juan de Dios or San Juan de Dios Market. As one of the largest indoor markets in Central America, it was the perfect place to experience the traditional foods.
Our journey begun with a steaming bowl of birria, a savory stew that tantalizes the taste buds with its rich, aromatic broth and tender chunks of meat. Served with freshly chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, the meat which is slow cooked to perfection, each spoonful was a symphony of flavors. With the soup, a side of queso birria, a taco stuffed with the same tender beef or goat meat and cheese which is then deep fried to the perfect crispiness.
Next, came our experience with tortas ahogadas. A very typical food from Guadalajara, a torta ahogada which translates to "drowned sandwich" is a culinary marvel that tantalizes the taste buds with its bold flavors and hearty textures. Picture a crusty bun, split open and stuffed to the brim with tender, succulent pork meat.
The assembled torta is submerged in a generous bath of the vibrant red sauce, allowing the bread to soak up the spicy goodness and meld with the savory filling. The result is a harmonious marriage of textures and flavors, where the softness of the bread contrasts with the tender meat, and the richness of the sauce envelopes every bite in a fiery embrace.
Places to eat while in Guadalajara
While in GDL, we had the pleasure of trying different restaurants for their version of ahogadas. For this we tried the more traditional type from the famous Tortas Ahogadas Don Jose de la Bicicleta. This small restaurant is more than just a place to enjoy a delicious meal—it's a cultural institution and a beloved landmark that embodies the spirit and soul of Guadalajara.
Don Jose has been serving tortas to the locals for over 40 years. It is easy to understand the buzz about this place as the Don himself still serves the food despite being in his 70’s or 80’s.
For a contrast, we also ate from the Las Tortugas Ninjas, a fun little restaurant that took the traditional torta and gave it a different flare, making the sandwiches unique.
Guadalajara Itinerary.
In this guide I go over the perfect duration of time to spend in GDL and the surrounding areas as well as the perfect time of the year to visit.
The best time to visit Guadalajara
Guadalajara’s strategic location in the Atemajac Valley, surrounded by the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, gifts the city with a diverse landscape that ranges from fertile plains to rugged hillsides. The city enjoys a mild, semi-arid climate, with warm summers and cool winters, making it an ideal destination year-round. The summer time when school is our tends to make the city busier while the winter time sees it as a quieter destination with fewer visitors.
How long should I spend in Guadalajara.
Having spent a whole week in GDL, I felt as though we got to enjoy what this city has to offer and more. This gives sufficient time to visit the historic landmarks while enjoying the culture and cuisine.
The beauty of GDL though lies in its location and its proximity to other tourist attractions so in this guide I put together the perfect itinerary for you.
Day 1-2 : Explore GDL proper
A day or two are sufficient to stroll around GDL proper, taking in the historic sites like the Palacio de Gobierno and the Hospicio Cabañas. Right across from these two landmarks is the Mercado San Juan de Dios a bustling marketplace in Guadalajara that captivates visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of goods.
This sprawling market is a labyrinth of narrow aisles and bustling corridors, each lined with vendors peddling everything from fresh produce and local handicrafts to clothing, electronics, and household goods. What is immediately striking though is the number of counterfeit products that are being sold. Anywhere from Prada to Guess, Nike and Adidas, there is no shortage of goods to buy. A visit to this market truly is not only an experience of cultural immersion but also a realization in how much brand names are loved. A fake cheaply LV bag in this market is worth more than a no name well crafted item.
The second day in the city warrants a visit to the Guadalajara Cathedral. Built in the Spanish Renaissance style with Baroque influences, the Guadalajara Cathedral boasts a harmonious blend of architectural elements that captivate the eye and inspire awe. The façade features ornate carvings, majestic columns, and delicate sculptures, each telling a story of devotion and artistic mastery. Besides the grandeur of its interior, with its soaring ceilings, graceful arches, and ornate altars that inspire a sense of reverence and wonder, the most striking feature has got to be its impressive organ.
Day 3 : Visiting Tequila.
One of the absolute highlights of visiting GDL is an easy escape to the town of Tequila. Set about 1 hr west of GDL, this town offers a lesson in Mexican culture. Tequila is more than just a town—it's the birthplace of Mexico's most iconic spirit, and its very name evokes images of fiestas, folklore, and the spirit of Mexico. The town's rich history dates back centuries, with indigenous tribes cultivating agave plants and distilling a crude form of mezcal long before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.
A day trip from GDL is easy but doesn’t do the town enough justice. Spending at least one night helps really feel the whole energy this town has to offer.
Tequila is renowned for its tequila production, and visitors flock from all corners of the country to tour its world-famous distilleries and sample its finest spirits. As you wander through the cobblestone streets of the town center, you'll encounter charming cantinas and rustic taverns where you can indulge in tastings of tequila straight from the source, learning about the intricate process of cultivation, harvest, and distillation along the way.
Getting to Tequila is easy and there are multiple ways to do it. We drove there which makes it a very convenient way to visit the town. There are multiple car rental places in GDL city as well as the airport. Another way is taking a bus from GDL with multiple departures from the GDL bus terminal a day. A unique way of getting to Tequila involves taking a train ride with the José Cuervo Express which operates from the Guadalajara station. We did not do this so it is important to check the times and days of departure before booking the train.
Read about our experience in Tequila here
Day 4 : Visiting Ajijic
Ajijic, lies on the shores of Lake Chapala and is an easy 1 hour drive from GDL. It is a picturesque village that enchants visitors with its serene beauty, vibrant culture, and relaxed pace of life. As we approached Ajijic, we were immediately greeted by stunning views of the azure waters of Lake Chapala, framed by lush mountains and verdant vegetation, creating a postcard-perfect backdrop that sets the stage for a tranquil escape.
The heart of Ajijic is its quaint town center, where cobblestone streets wind their way through charming colonial buildings adorned with colorful facades and the most amazing murals. Plaza Principal serves as the focal point of the village, a bustling square surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and artisan shops, where locals gather to socialize, relax, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
One of the defining features of Ajijic is its thriving expatriate community, drawn to the village's year-round temperate climate, affordable cost of living, and welcoming ambiance. As you explore the streets of Ajijic, you'll encounter a diverse mix of cultures and nationalities, from retired Americans and Canadians to Mexican locals and international artists, each contributing to the town's unique character and charm.
Walking around the little town, our time was spent admiring the many murals in town that all tell a story.
Day 5 : Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque is a vibrant suburb of Guadalajara and is definitely a delightful hidden gem.
One of the highlights of Tlaquepaque is its thriving arts and crafts scene, with workshops and studios scattered throughout the village where artisans create a wide range of traditional handicrafts, including pottery, ceramics, glassware, textiles, and jewelry. We leisurely strolled through the streets of Tlaquepaque, stopping to admire the work of master craftsmen and especially got to appreciate the glassmaking traditions that this area boasts.
Day 6 : Tonala Craft Market
Thursdays and Sundays see the little surbub of Tonala come alive with the street vendors. The market is a sprawling maze of stalls and shops, each overflowing with a dazzling array of handcrafted treasures, from pottery and ceramics to textiles, glassware, woodcarvings, and more. Local artisans, many of whom have honed their craft through generations of tradition, proudly display their wares, inviting visitors to admire their skill and creativity.
One of the highlights of the Tonala Craft Market is its pottery section, where you'll find a staggering variety of clay creations in every shape, size, and color imaginable. From intricately painted talavera tiles and vases to whimsical sculptures and tableware, the pottery of Tonala is renowned for its beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural significance.
It is very easy to spend an entire day marveling at the crafts and enjoying the food offered.
Day 7: Visit Guanchimontones
Located just a short drive from the city of Guadalajara, Guachimontones is home to a unique archaeological site featuring ancient circular pyramids known as "guachimontones." These remarkable structures, dating back to the Teuchitlan culture from around 300 BCE to 900 CE, are unlike any other Mesoamerican ruins and offer visitors a glimpse into the sophisticated urban planning and engineering prowess of ancient civilizations.
Is it safe to travel to Guadalajara?
One of the most common questions in the travel space is always going to be about safety. Guadalajara, like any large city, has its share of crime, but it is essential to note that safety is a thing that needs to be in the forefront when visiting any large city.
As with traveling to any destination, it's crucial to take common-sense precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, staying aware of your surroundings, and keeping valuables secure. Additionally, sticking to well-traveled areas and following the advice of locals can go a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip to Guadalajara.
In the week that we enjoyed exploring the city, we did not encounter any incidences that made us feel insecure. We take common sense precautions very seriously especially when traveling with kids. We did not travel out after dark, we used Uber due to the fact that there is a digital footprint about our whereabouts.
Tips for visiting Guadalajara:
Traveling to Guadalajara with kids can be an enriching and enjoyable experience for the whole family. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse attractions, and welcoming atmosphere, the city offers plenty of opportunities for families to create lasting memories together. When planning your trip, consider incorporating a mix of kid-friendly activities and attractions that cater to different interests and ages. From exploring historic landmarks and museums to enjoying outdoor adventures and delicious cuisine, here are some tips to help make your family vacation in Guadalajara a success.
While in the city, we opted to get ourselves an stationery accommodation. It was essential for us to pick an accommodation that was going to be both family friendly and convenient for us. We therefore chose Airbnb for our stay mainly due to the fact that this tends to be a budget friendly option. We were able to find a perfect place to park our van and that also had a washer and accepted dogs.
In addition to considering Airbnb for the convenience, I would also consider staying in neighborhoods such as Zapopan or Tlaquepaque, which offer a more relaxed atmosphere and easy access to parks, playgrounds, and attractions. We however found though that staying in a neighbourhood like Colonial Americana allowed us easy access by Uber to the sights and attractions from the comfort of a safe neighbourhood.
As far as the attractions go, a visit to the Hospice Cabanas is an ideal way to spend an easy afternoon with little kids. Besides marveling at the artwork, the museum had interactive displays for the kids to enjoy.
Another tip for traveling to Guadalajara with kids is to take advantage of the city's culinary offerings and introduce them to traditional Mexican cuisine. We have always encouraged our kids to sample local dishes such as the tortas ahogadas and tacos.
We have been very lucky that our children are open to trying different foods but this came with the strategy to over time ease them into it.
A good way we have found is ordering an easy dish like chicken with french fries, however the chicken has the spices that other dishes have in them. For example while the adults order a torta ahogada, the kids get a chicken taco with cilantro and lime squeezed over the chicken. With this easy introduction, the kids slowly over time are more likely to eat other foods.
One more tip is indulging kids in activities that they will absolutely want to do and that also don’t involve going to a museum or learning anything. We got them an opportunity to ride go karts around the square.
It becomes a sure way for the kids to become engaged in the city and to have the stories about it.
Other tips to traveling with kids.
Pace Yourself: Big cities can be overwhelming, especially for young children. Pace your activities and schedule downtime for rest and relaxation. Avoid overpacking your itinerary to prevent burnout and meltdowns.
Use Public Transportation: Many big cities have efficient public transportation systems that are kid-friendly and easy to navigate. Consider using buses, trains, or trams to get around, as they can be an exciting adventure for children and can help avoid the hassle of navigating traffic and parking. A more convenient mode of transportation like taxis or uber is also always available for when time if of the essence.
Pack Essentials: Be sure to pack essentials such as snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, hats, and a small first aid kit for your outings. Having these items on hand can help keep kids comfortable and hydrated during long days of sightseeing.
Safety First: Discuss safety rules with your children before exploring the city, such as staying close to you in crowded areas, holding hands when crossing the street, and knowing what to do if they get lost.
Involve Kids in Planning: Involve children in the trip planning process by letting them choose activities or attractions they're interested in visiting. For older kids something like encouraging them to research and learn about the city's history, culture, and landmarks before your trip helps build excitement and anticipation.
Be Flexible: Flexibility is key when traveling with kids, as plans can change unexpectedly. Be prepared to adapt your itinerary and go with the flow, embracing spontaneous detours and unexpected discoveries along the way.
Take Breaks: Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to allow kids to recharge and unwind. Whether it's stopping for a snack, sitting in a park, or taking a leisurely stroll, breaks can help prevent fatigue and meltdowns and allow everyone to enjoy the city at their own pace.
Have Fun: Above all, remember to have fun and enjoy the experience of exploring a big city with your children. Take time to savor the moments, create memories, and embrace the wonder and excitement of discovering new places together as a family.
Take photos: I have found a way that our kids connect to the places we have been is not only taking photos but also going through the photos with them. This always brings back the memories of the things we did together and I think it also helps them get through the next challenge.