The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Tlaquepaque, Mexico: Top Attractions, Tips, and Experiences
Tlaquepaque is the kind of place you have never heard about, you stumble upon it serendipitously. In fact, it seems as though the only way to discover it is to somehow make it to Guadalajara and only then will you maybe see an advertisement, on a mysterious and random little flyer about a weekend getaway. With intrigue and only if you dig deeper will the locals let you in on this little secret - a hidden gem of an enchanting little town.
Tlaquepaque which is officially known as San Pedro Tlaquepaque, is a charming town located just a short drive south of Guadalajara, in the state of Jalisco. It is considered as part of the the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area but it offers a delightful contrast to the bustling urban environment of its neighboring city. It takes an easy 20 minutes by car to get to it making it an ideal day trip or even better, a weekend getaway for those seeking to immerse themselves more in the region’s cultural heritage and artistic flair.
There’s something magical about wandering through a beautiful town, especially one where artists live and breathe. It is easy to feel the care they put into maintaining its charm and creativity.
We spent a Friday afternoon in Tlaquepaque, soaking in the arts and crafts. It made for a blissful afternoon full of wonderful discovery. That was until the skies opened upon us, unleashing the torrential rain that threatened to drown us in the evening.
Top attractions and things to do in Tlaquepaque:
Walking through Tlaquepaque felt like stepping into a vibrant tapestry of Mexican tradition and creativity. We came to discover its rich artistic heritage recognizing the stark difference between it and the much more famous Guadalajara.
As soon as we got into the little town and found the perfect parking space for a large van, we headed to the Pantaléon Panduro Museum of the National Ceramics.
Pantaléon Panduro:Museo Regional de la Cerámica
A museum that showcases the finest examples of traditional Mexican pottery, this felt like the perfect place to begin our exploration of Tlaquepaque. It was a great introduction to the intricately beautiful ceramics that we came to see in other cities in Mexico. This museum houses works from artists all over Mexico and is a must visit. The best part is that the museum was also able to hold the attention of our twins at 4 years old.
However, there's a limit to how much a 4 year old can handle a museum. I try to get them excited for what we are experiencing but a toddler can be a hard client. I could tell we were losing Sage, he was excited a few times but I think he was getting very bored and it didn't help that he was getting hungry
Seeing this face told me it that it was the limit that my kid had had with the museum.
2. Jardin Hidalgo
It is an absolutely necessity while in Tlaquepaque to enjoy the beauty of Jardin Hidalgo. A quaint little plaza surrounded by colonial architecture. Jardin Hidalgo is named after Miguel Hidalgo, a figure we would encounter all over Mexico. He is considered the father of Mexico given the fact that he led the political and military movement that led to the independence of Mexico.
The mere act of sitting and people watching is enough to make for an enjoyable afternoon or evening. The plaza fills up with all kinds of people including food vendors making delicious mouthwatering fare, magicians unveiling theirs acts and the rest of us eager to take it all in.
We did not make any restaurant reservations prior to getting to Tlaquepaque but that did not matter because there are dozens of options when it comes to food and dessert. A few rounds in the plaza sampling all kinds of food from the vendors and we were sufficiently fed. We indulged in Tortas Ahogadas, an absolute must have while in Jalisco followed by buñuelos, a large round fried fritter made from a simple batter of flour.
While enjoying a dessert of ice cream, we sat and relaxed on one of the many benches enjoying watching our kids meet and play with other kids in the plaza. A thing I marvel about kids is their ability to play with other kids despite the difference in language.
This was all before the heavens opened up on us dumping an impressive amount of rain in a very short period of time.
3.Calle Independencia
The quintessential beating heart of Tlaquepaque, renowned for its lively atmosphere, we got to enjoy walking up and down Calle Independencia, a street brimming with handcrafted treasures and fantastic store beckoning for the shopper in anyone. From intricately designed ceramics and blown glass to traditional textiles and leather goods, this town's artisanal offerings are an absolute testament to its deep-rooted cultural legacy.
Whether you're an art lover, a history buff, or simply in search of a picturesque and culturally rich experience, Tlaquepaque promises to enchant and inspire.
4. Experience a Mariachi Band at El Parian
Experiencing a mariachi band in Tlaquepaque, Mexico, is nothing short of magical. We strolled away from Calle Independencia and found a wonderful show at the El Parian a well known establishment in Tlaquepaque. The lively notes of trumpets, violins, and guitars filled the air, drawing us to this restaurant that is known as the heart of the town's musical soul. We sat around and allowed the mariachi band to serenade us with passionate ballads and upbeat tunes. The musicians, dressed in their traditional charro outfits, play with such fervor and joy that it's impossible not to feel moved. The experience was a beautiful blend of sound and emotion, creating a memory that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of Tlaquepaque.
Tlaquepaque tips and tricks
1.How to Get to Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque is a convenient 20-30 minutes away from Guadalajara. It is a town that is very easy to get to by car, taxi and also by taking a local bus from Guadalajara. Uber is a wonderful and easy way to get to the little town from Guadalajara
2. Where to eat in Tlaquepaque.
I have to be honest, I have always been the type of person that shows up to a place and immediately starts discovering the local foods offered in the place. It was no different in Tlaquepaque. There are so many food options from tortas ahogadas and tacos to burgers and pizza. There is no shortage of food options and so instead of spending time recommending a specific restaurant, I will advise you to venture out and discover the diverse tastes of Jalisco in this little town just like we did.
3.Shopping in Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque is an absolute shopper's paradise. Walking around Calle Independencia we were in constant awe of all the local crafts on display to sell. There are vibrant hand made textiles and ceramics made and painted by hand. This town truly offers some of the most unique souvenirs we have seen. We grabbed some icecream and strolled around the little town admiring the beautiful shops and galleries.
As the sun started setting, ominous rain clouds took over and almost immediately without much for warning, the heavens opened up to torrential rain sending us running to the van. The visit to Tlaquepaque was over but the memories of the place will forever stay with us.
Other Tips for visiting Tlaquepaque
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Tlaquepaque could be during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is pleasant. However we were there in September and despite some rain, we enjoyed our visit very much.
Language: Spanish is the main language spoken and learning a few Spanish words go a long way in helping navigating the little town. However because this is a tourist area, there are vendors that will speak some English. As well, using translators on the phone like Google translate is very easy as most people have cell phones.
Currency: "The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
ATM: There are several ATM machines along Calle Independencia including HSBC, Santander and BBVA. I personally avoided BBVA because they tended to have the highest fee.
Is Tlaquepaque safe?
When it comes to safety in Tlaquepaque, the town is generally considered a welcoming and secure destination for travelers. It is bustling with tourists both local, national and international. With this, we felt a sense of security in the masses. However, like any place, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions, such as keeping your valuables secure and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. Tlaquepaque's bustling tourist areas are typically well-patrolled, and locals are friendly and helpful to visitors. The town's vibrant atmosphere, filled with bustling markets, artisan shops, and the lively plazas, contributes to a sense of community and safety. There was never any point that we felt unsafe here during our visit.
Is Tlaquepaque kid friendly?
Tlaquepaque is an incredibly kid-friendly destination, offering a delightful mix of activities and sights that cater to families. The town’s colorful streets and vibrant markets captivated our children's imaginations, while the plaza provided plenty of space for them to run and play. The Museo Pantaleón Panduro was extremely family-friendly with interactive exhibits that engaged our kids minds.
Many restaurants offer kid-friendly menus and welcoming atmospheres, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters are satisfied. Additionally, we felt as though the locals' warm and hospitable nature made Tlaquepaque a comfortable and inviting place for us and so we would recommend Tlaquepaque as a family friendly destination.
