Location: Guadalajara
Top Things to do in Guadalajara
Top Restaurants in Guadalajara
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Guadalajara, Guadalajara Metropolitan Area
The inland city of Guadalajara is bursting with history and culture. Many attractions are in the city's historic center and in the neighboring city of Zapopan. Museums, parks and churches flourish alongside bullfights, rodeos and soccer (futbol). Nearby are the towns of Tequila, where the liquor of the same name is produced, and Tlaquepaque and Tonala, where artisans create an abundance of Mexican handicrafts. Mariachi, which originated in the area, is a common sight and sound in Guadalajara.
Restaurants in Guadalajara
1. Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,346 reviews
Reviewed By mpn7330 - Portland, United States
Beautiful neo-gothic cathedral. Reputably the best example in Mexico. It’s a pleasant walk from the cathedral Guadalajara. Lovely square in front. Even though it says closed on Saturday, it was open to look in.
2. Acuario Michin Guadalajara
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,220 reviews
Acuario Michin Guadalajara es una institución educativa, científica, cultural y recreativa que tiene como finalidad proteger y conservar la biodiversidad acuática, promoviendo su conocimiento a través de actividades educativas, exhibiciones permanentes y temporales.
Reviewed By manueldannyZ - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
We're having a very nice trip on the acuarium Michi n it is more than an acuarium, there are birds and farm animals is very nice and big, there many activities where you can be part of it , they allow to touch animal! Is awesome.
3. Instituto Cultural Cabanas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,511 reviews
Once an orphanage, this building now serves as a gallery of the famous murals of Jose Clemente Orozco.
Reviewed By Beachmom206 - Ajijic, Mexico
Every time we visit Guadalajara, which is often because we live at Lake Chapala, we are never disappointed - the Orozco murals alone are worth the visit! There are always a number of different art exhibits going on, as the Cabanas is a large space with many side rooms and little patios, so exploring is always interesting.
4. Teatro Degollado
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,460 reviews
Opened in 1886, this large neo-Classical building is home to the city's opera and orchestra.
Reviewed By devola1 - Chicago, United States
I’m staying near the Teatro Degollado and I walked past it a few times. This morning was quiet and cool and I stopped at the small cafe for breakfast. The server was very nice and polite, considering my terribly limited Spanish. The food was delicious. I recommend the chilaquiles rojo with an iced coffee. Sitting beside the old and beautiful architecture, feeling the breeze, watching couples and families and performers film and take pictures (it’s a very photogenic plaza and a lot of ppl were taking advantage of that) was a great way to start my day.
5. Calle Independencia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
A popular shopping strip in Tlaquepaque, a tiny suburb on the outskirts of Guadalajara.
Reviewed By Sally_EP
Great place to enjoy Mexican food and shopping. Calle Independencia in the artists' neighborhood of Tlaquepaque is closed to vehicles and serves as an outdoor pedestrian mall. There are numerous craft shops, restaurants, and fine art galleries. Lovely Mexican handicrafts and food. There are also street performers. Nice place for visitors to stroll and appreciate this lovely Guadalajara neighborhood. The area is also known for mariachis and Day of the Dead festivities. I did my Christmas shopping!
6. Mezcala Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
This small island located in Lake Chapala is home to an old fort from the Mexican Revolution.
Reviewed By EntrepreneurQueen - Torrance, United States
Amazing! We weren’t informed on getting our own tour guide and thought we would hire one at the island! BIG MISTAKE! The island has only a Security/ Mexican Federal guarding the island. We did find a boat round trip to the island at the Chapala Malecon. ALWAYS NEGOTIATE, Mexican negotiate with prices and will work with you as long as the price is reasonable. We thought the $2000 Mexican Pesos was fair, Miguel our boat guide informed us that the island had no stores or water, he offer to do a a run to a local store for us to buy us water and beer for our 45 minute boat ride. The island is so Amazing, even with our a guide we kinda guided ourself around. MAKE SURE TO WEAR COMFY HIKING SHOES. Our 5 year old toddy had a great time walking and exploring the island. He had fun trying to chase the cats that seem to have invaded the island. One room entering the fort to the fight by the steps to walk up to top, made me feel very uncomfortable like something was there! I feeling of sadness. I took picture and a lady seems like face Appeared. A great adventure, would love to go back but hiring a guide.
7. Barranca de Oblatos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
This 2,000-foot gorge makes for an interesting view.
Reviewed By gourmexican - Bellevue, United States
I am from Guadalajara and totally regret that I had not visited La Barranca before. This is such an amazing place and it is within the city. I had never expected that my lovely city had such a hike nearby. I’ve been living in Seattle for years, where people talk with pride about all the lovely hikes around. Never had I imagined that my own city had such a hidden jewel only half an hour away from my mom’s house. La Barranca offers some beautiful views of the Rio Lerma-Santiago. It goes through a beautiful canyon like view. It makes you feel great to be out there while doing a walk or a hike. The simple fact of being out in nature with such amazing views is inspiring. Some amazing friends kindly provided advice on how to approach the hike at the Barranca. It truly helped me, so I will outline it here for those who are interested in giving it a try. I know for sure that I will do this hike again soon, as I truly enjoyed it. I exercise regularly and when I have an opportunity to get my cardio in with an outdoor activity it is rewarding and more entertaining. Hate being in place looking at my reflection on a mirror for long periods of time. Here are the tips to get the most out of the hike at La Barranca de Huentitan, which I truly recommend doing! 1. Get there early in the morning to complete the hike before it gets incredibly hot. We got there at 6am at the beginning of March. The way down is rocky and slippery. It was hard to see because it was still dark. I would recommend getting there exactly at sunrise. Check when sunrise is going to be and start at that time. 2. The way down takes approximately an hour and fifteen minutes. We all used sports shoes that can take on outdoors. There are a lot of rocks and it is slippery, so I would recommend taking an appropriate pace on the way down. 3. Once you get all the way to the bottom at river level, you will get to Y like intersection. You can either take a left or a right. - If you take a left you will get to the bridge which has amazing views of the river and the canyon. The bridge is about 1.5km away from where you start. - If you take a right you will get to the uphill railway, which is the demanding part of this hike. We personally took a left first and checked out the bridge. Which I truly recommend doing. If you are tight on time, then you can go straight to the right and get to the uphill railway. 4. For the uphill railway you must be very careful of where you step as you go up. I recommend brining sunblock and of course hydration. The hike is not easy. It is demanding if you are not used to it. There is part that is incredibly inclined, and you must use your hands to help yourself up. I recommend bringing gloves to prevent getting scratches, cuts and pull yourself up. Also, it is important to wear gloves in case there is any sort of bug. I must call out that there can sometimes be scorpions behind the rails, so just be careful about that. Nothing to worry about. Just common sense. 5. Most people call out taking about an hour and a half to get all the way to the top. I would say this is a fair assessment if you decide to take breaks. Hydrate yourself, eat a granola bar, have a banana. The main objective is to have fun, exercise and enjoy. Don’t try to push it to hard if you need a break. You’ll improve your times as you become more experienced. 6. There are parts of the hike where there are openings between the rails. Make sure that you are very careful as you go through these parts of the hike. Do not want to fall and end up injuring yourself. 7. There are 3-4 ways out as you are going up. That will take you to the same dirt road that brought you down. Have to call out though that once you start the biggest incline you are stuck in the path and have to finish or go back down. At this point though it is totally worth it to just finish. It is the most demanding but most fun part of the hike. 8. You can stop at any point to take pictures. Just make sure that if you are in a big incline that you sit down and turn around. You do not want to end up falling and rolling down for several meters. 9. Once you make it all the way to the top feel proud of yourself. You’ve made it. On your way out make sure to stop by the fruit stands to get a refreshing reward. There are stands that sell coconut water mixed with pineapple juice. It is called “Coco piña”. Totally recommend it. Refreshing and delicious. It takes a total of 3 hours to complete the entire journey at a pretty good and safe pace. Make sure to get out there and give it a try. If you are from Guadalajara, this is a more entertaining way to exercise. If you are visiting and have the time, make sure to enjoy this fun and beautiful hike to add something different to your experience. I know that I will try to do this as often as possible.
8. Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 451 reviews
This 18th-century government building, which served as the headquarters of the Juarez administration in 1858, contains a number of the famous murals by Jose Clemente Orozco.
Reviewed By LAJFJ2 - Los Angeles, United States
When we were being taken on a tour of the city, we stopped in this building to see some murals. While going up a staircase a mural will meet you face to face. Was very powerful and moving. I recommend that you hire a local tour guide to introduce you to the beautiful murals of this city.
9. Plaza de Armas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
This traditional plaza has frequent free evening concerts and is always filled with a variety of amateur musicians.
Reviewed By pulcino3
A true "agora", where both locals and tourists gather, whether it's gazing at the old architectural treasures of Guadalajara's historic center, or just people watching. There are entertainers, and food vendors around, lots of restaurants, and only a few benches to rest for free (there should be more).
10. Plaza de la Liberacion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
This always busy downtown plaza lies at the heart of the city's historic district.
Reviewed By GoofyGiddyGroovin - San Francisco, United States
My friend and I hired a local, English speaking, guide to walk us around the Centro Historico area. Knowing the history of Guadalajara made this plaza much more interesting than just walking through it. I also enjoyed sitting in a cafe drinking coffee and people watch. I've been to Guadalajara several times and I always enjoy seeing what events, activities and programs they have going on in the plaza.
