Location: Guadalajara
Top Things to do in Guadalajara
Top Restaurants in Guadalajara
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks 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. 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.
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. 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).
6. 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.
7. Basilica de Zapopan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 441 reviews
This beautifully ornate church, built in 1690, is one of the city's oldest structures.
Reviewed By GoofyGiddyGroovin - San Francisco, United States
Zapopan is a small gem in the middle of Guadalajara. It's small and quaint. I wish I had had more time to explore this area. I'm looking forward to going back and eat in one of the many restaurants and look at the shops. I was so taken with this area I'm going to book a hotel here next time I visit Guadalajara.
8. Glorieta Chapalita
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
This square is surrounded by interesting restaurants and is a nice place to relax.
Reviewed By TeacherAme - McAllen, United States
On Sunday afternoons-early evening if you visit the glorieta Chapalita you can find paintings and all types of stone for your stone collection.
9. Hacienda Santa Lucia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
To learn about life on a 17th-century hacienda, take a tour of this large estate.
