Location: Guadalajara
Top Things to do in Guadalajara
Top Restaurants in Guadalajara
The 10 Best Things to Do in Guadalajara, Mexico
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. Expiatory Temple
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Fabiola B
All of Guadalajara’s center is wonderful. The Expiatorio is a must-see on the list:) the grounds are very clean and the church is beautiful.
2. Instituto Cultural Cabanas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Once an orphanage, this building now serves as a gallery of the famous murals of Jose Clemente Orozco.
3. Teatro Degollado
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Opened in 1886, this large neo-Classical building is home to the city's opera and orchestra.
Reviewed By JC_Lenero - Ensenada, Mexico
Built in the mid-1800's, the Teatro Degollado was to fill a niche for a nice theater in those days. Now Guadalajara has plenty Theaters but the Degollado is one of the most (if not THE most) notable one for its architecture and finesse of the interiors. Worth a few minutes to appreciate it and to go to the outside back of the building and visit the Fountain of Guadalajara founders.
... Of course worth even more if you get tickets for some events. We had the fortune to go to the Ballet Folklorico de la Universidad de Guadalajara and it was amazing! If you plan to travel to Guadalajara you should check if the Degollado has some upcoming shows of your liking and buy tickets ahead.
4. Tlaquepaque and Tonala Artisans Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 665 reviews
Reviewed By Symmetria - London, Ontario
Strolling through the streets of Tlaquepaque, widow shopping, or searching for unusual pieces for your home is a wonderful experience. You can easily spend a day, or a few hours. Take a meal break in one of the local restaurants and listen to a women's Mariachi band - when available. If you are not shopped out already, continue on to Tonala for an array of "everything for the home". My friend ordered exquisite furniture made of termite resistant Primavera wood that was so reasonably priced. Although a couple of weeks late because they are so busy manufacturing, the furniture was delivered free to his home. We furnished and decorated most of his new condo in one day! In addition to well priced furniture, you can pick up glassware, art, lamps, tableware, wall decorations, and furniture - at most excellent prices.
5. Bosque Colomos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 453 reviews
Reviewed By Alfredo J - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
This park is really incredible, first because of its location in the center of the city. Second its HUGE, you could get lost in there. The bosque, or forest, is divided into 2 sides, the first side has paved walkways and the 3 side is more wild.
I was really impressed by the work of the gardeners who maintain the garden. We have gone there twice.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Freefred - London
We just had a few hours in Guadalajara and visited the Cathedral, an very large unusual-shaped building overlooking a beautiful square full of activity. This whole area is full of lovely architecture worth exploring.
We'd like to go back and see more of this lovely city.
7. Basilica de Zapopan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
This beautifully ornate church, built in 1690, is one of the city's oldest structures.
Reviewed By Francisco M
We went the day before we were leaving Guadalajara Well worth the trip! We were fortunate to see a friar get ordained to be a priest. That was beautiful. THEN, a wedding was right after that. Vendors or curious and food all around, it was 8 pm, but still a lot of activity. Well worth the visit!!
8. Estadio Omnilife
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 446 reviews
Reviewed By DavidViajes - Guadalajara
There is no doubt that there is no other sports infrastructure in Guadalajara that can be compared to Chivas Stadium (it is no longer Omnilife). It's magnificent! It is the opportunity to have in Guadalajara a world class stadium. It does not mean that it is perfect, I think it has to improve parking and concessions at the time of a game or a show. Those are not services at the level of the stadium which for my taste is also very beautiful. This stadium gives the opportunity to host unique and massive events. By the way, I think another aspect to improve is the sound when it comes to making Concerts, I think they are far from dominating the acoustics of the place, so in many places the audio is terrible. Here is also the small but well kept museum of the Chivas de Guadalajara, a team of great tradition. The tour to visit the stadium is highly recommended as well. Even with its flaws I think it is a special gem of the city. 100% recommended
9. Zoologico Guadalajara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
This large zoo contains over 2,000 animals and is located in a beautiful ravine.
Reviewed By MemTrav - Memphis, TN
Went here with a friend who lives in Guadalajara as something different to do (I have visited Guadalajara many times and never visited this zoo). I was very pleasantly surprised at how good this zoo was. The animals are presented in a more natural environment (not behind bars like some zoos). There's an excellent train ride and sky chair lift (highly recommend the sky chairs) where you can get alternative views of the animals. Monkey exhibit allows you to interact closely with some monkeys. They have baby penguins which are adorable. You can enter a plastic cage and swim with sharks (didn't try) at their aquarium. Totally worth it and there's a bus from downtown which takes you straight there so, easy to get to. La Barranca (this canyon, natural area) is right next to the zoo and breath-taking!
10. Panteon de Belen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By MacDollar66
Our local friends took us to do the night tour of the Pantheon. It costs $68 pesos. The cemetery is beautiful and it has a very interesting Masonic history. There are also some cool myths and legends about the place. Unfortunately you can't take photos on the night tour and our guide was quite strict. It was in Spanish and I didn't see any signs for English tours in case you don't speak the language. Definitely worth a visit though. Oh! and wear insect repellent!
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