Top Things to do in Guadalajara Metropolitan Area
Top Hotels in Guadalajara Metropolitan Area
- 1. Holiday Inn Guadalajara Select, an IHG Hotel
- 2. Hard Rock Hotel Guadalajara
- 3. Krystal Urban Guadalajara
- 4. Real Maestranza Hotel
- 5. Hotel Riu Plaza Guadalajara
- 6. Hotel Laffayette
- 7. Hotel 1970 Guadalajara, Curio Collection by Hilton
- 8. Hotel Morales Historico & Colonial
- 9. Hyatt Regency Andares Guadalajara
- 10. Hotel Victoria Ejecutivo
Top 10 Free Things to do in Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Guadalajara Metropolitan Area
Discover the best top things to do in Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Jalisco including Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento, Calle Independencia, Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco, Plaza de Armas, Barranca de Oblatos, Plaza de la Liberacion, La Gran Plaza Fashion Mall, Basilica de Zapopan, Glorieta Chapalita, Mercado Libertad.
Restaurants in Guadalajara Metropolitan Area
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. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. 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.
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. La Gran Plaza Fashion Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
One of the city's new shopping centers.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Mercado Libertad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
This arts and crafts marketplace offers many places to shop and bargain.
Reviewed By MexVacationing - San Fernando, United States
We spend a half day walking through San Juan de Dios Mercado. You want to buy it, you will find it here. All name brand stuff. Levis, Nike, leather goods, food stands, Mexican craft goods, clothes, perfumes. We left with a boat load. The dollar is trading at 20 pesos for a $1. No credit cards, cash only. Use situational awareness as this place is a locals swap meet.
