Guadalajara is the capital of the central state of Jalisco in Mexico, and the second-largest city in the country, with about a million and a half citizens (known as "Tapatíos"). It is considered a colonial city, though much of its architecture dates from the independence period. Although it has a far more relaxed feel than Mexico City, the city center can still seem a bit stuffy and dusty, especially during rush hour when the sun is out.
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Guadalajara is Mexico's second largest city, and one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. This growth has been driven in part by the booming electronics industry in the industrial outskirts of the city. Other important and growing industries are pharmaceuticals, food processing, and fashion. Guadalajara proper is divided into four districts corresponding approximately to the northwest, northeast, southwest, and southeast quarters of the city. At the center of everything is the main area of interest to tourists, the Centro Histórico, or the historic downtown. Most of your time will probably be spent here.
The Centro (downtown) is best accessible by walking. Most attractions lie within an area of about 1 km long by 350 m wide. For longer trips, or to get in and out of the Centro, use the bus, subway or a taxi. There are also horse-drawn carriages (calandrias), which are more expensive and touristy. Uber, Cabify and Didi cover the city. Guadalajara integrates bike rentals in its urban transportation plan. Racks of sturdy rental bikes, most painted green and emblazoned with "Mi Bici" logos, are located in high traffic areas including many city parks, Metro stations, and bus stops. The Mi Bici web site provides a site map showing the locations of bike rental kiosks.
1 Belén Cemetery (Panteón de Belén), Belén 684, El Retiro, ☏ +52 33 3613 7786. Tours Tu-Sa 10:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 14:00, Th-Sa also at 20:30, 22:00 and 23:30. This old cemetery dates back to 1786. It has been converted into a museum that is full of interesting stories of cemetery hauntings and Tapatío culture in general. There are also night tours Th-Sa that many people are afraid to take! Photos and videos for a fee. Tours are offered. 2 Cabañas Cultural Institute (Instituto Cultural Cabañas), Cabañas 8, San Juan de Dios, ☏ +52 33 3668 1642. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00.
You can make a sightseeing tour in a very economically and animal friendly carriage. These are not powered by a horse, instead by a battery like an electric car. The start is at the cathedral. Prices are M$300 for half an hour, M$400-500 for a whole hour (Dec 2021). Guadalajara is Latin America's top destination for business conventions with the city's Expo Guadalajara convention center hosting many of the country's largest trade shows. 1 Expo Guadalajara, Av. Mariano Otero 1499, Verde Valle, ☏ +52 333 343 3000. Largest event venue in Mexico. Hosts major industrial trade shows throughout the year.
Guadalajara has a wide range of restaurants with outstanding street vendors selling regional specialties (particularly birria, tortas, and various tacos). The city also has a mind-boggling variety of outstanding restaurants with dozens of 5-star restaurants offering an upscale experience and a wide range of international flavors. 2024 saw the famed Michelin Guide make its first pass through Mexico and its initial list of recommended Mexican restaurants included 25 outstanding restaurants. In addition to traditional Mexican specialties, Tapatíos seem to be especially fond of Italian food—a considerable number of restaurants of that type can be found around Guadalajara.
Guadalajara has a vibrant nightlife that's spread out all over the city, from the touristy places in the Centro Histórico (Plaza de la Liberación is a good place to start your search) to the college bars in Zapopan. However, the most active bar district in Guadalajara is in Colonia Americana centered along Avenida Chapultepec between Hidalgo and Niños Héroes, about 2 km west of the Centro Histórico. This is the place where GDL's hipster crowd makes the scene, with bar after bar lining the sides of the streets. Many of these places double as popular live music venues. A good suggestion is to search out a bar with a large collection of tequilas and taste a great blanca, reposada and añejo.
Guadalajara is known as one of the safest cities in Mexico. Nonetheless, as in any large city, the usual precautions should be taken. Crimes against tourists and foreign students are quite infrequent and mostly take the form of purse-snatching. Criminals usually work in teams and target travelers in outdoor restaurants, bars and other busy places. Should anyone spill something on you, be alert to your surroundings and step away—accidental spills are a common method of distracting their marks. Never carry illegal substances with you; Mexican police are very strict regarding these cases. In case of emergency, dial 911, the number for all emergencies (fire, police and medical) in Mexico.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Guadalajara typically sees ~26°C daytime highs and 21 rainy days.
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