Guadalajara is the second city of Mexico as well as the capital of Jalisco state. Here are a few things to do in Guadalajara.
Guadalajara Cathedral
Guadalajara Cathedral has the official name of Cathedral of the Assumption of our Lady. It’s the centerpiece of the historic center of Guadalajara. Guadalajara Cathedral was built in 1541 but was severely damaged in a fire. A fire started in true Mexican style. During the Mass of 1587 people fired bullets into the sky and when these bullets returned, they hit the cathedral and started the fire. Since then, it has been rebuilt and repaired many times due to earthquakes. Lastly, the spires you see today were erected in 1854 and the north spire is slightly tilted due to earthquake damage.
Hire a Car to Visit Guadalajara Landmarks
Degollado Theater
Degollado Theater is a Neoclassical style building which would even stand out in a city such as Rome, Italy. Here in Guadalajara it’s arguably the most stunning building in the city. Today, you can watch live theater as you admire the stunning interior.
Rotonda de Los Jaliscienses Ilustres
The Rotonda de Los Jaliscienses Ilustres is a Guadalajara landmark which honors the people of Jalisco state. What’s more, it’s also a popular Instagram spot in the city.
Hospicio Cabañas
Hospicio Cabañas is the only UNESCO world heritage site in Guadalajara. It was once the biggest hospital complex in the Americas but today serves as a museum. Have you ever been to the Les Invalides area of Paris? The Hospicio Cabañas design was influenced from this. Read more about Museo Cabañas.
Hospicio Cabañas Interior
I highly recommend you enter the former hospital and view the interior roof dome. It features stunning frescoes by Jose Clemente Orozco. As a matter of fact, The Man of Fire is a world renowned piece of art.
Tequila Express (Day Trip)
A popular organized tour from Guadalajara is to ride the Tequila Express. This tequila tour visits the small town of Tequila as well as the surrounding agave fields which are a UNESCO world heritage site. If you don’t drink too much tequila then you’ll make some great photos of the agave landscape. However, if you do drink too much tequila then your photos as well as your memories may be a little blurry!
Agua Azul Park
Agua Azul Park is in the southern part of Guadalajara. It’s the Guadalajara version of Central Park. It’s a little run down but still a green space nonetheless.
Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento
Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento is stunning Neo Gothic church in the historic center of Guadalajara. An interesting fact is that it has the same architect as two popular Mexico City landmarks, Bellas Artes Palace as well as Correos Palace. As a result, this church is definitely one of the top things to do in Guadalajara.
Guadalajara Zoo
Guadalajara Zoo is home to several exotic animals from all over the world. Most popular are the lions, tigers, meerkats, giraffes, zebras, gorillas, elephants as well as several birds. Where can you see a penguin in Mexico? Here are Guadalajara Zoo!
Tlaquepaque
The place for nightlife in Guadalajara is Tlaquepaque which is a taxi ride away from the historic center. In Tlaquepaque you’ll find lots of bars and nightclubs as well as the famous El Parian for mariachis. Finally, legend has it that the most beautiful girls in all of Mexico come from Guadalajara.
The number one place to see traditional mariachis in Guadalajara is El Parian, Tlaquepaque. Additionally, you’ll also find mariachis in the Plazuela de los Mariachis and often around Guadalajara Cathedral. They’ll approach you and they’ll want at least 100 pesos per song. If you want a performance you’ll need to know the name of a mariachi song you like! I recommend Vicente Fernandez, Estos Celos.
Mexican Folklore Dance – Jarabe Tapatio
You’ll be sure to come across some folkloric dancing whilst in Guadalajara, the local dance is referred to as Jarabe Tapatio. I was lucky that there was a marque set up in the historic center showing off the various Mexican folkloric dances.
Lake Chapala (Day Trip)
If you have a day spare I recommend you visit Lake Chapala. Not only is it a beautiful lake but there’s also an abundance of wildlife. Keep your eye out for the Chapala sign beside the lake which is a popular Instagram spot.
Enjoy Exploring the Things to do in Guadalajara
I’ve presented some stunning Guadalajara landmarks above. What I’ve not shown are the hundreds of picturesque streets in the historic center as well as the feeling of walking them. To experience this you must visit Guadalajara yourself. Enjoy!
Exploring Mexico? Why not explore Oaxaca and Chiapas. How to visit the Ancient Pyramids of Teotihuacan.
Guadalajara sounds like a beautiful place to visit, thanks for the tips 🙂 I didn’t know you could take international buses to get there! Great!
Guadalajara sounds and looks fantastic. Definitely a place for my list. Thanks so much for the tips.
we are planning to visit Mexico and I saved your article for a later read! Thanks so much for putting it together!
Wow! Great looking place. I hope to visit Guadalajara one day!
Thanks for all the tips on Guidalajara. The historic centre looks beautiful! I might visit Mexico next summer, so I’ll keep it in mind.
I’ve been to Mexico three times but never Guadalajara. It looks awesome! Thanks for sharing these tips!
Salsa dancing in Cali, folkloric dancing in Guadalajara… you like your dancing, James! Last time I was in Mexico (Tijuana) all our pictures were blurry. Nice, informative post as usual! Thanks for sharing. Good luck and safe travels!
I haven’t been to that side of the world yet!!! But actually I’m more interested in Mexico than USA! Esp the Mayan UNESCO sites are a must visit for me. And you here, are expanding my wishlist in Mexico!!!!!
I’m a tequila fan so, wouldn’t be bad finding myself one day in the beautiful city where it all started. Great post!
I like your posts because they contain so many details. very great post awesome pictures . Thanks for sharing
Mexico is on my list to visit and it is quite reasonable to travel to from Toronto 🙂 Guadalajara sounds really lovely with its UNESCO heritage site and old town. The Tequila day trip sounds totally up my alley as I do enjoy tours that point out the landmarks. I like not having to think too much when on vacation 🙂
Oh I’d happily pay 100 pesos for a song. Though I have no idea what song to ask for. That Tequila day trip sounds like my kinda gig. I;’d love to see the aguave fields.
Guadalajara sounds like a fun destination. I am not much for the tequila anymore, but it would be a great place to visit.
Oh no Tequila! I have had many a crazy night when drinking Tequila. I love that they have a Tequila tour but I am not sure I can handle the hangover the next day.
Guadalajara sounds like a great place to visit with its history. Thanks for sharing. It’s somewhere I would consider visiting when I am over that side of the world on my great adventure 🙂
I laughed out loud on the blurry photos of the tequila tour. :p Did you join one? Does it show you how tequila is made? And out of curiosity, how many shots of tequila will you get during the tour? :p
I commented, but I don’t see it here.
I don’t thrive on much of a nightlife at this point, but I do love Mexico. Guadalajara looks beautiful and I wouldn’t mind witnessing some folkloric dancing as well! I probably wouldn’t indulge in the tequila, but I would love to go see the agave fields.
I cannot wait to visit Guadalajara. I won’t drink too much Tequila as I don’t want my photo to come out blurry but the train tour sounds interesting, and I will definitely put the city of Tequila on my list.