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Guest post by Gaby Orozco
Bienvenido a Guadalajara is one of Mexico’s most beautiful cities and yet one of the lesser known.
Located in the Jalisco state, Guadalajara is known for its rich history, artistic vibe, beautiful architecture, tasty food that hasn’t become mainstream and vibrant culture. Bonus points are given for its proximity to wonderful towns such as Ajijic and Tequila and for being a great destination for solo female travelers.
So pack your bags and come experience all the best things that Guadalajara has to offer.
Best Things to Do in Guadalajara
Historic Landmarks
Guadalajara is filled with history and culture; just a stop at the city’s downtown will allow you to see historic landmarks like the Catedral de Guadalajara, Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, and the Palacio de Gobierno.
If you are into architecture, you will especially like the Cathedral because its design, a mix of architectural styles, is atypical, making it stand out among others.
What especially attracts visitors to this cathedral is a 300-year-old child mummy called “Santa Inocencia” or “Virgen de la Inocencia.” This is the body of a 12-year-old child preserved in wax and kept in this cathedral as a sign of love to the Eucharist.
You can also visit numerous museums, including the Instituto Cultural Cabanas, where you can find the impressive murals created by Mexico’s renowned artist and mural painter Jose Clemente Orozco. He and Diego Rivera are considered two of the most important Mexican muralists.
For a deeper look at Jalisco’s history and culture, you should include the Regional Museum of Guadalajara, the Museum of the Arts, or the Museum of Anthropology and History as part of your list of places to visit.
The city is also home to colorful markets and a thriving art scene, with galleries like Páramo Galeria, the biggest gallery space in Guadalajara or Travesia Cuatro, the only gallery with links with other cities like Mexico City and Madrid.
Once you are done admiring the art displayed in Travesia Cuatro, you can relax and have a drink next door at Hotel Demetria, which is also dedicated to art.
Mariachi
Did you know that Guadalajara is the birthplace of mariachi music?
Here you can enjoy this authentic Mexican music, which is hard to find anywhere else. Even if there are no mariachi songs on your playlist, if you are a music lover, you will admire Mexicans’ love and appreciation for this genre.
Make sure to visit Plaza de Mariachis, a small plaza in Guadalajara with restaurants and bars, where mariachi bands gather and offer their services for small fees to enjoy a Mariachi serenade while you enjoy your food. This plaza is also known for being where the famous “Jarabe Tapatio” (Mexican Hat Dance) was born.
Another iconic place to visit, especially during the first week of September, is the Teatro Degollado.
This is when they celebrate the Day of the Mariachi, and Mariachi bands from all over Mexico and even other parts of the world gather here to perform music. A spectacle you won’t want to miss.
Food Markets & Restaurants
For foodies, Guadalajara is a dream destination. Traditional dishes such as tortas ahogadas, enchiladas, pozole and tacos de birria will all make you want to repeat again and again.
And let’s not forget drinks because no trip to Guadalajara would be complete without a tequila tasting and a delicious Cantarito or Paloma (all made with Jalisco’s very own tequila).
It’s almost impossible to dislike any Mexican dish or to choose one as a favorite, as they are all bursting with flavor. Contrary to belief, not all the dishes are extremely spicy; many of them can also be mild.
When you visit Guadalajara, you can indulge in these delicacies at local restaurants, from your small, budget-friendly street stalls to fancy and high-end restaurants.
If you want the first option, you can go to Tortas Tono. It may not be a fancy restaurant, but it has the best Tortas Ahogadas in all Guadalajara.
If you want to splurge a bit, I recommend going to Bruna. This is a high-end restaurant, with dishes resembling grandma’s recipes but on a fancier note. Their food and mixology are out of this world, and as an added plus, they have an amazing art gallery within the restaurant.
Pueblos Mágicos
As if Guadalajara wasn’t a fantastic destination to explore enough, its surrounding towns are also an amazing addition to this list and, with the usual safety considerations, some of the safest in Mexico.
Many are considered “Pueblos Mágicos” (magic towns), and their charm and cultural richness will enchant you.
Let’s start with the most popular one, as you can’t mention Jalisco without considering tequila.
Tequila
Located about an hour away from Guadalajara, this town is home to the world’s most famous tequila distilleries, where visitors are not only able to learn about the production process of this iconic Mexican drink but also sample it and enjoy it.
On the way to Tequila you will enjoy the view of the Agave fields, which surround the whole town and provide an amazing backdrop for all your pictures.
One of the most famous experiences is riding the Tequila Express. This tour is available only on the weekends and it starts by taking the train in the Guadalajara Train Station. Afterwards, they take you to different distilleries and agave fields. While on the train, you can enjoy live mariachi while having some tequila shots and tequila-based cocktails.
Famous Jose Cuervo has a similar and also very popular tour, the Jose Cuervo Express. The experience is the same as the Tequila Express, with drinks on board and an unforgettable journey through the agave fields, and it ends with a tour in Mundo Cuervo, where apart from learning how this famous tequila is processed you can also learn about its history and buy some souvenirs to go.
Tequila also features a beautiful colonial-style plaza and in its streets you might catch some curious barrel-shaped transportation that allows tourists and locals to travel around the town.
Tapalpa
Two hours away from Guadalajara is Tapalpa. Nestled in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, Tapalpa gets its charm from its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and beautiful natural scenery.
If you decide to be more adventurous you can go hiking in the mountains, you can rent a 4×4 ATV and drive to El Nogal Dam or you can take a tour to Las Piedrotas, an emblematic spot in Tapalpa that has large rock formations of whimsical shapes, known as monoliths.
The views in this particular spot are amazing and a curious fact about it is that it is also called “Enigma Valley” because no one really knows where these rocks came from or why they are placed like they are. Some theories even say they are meteorites that fell into earth thousands of years ago.
If you are not in an outdoorsy mood, you can always just stroll through the town’s main plaza and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Tlaquepaque
Another “Pueblo mágico” you should not miss is Tlaquepaque.
This town is just outside of Guadalajara and is known for being trendy and artistic while keeping its colonial style.
While you stroll down the town’s streets, you will find many art galleries and artisan shops; all these shops specialize in art and crafts made in Mexico, most of them worked in wood, pottery, bronze, embroidered cloth and blown glass.
It also features a beautiful main plaza filled with colorful settings and local vendors selling handmade goods. Unlike other towns in Mexico, where you can go to the local market and bargain, most of the shops found in Tlaquepaque sell original collections from Mexican artists, meaning it is not easy (or even allowed) to bargain, as all products are of good quality and authentic, justifying the higher prices.
While in Tlaquepaque, make sure you spot the “gorditos”. These are small sculptures made in round shape (this is why they are called “gorditos”, meaning “fatties”) that represent the daily life of the Mexican working class.
These peculiar and funny figures were created by Mexican (and Tlaquepaque’s own) artist Rodo Padilla and can be found in many of the town’s streets. Most visitors love to spot them and take pictures with them, so make sure you do not miss them.
Mazamitla
Mazamitla is one charming town you should definitely not miss. It is located 3 hours away from Guadalajara and it is known for its beautiful pine forests where people love to go for hikes, camping, horseback riding and a lot of other outdoor activities.
Many people call Mazamitla “the small Switzerland in Mexico” due to its weather and its hills filled with forests.
If you’re up for an adventurous hike, you can visit the Cascada El Salto, a beautiful waterfall just outside the town. You can either enjoy a swim at the base of the waterfall or take a hike to the top and get stunned by the magnificent view.
Just like the other “Pueblos mágicos”, Mazamitla is rich in history and you will see it reflected in its cobblestone colonial-style streets. The town is also surrounded by many colonial buildings, historical landmarks and museums, like Casa de Cultura and the Parroquia de San Cristóbal.
And let’s not forget about the delicious cuisine found in the town’s restaurants or even in the streets, where you might catch small food stalls selling local treats like “esquites” (flavored corn in a cup) or tequila-infused sweets.
The beauty of this and all the other “pueblos mágicos” is that they all have that “special something” that you will not experience back in the city, and this is what makes them MAGIC.
Archaeological Sites
Get a glimpse of Mexico’s rich history and culture by exploring some of its archeological side.
Guadalajara is home to many of the amazing structures built by the country’s ancestors and when you visit any of these sites, you get a unique and unforgettable experience where you can feel the sense of mystery and history that surrounds them.
Guachimontones
This archeological site has been listed in the UNESCO World’s Heritage List, along with the tequila distilleries which are very close to this region.
Guachimontones is famous for its circular shaped pyramids and other archeological structures, which are unique in the area.
People from all over the world come to visit them, not only to feel the excitement of exploring ancient ruins but also to learn more about the Teuchitlán history, one of the most important cultures in pre-hispanic Jalisco, by visiting the on-site museum which showcases real artifacts found in the excavations done there.
Guachimontones is located in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains and a lake, therefore the views are stunning and as a visitor you get to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, biking or having a nice picnic in the park that surrounds the site.
Chapala
While Chapala doesn’t have an archeological site, its lake (the largest lake in Mexico) surrounds Guachimontones, making it a must-visit stop on your archeological tour.
This town, also known as “Rinconcito de amor” (Little corner of love), is an amazing place, perfect to unwind, as it has a relaxed atmosphere.
Also surrounded by mountains and forests, the views are amazing and you can witness this while strolling down Malecon, a scenic boardwalk located by Lake Chapala. Here, you will meet many fishermen and local artisans selling their handmade designs, which you can buy and take home as souvenirs.
You can also take boat tours and visit the lake’s islands: Isla de los Alacranes and Isla de Mezcala. The islands do not have hotels, however you can camp there and stay the night if you’d like and while you are there, you might as well enjoy the local seafood, also very popular within the region.
Just like the city slogan’s read: “Chapala is love, culture, family, tradition and fun”. A must in your list of places to visit while in Guadalajara.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Guadalajara
As you can see, no visit to Guadalajara will ever be boring as it offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you are interested in outdoorsy adventurous trips like hiking, or want to feed your brain with historic and cultural facts from the city’s museums, or just chill and enjoy the amazing food and stroll through the town’s streets, a visit to Guadalajara will always be memorable and a rewarding experience.
Plus, it is an affordable destination that offers excellent value for money. Accommodation and food are all reasonably priced, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers. People from Guadalajara are also known for their laid-back vibe and friendliness, so you will always feel welcome.
So whether you fall in love and your favorite word becomes “Te Amo” or you pour some shots and your favorite word becomes “Tequila”, you will definitely have a great time in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Come and enjoy this Mexican gem.
About the Author
Gaby Orozco, content creator for Solo Female Travelers Club. With a background in digital marketing since 2012 and a former flight attendant, she’s explored 60+ countries and her passion for travel knows no bounds.
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.