Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, nestled in Jalisco, the birthplace of tequila and mariachi, is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. Often hailed as the “Silicon Valley of Mexico” for its burgeoning tech scene, Guadalajara offers a rich cultural tapestry, delectable cuisine, and an incredibly walkable urban landscape. If you’re seeking an authentic Mexican experience, far from the typical tourist traps, Guadalajara should be at the top of your list. This 3-day itinerary will guide you through the best things to do in Guadalajara, ensuring you capture the essence of this captivating city.
Day 1: Tequila Tour & Historic Downtown Exploration
Morning: Arrive in Guadalajara & Breakfast at La Chata
Touching down at Guadalajara’s airport in the morning is the perfect start to your adventure. Getting around Guadalajara is easy, with Uber readily available. For an authentic taste of Guadalajara breakfast, head straight to La Chata, a beloved local institution in the Centro Historico. Be prepared for a potential wait, as it’s a popular spot, but the delicious, traditional Mexican breakfast is well worth it.
Late Morning: Explore Centro Historico & Teatro Degollado
After a satisfying breakfast, immerse yourself in the historical charm of Guadalajara’s Centro Historico. Make your way to the majestic Teatro Degollado, a neoclassical architectural gem and a cultural landmark. As you wander through the Centro Historico, you’ll be surrounded by stunning colonial architecture, bustling plazas, and a vibrant atmosphere. Just across from the Teatro Degollado, you’ll find the iconic Guadalajara Cathedral, a symbol of the city with its striking twin spires. While exploring, take in the sights and sounds of this historic heart of Guadalajara.
Afternoon: Guided Tequila Tour – Distillery Visits & Agave Fields
No trip to Guadalajara is complete without experiencing tequila firsthand. Embark on a guided tour to Tequila, the town that gave the spirit its name, approximately an hour’s drive from Guadalajara. Opting for a guided tour, especially for solo travelers, is a convenient way to explore the region and indulge in tequila tastings responsibly. Tours often include transportation, distillery visits, and tastings. A reputable tour will take you to both established and smaller distilleries, like Tres Mujeres Tequila Distillery, allowing you to sample various types of tequila, from blanco to extra añejo. You’ll also have the chance to walk through the agave fields and learn about the harvesting process of the agave plant, the heart of tequila.
Another fascinating stop on many tequila tours is La Cofradía Tequila, where you can explore their agave fields and even find unique hotel rooms shaped like giant tequila barrels for an overnight stay amidst the agave landscape.
Late Afternoon: Tequila Town Exploration & Cantaritos
Your tequila tour will likely include time to explore the charming town of Tequila itself. Wander through the town center, browse local vendors selling handicrafts and souvenirs, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the opportunity to try a cantarito, a refreshing and traditional Jalisco drink made with tequila, fresh fruit juices, and grapefruit soda, often served in a clay mug. You might also witness the mesmerizing Danza de los Voladores, the Dance of the Flyers, a ceremonial spectacle where performers descend from a tall pole, a truly captivating cultural experience.
For a fun way to get around Tequila town, keep an eye out for tequila-themed buses shaped like barrels or guitars, offering hop-on-hop-off services. You can also follow the “Ruta Tequila” signs to discover various tequila houses, including well-known names like Jose Cuervo and Herradura, offering tastings, tours, and gift shops.
Evening: Cantarito El Güero #1 & Chapultepec Avenue
As your tequila tour concludes, head to Cantarito El Güero #1, a legendary local spot famous for its cantaritos. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, often featuring live music and a dance floor. Choose from a wide selection of tequilas and cantarito sizes – be warned, the jumbo size is truly enormous! The best part? You can take your cantarito mug home as a unique souvenir.
Later in the evening, if you’re looking for more nightlife, Chapultepec Avenue is the place to be. This vibrant street is lined with bars and restaurants, offering a range of options to continue your evening. Pinta Negra is a popular starting point to explore the many bars along the avenue.
Safety Note
When traveling solo, especially as a female traveler, exercising caution is always wise, particularly at night. While Guadalajara is generally considered safe and welcoming, it’s prudent to be aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas after dark. Sticking to well-lit and populated areas is recommended for peace of mind.
Day 2: Unveiling Guadalajara’s City Center Treasures
Morning: Breakfast at La Gorda
Start your second day in Guadalajara with a hearty breakfast at La Gorda, another local favorite conveniently located near the Centro Historico. While they offer traditional breakfast fare, consider trying their enchiladas for a delicious and authentic Mexican morning meal. The rich and flavorful sauces are a highlight.
Late Morning: Guadalajara Cathedral & Plaza de la Liberación
After breakfast, revisit the Guadalajara Cathedral to appreciate its grandeur in daylight. Explore Plaza de la Liberación, a spacious public square directly in front of the cathedral, featuring a large fountain and offering a great vantage point for admiring the surrounding architecture. While the Plaza de Armas might be under renovation, Plaza de la Liberación provides a beautiful and lively central space to experience the heart of Guadalajara.
Midday: Palacio Municipal & Rotonda of Illustrious Jaliscienses
A short walk from the cathedral leads you to the Palacio Municipal de Guadalajara, the City Hall. This beautiful building is open to the public and features stunning archways, an open courtyard, and remarkable murals by the artist Gabriel Flores, depicting scenes from Mexican history. Just outside the Palacio Municipal, discover the Rotonda of Illustrious Jaliscienses, a monument honoring notable figures from the state of Jalisco. This serene space is perfect for a moment of reflection and appreciation of local history and culture.
Afternoon: Plaza de los Mariachis & Mercado Libertad San Juan de Dios
In the afternoon, head to Plaza de los Mariachis, a traditional square where mariachi bands often gather to perform. While you might find fewer mariachis during the day, the area itself is worth exploring for its cultural significance and street art. Nearby, immerse yourself in the vibrant Mercado Libertad San Juan de Dios, one of the largest indoor markets in Latin America. This sprawling market is a treasure trove of souvenirs, local crafts, clothing, and food. You can easily spend hours browsing the countless stalls and experiencing the bustling atmosphere.
Evening: Pulque at La Pulkata
For a unique evening experience, visit La Pulkata, a cozy bar specializing in pulque. Pulque, an ancient alcoholic beverage made from fermented agave sap, has roots dating back to the Aztecs and is often referred to as the “drink of the gods.” La Pulkata offers a taste of this traditional Mexican drink in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Day 3: Art, Architecture, and Tlaquepaque Charm
Morning: Templo Expiatorio & Street Art Exploration
Begin your final day exploring Guadalajara’s architectural and artistic side. Start with the Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento, a stunning neo-gothic church dating back to the late 19th century. Admire its intricate façade and step inside to witness the beautiful stained glass windows, best viewed in the morning light.
Afterward, embark on a street art hunt. Look for the vibrant Frida Kahlo mural at La Lupita bar/restaurant. This area, near Avenida Chapultepec, is known for its street art scene. After capturing some photos, enjoy breakfast at El Sazon de la Comadre, just a few doors down from La Lupita. This alleyway is filled with charming restaurants, bars, and more street art, creating a vibrant and artistic atmosphere.
Late Morning: Orozco Murals at Palacio de Gobierno & Instituto Cultural Cabañas
Immerse yourself in Mexican art by visiting the murals of José Clemente Orozco, one of Mexico’s most celebrated artists. Start at the Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco (State Government Palace), where you can view Orozco’s powerful murals on the ceiling of the main staircase and in the Ex Congreso room. Admission is free.
Next, head to the Instituto Cultural Cabañas/Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former orphanage, to see more of Orozco’s masterpieces, including his iconic “Man of Fire” mural. Tuesday is free admission day, otherwise, there is an entrance fee. Allow ample time to explore the complex and appreciate Orozco’s impactful art.
Afternoon: Tlaquepaque Exploration – Mercado Juárez & Calle Independencia
In the afternoon, take an Uber to Tlaquepaque, a charming town just a short drive from Guadalajara. Tlaquepaque is known for its pedestrian-friendly streets, colorful buildings, art galleries, and artisan workshops. Begin your exploration at Mercado Juárez, a multi-level local market offering fresh produce, local food, and handicrafts. Sample bionicos, a refreshing fruit salad with yogurt or sweet cream, a popular local snack.
Afterward, stroll down Calle Independencia, Tlaquepaque’s main pedestrian street adorned with colorful flags. This lively street is lined with art galleries, restaurants, and shops selling handcrafted goods, creating a delightful atmosphere for browsing and soaking in the local culture.
Late Afternoon: Lunch & Mariachis at El Patio
Enjoy a late lunch at El Patio, one of Tlaquepaque’s restaurants known for its live mariachi performances. While enjoying traditional Mexican dishes like birria, you’ll be serenaded by mariachi music, creating a quintessential Guadalajara experience. Tipping is customary for mariachi performances, especially if you request a song. Restaurante Casa Luna is another excellent option for dining with mariachi music in Tlaquepaque.
Evening: Tlaquepaque Artisan Shopping & El Parian
Continue exploring Tlaquepaque by wandering down Calle Independencia and then onto Calle Juárez, another street brimming with shops and artisan studios. Visit Fabrica De Ceramica for unique tiles and mosaics, Plaza de Artesanías for a larger selection of handmade goods, Plaza Amantolli, a co-op artisan space, and Nuestros Dulces, a candy store with an impressive tequila selection.
As the sun sets, take photos in Jardín Hidalgo, the main square in Tlaquepaque, before heading to El Parian de Tlaquepaque. El Parian is a unique complex of restaurants and bars surrounding a central courtyard, where mariachi bands roam, offering to play songs at your table. Enjoy a final Guadalajara evening with a cazuela de tequila, a drink similar to a cantarito but served in a larger clay pot, at El Parian restaurant or another establishment within El Parian.
Guadalajara truly exceeded expectations, offering a rich blend of culture, history, delicious food, and, of course, tequila and mariachi music. With its walkability and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a Mexican destination that will undoubtedly entice you to return.
More to Do in Guadalajara
Other Things to Do in Guadalajara
- Palacio de las Vacas
- Tianguis Chapultepec (Market)
- Los Colomos
- Basílica de Zapopan
Other Places to Eat in Guadalajara
- Birriería las 9 Esquinas
- Ahogadas Betos – Try tortas ahogadas
- La Fonda de la Noche
- El Sacromonte
Other Day Trips from Guadalajara
- Barranca de Huentitán National Park
- Guachimontones
- Chapala
- Ajijic
- Tonalá
- Zapotlanejo
- Take a guided train tour to Tequila (Jose Cuervo and Herradura each offer a tequila experience)
More to Do in Tlaquepaque
Other Things to Do in Tlaquepaque
- Museo Regional de la Cerámica
- Cultural Center El Refugio
Other Places to Eat in Tlaquepaque
- Go on an organized gastronomic tour
- Cervecería Chapultepec
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