6 Best Things to do in Guadalajara
Guadalajara is a fascinating city, weaving together gothic cathedrals, chic cafes, and sleek office buildings. Architecture, archaeology, and alcohol feature prominently in this guide! Read on to find out some of the best things to do in Guadalajara.
As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When I link to any products or services, those links may be affiliate links. If you click on any of those affiliate links and make a purchase within a certain time frame, I’ll earn a small commission at no cost to you. I’m careful to link to products and services that I use myself and recommend. Thank you!
Explore the City Center
The Centro Historico de Guadalajara is full of historic buildings, many dating back centuries. The most spectacular landmark is the famous double-spired Cathedral of Guadalajara, situated on the Plaza de Armas. On the same plaza, you can also see the Palacio de Gobierno. Behind the Cathedral of Guadalajara is the Rotunda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, a monument dedicated to the regions writers, artists, scientists, and revolutionaries.
Nearby is the Plaza de la Liberacion, where you can find the neoclassical Teatro Degollado, home to the philharmonic orchestra, and considered one of the most emblematic buildings in Guadalajara. If you continue walking east, you’ll pass through more public squares and statues until you reach Hospicios Cabanas.
One of my favorite things to do in Guadalajara was simply find a spot in one of the plazas, often near the fountains, and sit and people watch. Something I loved about Mexico was how much use the public spaces got. Here it seemed very common for people to come and meet in the plazas to talk and catch up.
Take a self-guided architecture walking tour
Guadalajara’s history is rooted in Spanish colonial times and the influence is still prominent, especially in the architecture. The city’s style has evolved throughout the centuries, from the highly decorative and theatrical Baroque style, to the pointed arches and flying buttresses of the Gothic era, to the fusion of classical columns, graceful arches and elaborate ornamentation in the Spanish Renaissance. Walking through the Historic Center, the city sweeps upward, reaching toward the sky with cathedral towers, church steeples, and modern skyscrapers.
One of my favorite things to do in a city is to make a list of places to see, plot a course in my GPS, and then see the sights as a I walk my way to each site. It truly gives me a feel for the city and sometimes helps me find things off the beaten path. You can find my self-created walking tour here.
Stroll through Bosque los Colomos
The Colomos is an urban park in the northwest part of Guadalajara. It’s a peaceful place to go to escape its surrounding urban metropolis. Inside, you can find a Japanese garden, jogging trails, a pond, a cultural center, and many sculptures, fountains, and seating areas. It’s pleasant to spend an hour or two here and enjoy nature.
Visit the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Zapopan
Slightly north of el Bosque Colomos sits the Basilica of our Lady of Zapopan, a 17th century Franciscan sanctuary that still houses members of the Franciscan order. This basilica is a beautiful representation of colonial Baroque architecture and has a small collection of paintings and sculptures. After you’ve admired the Basilica, there is a large plaza directly outside with street vendors, food, and many restaurants.
Head to the Hospicio Cabañas
This massive complex was built at the beginning of the 19th century by Bishop Cabanas to provide care to orphans, the elderly, and the poor. The open design, allowing light and air to move through freely, was supposed to promote healing. In the early 20th century, the chapel was decorated with a number of frescoes painted by José Clemente Orozco, a great Mexican painter and muralist. The building was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 due to its architectural beauty and historical and cultural importance.
Take a Day Trip to Guachimontes and Tequila
Easily one of the best tours I’ve ever taken, the Fire Tour includes pyramids, volcanoes, agave, and tequila. Our small group headed out in the morning and stopped first at Guachimontes, a fascinating pre-Columbian archaeological site that has left us clues about a number of ancient cultures in the region, including the Teuchitlán and the Toltec.
Our guide, Alejandro, was phenomenal; he had an amazing knowledge of the history of the region and was able to integrate information from archaeological zones in other states. By the end of the drive from the city to Guachimontes, he had our whole van talking to each other.
After a delicious lunch, we headed to Casa de Oro, a traditional tequila distillery, to learn how tequila was made, and have a tasting. Afterwards, we drove to the town of tequila to wander through the main square, enjoy some delicious drinks, listen to music, and take in the bright colors. Perfectly timed, we ended the day in an agave field to watch the sunset. If you want to know more about this day trip, you can read about it here.
