Guadalajara, a city that gave the world tequila, mariachi music, and the Mexican hat dance. Not a bad resume, right?
Mexico's second-largest metropolis often gets overlooked, but honestly? It deserves way more attention. Think colonial architecture, incredible food, and some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet.
We spent a week exploring the city, and here are the 10 best things to do in Guadalajara, starting with three absolute must-do experiences.
Our favourites: Where to stay in Guadalajara
- Budget: Hotel Morales Historical & Colonial – A colonial gem in the heart of the city.
- Value for money: Casa Habita – Sleek design in the trendy Lafayette neighborhood.
- Luxury: Quinta Real Guadalajara – A 19th-century hacienda turned luxury hotel.
- Ultra-luxury: Presidente InterContinental – World-class five-star with exceptional service.
The Best Things to Do in Guadalajara
1. Tequila Tour – Agave Fields & Distillery Tasting
You can't come here and not visit the town that shares its name with Mexico's most famous export.
The Tequila Valley is stunning – rolling hills covered in blue agave as far as the eye can see. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it's easy to see why.
Most tours take you to a distillery where you'll learn how agave becomes tequila. The jimadores (harvesters) show you how they chop the piñas (hearts) with a tool called a coa.
The best part: The tasting. You'll try blanco, reposado, and añejo – and suddenly understand why people get so passionate about good tequila.
Pro tip: Book a tour with transportation. The road is winding, and after a few tastings, you definitely don't want to drive.
2. City Tour – Historic Center & Tlaquepaque
Guadalajara's historic center is a colonial masterpiece. The Cathedral dominates the skyline with its twin neo-Gothic spires. Inside, it's equally impressive.
Right next door is the Plaza de Armas, where mariachi music floats through the air (this is their hometown). The Teatro Degollado is another must-see.
But the real highlight? Tlaquepaque. This former town (now part of the city) is the arts and crafts capital. The main street is lined with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants in gorgeous colonial buildings.
We spent hours just wandering, watching artisans blow glass and paint ceramics by hand.
Our advice: Do this with a guide who knows the best workshops. You'll get so much more out of it.
3. Ajijic and Lake Chapala Day Tour
About an hour south lies Mexico's largest freshwater lake. On its shore sits Ajijic – maybe the most pleasant surprise in all of Jalisco.
Ajijic has one of Mexico's largest expat communities. Visit once, and you'll understand why. The setting is spectacular – the lake stretches to the horizon, ringed by mountains. The climate is perfect year-round.
Cobblestone streets. Bougainvillea pouring over whitewashed walls. Art galleries everywhere.
A day tour includes a stroll through town, a boat ride on the lake (look for migratory birds), and a visit to nearby Chapala.
The vibe: Unbelievably relaxed. After Guadalajara's energy, Ajijic feels like a deep breath.
4. Hospicio Cabañas
If you visit only one cultural site, make it this one. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This massive early 19th-century complex was an orphanage. The architecture is stunning – but that's not why people come.
People come for the murals by José Clemente Orozco. The main chapel has "The Man of Fire" – a stunning, overwhelming depiction of humanity's struggle. Standing under it, looking up, you feel very small.
Practical info: Open Tuesday-Sunday. Around 80 pesos. Go early.
5. Mercado San Juan de Dios
The largest indoor market in Latin America. Yes, really.
Three floors. Hundreds of stalls. You can buy literally anything – leather, pottery, piñatas, electronics, and more food than you could eat in a month.
The food hall alone is worth it. Try tortas ahogadas – Guadalajara's signature dish. A crusty roll stuffed with pork, "drowned" in spicy tomato sauce. Messy? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely.
Also try birria (goat stew) and pozole (hominy soup).
Our tip: Go hungry. Bring cash. Point at what looks good – that's half the fun.
6. Barrio de Santa Tere
Every Mexican city has that bohemian neighborhood. In Guadalajara, it's Santa Tere.
South of the center, Santa Tere has beautiful 19th-century architecture, tree-lined streets, and a growing food scene.
On weekends, the main square has tianguis (street markets) selling vintage clothes and street food. The vibe is young, creative, and very local.
We loved just wandering, popping into small galleries and coffee shops.
7. Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres
Right next to the cathedral, this monument honors Jalisco's most famous sons and daughters. Musicians, writers, artists.
It's nice for a photo, but the real reason to come? The view.
From here, you get a perfect sightline down Avenida Alcalde, with the cathedral on one side and Hospicio Cabañas in the distance. One of those classic Guadalajara views.
8. Mariachi at Plaza Garibaldi
Plaza de los Mariachis is where mariachi bands gather, waiting to be hired for serenades. Even if you don't book one, stand nearby and listen.
It's magical at night – the square fills with people, the music gets louder, and the whole place feels like a party.
Pro tip: Go on a weekend evening. Bring cash if you want to request a song. Hit the nearby cantinas afterward.
9. Instituto Cultural Cabañas Light Show
Remember Hospicio Cabañas? At night, it does something special.
On certain evenings, the main facade becomes a canvas for a light and sound show. History and murals are projected onto the walls, set to music.
It's free, beautiful, and a completely different way to experience this landmark.
Check the schedule – usually weekends, times vary.
10. Day Trip to Tonalá
If Tlaquepaque is the polished version of Mexican crafts, Tonalá is the real, working-class deal.
This town has been a pottery center for centuries. The market on Thursdays and Sundays is enormous – handmade goods at prices significantly lower than in the city.
This is where locals buy their kitchenware, their Day of the Dead decorations.
Our advice: Go on market day. Bring cash. Haggle a little – it's expected.
How long to stay
We'd recommend 3-4 days in Guadalajara, plus extra for day trips to Tequila, Lake Chapala, or Tonalá.
This gives you time to explore the historic center, visit Hospicio Cabañas, wander Tlaquepaque, and still have an evening for mariachi and tortas ahogadas.
Our best tips
- Tortas ahogadas are messy. Eat with fork and knife unless you want tomato sauce on your shirt. (We learned the hard way.)
- Uber is cheap and easy. Use it to get around, especially at night.
- Sunday is market day. Plan for it – Tonalá and Tlaquepaque are incredible.
- Bring cash for markets. Most stalls don't take cards.
- The water isn't drinkable. Stick to bottled water.