Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a city that beautifully blends tradition and modernity, making it a must-visit destination in Mexico. Known as the birthplace of mariachi music, this vibrant city offers an array of cultural experiences that will captivate any traveler. Stroll through the historic center, where you can admire stunning colonial architecture, including the iconic Guadalajara Cathedral and the Teatro Degollado. Food lovers will rejoice in Guadalajara's culinary scene. The city is famous for its tortas ahogadas, a delicious sandwich drenched in spicy sauce, and birria, a savory stew that warms the soul. Don’t miss the chance to explore the bustling Mercado San Juan de Dios, where you can sample local delicacies and shop for artisanal crafts. Guadalajara is also home to the annual International Book Fair, one of the largest in the Spanish-speaking world, attracting literature enthusiasts from across the globe. The city’s lively atmosphere is complemented by its friendly locals, who are always eager to share their rich heritage. For a unique experience, visit the nearby town of Tequila, where you can tour distilleries and learn about the production of Mexico's famous spirit. With its rich history, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality, Guadalajara is sure to leave a

Guadalajara, Mexico

15 Best Things to Do in Guadalajara

Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento tops the list, and the rest of Guadalajara follows, ranked by real visits.

We rank by how many travelers reviewed each place, across the 52 we track here. Updated monthly.

  1. Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento

    Religious siteFree entry

    The Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento is the most beautiful church in Guadalajara and one of the finest neo-Gothic buildings in Mexico, a soaring, intricately detailed temple that took more…

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  2. Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Zapopan

    Religious siteFree entry

    The Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Zapopan is a stunning Franciscan church located in the municipality of Zapopan, part of the Guadalajara metropolitan area.

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  3. Glorieta La Minerva

    LandmarkFree entry

    Glorieta La Minerva is one of Guadalajara's most recognizable landmarks, located at a major roundabout on Avenida Ignacio L.

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  4. Plaza Andares

    MarketFree entry

    Plaza Andares is a premier shopping destination in Guadalajara, located in the affluent Puerta de Hierro neighborhood.

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  5. Glorieta Chapalita

    LandmarkFree entry

    Glorieta Chapalita is a vibrant roundabout and public square located in the upscale Chapalita neighborhood of Guadalajara.

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  6. Nueve Esquinas

    LandmarkFree entry

    Nueve Esquinas (Nine Corners) is a unique urban intersection in Guadalajara's historic center, where nine streets meet at a single point, creating a distinctive star-shaped plaza.

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  7. Escultura La Estampida

    LandmarkFree entry

    Escultura La Estampida is an iconic public artwork in Guadalajara, depicting a herd of horses in mid-gallop, seemingly bursting through the ground.

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  8. MUSA Museo de las Artes Universidad de Guadalajara

    MuseumFree entry

    MUSA Museo de las Artes Universidad de Guadalajara is a vibrant cultural institution housed in a striking neoclassical building on Avenida Juarez.

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  9. Plaza Tapatia

    LandmarkFree entry

    Plaza Tapatia is the heart of Guadalajara's downtown, a sprawling pedestrian plaza that connects several of the city's most important landmarks.

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  10. Los Arcos

    LandmarkFree entry

    Los Arcos is a distinctive neoclassical monument located at the intersection of Avenida Vallarta and Avenida Arcos in Guadalajara.

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  11. Rectoria de la Universidad de Guadalajara

    MuseumFree entry

    The Rectoria de la Universidad de Guadalajara is the administrative heart of the University of Guadalajara, located on Avenida Juarez in the Zona Centro.

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  12. Calle Independencia

    LandmarkFree entry

    Calle Independencia is a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare in the heart of Guadalajara, Mexico.

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  13. Plaza de los Mariachis

    LandmarkFree entry

    Plaza de los Mariachis, also known as Plaza Garibaldi, is a small but iconic square in downtown Guadalajara, Mexico.

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  14. Glorieta de Los Ninos Heroes

    LandmarkFree entry

    The Glorieta de Los Niños Héroes is a prominent traffic circle and monument in Guadalajara, situated at the intersection of Avenida Los Niños Héroes and Avenida Chapultepec in the vibrant Colonia Americana neighborhood.

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  15. Parque Agua Azul

    Park & natureFree entry

    Parque Agua Azul is one of Guadalajara's most cherished green spaces, a sprawling urban oasis in the city's downtown area.

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That covers the heavyweights. Browse by category for the rest.

Attractions & sights

Landmarks, museums, neighborhoods

52 places

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Wellness

Spas & relaxation

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Off the beaten path

9 hidden gems in Guadalajara

Like Chandan Spa and Chale Spa, loved by reviewers, skipped by tour groups.

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After dark

15 best bars & nightlife spots

Señor Stone Av Vallarta and Peter Brown Bar lead the night.

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For the kids

6 things to do with kids

Parque Agua Azul and more the whole crew will rate.

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Costs nothing

15 free things to do in Guadalajara

Verified free entry, Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento included.

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Best things to do in Mexico
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