Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, is a vibrant and exciting city in the heart of Mexico. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, Guadalajara has something to offer everyone, from history buffs to foodies, art lovers, and adventure seekers. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in this amazing city. In this article, we’ve put together a list of 26 things you must do when visiting Guadalajara, so grab your map and get ready to explore!
Things to do in Guadalajara
Explore the Historic Center: The heart of Guadalajara, the historic center is home to many of the city’s most important landmarks and attractions, including the beautiful Plaza de Armas, the neoclassical Catedral de Guadalajara, and the stunning Palacio de Gobierno.
Visit the Instituto Cultural Cabañas: This stunning 19th-century building is home to a museum and cultural center dedicated to the work of the renowned Mexican muralist, Jose Clemente Orozco. Don’t miss the incredible murals that cover the interior of the building, which are considered some of the artist’s greatest works.
Take a Walking Tour: Guided walking tours are a great way to explore the city and learn about its history and culture. There are many tour companies that offer walking private tours of Guadalajara, including themed tours focused on art, architecture, and food.
Things to do in Guadalajara Jalisco
Visit the Mercado San Juan de Dios: This bustling market is one of the largest in Latin America and is home to hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh produce and flowers to souvenirs and handicrafts. Be sure to sample some of the delicious local snacks and street food while you’re there.
See a Lucha Libre Show: Lucha libre tour, or Mexican wrestling, is a popular sport and entertainment in Mexico. Catch a show at the Arena Coliseo and cheer on your favorite masked wrestler as they battle it out in the ring.
Go on a Tequila Tour: No visit to Guadalajara is complete without a trip to the tequila-producing region of Jalisco. Take a tour of a local distillery, like the world-famous Jose Cuervo distillery, and learn about the process of tequila production while sampling some of the finest tequilas in the world.
Empersonate a Charro Experience: Learn the abilities necessary to be a charro becoming a real cowboy. This inmersive experince with the national sport of Mexico is Charreria in Guadalajara Tour to connect with live horses and friendly local experts.
Explore Tlaquepaque: This charming town just outside of Guadalajara is known for its beautiful architecture, traditional handicrafts, and delicious cuisine. Spend an afternoon browsing the local shops and galleries, sampling the local tequila and cuisine, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
See a Ballet Folklórico Show: Ballet folklórico is a traditional Mexican dance that tells the story of Mexico’s rich history and culture through music and movement. Catch a show at the Teatro Degollado and experience the passion and energy of this beautiful art form.
Visit the Museo de las Artes de la Universidad de Guadalajara: This museum is dedicated to contemporary art and is home to an impressive collection of works by local and international artists. Be sure to check out the stunning murals by Jose Clemente Orozco that cover the interior of the building.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: Get a bird’s eye view of Guadalajara and the surrounding countryside with a hot air balloon ride. There are several tour operators that offer hot air balloon rides, and it’s an unforgettable way to see the city and the beautiful landscapes of Jalisco.
Visit the Teatro Degollado: This beautiful neoclassical theater is one of the most important cultural venues in Guadalajara and hosts a variety of performances, from classical music concerts to ballets and theater shows. Take a tour of the theater to learn about its history and architecture, or catch a performance and experience the magic of this beautiful venue.
Explore the Museo Regional de Guadalajara: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the state of Jalisco and is home to an impressive collection of artifacts, from pre-Columbian art to colonial-era furnishings and clothing.
Take a Day Trip to Lake Chapala: This beautiful lake is the largest in Mexico and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and hiking. Spend a day exploring the towns and villages that surround the lake, sampling the local cuisine, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
More things to do in Guadalajara Mexico
Visit the Museo de la Ciudad: This museum is dedicated to the history of Guadalajara and is home to a fascinating collection of artifacts and exhibits that trace the city’s development from pre-Columbian times to the present day. Be sure to check out the beautiful courtyard and gardens, which are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Sample the Local Cuisine: Guadalajara is known for its delicious cuisine, which blends traditional Mexican flavors with European influences. Be sure to try the local specialty, birria, a spicy stew made with goat or beef, and don’t miss the chance to sample some of the amazing street food that you’ll find throughout the city.
Take a Day Trip to Tequila Town: This charming town is located in the heart of the tequila-producing region and is home to several distilleries, including the world-famous Jose Cuervo distillery. Take a tour of a distillery, sample some of the finest tequilas in the world, and explore the town’s beautiful colonial-era architecture.
Visit the Palacio de la Cultura y Comunicación: This beautiful building is home to a museum and cultural center dedicated to the history and culture of Jalisco.
Take a Bike Tour: See the city from a different perspective with a guided bike tour. There are several tour operators that offer bike tours of Guadalajara, and it’s a great way to explore the city and get some exercise at the same time.
what to do in guadalajara
Visit the Parque Agua Azul: This beautiful park is located in the heart of Guadalajara and is a popular destination for picnics, walks, and outdoor activities. Be sure to check out the beautiful waterfalls and fountains, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this peaceful oasis in the city.
Take a Cooking Class: Learn how to prepare traditional Mexican dishes with a cooking class. There are several cooking schools and classes in Guadalajara that offer lessons in Mexican cuisine, and it’s a fun and delicious way to learn about the local culture.
Visit the Museo Pantaleón Panduro: This museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous Mexican cartoonist, Pantaleón Panduro. Be sure to check out the beautiful murals that cover the interior of the building, which feature some of the artist’s most famous characters.
Take a Day Trip to the Tequila Volcano: This beautiful volcano is located just outside of Guadalajara and is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities. Take a guided tour to explore the stunning landscapes and learn about the history and geology of the area.
Places to visit in Guadalajara
Visit the Instituto Cultural Cabañas: This beautiful building is home to a museum and cultural center dedicated to the arts and culture of Jalisco. Be sure to check out the stunning murals by Jose Clemente Orozco that cover the interior of the building.
Explore the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village: This charming village is located just outside of Guadalajara and is home to a variety of artisan shops and galleries. Spend a day exploring the cobblestone streets, browsing the handmade crafts and pottery, and enjoying the beautiful architecture.
Take a Day Trip to the Guachimontones Archaeological Site: This ancient archaeological site is located just outside of Guadalajara and is home to a collection of circular pyramids that date back to pre-Columbian times. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the site and explore the beautiful landscapes that surround it.
Guadalajara is a vibrant and exciting city with something for everyone. From its rich cultural heritage to its delicious cuisine and stunning natural landscapes, there are countless things to see and do in this beautiful city. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and memorable vacation, Guadalajara is the perfect destination. So why not start planning your trip today and discover all the amazing things that this beautiful city has to offer