So much to do, so much to see. So what’s wrong with taking the back streets?

Guadalajara Cathedral

A symbol of the city, the Guadalajara Cathedral is a Spanish Revival building with neo-Gothic spires. Take me there.

Plaza de Armas

Situated next to the Cathedral, the Plaza de Armas is home to a gazebo made by the Fonderie d’Art du Val d’Osne in Paris and features art nouveaux sculptures of the Arts. On some nights, Mariachi or the Philharmonic gather in the bandstand to play. Take me there.

Zoologico Guadalajara

Among the most important zoos in Latin America and the largest in Mexico, the zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from over 360 different species. Go on safari, see the rare Mexican Wolf, and bring out your inner child. Take me there.

Hospicio Cabañas Museum

Housed in a former care center for the disadvantaged, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The museum houses Mexican masterpieces, including a series of murals by artist José Clemente Orozco. Take me there.

Magno Centro Joyero San Juan de Dios

Situated just before Hospicio Cabañas is among the largest and most secure jewelry markets in the world. Magno Centro Joyero houses over 700 stalls selling gold, silver, platinum, jewels across four floors. The center has repair shops on the fifth floor, along with metallurgical labs. Take me there.

Tonalá

Where Tlaquepaque focuses on art, Tonalá focuses on crafts. Come Thursdays and Sundays to shop from over 3,500-4,000 vendors selling pottery, metalwork, dishware, and other useful items for your home. Note that clay goods must fly home in your checked luggage. Take me there.

Mercado San Juan de Dios

The largest indoor market in Latin America, with over 2900 stalls selling everything from fresh fruit to leather goods. Home to an expansive food court selling all kinds of street treats. Take me there.

Tlaquepaque

Formerly a small town where Guadalajara’s elite would have their summer homes, Tlaquepaque is now home to artists whose galleries are open for the public. High-end boutiques line the main street. Don’t miss the Parián, the largest cantina in the world, to try a Cazuela. Take me there.

Colonia Americana

Near the US Consulate, Colonia Americana is a tree-lined neighborhood home to 19th century mansions. Check out the trendy restaurants, coffee shops, and nightclubs along Chapultepec Avenue for an unforgettable evening. Take me there.

Gastronony

Near The Hotel

Birreria de las Nueve Esquinas

C. Colón 384, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

Birria is a traditional stew from Guadalajara made with either beef or goat and served in a tomato and pepper-based broth. The Nueve Esquinas neighborhood has many birrerias surrounding a central plaza.

Restaurante Los Ilustres

Av. Fray Antonio Alcalde 118, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

Located near the cathedral, this restaurant offers a diverse blend of traditional dishes while overlooking the Rotunda of Illustrious Jaliscans. Great for brunch!

La Chata de Guadalajara

Av. Ramón Corona 126, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

Just across the street from the hotel, La Chata has been around since 1942 serving typical food from Guadalajara and Jalisco.

Mercado Corona

Av. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla 469, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

Actually a market, just like the nearby San Juan de Dios, the market has food vendors who have been there for years. For a taste of real street food: you can do no better than either market.

Further from the hotel

Canelo’s

Lombardo Toledano 120, La Gigantera, 45426 Tonalá, Jal., Mexico

Among the most famous of the Restauranes Campestres among locals from Guadalajara, Canelo’s offers traditional dining in a mixed indoor-outdoor space.

El Parián de Tlaquelaque

C. Juárez 68, Centro, 45500 San Pedro Tlaquepaque, Jal., Mexico

Reportedly the largest cantina in the world, el Parián is not actually one restaurant but multiple surrounding a central square. Mariachi play in the central bandstand for diners in the evening. Try a Cazuela, which is a bowl with citrus juice and tequila for you to enjoy.

Los Cuñados

C. San Pablo 1952, Talpita, 44710 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

An institution in the Talpita neighboorhood of Guadalajara, Los Cuñados have been open for over 20 years slinging tacos for residents. While seating areas may be limited, flavors are not.

Los Troncos

C. Juan de Dios Robledo 897, Talpita, 44719 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

Los Troncos is a local favorite. Known for its Carnes Asadas and freshly made tortillas, the flavors coming from this restaurant can’t be beaten.

Fruits in Season

Guadalajara is in a tropical zone, and since it’s situated a 5,138 feet above sea level its climate means the city has extended growing seasons for certain tropical fruits. In June, be sure to check out:

  • Pitaya - A dragonfuit variant that only grows in the region

  • Prickly Pear Fruit - Called “tuna”, this fruit begins reaching peak ripeness in June

  • Mamey - Native to the region, mamey tastes similar to a sweet avocado, even though they are not related

  • Mango - While the smaller Huentitán Canyon mangoes are no longer in season, the larger mangoes are beginning to reach their peak ripeness in June.