Want to know how to spend a few days in Guadalajara? This 3 days in Guadalajara itinerary focuses on the best way to organise your days – covering food, history and tequila!
Guadalajara might not have the instant name recognition of Mexico City or Cancún, but for anyone interested in Mexican culture, history and food, it’s a must-visit.
Mexico’s second-largest city and the capital of the state of Jalisco, Guadalajara is the birthplace of mariachi music, home to Mexico’s most famous export – tequila – and packed with colonial architecture, buzzing cantinas, artisan enclaves and some of the country’s best regional cuisine.
Known as the “Pearl of the West,” Guadalajara is a city where you can stroll through grand plazas that are hundreds of years old, sip cocktails in hip cafés, watch a traditional charreada and shop in modern boutiques – all in the same day.
Here’s how to spend three days in Guadalajara, including a special side trip to the pueblo mágico (magical town) of Tequila.
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Day 1: Explore Guadalajara’s historic heart
Your first day in Guadalajara is all about getting your bearings and learning about the city’s historical and architectural highlights. The best way to do that is on a walking tour through the Centro Histórico. You can join a guided tour or take yourself on a self-paced journey through the heart of the city.
We took a two-hour walking tour through the city and learned so much. Our guide gave us so much historical and cultural information – and a list of what to eat and where, which was excellent. This is the tour we booked, and it runs every day at 10.30am. Don’t forget to tip what you think the tour was worth!
There are also plenty of private tours if you don’t want to join a group, including this tour (which includes optional lunch at the end) or this 3-hour tour. Both are led by local guides with great knowledge of the city.
If you’re going the DIY route, there’s a logical loop that hits all the major sights.
Start at Plaza de la Liberación, a wide-open square flanked by churches and grand government buildings. During the day, it’s a great place to sit in the shade and people-watch. At night – especially on weekends – there’s a festive atmosphere with mariachi music, street performers and crowds of locals enjoying the cooler air and street food.
From there, head over to the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, a circular monument surrounded by statues dedicated to Jalisco’s most prominent historical figures. Some I had heard of, others were people that I didn’t know but that have had a huge impact on the region in terms of business, health and religion.
A short stroll brings you to Plaza Guadalajara, which gives you a great view of the Guadalajara Cathedral. This cathedral, with its signature twin spires, blends Gothic and Renaissance styles and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Have a look at the spires – can you tell that one is taller than the other?!
Wander into Plaza de Armas, a leafy square with wrought-iron benches and an elegant French-style kiosk in the centre.
Just behind it is the Palacio de Gobierno, where you’ll find the powerful murals of José Clemente Orozco, one of Mexico’s most famous artists. His depictions of Mexican history, including a particularly arresting image of Father Hidalgo (a Catholic priest and leader of the Mexican War of Independence) wielding a flaming sword, are worth taking your time to absorb. They’re dark and gloomy, but portray an important time in the country’s history.
Your next stop is the beautiful Teatro Degollado, a 19th-century neoclassical theatre that still hosts opera, ballet and classical concerts. Even if there’s no performance on, the exterior alone is worth seeing. You can go inside the theatre between 1pm and 3pm to have a look inside.
Continue toward Plaza Fundadores, one of the oldest areas of the city. Here there is a 21-metre-long bronze mural representing the people that founded the city of Guadalajara, and a statue of Tenamaztle, a leader of the Caxcan Indigenous peoples.
After you’ve had a look through the plaza, walk through Plaza Tapatía, which is filled with street vendors and open-air market stalls, as well as an interesting snake sculpture.
End your walking tour at Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This former orphanage is now a cultural centre showcasing even more of Orozco’s murals in a stunning architectural setting. I highly recommend going inside (there’s an entrance fee) to see his murals painted on the high, domed ceilings of the building.
After a big day on your feet, pull up a seat at Cantina La Fuente, one of Guadalajara’s oldest bars. Order a tequila or a beer and enjoy the live piano or occasional mariachi band. We loved it here so much that we came back three times – and most times there was someone performing or even the whole crowd in the bar joining in on famous Mexican folk songs! It has such a fun vibe.
In the evening, head over to Colonia Americana. This hip neighbourhood has become one of the coolest areas in the city and has many restaurants and bars to end the night at. Grab dinner at Hueso or Navaja Cocina Filosa. It was our wedding anniversary on this trip so we splurged at Alcalde – and we were even served by Paco Ruano himself!
Stick around for a nightcap. We loved El Gallo Altanero, which had great cocktails in an unpretentious scene.
Day 2: Markets and artisans
Start your second day with a sensory overload at Mercado Libertad San Juan de Dios, the largest indoor market in Latin America. Our walking tour guide (from the day before) told us there are around 4,000 stores here spread over some 40,000 square metres! As you can imagine, it’s very easy to get lost.
It’s a chaotic place – an endless maze of vendors selling everything from cowboy boots and handmade crafts to pirated DVDs and phone chargers.
But, most importantly, there’s a tonne of food to try.
Be sure to order a torta ahogada, Guadalajara’s famous “drowned sandwich” made with crusty bread, carnitas and a slightly spicy tomato sauce. It’s messy! To be honest, I wasn’t a huge fan… but when in Rome!
If it all seems too overwhelming, take a food tour and be guided to the regional specialities. Here are some food tour options to consider:
After lunch, hop in an Uber or taxi to Tlaquepaque, a colourful artisan town just 20 minutes from downtown Guadalajara. It’s technically its own municipality, but most visitors treat it like a neighbourhood of the city.
The pedestrian-only Calle Independencia is lined with colonial buildings, art galleries and boutique shops. You’ll find handmade pottery, blown glass, textiles and more. Musicians perform in the squares, and you’ll definitely catch mariachis in action.
Tlaquepaque is also a great place to try more local food. Sit down for a meal at El Patio, where you can dine under fairy lights in a lovely courtyard while mariachi musicians play nearby.
Day 3: Take a day trip to Tequila
No trip to Guadalajara would be complete without a visit to the town of Tequila, where Mexico’s most famous drink was born.
Tequila is officially designated as a pueblo mágico, or “magical town” – a title awarded by the Mexican government to towns that have a unique cultural, historical or natural experience for tourists. With its cobblestone streets, colorful facades and deep connection to agave cultivation, Tequila more than earns this magical status.
Only an hour or so from Guadalajara, Tequila sits amid rolling fields of blue agave, which have been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town is home to some of the country’s most famous distilleries, including Jose Cuervo and Herradura, where you can learn about the entire production process – from roasting agave hearts to aging tequila in oak barrels – and of course, enjoy a tasting or two.
There are several ways to get to Tequila. The most scenic (and festive!) is via the Jose Cuervo Express, a tourist train that includes onboard drinks, entertainment and a guided tour once you arrive. This is what we did and you can read my full guide to the Jose Cuervo Express – including whether I think it’s worth the price tag. Book the Jose Cuervo Express here.
Alternatively, you can take a group day tour or travel independently by bus or rent a car (with a designated driver!).
Here are some highly-rated options:
The town of Tequila itself is charming, with cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and cafés and restaurants – so even if you don’t enjoy drinking tequila, you’ll find plenty to do here.
More things to do in Guadalajara
If you have extra time in the city or want to swap something out from what I’ve suggested for this Guadalajara itinerary, here are some options.
Catch a Lucha Libre wrestling match for a wild night of theatrics and over-the-top entertainment. Lucha Libre matches are held Tuesday and Sunday at the Arena Coliseo de Occidente. Unfortunately we weren’t in Guadalajara on a Tuesday or Sunday – but having been to a match in Mexico City, I can attest to the fun and entertainment!
If you’d prefer to go with a group, this Lucha Libre tour includes a drink at one of the oldest bars in Guadalajara before heading to the arena for the match. Book the Lucha Libre tour
For a break from the city, head to Bosque Colomos, a sprawling urban forest ideal for a jog, picnic or quiet stroll through the Japanese gardens. I didn’t find Guadalajara too overwhelming, but if you do, Bosque Colomos is the place to get away from it all.
Want to dive into cowboy culture? Visit a charreada, Mexico’s version of a rodeo, and learn about the tradition of the charro (Mexican cowboy). This tour includes a visit to Campo Charro’s museum and horse stables as well as a lesson in how to lasso. Book the Charro Experience tour
Where to eat in Guadalajara
Guadalajara is a foodie’s paradise, with many regional dishes that can only be found here. Here are some regional foods to try in Guadalajara:
- Torta ahogada – A crusty pork sandwich “drowned” in a spicy tomato and chilli sauce.
- Birria – Spiced, slow-cooked meat (usually goat), served with tortillas.
- Carne en su jugo – A rich beef and pinto bean soup served with crispy bacon and cilantro.
- Pozole – A hominy soup made with pork or chicken and garnished with radish, lettuce and lime.
- Jericalla – Guadalajara’s signature dessert, similar to crème brûlée but with a creamier texture.
- Tejuino – A fermented corn drink served cold, with lime and a scoop of lime sorbet.
As well as the places I’ve already mentioned, some of our favourite places to eat in Guadalajara were La Chata de Guadalajara, a buzzing joint with friendly staff who swoop in to clean up the table after you’ve finished eating. We ate a hearty breakfast here – I had huevos rancheros which filled me up for most of the day.
We also loved the birria at the famous Birrieria Las 9 Esquinas. Grab a table outside and devour as much tender birria as you can. The tacos and huaraches at Las Faroles are a great snack for that time of day when you don’t need a full meal.
Getting to and around Guadalajara
Getting to Guadalajara is easy. Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) has direct flights from across Mexico, the United States (Denver, Dallas Fort Worth, Houston, Chicago and Miami, among others) and Canada (Vancouver and Toronto).
CHECK FLIGHTS ONLINE WITH SKYSCANNER
The city also has long-distance bus connections with companies like Primera Plus and ETN (which is how we arrived in the city). The bus station is a little way from the centre of the city, so you’ll need to take an Uber in.
Within Guadalajara, the Metro is efficient and cheap, though it doesn’t cover every neighbourhood.
Uber is everywhere and safe, but be prepared for traffic, especially during rush hour. Taxis are available with set fares, and colectivos (shared minibuses) and regular buses are affordable options if you’re comfortable navigating them.
Unless you’re planning lots of day trips, renting a car isn’t necessary.
Where to stay in Guadalajara
It was our first time in Guadalajara, and we stayed in the Centro Histórico, which was super convenient.
We stayed at Hotel de Mendoza which was in a great location right near the Plaza de la Liberacion. It’s a historic building so it could do with a refurb – I would stay here again but choose one of the larger rooms. Check prices and availability online at Booking.com and Expedia
Other great hotels in this area are:
- Hotel Real Maestranza – has modern, spacious rooms and breakfast until noon! (Having seen the images of this hotel, I wish we’d booked our stay here!) Check prices and availability online at Booking.com and Expedia
- Origen 438 Luxury Boutique Hotel – minimalist rooms but with luxe features – while still being affordable. Check prices and availability online at Booking.com and Expedia
For a trendier vibe, stay in Colonia Americana, which has been called one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world. It’s full of cafés, restaurants and great nightlife. A few hotel options in the area include:
- Hotel Antré Chapultepec – great location to walk to restaurants and bars. Some rooms have balconies, which I always love. Check prices and availability online at Booking.com and Expedia
- Hotel Olá Chapultepec – colourful (literally, the exterior is painted blue, pink and yellow) hotel with spacious rooms. Check prices and availability online at Booking.com and Expedia
Tlaquepaque is much quieter and slightly removed from the downtown bustle, if you’re looking for somewhere outside the city.
- Aura Hotel Boutique – within walking distance to the main Tlaquepaque sights, this is a great choice with rooms for all budgets. Check prices and availability online at Booking.com and Expedia
- La Villa del Ensueno Boutique Hotel – gorgeous hotel with traditional Mexican decor. Bonus, there’s a pool. Check prices and availability online at Booking.com and Expedia
Best time to visit Guadalajara
The best time to visit Guadalajara is between January and April, when the weather is dry and warm – but not too hot.
For cultural events, consider visiting in August, when Guadalajara hosts the International Mariachi Festival. Expect concerts, parades, and mariachi performances across plazas and venues throughout the city.
The rainy season runs from June to September, with heavy afternoon downpours. It’s still a perfectly fine time to visit – just pack an umbrella and a good rain jacket. July is the rainiest month.
Safety in Guadalajara
Guadalajara is pretty safe for tourists, especially in the main neighbourhoods where visitors tend to stay, like Centro Histórico, Colonia Americana and Tlaquepaque. Like any large city, stay alert and take the usual precautions – don’t display valuables and stick to well-lit areas at night.
At night, take an Uber or an authorised taxi rather than hailing taxis off the street.
The markets and busy plazas are vibrant and fun but are also places where petty thefts occur, so keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings.
Guadalajara itinerary: Final thoughts
Guadalajara really surprised me – it felt like a mini Mexico City with incredible food, architecture, history and culture. I would gladly spend more than three days in Guadalajara next time – there’s actually so much to do (and so many things I didn’t get to eat!).
Three days is just enough to scratch the surface, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself already planning a return! (And who wouldn’t want to come back for the International Mariachi Festival – I know I do!)
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What’s on your Guadalajara itinerary? How many days are you planning?
Related posts
Before you go, you might like these Mexico travel articles:
- Is the Jose Cuervo Express Worth It?
- 3 Days in Mexico City: What to See, Do and Eat
- 4 Days in Oaxaca Itinerary: 25+ Best Things To Do
- The Perfect 2-Week Yucatan Itinerary: Ruins, Cenotes and Colourful Towns
- How to Spend 3 Days in Magical Mérida
MEXICO TRIP ESSENTIALS
- Book flights to and around Mexico online with Skyscanner. I like this site because it shows me which dates are cheaper.
- Find great hotels across Mexico. Check prices on Booking.com and Expedia online.
- Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Mexico on GetYourGuide or Viator. There’s something for everyone.
- A copy of the Lonely Planet guide to Mexico will be handy, along with a Spanish language phrasebook.
- One thing I always purchase is travel insurance! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.
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