7 days in Guadalajara, Mexico: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
If you’re looking for a city that combines the charm of traditional Mexico with a bustling modern metropolis, then look no further than Guadalajara! Known as the “Pearl of the West,” this city is the birthplace of iconic Mexican traditions such as mariachi music and tequila. Filled with stunning colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and a thriving arts scene, it’s no wonder Guadalajara is one of Mexico’s most beloved cities. Ready to dive into its rich history and see what wonders await? Keep reading, my friend!
Things to Consider Before Arriving in Guadalajara
Rich Cultural Traditions: For history buffs, Guadalajara is a dream come true. With numerous museums, churches, and historic sites, you’ll never run out of places to explore.
Delicious Gastronomy: Foodies, rejoice! Not only is Guadalajara the birthplace of tequila, but its local cuisine – including tortas ahogadas and birria – is to die for.
Safety Precautions: As with any major city, it’s essential to be cautious and stay aware of your surroundings.
Ideal For: Guadalajara is perfect for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and food fanatics!
What to Bring With You
When packing for Guadalajara, make sure to bring:
1. Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city and taking in its beautiful architecture.
2. Sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the sun, which can be quite strong in this region.
3. A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and avoid single-use plastic waste.
4. A Spanish phrasebook or a translation app to help you communicate and learn from the friendly locals.
Best Time of the Year to Visit
The best time to visit Guadalajara is from October to December when the weather is mild, and the city hosts several popular festivals, such as International Mariachi and Charrería Festival and Guadalajara International Film Festival. Avoid the hot and rainy season from June to September.
How to Get Into the City
1. By air: Guadalajara has its international airport, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL). The airport serves numerous domestic and international flights, making it easy to find a convenient route.
2. By bus: The city’s Central Bus Station (Nuevo Central Camionera) connects Guadalajara with many other Mexican cities via well-maintained highways. Bus travel in Mexico is comfortable, safe, and reliable.
3. By train: Although less common, there’s also the Tequila Express, a scenic tourist train that runs between Guadalajara and the nearby town of Tequila, famous for its distilleries.
7 day city guide trip in Guadalajara, Mexico
Day 1 – Exploring the historic center
Start your day with a traditional Mexican breakfast at La Chata de Guadalajara, then walk to the Plaza de Armas, where you can visit the Guadalajara Cathedral and the Government Palace. After lunch, head to the Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses murals by José Clemente Orozco. End your day at the Teatro Degollado, a beautiful neoclassical theater that hosts ballets, operas and concerts.
Day 2 – A day in Tlaquepaque
Take a taxi to Tlaquepaque, a charming town that is famous for its pottery and handicrafts. Walk around the main square and visit the San Pedro Parish, a beautiful colonial church. Spend the rest of the day at the El Refugio Cultural Center, where you can watch artisans at work and buy souvenirs. In the evening, return to Guadalajara and have dinner at El Sacromonte, a local restaurant that specializes in regional cuisine.
Day 3 – Trip to Tequila
Book a tour to the nearby town of Tequila, where you can visit one of the many distilleries that produce the famous drink. Take a walk around the town’s streets, where you’ll find colorful houses and beautiful gardens. Stop at the National Museum of Tequila to learn more about the history and production of tequila. In the evening, return to Guadalajara and have dinner at La Fonda de San Miguel, a lively restaurant that serves delicious traditional food.
Day 4 – Exploring the art scene
Start your day with a visit to the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, a beautiful building that houses contemporary art exhibitions. After lunch, head to the Museo de las Artes de la Universidad de Guadalajara, where you’ll find an impressive collection of Mexican art. End your day at the Plaza Tapatía, a vibrant public space that hosts concerts, art fairs and other cultural events.
Day 5 – Day trip to Lake Chapala
Take a bus to Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest freshwater lake. Spend the day exploring the town of Ajijic, where you’ll find art galleries, cozy restaurants and beautiful gardens. Rent a boat and sail around the lake, or simply relax on the shore and enjoy the views. In the evening, return to Guadalajara and have dinner at La Tequila Cocina Mexicana, a popular restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional dishes.
Day 6 – Discovering the local food scene
Start your day with a stroll around the Mercado de San Juan de Dios, a bustling market that sells everything from fresh produce to handicrafts. Have lunch at La Chata de Guadalajara 2, a sister restaurant that specializes in seafood and stews. Spend the afternoon at the Mercado de las Flores, a flower market that is famous for its exotic plants and colorful arrangements. End your day at the Chapultepec neighborhood, where you’ll find many trendy bars and restaurants.
Day 7 – Last day in the city
Spend your last day in Guadalajara exploring the Parque Agua Azul, a beautiful park that offers hiking trails, botanical gardens and a waterfall. Have lunch at the La Docena Oyster Bar, a stylish restaurant that serves fresh seafood and oysters. In the afternoon, visit the Museo Regional de Guadalajara, where you’ll find artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history of Jalisco. End your trip with a traditional mariachi performance at the Plaza de los Mariachis, a lively square that is filled with music and dancing.
How to continue your travel after you have spent 7 days in Guadalajara
If you’re looking to explore more of Mexico after your time in Guadalajara, consider visiting the towns of Morelia and Pátzcuaro. Morelia is a beautiful colonial city that is famous for its architecture and museums, while Pátzcuaro is a charming town that is known for its Day of the Dead celebrations. To get to Morelia, take a bus from the Guadalajara bus station, which takes around 5 hours. To get to Pátzcuaro, take a bus from Morelia, which takes around 2 hours. Both towns offer a unique experience of Mexican culture and history, and are well worth a visit.
