One of the best things to do in Guadalajara is to stroll through its colonial squares and admire the majestic views of the many neoclassical landmarks scattered throughout its historic center. The capital of one of Mexico’s most culturally important states is also famous for its tequila and mariachi bands. All in all, it’s a mecca for those looking for authentic Mexican culture.
Guadalajara has large parks where you can not only admire manicured gardens and sculptures, but also take part in great celebrations, such as the lively Day of the Dead party. Take the train out of the city and you’ll reach the beautiful countryside with many wineries and fascinating world heritage and archaeological sites.
10 Top Things To Do In Guadalajara Mexico
- Guadalajara Cathedral
- Plaza de Armas
- Fiestas de Octubre
- Tequila
- Plaza De Los Mariachis
- Parque Morelos
- Bosque Los Colomos
- Hospicio Cabañas
- Guachimontones
- Arena Coliseo
- Popular activities Guadalajara
- Hotels near Guadalajara
- Hotels on discount Guadalajara
Guadalajara Cathedral
The Cathedral of Guadalajara, also known as the Cathedral of the Ascension, stands majestically in the center of the city and features Spanish Renaissance architecture. This unmissable landmark is over 4 centuries old, with construction beginning in 1541 and completed in 1618. Its ruins contain the remains of Saint Innocent and several cardinals and bishops.
The most impressive sight is the twin-spired cathedral from Plaza Guadalajara on the west side of Avenida Fray Antonio Alcalde. The square has a central fountain and is surrounded by many bars and cafes where you can enjoy a coffee or a meal while admiring some of the city’s most iconic views. The cathedral looks especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated.
Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas is one of the most charming city squares in Guadalajara and is also considered the oldest traditional Mexican square in the city center. To the north of the square is the majestic Guadalajara Cathedral, and to the east is the Government Palace.
The square is dotted with rows of trees that provide plenty of shade, and there is a small patch of manicured green space where you can relax on well-placed benches and admire the view after walking around Guadalajara’s historic center. You can usually enjoy a live mariachi band playing in the center’s large Art Nouveau booth. At night, the Plaza de Armas and its ornate lampposts provide a wonderful setting for a romantic stroll for couples.
Fiestas de Octubre
Fiestas de Octubre, or October Festival, is a month-long celebration in Guadalajara filled with Mexican culture, food and music. Held since 1965, these festivals showcase the best of Jalisco from Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco.
The festival opens with a traditional parade of colorful floats along Avenida 16 de Septiembre-Alcalde, from the Niños Héroes circle to the Glorieta de la Normal square. Some years there is even a night parade. Many events fill the agenda, such as ballet and modern dance, film screenings, art exhibitions and food workshops.
Tequila
Tequila is the famous Mexican drink in the city from which it gets its name. The area’s red volcanic soil is ideal for the blue agave plant used to make tequila, and due to its importance it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. When you visit a legendary distillery like La Rojena, you can learn how tequila is made and how blue agave gives it its special herbal aroma and taste. Tequila is one hour west of Guadalajara.
The best way to get here is on the Jose Cuervo Express, a train that takes passengers back in time with ornate wood paneling and an on-board bar. The Tequila Museum is also home to the National Museum of Tequila and the Los Ablos Museum, which features exhibits on the iconic drink.
Plaza De Los Mariachis
Plaza De Los Mariachis is a public square at the west corner of the Church of San Juan de Dios in Guadalajara. It stretches from Calz Independencia to Calz Álvaro Obregón and is lined with colonnaded buildings and a long “square” dotted with bronze statues and various coffee tables with parasols.
In the northwest corner of this charming square is a large bandstand where mariachi bands often perform. Various bands sometimes perform in open spaces along the pedestrian plaza or next to the plaza’s iconic equestrian statue of Vicente Fernandez, serenading souvenir shoppers and passers-by.
Parque Morelos
Morelos Park is one of Guadalajara’s parks famous for hosting the Day of the Dead. Celebrations usually take place in late October to early November each year, and the park also hosts the traditional Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) street fair.
During the festivities, Morelos Park features everything from skulls and skeleton decorations to various other “ghostly” features. Browse the various local Mexican trinket stands, with pan de muerto (bread of the dead), sweets and scented candles among the most popular items. On any other day, Morelos Park is a great place to relax, enjoy the greenery, or let the kids play outside.
Bosque Los Colomos
Bosque Los Colomos is one of Guadalajara’s greenest city parks, offering a veritable forest with picnic areas and hiking trails through beautifully manicured gardens.
Located on the border between Guadalajara and Zapopan, the park is the green lung of these two metropolitan areas. When you need a break, you can go for a walk or run in the park, which has several attractions. There is a duck lake, a beautiful Japanese garden (with a beautiful bridge over the stream), picnic areas and even a cultural center.
Hospicio Cabañas
Hospicio Cabañas is one of the largest hospital complexes in the Americas, located east of Guadalajara’s iconic cathedral. Built in 1791, this UNESCO World Heritage complex is also the oldest of its kind. In addition to facilities built to care for the sick, it once housed, among other things, orphanages and almshouses.
Today, this 18th-century complex is a cultural institution dedicated to art and culture. Its exterior is stunning with impressive architecture and sculptures by Mexican artist Alejandro Colunga. Inside, you can admire a series of monumental murals by the famous Mexican painter José Clements Orozco. His most outstanding objects are the Hombre de Fuego (Burning Man) in the dome.
Guachimontones
The Guachimontones are an unusual series of conical pyramidal structures located one hour west of Guadalajara. The archaeological site is one of the largest remains of the Teuchitlán people, who built these structures more than 2,000 years ago. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the highlight of the Tequila Valley.
The conical, bull’s-eye mounds are shaft holes. Previous discoveries here have included ancient pottery and shell decorations, as well as other mortuary objects. When visiting the territory, a beautiful natural view of the valley opens up. These conical mounds, resembling landed or crashed UFOs, eventually become overgrown with green vegetation.
Arena Coliseo
Arena Coliseo is one of the most popular freestyle wrestling venues in Guadalajara. Wrestlers (wrestlers) wearing masks and brightly colored costumes enter the ring and call it out to the cheers of an amused crowd. The free form of Mexican theater wrestling is exciting, especially with the loud rock music and all the unexpected antics.
Why do you have to wear a mask, you ask? Wrestlers use masks to hide their private lives from wrestling fans. These tricks are sure to enhance their superhero image. Often, fans will throw money into the ring after a great match to honor their idols or favorite trio. You can watch exciting boxing matches every Tuesday in Arena Coliseo from 20.00 and the show lasts about 2.5 hours.
