Guadalajara is one of the richest cities in Mexico and has great tourist attractions, among which are its squares, its historic center, its museums, its well-kept and large parks, its gastronomy and of course, the magical towns near it, such as the magical town of Tequila. It really has many things to do and see, and if you are thinking of visiting this city, here is a list of the best things to do in Guadalajara.
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Things to do in Guadalajara
Walk the Tequila Trail
If you want to visit this region and you don’t know what to do in Guadalajara, we recommend you to start with this guided tour. You will be able to know and visit the fields where the agave grows; distillery designed for tasting and deserving of the history and villages of Tequila, fully certified with the best guides.
Getting to this town is not complicated at all and is one of the things to do in Guadalajara on a Sunday. You can start your adventure from the hotel where you are staying; the trail will take you along Mexico’s Tequila route. You can admire the scenery, take pictures and walk through the agave plants.
As a curious fact, this site has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Don’t wait any longer and put it at the top of your list of things to do in Guadalajara.
Historic Center
If you still don’t know what to do in Guadalajara, we recommend you to visit the historic center, known as one of the most beautiful and appreciated in Mexico. From its streets full of buildings, you will be able to appreciate the 500 years that surround the history of the place.
One of the main attractions is the first square of the city; composed of an architectural jewel box that captures the attention of tourists upon arrival and locals every day. In this historic center you can find different styles, such as baroque and neo-classical, gothic and contemporary.
Cross of Plazas
Doing this tour is something incredible, we recommend it among the things to do in Guadalajara. It is called the Cross of Squares because around the Cathedral, you will find four squares that together make the figure of a cross.
These spaces were built in the 50s in the twentieth century, for the realization of them had to proceed to demolish several buildings; it is now there where the squares of Liberation, Guadalajara, Rotonda de los Jaliciences Iustres are located.
Together with the Plaza de Armas, they create the largest public space in the city, perfect for tourists and completely free; if you do not know what to do in Guadalajara, be sure to visit them.
Jalisco Government Palace
Don’t know what to do in Guadalajara? In the historic center you can find the well known State Government Palace; known for its incredible architectural recognition, from a distance you can see it.
In its internal spaces you will find murals made to recognize the work of the Jalisco artist, the well known José Clemente Orozco; his works can be found on the main stairs of the Palace.
Portraying the struggle for independence, the artist impacted the way of seeing history and how it was told.
Chapultepec
Guadalajara is a city that will offer you many options and opportunities for entertainment and fun starting in the morning. Visit Chapultepec Avenue, since a few years ago it has become very popular for the options it offers.
You will be able to observe the works of art that artists have left along the place; the bohemian and hipster air accompanies the good life of the city, perfect for walking day and night if you don’t have anything to do in the city.
Tequila Town Night Tour
If you still don’t know what to do in Guadalajara and what you want is some nighttime fun, we recommend you to take this night tour; a fun tour that will leave you with cultural teachings, enriching all your knowledge about tequila and the region of Guadalajara.
In this tour you will learn a little bit about the legends of the tequila town, starting at 6:30 pm, you will take streetcar rides where a guide will tell you the best stories and legends of this incredible city. We recommend you to take the complete tour that includes Casa Souza, a majestic hacienda that dates back to 1836, one of the most beautiful places in the region.
Jose Cuervo Distillery
Continuing through the agave fields and distillery of Jalisco, we recommend you to take the famous full day tour, in this tour you will be able to taste tequila and you can do it even if you travel in a comfortable van or minivan.
We remind you that if you don’t know what to do in Guadalajara, taking this tour will allow you to travel and get to know the region mostly known as tequila producer in Mexico. You will learn about the fermentation processes of the drink, admire the mountains and the fields of blue agave; known as the plant used to make tequila.
Lake Chapala and Ajijic
One of the best things to do in Guadalajara is undoubtedly to start a tour in Chapala, where you can take a guided tour of the old French station; construction that was completed back in 1920. On this tour you will be able to taste delicious dishes while admiring the views.
The region has a very pleasant climate, which is why many birds migrate there during the long winters. To continue your tour of the region, don’t forget to pass through La Floresta, a place where many foreigners choose to retire, away from the harsh climates of the other cities.
Distillery with Tasting
Guadalajara is known as the city of tequila, so if you find yourself thinking about what to do in Guadalajara on a Sunday, we highly recommend the distillery and tasting tour.
It is one of the oldest tequila distilleries; tourists comment with great excitement that while you are doing the tour you can perceive and taste the fragrance of the baked agave. We invite you to explore the city, touring haciendas and even many other distilleries.
Charro and Charreada
What can you do in Guadalajara on a weekend? Put on your charro boots and come along for the ride! Feeling like a traditional Mexican, you will be able to be part of what they call charreada (rodeo) within the guided tour; you will learn why the charros are known as an identity fully recognized by UNESCO, as Mexican culture.
If your thing is the cowboy life or it calls your attention, in this tour you will be able to approach the Lienzo, something known as a cowboy arena; place where the charros will welcome you and give you a little review about the history and origins of the Mexican Charro.
Tequila route, Horseback riding with tastings
Offering a transfer service from your hotel in Guadalajara, you will travel to what will be the first stop of the day. In Amatitán you will get ready for the beginning of your adventure in Guadalajara; aboard a horse you will ride through the center of this beautiful city, discovering the eccentric landscapes full of the indispensable agave.
You will be able to visit Quinta Souza, where you will have a good time full of tequila tasting and lunch to recharge your batteries. This tour can culminate with a visit to a small family distillery, where you can learn the process of making tequila.
Guided Tour through Chapala and Ajijic
When you think of what to do in Guadalajara, think of all those tours you may not know about yet. The guided tour through Chapala and Ajijic goes hand in hand with professionals in charge of making you taste the food and learn more about the Mexican culture.
A very famous stop is the official Vicente Fernandez store, learn about the famous Mexican musician, his Mariachi music and you can buy some souvenirs to take with you.
Pyramids tour
This tour takes you to Teuchitlán, a place known for being the archaeological site of the Guachimontones; ideal to go deep into the mountains following the specialized guide who will share with you and your family many interesting stories about the region.
The tour consists of several parts, in the first one they will present a short introductory video; this in order for you to know a little about those civilizations that lived in the area for more than 700 years, all about their culture and Mexican history.
Magic Town of Talquepaque
This beautiful town is located within the metropolis that is Guadalajara; it is a traditional town full of culture and festivities.
It is a must stop if you are visiting the city, it offers the beauty and charm of the locals; you will get to know the artisan workshops, temples and typical music of the region and of course, have a good drink in a cantina.
Inside this wonderful town you will be able to make those desired purchases for souvenirs; visitors assure that it is the best place to visit and leave in love with the landscape and its people.
Conclusion
This is our little top list of things to do in Guadalajara and without a doubt, you have to visit at least 5 of them in your next vacation and if you want to know more about Mexico, visit BF Travel, Mexico Tourist Attractions and Cubo informativo.
