12 Cool Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Guadalajara, Mexico

June 22, 2024 Mustafa Natalwala 1232 Views

Guadalajara is a city in the Jalisco state of Mexico. The city is known for its historical sites, cultural venues, and surrounding natural landscapes. Some of the best places to visit in Guadalajara are historical sites. You will see many buildings from 17th to 19th century in the city. Many of the Guadalajara tourist attractions are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This includes Hospisco Cabanas and San Juan de Dios Market.

Guadalajara attractions also include cultural sites. The best known among these is the mariachi square where you can see live performances in the evening. Another cultural attraction you should not miss during Guadalajara sightseeing is a lucha libre wrestling show. These are spectacular events and an integral part of the local culture.

There are also many UNESCO sites among places to visit near Guadalajara. You will get to see the town and farms that Tequila is named after. In fact, the tequila tour is one of the top things to do in Guadalajara, Jalisco. You can head to the agave farms to see how the signature Mexican spirit is made. You can also tour historic distilleries where the spirit is made.

It is one of the best things to see in Guadalajara. Some of these distilleries date back to the 1700s. Aside from the distilleries, the Tequila tour also takes you to Guadalajara attractions like Mundo Cuervo, Sauza Museum, and the National Tequila Museum.

The city is also close to an ancient Mayan site. This too is listed among UNESCO World Heritage. It is one of the most famous places in Guadalajara as it gives you a deep insight into the Mayan culture and traditions.

You can also enjoy beautiful natural landscapes close to the city on your trip to Guadalajara. There are forests and lakes where you can enjoy hiking trails, kayaking, camping, boat tours, and other outdoor activities to do in Guadalajara. There are also several small towns around the city where you can head for day trips. Some of these towns are known as artistic destinations while some are popular as leisure attractions in Guadalajara, Mexico.

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Table of Contents

Top 12 Tourist Places to Visit in Guadalajara, Mexico

1. Guadalajara Cathedral

Also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Lady, this church dates back to 154. This 4 centuries old church is one of the majestic things to see in Guadalajara, Mexico. It is an important cultural site and houses the remains of Saint Innocent.

It’s massive size dominates the Guadalajara plaza. The architecture is a blend of Spanish Renaissance and Neo-Gothic styles. The interior of the cathedral features some impressive religious artworks. You will need about an hour or so from Guadalajara travel to explore this cathedral.

If you want to know more about Guadalajara Cathedral then I suggest you should go for a Guided Walking Tour of Guadalajara.

2. Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacremento

This 20th-century church was designed by Adam Baori. He was also the architect of the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. The church is exemplary for its neo-gothic architecture.

It is one of the most popular Guadalajara tourist attractions. The facade features elaborate carvings, sculptures, reliefs, and paintings. If you visit this place when the clock strikes an hour, you will get to see the march of the miniature apostles. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes to explore the church when you visit Guadalajara.

I suggest you should try a Private Guided Walking Tour of Guadalajara.

3. Plaza de Armas

This urban square is considered the historical heart of the city. It is one of the best places to visit in Guadalajara, Jalisco for people-watching. You will see locals and tourists going about their business from a public bend and sometimes even enjoy a performance from a mariachi band. The square is also surrounded by historical Guadalajara attractions. You can easily spend an hour or so enjoying this square.

4. Tequila Town & Amatitan

These two towns are known for the production of the famous Mexican spirit. The town of Tequila is a UNESCO world heritage site. The drink got its name from this town and it is still one of the largest producers of Tequila. Amatitan is another popular stop for the Tequila trail, which is a quite popular tour on trip to Guadalajara.

Both of these towns are popular for their blue agave plantations and Tequila distilleries. These are some of the best places to visit near Guadalajara. You get to see the entire process of how tequila is made.

Some of the distilleries also offer great tasting tours with snacks and Tequila cocktails. They also offer workshops and fun activities for visitors. It is one of the best things to do near Guadalajara, Jalisco. You will need at least 2 to 3 hours to tour a distillery. If you are going for the Tequila tour, the duration can vary from 4 hours to a day.

I suggest you should go for a Full Day Amatitan Trip with Tequila Tasting.

5. Plaza de Los Mariachis

This public square is best known for Mariachi performances. The square is designed to facilitate public performances. You will see long-dotted statues around the square. It is one of the top attractions in Guadalajara for live band performances. You will often see the bands performing by the statues and at the cafes. It is best to visit this square in the evening and you can easily spend a couple of hours here.

6. Jose Cuervo & Casa Herradura Tequila Distillery

These are two are among the best things to do in Guadalajara, Mexico. The Jose Cuervo distillery stands on a UNESCO heritage site. The family-owned Tequila producers have been running since 1795. It is one of the best places to go in Guadalajara to explore the traditional way of making Tequila.

The Casa Herrandura distillery dates back to 1870 and is known for its white and aged tequila. Both of these distilleries are must-do in Guadalajara for those looking for a peek into Mexico’s iconic spirit. You will need about 2 hours for a tour. If you are planning for a Tequila tour during Guadalajara sightseeing, you can also embark on a multi-day journey.

I suggest you should book a Full Day Tequila Tour from Guadalajara in advance.

7. Bosque Los Colomos

This park is one of the most popular places for outdoor activities to do in Guadalajara. It includes walking trails, a curated garden, Japanese garden, lakes, streams, and picnic areas. It also has an actual forest where you can enjoy nature trails. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying the park.

8. Hospicio Cabañas

This hospital complex was built in 1791 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The hospital played several roles over the years, including an orphanage and an almshouse. It is known for its history and architecture.

The building was designed by Alejandro Colunga and is one of the most beautiful places in Guadalajara. The facade features rich frescoes and intricate carvings. One of the most famous pieces on the facade is the Hombre de Fuego by Jose Clemente Orozco. You will need about an hour or so to explore this building.

9. Guachimontones

This structure is 2,000 years old and located in the Tequila Valley. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous places in Guadalajara. The structure has been a source of mystery for several years. It comprises conical pyramids made from concentric circles that get narrow as it goes higher.

From the top, it looks like a bull’s eye. There are 52 circles creating 52 steps, corresponding with the Mayan calendar. It is one of the best places in Guadalajara to get a peek into the ancient civilization.

It is believed to have a ceremonial function concerning death. Pottery, ornaments, ceramics, and mortuary items were discovered at the site indicating its purpose. The site also has wild conspiracy theories developed around it. Regardless of the purpose it is one of the most popular places to visit near Guadalajara and you will need about 2 hours for the tour.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of the Guachimontones Archaeological Site in advance.

10. Arena Coliseo

The arena hosts several events, the most popular among them is Lucha Libre matches. You should go for at least one wrestling match, if you are looking for fun things to do in Guadalajara, Jalisco.

The traditional Mexican wrestling style has an intricate culture of its own. The luchadors (wrestlers) take on personas and these are depicted by their costumes and masks. There are a variety of matches in an event and they have a narrative.

People also sometimes throw money in the ring after a great match. It is a way of showing appreciation. It is one of the best places to see in Guadalajara for a cultural experience. The events can be an hour to 3 hours long.

I suggest you should book a Ticket to Arena Coliseo with the Wrestling Show in advance.

11. Lake Chapala

This is the largest natural lake in Mexico and is popular for several leisure and adventure activities as well as its natural beauty. The lake has several great things to do in GDL including boat tours and hiking trails.

It is also popular for the laid-back villages and resort destinations along its shore. The well-known among these is Ajijic, also known as the magic town. It is a festive place known for its artistic vibe. You can easily take a day from a trip to Guadalajara to explore the lake and its surrounding towns.

I suggest you should book a Full-Day Tour to Lake Chapala from Guadalajara in advance.

12. Pantaleon Panduro Museum

This museum is dedicated to the craft of Mexican ceramics. The museum traces the history of the craft and still keeps it in practice. You will see various equipment used for making ceramics and how the craft evolved over the ages.

The museum also has live workshops and demonstrations. You can see how the ceramics are made and make one for yourself. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

If you are looking for more top things to do in Guadalajara, check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of all the attractions and activities you can enjoy in the city and around it.

Things to do in Guadalajara, Mexico

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Guadalajara, Mexico

Guadalajara Cathedral
Templo Expiatoio del Santisimo Sacramento
Hospicio Cabanas
Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Zapopan
Museo Panteon de Belen
MUSA Museum of Arts University
Zona Arqueologica Teuchitlan o Guachimontones
Regional Museum of Guadalajara
Rotonda de los Hombres Ilustres
Museo de Sitio de el Puente las Damas
Museo de Cera
Museum of Paleontology
Museo de la Ciudad de Guadalajara
Centro Historico de Guadalajara
Museo del Periodismo y las Artes Graficas
Casa ITESO Clavijero
Arcos Vallarta Guadalajara
Museo de Arte Zapopan
Pantaleon Panduro Museum of the National Cermics

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Guadalajara, Mexico

Forest the Colomos
Barranca de Oblatos
Lake Chapala

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Guadalajara, Mexico

Zoologico Guadalajara
Acuario Michin Guadalajara
Teatro Degollado
Expo Guadalajara
Mirador Independencia Park
Parque Morelos
Arena Coliseo de Guadalajara
Rotonda de los Jalisciences Ilustres
Selva Magica
Parque Agua Azul
Parque Alcalde
Biblioteca Iberoamericana
Parque Revolucion
Parque Avila Camacho
Auditorio Telmex
Rancho los 3 Potrillos

Shopping in Guadalajara, Mexico

Mercado Libertad San Juan de Dios
Avenida Juarez
Plaza Los Arcos
Tlaquepaque
Midtown Jalisco
Centro Magno
Le Gran Plaza Fashion Mall
Punto Sao Paolo
Forum Tlaquepaque Centro Comercial
Plaza Sania
Mercado del Mar de la 34
Andares
Calle Peatonal Ejercito Tlaquepaque

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Guadalajara, Mexico

Hiking
Boat Tours
Kayaking
Adventure Courses
Day Trips

Sightseeing in Guadalajara, Mexico

Plaza de la Liberacion
Jalisco Government Building
Plaza de los Mariachis
Tlaquepaque
Plaza de Armas
Colonia Americana
Avenida Chapultepec Sur
Amatitan
Mazamitla
Tapalpa

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Guadalajara, Mexico

Postreria GDL
Sagrantino
Bruna
Anita Li
Colmillo
Los Chilaquiles
El Italiano
Birrieria la Victoria
La Vaca Argentina
Tacos de Barbacoa Arthura
Alcalde
Ahogasdas Betos
I Latina
Birreria las 9 Esquinas
SSAM
Kamilos 333
Karnes Garibaldi
Yunaites
Cabanna
La Cafeteria
Belial
La Docena
Palreal

Where to Stay in Guadalajara?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Guadalajara. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Guadalajara.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Guadalajara

How to Reach Guadalajara, Mexico?

By Air

Libertador Miguel Hidalgo International Airport sits south of Guadalajara. The airport receives flights from within Mexico as well as a few international destinations. You can get direct flights to visit Guadalajara from Chicago, Fresno, Mexico City, Los Angeles, Madrid, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Fransisco, Tijuana, Atlanta, San Jose, Dallas, Phoenix, Panama City, Toronto, Cancun, Houston, Bogota, and many more. You can get cabs and buses to get to the city from the airport.

By Road

Guadalajara sits on the Ferromex railway route. You can get direct trains to travel to Guadalajara from several cities in Mexico. This includes Mexico City, Queretaro, Irapuato, Manzanillo, Chicalote, Tepic, Culiacan, Guaymas, and several others. You can also get connecting trains from Oaxaca, Tampico, Laguna, Hercules, Chihuahua, El Paso, and many other cities.

The bus network is quite well-connected. You can get buses to reach Guadalajara from nearby towns and cities. However, if you have to travel a significant distance, the train network is a better choice.
If you are going for a road trip to Guadalajara, you should head for route 90D, 15D, 80, 15, or 54.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to reach Guadalajara.

Image Reference

Guadalajara Cathedral – Kevin Alexandro Reyes Casillas / PixaBay
Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacremento – HugoGN12 / Wikimedia Commons
Plaza de Armas – Aurora Uribe Flores / Wikimedia Commons
Tequila Town & Amatitan – Terri Bateman / Flickr
Plaza de Los Mariachis – Liz Saldaña / Flickr
Jose Cuervo & Casa Herradura Tequila Distillery – Mdd4696 / Wikimedia Commons
Bosque Los Colomos – Alejandro Castro / Flickr
Hospicio Cabañas – Humberto.García / Wikimedia Commons
Guachimontones – ego2005 / Flickr
Arena Coliseo – ego2005 / Flickr
Lake Chapala – Liz Saldaña / Flickr
Pantaleon Panduro Museum – Luis Ramirez / Wikimedia Commons