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Guadalajara (/ ˌ ɡ w ɑː d əl ə ˈ h ɑːr ə / GWAH-də-lə-HAR-ə, Spanish: [ɡwaðalaˈxaɾa] ⓘ) is a city in western Mexico and the capital of the state of Jalisco.
The inland city of Guadalajara is bursting with history and culture. Many attractions are in the city's historic center and in the neighboring city of Zapopan. Museums, parks and churches flourish alongside bullfights, rodeos and soccer (futbol).
- Planning Your Trip to Guadalajara
- Etiquette in Guadalajara
- Health and Safety in Guadalajara
Plan on (at least) a four-day stay
Sure, you can see Guadalajara’s highlights in a couple of days – most are in the historic center – but stay awhile to check out the city’s colonial-to-hipster neighborhoods, wander through dazzling art museums and outdoor markets, take in some live music and maybe even find your favorite late night taco stand. Check out the tourism office’s cartelera, a comprehensive calendar of events, before you head to town.
Book early for October
The city brims with visitors every October when Guadalajara hosts Fiestas de Octubre, a month-long celebration featuring spectacular live performances, pop-up amusement parks and parades. A long-standing annual pilgrimage to theBasílica de Zapopan, also held in October, adds fuel to the fire when millions of Catholic faithful hit the streets in honor of the venerated icon La Zapopanita. Book your hotel early!
Bring layers
Guadalajara is known for its temperate daytime temperatures, hovering in the 70s and 80s year-round. Evenings are another story. In winter, bring warm clothing and a jacket for the sometimes frigid air. In summer, a light sweater will do. Add an umbrella to your summer packing list, especially in July and August, when afternoon showers are a daily occurrence.
Call locals tapatíos
Be in the know and use tapatío to refer to someone or something from Guadalajara. The word is derived from tlapatiotl, meaning "bartering system" in Nahuatl, the language spoken by the region’s original inhabitants.
Greet people
Tapatíos, and Mexicans in general, value pleasantries. Before any interaction – even just entering a shop or restaurant – say "buenos dias" (good morning), "buenas tardes" (good afternoon) or "buenas noches" (good evening). When you leave, "adios" (goodbye), "gracias" (thank you), or "con permiso"(excuse me) is customary. Even if that’s all you say in Spanish, it’ll be deeply appreciated.
This Catholic city isn't as conservative as you'd expect
Despite its history and reputation as a conservative Catholic city, Guadalajara is also one of the most accepting and inclusive places in Mexico for LGBTIQ+ people. Pride parades and gay bars, openly-owned LGBTQ+ businesses and cultural events are common.
Avoid tap water
Don’t drink the tap water or even use it to brush your teeth. While it’s purified at the source, it can become contaminated as it travels through aging water lines. Instead, use bottled water. That said, there’s no need to worry about ice in restaurants or bars – it’s purchased from commercial ice factories.
Opt for Uber over taxis
Though taxis are easy to hail in the city center, they’re known for ripping off passengers, refusing to use their meters and quoting inflated flat rates. Use Uber instead, which provides reliable service at cheaper rates. If you must take a cab, be sure you agree on the price before you get in – if it seems high, try bargaining or just wait for another taxi.
Be alert for pickpockets
Like most big cities, pickpocketing is a risk on crowded buses and subway trains, markets, and busy streets and plazas.Mercado San Juan de Diosand the post-clubbing scene on Avenida Chapultepec are notorious for petty theft. Stay alert to your surroundings, remembering that pickpockets often work in teams, crowding their victims to distract them. To lessen the risk of being targeted, leave flashy jewelry at home and place your valuables in the hotel safe.
May 14, 2024 · Guadalajara, city, capital of Jalisco state, west-central Mexico. It lies roughly in the center of the state, in the Atemajac Valley near the Rio Grande de Santiago, at an elevation of about 5,100 feet (1,550 meters). Learn more about Guadalajara in this article, including its history and economy.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Address: Av. Miguel Hidalgo s/n, Zona Centro. Less than 1 hour. TIME TO SPEND. The Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, or Rotunda of the Illustrious Jaliscans, is a circle of 17 Doric columns and a monument to the region's favorite writers and revolutionaries.
- Address: Calle López Cotilla 935, Centro. Free, Churches/Religious Sites. TYPE. 1 to 2 hours. TIME TO SPEND.
- Address: Av Alcalde 10, Zona Centro. Free, Churches/Religious Sites, Sightseeing. TYPE. 1 to 2 hours. TIME TO SPEND.
- Address: Calle Cabañas 8, Las Fresas. Museums, Historic Homes/Mansions, Tours, Sightseeing. TYPE. 2 hours to Half Day. TIME TO SPEND.
Mexico, North America. As Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara delivers a less frenetic alternative to the nation’s capital. And, while many of the images recognized as Mexican have their roots here – mariachi music, wide-brimmed sombreros, the Mexican hat dance and charreadas (rodeos) – Guadalajara is as much a vanguard of the new ...
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These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time. 1. Acuario Michin Guadalajara. Interactive marine and terrestrial exhibits with child-friendly play areas and animal encounters.
