Guadalajara Sights and Landmarks Guide, Mexico

Rich in architecture from the colonial period, it is not a surprise that this Mexican city of Guadalajara is boasting of beautifully crafted buildings and landscaped plazas, great squares and parks to stroll. It also prides to exhibit the works of one of its great muralists Jose Clemente Orozco at the Hospicio Cabanas.

Another big thing in Guadalajara City is the Mercado Libertad. It is considered the largest and traditional market place in all of Mexico.

Tourist information

The government ensured that its visitors will get prime information when visiting Guadalajara, Mexico. It has created the State of Jalisco Tourist Information Office where you can get information about the city and its tourist spots. You can log on to their web site prior to coming to the city or when you are already here, you can come to their office at Paseo Degollado in Plaza Tapatía. It is open on weekdays from 9AM - 8PM and on other days and holidays from 10AM - 2PM. Maps, activity calendar of the city as well as other information that you need is available. There are also information booths for tourists operating from 9AM - 1PM then 3PM - 7PM:

Plaza Liberacion - the booth is located at the back of the cathedral·   Plaza Guadalajara - information hub located in front of the same cathedral.

Guadalajara City in Brief

The Centro Historico or simply the city center is one of Guadalajara’s first attractions with great architectures of churches, museums and buildings as well as the several plazas good for brief stops while catching your breath after a tour or something.

The West Side of the city is the main cosmopolitan area where you can find business hubs and traces of modern times.

The northwest part of the city has Zapopan, with Guadalajara’s patron saint while the southeast part is Tlaquepaque and Tonala craft centers.·  

 Centro Historico - Aside from being the city’s center, this is where you can find the great works of Jose Clemente Orozco, Mexico’s mural arts pride.

 If you want to go shopping for souvenirs, dine out or enjoy the night, the city center is the place to be. A number of fine dining restaurants are lined up this area. Most of these restaurants have night entertainment thus you can enjoy some drinks with some music and dancing after enjoying Mexican food.

Also, the city center is a very big area good for those who love to stroll around and walk.

Parque Agua Azul is one famous place in Centro Historico that is great for relaxation offered by the rich greens that you can see in this huge clearing.·  

 The West Side - This is a busy part of Guadalajara City and a glamorous one. Luxury hotels, upscale boutiques and galleries are here for branded items’ shopping. Consulates offices are also located in this portion like the Canadian, British and American consulate offices.  

 Zapopan - The Virgin of Zapopan, Guadalajara’s patron saint, seats at the basilica which was created way back the 18th century. You can’t miss this important spot because the basilica is at the center of this suburban place.

Arts as well as nightlife in this part of the city are still growing.·

  Tlaquepaque and Tonala - These villages are the centers of pottery arts. Artisans and local product boutiques are here. There are more than 400 shops in Tonala alone where you can shop for souvenirs like glass, wood carvings, pottery, ceramics, papier-mache, iron works and many more. These centers are best to visit on Thursdays and Sundays where you can find plenty of choices and most especially meet most of the locals as well as other visiting tourists.

Finally, you can tour the place by taxi or by bus. The electric bus is an exciting ride in some specific areas like the Minerva and Hidalgo. There is also a light train, the Tren Ligero but it is not meant to go to interesting places in Mexico.

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