Travel Guide: Guadalajara
Questions This Article Answers
What are the iconic landmarks to visit in Guadalajara?
What is muralismo?
Where are the best traditional dishes to eat in Guadalajara?
Where can I see traditional performances in Guadalajara?
Where can I find the traditional markets in Guadalajara?
1. Main Square
A good place to start any tour of Guadalajara is the Plaza de Armas(Main Square), which sits in the heart of the city. There are cafes and restaurants around the plaza, and the benches in the area provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the busier areas.
The two most important buildings in the square are the Palacio de Gobierno(Government Palace) and the Catedral de Guadalajara(Guadalajara Cathedral).
The Palacio de Gobierno holds immense historical importance as it houses murales(murals) by José Clemente Orozco(José Clemente Orozco), one of Mexico's most famous muralists. The murals depict the struggle for Mexican independence and are a must-see for visitors interested in art and history. The most famous portrait in the building (which you may have seen a picture of before) depicts Father Miguel Hidalgo(Miguel Hidalgo), one of the leaders of the Mexican War of Independence. In the mural, Hidalgo has one hand raised and is holding a fiery stick in the other, as if calling the people to rise up.
El muralismo mexicano(Mexican muralism) was a significant art movement that emerged in the early 20th century. It was pioneered by a trio of prominent artists—Diego Rivera(Diego Rivera), José Clemente Orozco(José Clemente Orozco), and David Alfaro Siqueiros(David Alfaro Siqueiros)—often referred to as Los Tres Grandes(The Three Greats). Their work was not merely an artistic expression but a powerful tool for social and political commentary. The murales they produced, often grand in scale and public in location, depict various themes from Mexico's history, culture, and social struggles. Today, you can find many of the most famous ones in Guadalajara and Mexico City.
2. Guadalajara Cathedral
Officially known as the Catedral metropolitana de Guadalajara(Guadalajara Metropolitan Cathedral), the Guadalajara Cathedral is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. It’s the seat of the Archdiocese of Guadalajara and houses various religious artworks and sculptures. The cathedral is also home to the crypts of past bishops and religious relics.
The most recognizable aspect of the cathedral is its twin neo-Gothic towers, which were rebuilt in the 19th century after an earthquake. The towers give the cathedral a unique appearance among Mexican churches.
3. Museum of Murals
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Hospicio Cabañas(Cabañas Museum) is a former hospital turned museum and cultural center. The highlight of the museum is the series of murals by José Clemente Orozco, painted in the 1930s. These murals, particularly the famous El hombre en llamas(Man of Fire) in the chapel's dome, are considered among Orozco’s masterpieces. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history of the building and gain insights into Orozco's murals.
4. Clay City
The charming city of Tlaquepaque(Tlaquepaque), officially San Pedro Tlaquepaque(San Pedro Tlaquepaque), is only a few kilometers from Guadalajara.
The city is renowned for its high-quality ceramics and pottery, and visitors can explore numerous workshops where artisans craft a wide range of items, including decorative tiles, tableware, and intricate sculptures.
Calle Independencia(Independence Street), the main pedestrian street, is lined with colorful buildings, boutiques, art shops, and restaurants. El Parián(The Market), a large square surrounded by restaurants and bars, is also quite popular. It's particularly well known for its live mariachi(mariachi) performances.
5. Open-Air Market
Close to Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque is Tonalá(Tonalá), another beautiful city known for its artisanal crafts. The city is particularly famous for its large open-air market, known as the tianguis(open-air market). Artisans from all over the region come to sell their products, and visitors can find pottery, glassware, woodwork, and textiles at affordable prices.
6. The Jaliscan Food Scene
Guadalajara is one of the best cities to have a meal anywhere in the world. Here are some of the traditional Jaliscan dishes you should try while there:
7. Noteworthy Church
The Templo Expiatorio(Expiatory Temple) is a stunning church, known for its neo-Gothic style. It features intricate stained glass windows and a clock imported from Germany.
8. Main Theater
Opened in 1866, the Teatro Degollado(Degollado Theater) has been a key venue for cultural events in Guadalajara for over a century. It hosts a wide array of performances, including opera, classical music concerts, ballets, and folkloric dance shows. It's also the home of the Orquesta Filarmónica de Jalisco(Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra).
9. Impressive Market
The Mercado San Juan de Dios(San Juan de Dios Market) is one of the largest indoor markets in Latin America. Spread over multiple floors, the market encompasses a vast array of stalls selling everything from traditional Mexican crafts, leather goods, and clothing to electronics and everyday household items. There’s also a food section where you can indulge all your cravings for Jaliscan food!
10. Archeological Adventure
If you have an extra day, you should consider visiting Guachimontones(Guachimontones), an important pre-Hispanic archaeological site located about an hour from Guadalajara. The site was built by the Teuchitlán(Teuchitlán) culture, a society that left behind little written record.
The most striking feature of Guachimontones is its circular stepped pyramids, which are unlike the more commonly known rectangular or square-based pyramids found in other parts of Mexico. Circular levels, or patios, surround the central altar at the top of these pyramids, and the entire structure is believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes.
Visitors can tour the site and explore the pyramids, ball courts, and the surrounding landscape.
Pack Your Bags
There’s a ton to see and do in Guadalajara, and we hope you found these tips useful!
¡Buen viaje!(Have a nice trip!)
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