20 Awesome Things To Do In Guadalajara, Mexico

Among the several attractions in Guadalajara, you should not miss the Instituto Cultural Cabanas; a place, which would interest your senses. A former orphanage and hospital of the early 19th century has been converted into a dynamic cultural center.

The chapel's high domes are covered with beautiful paintings on the ceiling. The 23 internal courtyards, the variety of chambers, together with wide shady corridors create an atmosphere of a tranquil environment in which guests can learn about Mexican history and art.

The Cabanas Cultural Institute is one of the well-worth places in Guadalajara, primarily owing to its architecture and art. This impressive site is open from Tuesday to Sunday and a special thing: Tuesdays are free!

You drive along the pretty countryside to enjoy the seeming warmth of the sun and the breeze across your cheek. In Guadalajara, there are opportunities for horse riding in Bosque Los Colomos where horses are calm and the ride is through the trees.

If you are keen on a little more of a thrill then you can go for the package, horse riding, and the tequila tour. Here, you travel across large expansive areas of plantations of agave and carry out tours to some distilleries.

These tours sometimes comprise tequila tasting and a visit to the lovely town of Tequila, therefore it can be fascinating.

This is the largest park in the city and although being a hub of activity during weekends, it has lusciously maintained trails, ponds, a beautifully built Japanese garden, and a castle.

Specifically, the visitors of the park spend not less than two hours, more frequently wandering through the paved pathways under shade, observing the various public arts, and relaxing. The squirrels are friendly and love to be hand-fed but no dogs are allowed.

This park has become a perfect ground for families going for outings because there is space for picnicking and grills. They also like horseback riding as well as feeding the fish and ducks in the ponds.

Formed in the first half of the 19th century, it is one of the largest markets in Latin America, having a floor area of about 40000 square meters with 2800 stalls. When you enter the market area, you will find a great number of typical Mexican goods crafts, clothes, and local foods.

The market is widely famous for its food variety, and you can find anything from tacos and tortas to birria and pozole. Apart from tasting the ever-popular Mexican cuisine, several lodgings offer a "comida corrida", a fixed meal menu normally comprising a main course, soup, and dessert.

The market is well situated and can be accessed either by public means, taxi, or even hired cars.

This is among the things to see Guadalajara for any animal enthusiast and lover of aquatic animals. The aquarium is divided into five themed pavilions: Wixarika, Maya, Mixtec, Konkaak, and Olmec.

In each hall, there are different sets of species and ecosystems ranging from axolotl, the living aquarium-dwelling salamander, to sharks from the Gulf of Mexico. Engage in fun other than watching the exhibits.

You can try to feed some of the animals, go through an exciting game, and even survive a Laser Tag, and even climb a rock. It is fascinating for families with children to visit the Mixtec Pavilion, as they have llamas, alpacas, piglets, and baby goats in the petting zoo.

This church is usually open throughout the week and you have an opportunity to visit it and witness the most marvelous carving and the stained glass windows. It is magnificent outside as well; the construction has influences of both the Gothic and Romanesque styles.

In case you fancy history or even architectural designs, this can be one of the finest places to spend some time. Moreover, there are other attractions in the vicinity, including the historic center and boisterous markets, which makes this place an ideal stop.

More than just a church, guests of the complex can also enjoy the guided tours to get more information about its history and purpose.

A magnificent neoclassical theatre situated in the downtown area. Anyone who has an interest in music, dance, or even theater interests should visit. Teatro Degollado has been the scene of thousands of performances of opera, ballet, and concerts with the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra.

The theatre has a lovely structure with assertive work done on the ceiling. A golden eagle and the beautiful mural on the ceiling also make the performances enchanting. On Sunday, one can watch the exotic show of Ballet Folklorico de la Universidad de Guadalajara bringing the flavor of Mexican folk dance.

Also, the Jalisco Philharmonic has a tradition of musical performances during summer seasons. 

The Rotonda is a quite luxurious neoclassical building with 17 Doric columns. This circular-shaped monument commemorates Jalisco's personalities and portrays the region's history and culture.

These statues depict some acclaimed jaliscans who are located around the rotunda and the descriptions of their roles in the region. This area is quiet and good for a break, so one can contemplate about history of the city. Thus, one of the things to do in Guadalajara Jalisco.

It is strategically placed close to the main city area, and it provides a fair idea of Jalisco's history. It is safe to visit in the day to be able to marvel at the architecture and the statues.

This is a railway that connects Guadalajara city to the town of Tequila and is associated with a cultural tour. In the middle of beautiful blue agave fields, it drives to the Sauza Tequila distillery. Experience the mariachi concert, a distillery tour, and a preview of the food before the launch at Quinta Sauza.

The Tequila Express is normally operational during Saturdays and other festive seasons. It is recommended to have your place pre-selected. This train provides compartments with dedicated seats and a car for sightseeing.

This is managed by the Guadalajara Chamber of Commerce. It is a perfect opportunity to get an ecological tour of some of the places in Mexico and also learn how tequila is produced.

Any Guadalajara tourist should never miss the Estadio Omnilife, now known as Estadio Akron. It is also the home of the world-acclaimed football club Club Deportivo Guadalajara, commonly referred to as Chivas.

The stadium's structure repeats the shape of a volcano, while the outer shell is made of a crossover of grass. It has a red shape like a crater, and the white cloud-like roof is supported by as few as 16 pillars.

Tourists can opt for the 90-minute visiting dedicated tour that encompasses the Chivas Museum. You can go for a very close view of the locker rooms, and press box, and walk over the players' tunnel onto the field.

It is recognized as the largest and the most significant zoo in Latin America and has a wide variety of avian and mammalian fauna. Sited in the picturesque Huantitan Gorge, the zoo provides a natural setting including the Gorge landscape.

Various zones allow the visitor to get acquainted with the large reptile house with snakes, turtles, and crocodiles, and "Secrets of the Tropical Rainforest" where people can see jaguars and tigers.

There are also tamer attractions where you can feed the deer, or join in an informative session. One of the Guadalajara Mexico attractions, best visited with family.

A Tree Inside is a contemporary sculpture, cited at Paseo Alcalde in the city of Guadalajara, in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Developed by artist Jose Fors, concerning the poem Crecio en mi frente un arbol by Octavio Paz.

The sculpture is made in the form of oxidized green bronze and is placed to look at the cathedral of the city. It means that man and nature are interconnected and present a tree growing directly out of the head meaning growth.

The sculpture is a widely visited site and one can climb the stairs located at the back of its head. It gives a robust view of the city.

This museum inhabited at Avenida Juarez 975 presents an opportunity to experience a cultural blend through the artworks exhibited. MUSA is especially well-known for hosting two large fresco murals painted by Jose Clemente Orozco between 1935 and 1937 to embody characteristics of the culture of the region.

The museum does have temporary displays of foreign art and covers most of the recognized art styles and themes. It is open to the public since there are no charges required for admission.

MUSA is open from Tuesday to Sunday hence enough time can be spent exploring the Mexican art and culture as served by the facilities in the museum.

Otherwise known as the cradle of mariachi music, this place comes to life in the evening filled with the tunes of the Mariachi band, nortena music, and other serenades. It is a perfect place for spending one's leisure time listening to live music, tasting the local food, and checking out stores and bars in the area.

The square is very popular with tourists mainly because of the International Mariachi Festival held in August. Although it is not very beautiful and may truly be one of Guadalajara's oldest places, Plaza de los Mariachis is undoubtedly unique and real.

Also, this is among the must things to see Guadalajara.

The speakeasy-style bars make the city of Guadalajara new and old at the same time. Many of these hidden treasures replicate the environment of the past with secret doors and small seating areas. One such place is the Galgo Speakeasy Bar, found in the Providencia neighborhood.

It possesses creatively prepared cocktails and a vibrant environment accompanied by live performances. Other famous speakeasies include the Fat Charlie which opens its door to patrons who know a password as well as features unique specialties for cocktails.

Visiting these speakeasies enables tourists to have a classy and exclusive nightlife experience in Guadalajara.

This is a colorful square with beautiful buildings around it encompassing the Guadalajara Cathedral and the Palacio de Gobierno de Jalisco among others. The plaza is very active.

There are free concerts in the evenings at least once a week and impromptu musicians play on the street. It is also a perfect destination to capture regional street activities and see people go about their business.

People can sit on the benches, watch the stunning garden scenes and fountains, and enjoy local products from food stalls. It is an archeological site with a history spanning over the 16th century and an important cultural and historical landmark.

The name Selva Magica translates to "Magic Jungle" and is one of the famous amusement parks. It has been in existence since 1988 and boasts of several entertaining and daring rides appropriate for all age groups.

The park also has Bullet, Jubile, and the Titan, which will interest those who like a thrilling ride. Also, it has rides such as a Sesame Street park for younger kids and other flat rides located in an agricultural landscape.

They also feature walk-through attraction areas like Haunted House and Tilt House. Selva Magica is a fantasy park situated near Guadalajara Zoo giving families and fun lovers memorable experiences of their lives.

Birrieria Las 9 Esquinas is a famous place in Guadalajara that serves traditional and tasty birria. This is a typical Jaliscan stew prepared with goat or with mutton.

Serving guests in the most bustling area of this city, the restaurant boasts a combination of a colorful interior and a noisy climate. They are located at the striking Plaza de las 9 Esquinas which gives it added appeal to the regulars as well as tourists.

Besides, birria the restaurant also focuses on goat birria, lamb barbecue, and cheese dip with chorizo accompanied by fresh tortillas and different salsas.

This is a 5-star boutique hotel that is based in Tequila, Mexico. It has a touch of elegance blended with civilization. The hotel is located just beside a tequila brewery meaning guests get a firsthand taste of the breweries and their products.

The rooms are inspired by tequila barrels and surrounded by agave fields. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, an option of massage, facial treatments, body spa, and a restaurant that offers traditional meals of the region.

Visitors also can bike within the facility, hire horses, or even go hiking anywhere they intend to within the compound.

Due to the location of the park, one will have a vantage view of the city and the neighboring mountains, hence should carry a camera. This place has an observation area where you can watch some great views including those of the Oblatos-Huentitan Canyon and Santiago River.

It is more than a visual experience; the park also offers a calm place with a lot of trees, paths for a walk, and some tables for picnics. This venue can be used to take a break, have a leisure walk, or exercise.

If you want to make it even more amazing, try coming very early in the morning or around late afternoon to get good light and a few tourists around.