Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Beaches
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Information
MICE tourism
Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Beaches
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Information
MICE tourism
TOP SIGHTS IN GUADALAJARA AND SURROUNDINGS
TOP SIGHTS IN GUADALAJARA
Arcos de Guadalajara (Arches)
It is one of the most iconic monuments in the city. The Arches consists of two neoclassical arches that are 8 meters wide and 14 meters tall, resembling triumphal arches found in Europe.
On each side of the arches, there are fountains with statues of Mariano Azuela and José Clemente Orozco, both made of black quarry stone.
They were built in the 1930s, and the city's coat of arms is engraved on each arch. They were constructed by architect Aurelio Aceves upon the request of Silvano Barba González to celebrate the city's 400th anniversary.
Location
Av. Ignacio L. Vallarta No. 2485, Arcos Vallarta, Guadalajara, Jal.
El Castillo, Centro Cultural Casa Colomos (Cultural Center)
Opened in 1902, it is a cultural center that hosts exhibitions and art courses. The building was constructed between 1898 and 1902 and initially served as the headquarters for water administration and hydraulic works of the Colomos. Later, it was the residence of composer Pepe Guízar. Since 1981, it has been the Casa de la Cultura and the offices of the Patronato del Bosque los Colomos.
The center offers classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, folk dance, conferences, film screenings, theater plays, concerts, and exhibitions.
Location
El Chaco 3200, Col. Providencia, Guadalajara, Jal.
Hours
Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 13:00 hrs., Sunday from 10:00 to 15:00 hrs.
El Expiatorio, Templo del Santísimo Sacramento
Construction of the temple began in 1897.
The project was led by Italian architect Adamo Boari. Construction was interrupted in 1911 due to the revolutionary movement and resumed in 1927 with architect Ignacio Día Morales in charge.
The temple was not completed until 1972 and features a neo-Gothic style with an impressive facade made of quarry stone divided into three sections, each with wooden doors made of granadillo.
The large rose windows and bronze figures embedded in the facade are noteworthy.
Location
Calle Plaza de la Independencia 114, Col. Centro, Pachuca, Hgo.
Mercado de San Juan de Dios
This is the largest covered market in Latin America. It has three floors and over 3,000 stalls.
The market offers a wide variety of products such as handicrafts, traditional sweets, and small restaurants with Mexican snacks.
The first floor has all kinds of food, typical sweets, and a crafts area. The second floor houses eateries and restaurants offering a variety of Mexican dishes. The third floor, the newest addition, sells imported items, clothing, electronics, music, movies, computer equipment, shoes, and more.
Location
Dionisio Rodríguez 52, La Perla, Guadalajara Jal.
Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace)
This building dates back to 1774.
It features a quarry facade with armor-shaped gargoyles.
Inside, there are two impressive murals by José Clemente Orozco.
In addition to the murals, the Government Palace offers a small exhibition on the history of Jalisco and Tequila.
Admission to this place is free.
Location
Av. Ramón Corona 31, Col. Centro, Guadalajara, Jal.
Palacio de Justicia
Built-in 1588, it was part of the Santa María de Gracia Convent. This was the first Dominican convent for women in Guadalajara.
The current building was constructed between 1885 and 1890 and is located next to the Degollado Theater. Inside, you can find beautiful quarry arches, and on the staircase, there is a mural called "La Reforma, los Juristas Jaliscienses y la Justicia" painted by Guillermo Chávez Vega in 1965.
The central courtyard displays statues of Mariano Otero and Ignacio L. Vallarta flanking the stairs.
Location
Av. Fray Antonio Alcalde No. 500, Centro, Guadalajara, Jal.
Palacio Legislativo
This neoclassical building dates back to the 18th century. During the colonial period, this space was occupied by the Royal Tobacco Factory.
Over time, it had various uses, serving as a private residence in the 19th century and later as part of the facilities for the League of Employees in Industry and Commerce. In 1982, it became the headquarters of the Legislative Palace.
Inside, there is a wall covered with ceramics from Tonalá.
Location
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla 222, Col. Centro, Guadalajara, Jal.
Palacio Municipal (City Hall)
A quarry building that began construction in 1949 and was inaugurated in 1952.
The lower part features a series of porticos adorned with Tuscan columns.
Above the portico, there is a high relief coat of arms of the city.
Location
Paseo de Chapultepec
Located a few blocks from the Expiatory Temple on Chapultepec Avenue.
It features a spacious median strip, lush trees, and benches arranged for visitors to sit and enjoy the glamour of the area.
Location
Av. Fray Antonio Alcalde No. 500, Centro, Guadalajara, Jal.
Plaza de Armas (Main Plaza)
A picturesque plaza located on the left side of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Guadalajara. It dates back to the 19th century and features a beautiful Art Nouveau kiosk supported by eight female figures representing various musical instruments.
At the corners of the square, there are sculptures representing the four seasons in Greco-Latin style.
It's a gathering place for locals and visitors, and every Thursday and Sunday at 6:30 pm, the traditional serenades by the State Band take place there.
Location
Av. Corona, Col. Centro, Guadalajara, Jal.
Plaza de los Mariachis or Patio Tapatío
It represents one of the most rooted traditions in Guadalajara.
The plaza has over a hundred years of tradition and has been the meeting place for mariachi musicians. Live performances are presented from Thursday to Sunday, from 15:30 to 21:00 hrs.
Additionally, it is surrounded by establishments offering typical regional snacks. It is located on the famous Calzada Independencia.
Location
Plaza Fundadores
It features a sculptural ensemble measuring 21 meters in length and 3 meters in height, designed by the Jalisco artist Rafael Zamarripa.
This work is known as the "Friso de los Fundadores de Guadalajara," commemorating the founding of the city.
It was made of bronze and represents the individuals who participated in the event that took place on February 14, 1542. The plaza is located behind the Degollado Theater.
Location
Paseo Collado s/n, a espaldas del Teatro Degollado, Zona Centro, Guadalajara, Jal.
Plaza Guadalajara
It is a pleasant square with gardens and a beautiful fountain.
It is framed by the impressive Guadalajara Cathedral and surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and various shops, including the beautiful Municipal Palace building.
Location
Av. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, Col. Centro, Guadalajara, Jal.
Plaza Tapatía
The square covers an area of 70,000 square meters.
This modern plaza was built in 1982, just a few steps away from the Centro Cultural Cabañas and the San Juan de Dios Market.
It stretches half a kilometer from the Degollado Theater to the Instituto Cabañas.
Location
Rotonda de los Hombres Ilustres
The Roundabout of Illustrious Men is a circular monument supported by 17 columns located next to the cathedral. It is a monument erected in honor of distinguished Jalisco figures, and it houses the remains of some of them.
It was built in 1951 and is currently known as the "Rotonda de los Jalicienses Ilustres" (Rotunda of Illustrious Jalisco Figures).
Location
Av. 16 de septiembre s/n. Col. Centro, Guadalajara, Jal.
Teatro Degollado
This beautiful neoclassical building was designed by the local architect Jacobo Gálvez.
Construction began in 1856 and was inaugurated in 1866 with the performance of Donizetti's opera by soprano Ángela Peralta.
Location
Calle Degollado s/n, Col. Centro, Guadalajara, Jal.
Templo La Luz del Mundo
The Light of the World Temple has a 60 meters tall tower. This modern construction has an elliptical shape with ascending pyramid-like bodies.
It was built between 1983 and 1991 by architect Leopoldo Fernández Font and can accommodate up to 12,000 people.
The interior is decorated with symbols representing peace and the pursuit of human perfection.
Location
Glorieta Central 1 Col. Hermosa Providencia, Guadalajara, Jal.
TOP SIGHTS IN TLAQUEPAQUE
Calle Independencia
Stroll along Independencia Avenue a pedestrian street where you can enjoy the typical atmosphere of Tlaquepaque. Along the promenade, you will find art galleries, shops offering all kinds of colorful handicrafts, old mansions, bars, and restaurants.
As you walk along Independencia Street, you will be amazed by the vibrant and beautiful products that Tlaquepaque offers, as well as the artistic quality that has given it international renown.
Walking along Calle Independencia will give you a taste of the provincial flavor and marvel at all the options it offers.
Casa del Artesano (Artisan House)
The Artisan House is a place to find a wide variety of Tlaquepaque's craftsmanship.
Its purpose is to sell and promote the artisans of the municipality. You can buy both wholesale and retail. It opened its doors in 1998 in a 19th-century house.
Location
Morelos 288, Col. Centro, Tlaquepaque, Jal.
Hours
Centro Cultural el Refugio
The El Refugio Cultural Center was built from 1859 to 1885 by Fray Luis Argüello.
It initially functioned as a general hospital and psychiatric facility. Later, it was abandoned, which is why there are legends of voices heard in its hallways.
Since 1985, it has functioned as a cultural center with year-round cultural events, including concerts, plays, art exhibitions, among others.
Location
Donato Guerra 160, Col. Centro, Tlaquepaque, Jal.
El Parián
Built around 1878, it is a place where you can experience the ultimate expression of folklore, not only from Jalisco but from the entire country.
Its music, food, drinks, and crafts make it a place of international recognition.Its music, food, drinks, and crafts make it a place of international recognition.
Before becoming a tourist attraction, it was a market. Its name is derived from Fray Andrés de Urdaneta, who named it after a village in the Philippines, where it means "Chinese Market" in their language.
Location
Juárez 68, Col. Centro, Tlaquepaque, Jalisco.
Jardín Hidalgo
Dating back to 1951, it is named after Miguel Hidalgo. Here, you can find a statue commemorating his passage through the municipality. It features its characteristic gazebo and a beautiful square surrounded by palm trees, ash trees, and roses, as well as a pleasant fountain, offering a relaxing atmosphere typical of Tlaquepaque.
In the square, you must try a shaved ice cream and enjoy all the events that take place there daily. During Christmas, a giant nativity scene is installed.
It is located on Independencia promenade and is considered the heart of Tlaquepaque.
Mercado de Artesanías (Crafts Market)
In the market, you can appreciate the colors and aromas of Tlaquepaque with all its natural products. On the third floor, you will find the Artisan Market, an ideal place to buy souvenirs and crafts at very good prices.
Near El Parián, you will find the Municipal Market, a good place to experience the local customs and savor typical dishes.
Location
Juárez 145, Col. Centro, Tlaquepaque, Jal.
Hours
Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00 hrs.
Municipal Presidency
It is a colonial building constructed in the 19th century in a neo-colonial style.
On the second floor, there is a fabulous mural by artist Camilo Ramírez called "Historia de Fuego" (History of Fire), and the large-scale painting "Yolotl" by Eusebio Sánchez Benítez.
Location
Calle Independencia, Centro, Tlaquepaque, Jal.
TOP SIGHTS IN TONALÁ
Palacio Municipal (City Hall)
It features beautiful clay murals. Another attraction is a spectacular sun-shaped clock.
There are display cases showcasing various local crafts. It is characterized by its straight lines. The stairs are decorated with beautiful works by artists such as Salvador Vázquez, Luis Cortes, Teresa Duran, and Alejandro Luna.
Location
Hidalgo 21, Col. Centro, Tlaquepaque, Jal.
Plaza Cihualpilli
It boasts a beautiful kiosk made in France dating back to 1897. Formerly known as the Municipal Plaza, it owes its name to Queen Cihualpilli.
In the evening, you can enjoy the popular fair with a great variety of Mexican snacks. In addition to the kiosk, it has a sculpture of Cihualpilli, the warrior queen.
Location
Benito Juárez 40, Col. Tonalá Centro, Tonalá, Jal.
TOP SIGHTS IN ZAPOPAN
Andador 20 de Noviembre
A traditional and pleasant pedestrian area located in the heart of Zapopan.
Along the promenade, you can find shops offering beautiful crafts, bars, galleries, and restaurants. On Saturdays, there is an antique and art market.
Arco de Ingreso (Arch)
The Arch is a colonial-style construction measuring 20.40 meters. It features beautiful sculptures and reliefs depicting the history and traditions of Zapopan.
It was built in 1982 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the city's foundation and in memory of its founders.
It has two false semicircular arches, and on top, there is the Diana Cazadora sculpture. At one time, it served as the entrance to the city.
Location
Av. Hidalgo 151, Col. Centro, Zapopan, Jal.
Auditorio Telmex
Considered the most modern and functional in Latin America.
It can accommodate up to 11,500 spectators.
It was inaugurated on September 1, 2007, with the presence of Plácido Domingo.
Location
Av. Obreros de Cananea 746, Col. Industrial los Belenes, Zapopan Jal.
Plaza de las Américas Juan Pablo II
Located in front of the Basilica of Zapopan.
This beautiful square is adorned with a monumental kiosk and two large bronze sculptures representing the god and goddess of corn, created by Juan Méndez.
It is a beautiful place where cultural activities take place and serves as a meeting point for commerce.
Location
Eva Briseño s/n, Zapopan, Jal.
3 Must See Attractions in Guadalajara
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Zapopan
The Hospicio Cabañas
Bosque La Primavera
MODERN CITY WITH DEEPLY ROOTED TRADITIONS