16 Incredible Things to Do in Guadalajara, Mexico: A First-Timer’s Guide

Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city and one you can’t miss. I spent a few days exploring the city, and I’m sharing my guide to the best things to do, where to stay, and where to eat. From the historic center and creative neighborhoods to food and art, I fell completely in love with this vibrant city. I wish I had gotten there sooner.

When it comes to the best things to do in Guadalajara, the appeal isn’t a single must-see sight. What pulled me in was how much there is to dive into once you give the city some time. After spending months visiting dozens of places across Mexico, Guadalajara has long been on my bucket list. I’m happy to say the city more than lived up to the wait, and right now feels like the perfect time to go.

Located in western Mexico in the state of Jalisco, Guadalajara feels poised at an interesting moment. With the World Cup arriving in summer 2026, the city is increasingly on travelers’ radars. Yet it remains firmly rooted in Jaliscan traditions. The mix of deep roots and growing momentum makes the city one of the top destinations for experiencing Mexican culture, art, and cuisine. In many ways, my visit brought me back to Mexico City more than a decade ago. The creativity and culture felt like they were still just for the people who lived there. Guadalajara feels like it’s at that same turning point.

Guadalajara has a bit of everything, from centuries-old cathedrals to packed corner food stalls to some of the best restaurants in Mexico. Guadalajara also makes a wonderful gateway to exploring more of Jalisco, a state that stretches from the Pacific to tequila country to the highlands and beyond.

So if you’re planning your first trip to Guadalajara, read on for all of my recommendations. I’ve put together everything from where to stay and what to eat to the sights and day trips that are worth your time.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for Where to Stay in Guadalajara:

If you only have a few nights in Guadalajara, base yourself in or near Colonia Americana. It’s walkable, well-located for museums and cafés, and makes getting around the city much easier.

Hotels

1. Casa Habita ($$), for the best design hotel with a chic rooftop pool and terrace
2. Villa Ganz ($$), for the best luxury, romantic stay in the city, set in a restored 1930s villa with lush grounds
3. Casa Bosque Eduviges ($), for the best design-for-dollar, family-friendly hotel stay in a leafy, private compound

Airbnbs

1. Chic 1 Bedroom Loft, for the best overall Airbnb with polished design in Colonia Americana
2. 1 Bedroom Designer Loft with Terrace, for the best Airbnb with outdoor space, perfect for slow mornings and evenings
3. Stunning 3 Bedroom Home With Inner Courtyard, for the best Airbnb for families or groups wanting space and privacy

Looking for something more specific? View all Colonia Americana Airbnbs here.

Things to Do

1. Guadalajara Center Walking Tour (Small Group) — A focused walking tour through Guadalajara’s historic center. Ideal if you want cultural context without committing to a full day.
2. Private Guadalajara Downtown History Tour — Best for first-time visitors who want a deeper, more flexible overview of the city’s history, architecture, and neighborhoods.
3. Guadalajara Street Food Tour (Private) — A guided way to experience local markets and street food without the overwhelm. Great for understanding Guadalajara’s food culture beyond tortas ahogadas.
4. Full-Day Tequila and Amatitán Tour with Tasting — An easy introduction to tequila country with distillery visits, agave landscapes, and tastings in a single day.
5. Tequila and Guachimontones Cultural Heritage Tour — A culture-forward day trip that pairs tequila tastings with the Guachimontones archaeological site. A strong option if you want history and countryside together.

Travel Tips

1. Get Cell Data Before You Arrive — The easiest way to navigate Guadalajara is with reliable cell data. We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs for all international travel and recommend installing your eSIM before arrival so maps, ride-sharing, and directions work the moment you land.
2. Book Your Airport Transfer in Advance — For a smoother arrival, especially after a long flight, pre-booking a private airport transfer is worth it. We use Welcome Pickups for our transfers to avoid waiting for ride-shares and to ensure a reliable, fixed-price transfer directly to our hotel.

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

If you’re looking to explore more of Mexico, the following city guides pair well with time in Guadalajara. Mexico City is ideal for first-time visitors looking to balance neighborhoods, museums, food, and day trips in one of the country’s most dynamic cities. San Miguel de Allende is perfect for a slower, design-forward stop centered around colonial architecture, galleries, and a walkable historic core, while Oaxaca is a must for travelers drawn to food, markets, mezcal, and rich cultural traditions.

The Best 16 Things to Do in Guadalajara, Mexico

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Quick Travel Tips for Visiting Guadalajara

Where is Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco, located in western Mexico about 550 km northwest of Mexico City. The city sits in the Guadalajara Valley at an elevation of roughly 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level, within the broader Guadalajara metropolitan area and surrounded by rolling hills and countryside.

Best Time to Visit Guadalajara

The best time to visit Guadalajara is during the dry season, from October through December. You’ll find fewer rainy days and comfortable temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s, which makes the dry season ideal for exploring the city and surrounding areas. The dry season is also peak for festivals and events, so expect larger crowds.

January through late spring is the next-best option, with similarly pleasant weather, fewer visitors, and seasonal blooms that add color to the city.

2026 World Cup Travel Tip: Guadalajara will host World Cup matches on June 11, 18, 23, and 26, so expect increased crowds, higher prices, and limited availability around those dates.

How Much Time Do You Need in Guadalajara?

I’d recommend a minimum of four nights to see Guadalajara itself and the few surrounding towns and neighborhoods. There are endless day trips to be had from Guadalajara, so give yourself two full days in the city itself, and then time to visit other nearby destinations.

How to Get to Guadalajara

What I love about visiting Guadalajara is how well-connected the airport is. Several nonstop flights depart from US cities to Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), including Sacramento, San Francisco, and even New York. Once you arrive at the airport, I recommend booking a pre-arranged transfer with Welcome Pickups so you don’t have to wait for an Uber. This is the same process I use for places like Mexico City and beyond.

Travel Tip: Traffic in Guadalajara is notoriously bad, especially to and from the airport due to ongoing construction on the highway. I’d recommend allowing ample time to transfer back to the airport and to monitor traffic conditions.

Getting Around Guadalajara

Once in Guadalajara, I recommend using Uber for longer distances within the city and walking in the neighborhoods. As the second-largest city in Mexico by metropolitan area, it can take some time to get around. Uber is reliable, affordable, and safer than street taxis. Public transport exists, but ride-shares are generally easier for visitors. When using Uber, they have an extra security measure that requires you to give a code to the driver to confirm it is yours.

Where to Stay and Getting Oriented

For first-time visitors, it helps to know that most people base themselves in or around Colonia Americana or near the historic center, where the city feels walkable, lively, and well-connected. Like any large city, it’s best to stick to well-traveled neighborhoods, use ride-shares at night, and keep valuables secure. Guadalajara is generally easy to navigate and welcoming for visitors who plan ahead. If you want help choosing the right base, I break down the best neighborhoods and specific hotel and Airbnb picks in the where-to-stay section below.

Money in Guadalajara

You’ll need a mix of cash and credit cards when in Guadalajara. Credit cards will be accepted at larger format restaurants and hotels, but for street vendors and smaller restaurants, cash is necessary. I recommend pulling out Mexican Pesos at a local bank ATM.

Get a Prepaid SIM Card

Having cell data is a must. Guadalajara is a large city, and having a prepaid SIM card ready to go is a game-changer for navigating once there. I use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs for all my international travel and recommend purchasing your data plan and installing your eSIM before arrival.

Other Helpful Tips:

• Have a few Spanish phrases — English isn’t widely spoken outside hotels and tourist spots. Even basic phrases like “buenos días” (hello / good day) and “¿cuánto cuesta?” (how much does it cost?) will get you better service and smiles.
• Watch your belongings in crowded areas — Guadalajara is generally safe, but pickpocketing can happen in busy spots. Use a cross-body bag or money belt and stay aware, especially in Centro.
• Dress casual, but neat — Guadalajara is stylish! You don’t need to dress fancy, but locals tend to look put-together. Also, comfortable shoes are a must.
  

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Where to Stay in Guadalajara, Mexico

Guadalajara’s hotel scene has taken off in recent years, with several design-forward and chic properties opening. But don’t overlook the Airbnbs. There are some incredible properties equally worth a stay that provide a wonderful home base. My recommendation is to stay in Colonia Americana or nearby, so you can enjoy the many shops and restaurants here and be within walking distance of the historic center and larger museums.

Best Hotels

1. Casa Habita ($$ / My Top Choice), for the best design hotel with a chic rooftop pool and terrace
2. Hotel Demetria ($$), for the best luxury design hotel with elegant finishes and a rooftop pool
3. Villa Ganz ($$), for the best luxury, romantic stay in the city (a gem of a hotel set in a restored 1930s villa with lush grounds and well-appointed rooms)
4. Hotel Bellwort ($ / Adults-Only), the newest elevated hotel in Colonia Americana with minimal design and luxury amenities like a rooftop pool and gym
5. Casa Bosque Eduviges ($ / Family Friendly), for the best design-for-dollar, chic hotel stay set in a private gated compound; it is a leafy-green escape for travelers
6. OTMÁNN Hotel Boutique ($), for a chic boutique hotel that is well-located

Best Airbnbs

1. Chic 1 Bedroom Loft (My Top Choice), a bright, polished loft with clean design and an ideal Colonia Americana home base for cafés and Paseo Chapultepec
2. 1 Bedroom Designer Loft with Terrace, design-forward stay with a private terrace, perfectly placed for galleries, coffee, and dinner spots nearby
3. Cozy 2 Bedroom Apartment, Wonderful Local Design, warm, well-styled two-bedroom with extra space—great for friends or a longer stay
4. Eclectic, Minimal Loft, best design-for-dollar pick, with a minimalist, slightly eclectic look that still feels curated
5. Stunning 3 Bedroom Home With Inner Courtyard, elevated whole-home stay with a beautiful courtyard—ideal for families or groups wanting space and privacy

Looking for something more specific? View all Colonia Americana Airbnbs here.

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What Exactly to Do in Guadalajara

This list focuses on the experiences that give you the clearest sense of Guadalajara, shaped by what stood out most during my time there. From its historic core and creative neighborhoods to food, art, and nearby day trips, these are the things I’d prioritize on a first visit.

Visit the Sights of Centro Histórico de Guadalajara

The Centro Histórico de Guadalajara is probably the best introduction to the city’s history, culture, and architecture. For a first visit, I’d start here in the morning before the plazas fill and the heat sets in. Begin in the heart of the city at the iconic Catedral de Guadalajara, where the scale and energy of the plaza immediately set the tone. Originally built in the 16th century, the cathedral blends several architectural styles due to multiple reconstructions after fires and earthquakes, and it’s worth stepping inside, even for a few quiet minutes.

Beneath the cathedral lies a crypt that many visitors don’t even realize exists. Under the main altar are underground burial chambers where the remains of several former archbishops and cardinals of Guadalajara are entombed. They’re not always open, but if they are, head to the left of the main altar to see if you can go in.

From there, I enjoyed wandering into Plaza de Armas, a lively square framed by historic buildings and shaded benches. The rotunda is a good place to pause and take in the city’s rhythm. Nearby, the Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco houses powerful murals by José Clemente Orozco that reflect Mexico’s political and social history, and they’re well worth stepping inside for. Just a short walk away is Plaza de la Liberación, home to the elegant Teatro Degollado, one of the city’s most important cultural landmarks. If you have the time, catching a performance here is a memorable way to experience the space beyond a quick stop.

To finish, make your way to the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, a monument honoring influential figures from Jalisco. Ending here ties the area together nicely and gives a clearer sense of the state’s cultural identity. For a deeper understanding of Guadalajara’s past and present, I’d recommend joining a small-group walking tour or booking a guided private walking history tour, both add helpful context to what you’re seeing on foot.

Visit Tlaquepaque, a Charming Pueblo Mágico

When it comes to spending time in Guadalajara, you can’t miss Tlaquepaque. Located just next to the city, it often feels like an extension of a nearby neighborhood, though it’s actually its own city and proudly designated a Pueblo Mágico. TIaquepaque was my favorite area I explored while in Guadalajara, and easily one of the prettiest and most soulful spots near the city.

What makes Tlaquepaque so special is its long tradition of handcrafted art, much of which has been produced here for generations. I spent a full afternoon wandering through the area, starting in Plaza de Artesanías, a small square filled with local shops and boutiques. From there, make your way into Tlaquepaque Centro, where Calle Independencia begins, which is the main pedestrian street lined with galleries, restaurants, and artisan workshops.

While strolling down Calle Independencia, keep your eye out for a few standout stops. This is where I’d go:

• Galería Cempasúchil, for incredible local furniture
• Arte en Vidrio, for blown glass
• Santuario Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, for a stunning local church
• Del Corazón de la Tierra, for local artisan crafts
• Sergio Bustamante Gallery, one of the most famous Mexican sculptors has his gallery here
• Museo Regional de la Cerámica, Tlaquepaque, for a visit to the local ceramic museum

Cafe Hop Through Colonia Americana

For all things young and fresh, Colonia Americana is the spot. The neighborhood reminds me a lot of Roma or Condesa in Mexico City, with leafy streets and cafés on every corner. Start down Paseo Chapultepec, where you can make your way into the heart of the neighborhood.

When there, find a few cafes like Sinónimo, Roto Café, and Espacio Abierto, all wonderful for brunch and coffee. Brunch is a big deal in Guadalajara, so do like the locals do, and spend some time in this neighborhood leisurely soaking it all in.

Try The Dish of Guadalajara: Tortas Ahogadas

The most talked-about dish in Guadalajara has to be the iconic, glorious tortas ahogadas, or “the drowned sandwich.” When I visited, this was the one food I made a point to seek out. Tortas ahogadas are so tied to the city that you can’t really understand Guadalajara’s food culture without trying one.

A torta ahogada is made with birote salado, a bread unique to Guadalajara, then typically filled with carnitas or another slow-cooked meat (beans are optional). The sandwich is submerged in a tomato-based sauce and often finished with a spicy chile de árbol salsa, which you can usually add to taste.

This dish can’t truly exist anywhere else because of the bread. Birote is made using local yeast, and the region’s climate gives it a crust that stays surprisingly crunchy even when soaked in sauce. For that reason alone, it’s worth trying more than once. You’ll find tortas ahogadas everywhere, from casual sit-down restaurants to busy corner stands.

Where to Get Tortas Ahogadas

• Tortas Ahogadas El Profe Jimenez — one of Guadalajara’s favorite spots with a highly rated traditional torta ahogada and rich tomato sauce, ideal for a quintessential local experience
• Tortas Ahogadas Toñita — a beloved Centro locale known for tender meats and perfectly balanced sauces
• Tortas Ahogadas Don José — a historic torta maker that literally started on a bicycle and still draws crowds for its classic recipe
• Tortas Ahogadas El Principe Heredero — popular with locals and visitors alike for its long history and flavorful sauces

Experience the Art in Museo Cabañas

Museo Cabañas is one of Mexico’s most important cultural treasures. More than a museum, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site set inside a stunning 19th-century architectural complex. Originally built between 1796 and 1810 as the Hospicio Cabañas, the site functioned as a charitable institution for orphans, the elderly, and the vulnerable before being transformed into a cultural center and museum in 1980.

Today, Museo Cabañas is best known for housing some of the most significant murals in the city. The highlight is José Clemente Orozco’s mural cycle, painted between 1938 and 1939. Spanning 57 works, the murals explore themes of human struggle, social change, faith, and revolution. The dramatic El Hombre de Fuego (The Man of Fire) anchors the chapel’s vaulted ceiling and is widely considered one of the most iconic works of muralism in Mexico.

Visiting Information

Museo Cabañas is generally open Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed Mondays). General admission is around 80 MXN (about $4 USD), with free entry for everyone on Tuesdays.

Sip Hot Chocolate at Xofia Chocolatería

One of my favorite finds while scouring the map in Guadalajara was Xofia Chocolatería. Tucked away a few blocks north of MUSA, this small chocolate shop roasts its own cacao and serves it in a variety of drinks and small plates. You can order the chocolate hot or cold in a sipping format, and it’s absolutely delicious. If the chocolate tamales are on the menu, don’t miss them!

Shop Mexican Artists at Julia y Renata Showroom

After poking my nose into several boutiques and art galleries in Colonia Americana and digging deep into the internet, I came across the Julia y Renata Showroom. I was on the hunt for a shop that genuinely featured local artisans and showcased Mexican art, as these are some of my favorite souvenirs to bring home. Julia y Renata was such a gem, with a curated collection ranging from textiles and candles to leather bags and perfumes. This is such a wonderful stop.

See Luis Barragán’s Casa ITESO Clavigero

I’m a huge fan of Luis Barragán, a Pritzker Prize-winning Mexican architect, and I’ve visited many of his works during my travels in Mexico. When I found out he has a home in Guadalajara, Casa ITESO Clavigero was top of my list of things to do. This playful, yellow home in Colonia Americana is a wonderful gem, and I love that it’s free to visit.

Casa ITESO Clavigero is one of his earliest works and was originally built in 1929 for the politician Efraín González Luna. The house spans two floors centered around an inner courtyard with lush gardens. Today, it’s a home you can go into, see art exhibits on both floors, and explore its grounds. There’s now even a small cafe in the back to enjoy.

Visiting Information

Entrance is free. Opening hours are typically Monday–Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Catch One of the Many Annual Festivals

Guadalajara is home to vibrant festivals that celebrate art, music, culture, and tradition. If you’re lucky enough to catch one, I’d make the time to experience it. The city is perhaps best known for the Guadalajara International Film Festival each March, one of Latin America’s most prestigious cinema events. In September, Independence Day brings parades, fireworks, and patriotic festivities across plazas and streets. Fiestas de Octubre, held throughout October, combine live music, theater, traditional food, and carnival rides. There is also the Mariachi Festival every August, celebrating the region’s iconic mariachi music with concerts and performances in the heart of the city.

Step into Parroquia El Expiatorio Eucarístico

One of the most beautiful churches in Guadalajara is Parroquia El Expiatorio Eucarístico, located about a 15-minute walk from the historic center. I stumbled upon it while wandering between neighborhoods, and its scale and detail immediately stood out. Dedicated to the Eucharist, the church blends neo-Gothic elegance with traditional ecclesiastical elements, with soaring spires, pointed arches, and intricately carved stonework that reward a slow walk around the exterior before stepping inside.

Try Candy and Tequila at Nuestros Dulces

One of those fun finds in Tlaquepaque, don’t miss Nuestros Dulces. I have to dedicate a whole section to it because it’s one of the most unique things to do in Guadalajara, and the kind of place you wouldn’t necessarily seek out unless someone pointed it out. At first glance, it looks like a traditional candy shop, but it actually holds a Guinness World Records title for having the largest selection of tequila commercially available, with an astonishing 928 varieties.

That contrast is what makes it so memorable. You can stock up on Mexican sweets, sample or purchase tequila produced nearby, and walk away having experienced something that feels distinctly local and delightfully unexpected.

See the Murals and Art in MUSA

MUSA (Museo de las Artes) is a popular and worthwhile stop while in Guadalajara, especially if you’re already exploring Colonia Americana. The visit is relatively quick; about an hour is plenty. The main draw is the Paraninfo “Enrique Díaz de León,” where two iconic murals by José Clemente Orozco dominate the space: El hombre creador y rebelde and El pueblo y sus falsos líderes. Painted in the 1930s, these works offer a powerful snapshot of Orozco’s thinking around humanity, leadership, and social change, and seeing them up close adds important context to his larger body of work across Mexico.

Beyond the murals, MUSA also houses a handful of smaller galleries featuring regional and often more contemporary Mexican artists, including emerging voices. I also made time to browse the museum shop, which has a curated selection of books and gifts and is worth a quick look before you leave.

Visiting Information

MUSA is housed in an early 20th-century building in Colonia Americana and is open Tuesday–Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Admission is free.

Spend a Night at a Tequila Factory or Take a Day Tour

Guadalajara is the gateway to the Altos de Jalisco, or Jalisco Highlands, home to Mexico’s tequila production. There are plenty of ways to experience the region while visiting Guadalajara, from easy day trips to local tequilerías to spending time in the town of Tequila itself. One of the more immersive options is staying overnight at a working tequila distillery, which Casa Trujillo offers.

The property has eclectic, stand-alone rooms set right at the edge of the agave fields, and staying on-site gives you time to slow down and take in the setting. While there, you can tour the distillery, walk the historic grounds, or borrow bikes to explore the surrounding area. There’s also a bar and restaurant on property, which makes it feel like a self-contained retreat. Staying for one night provides enough time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

If you don’t want to overnight and would prefer to experience the tequila region, I’d choose one of these day trip tours:

• Full Day Tour to Tequila and Amatitan
• Full Day in Tequila with Tasting and Party in Cantaritos
• Tequila/Guachimontones Tour – Cultural Heritage Route

Explore Mercado Corona

The heartbeat of Guadalajara cuisine is in Mercado Corona, a traditional covered market that spans over several floors. I’ll be honest the mercado can feel overwhelming at first. I’d approach it one of two ways. I’d go for a walk through it to experience the stalls and energy, and end at the rooftop restaurant Alma Jalisco for drinks and a snack. Or, I would recommend booking this private street food tour that goes into the market. There’s also this private food tour that takes you into the nearby Mercado Libertad and San Juan de Dios.

Get Tiki-Inspired Cocktails at De La O Cantina

De La O Cantina is one of the most fun bars in Guadalajara, blending tiki-inspired drinks with classic Mexican cocktails, a style some locals refer to as “Guadalatiki.” The menu is extensive, with everything from playful, tropical creations to well-executed traditional drinks. It’s a popular spot, especially on weekends, so expect a line to get in. Even so, De La O Cantina’s place on The World’s 50 Best Discovery platform justifies the wait.

Visit Tepatitlán, an Authentic City in the Highlands

If you want to get off the beaten path and spend time in the countryside beyond Guadalajara, Tepatitlán de Morelos (usually just called Tepatitlán) is a great local addition. The town is lively and thoroughly local, where traditional food, colonial architecture, small shops, and everyday rhythms feel largely untouched by tourism.

While there, start at Parroquia de San Francisco de Asís, the city’s main church, known for its beautiful colonial-era structure and ornate altars. From there, take a slow walk through Plaza Principal, the central square, which also houses the small Jardín Hidalgo and offers a good sense of daily life in town.

A few other highlights I enjoyed while visiting Tepatitlán included wandering through Mercado Centenario, which was one of the most immersive stops for feeling the local pace and culture. For a break, LOLA Rooftop is a nice surprise, with good food, drinks, and views over the city. Before leaving, don’t miss Panadería Espiga de Oro nearby for excellent local baked goods, and if you have time, stop by Santuario del Señor de la Misericordia, another standout church worth seeing.

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Where to Eat in Guadalajara

The city of Guadalajara might be one of the most diverse places to dine in Mexico; you have everything from local food stalls to very formal dining. Try both when there, stop into one of the torta ahogado stops listed above, and book in for an elegant meal at award-winning restaurants like Bruna or Alcalde. Guadalajara is a place to eat endlessly, and well.

Tacos Fish La Paz

Tacos Fish La Paz is a longstanding institution for Baja-style fish and shrimp tacos. There are two locations, the one near Colonia Americana is more of a sit-down style restaurant, whereas the one near the centro is more of a stools-and-tables style. Order the fried fish and top it with all the sauces and things!

Restaurante Cielito Lindo

A gem of a local restaurant in Tlaquepaque, Restaurante Cielito Lindo offers all things Jalisco cuisine, set in a beautiful courtyard with a leafy garden. It’s a popular spot for a late lunch, and I recommend making a reservation on weekends. Try birria here; the drinks are great, and the chilaquiles are popular.

Birriería las 9 Esquinas

A legendary spot in Guadalajara, famous for serving authentic Jaliscan birria, a rich, slow-cooked lamb and beef stew packed with deep, savory flavors. They are hearty tacos that you dip in consommé and top with salsa.

Churros La Bombilla

When in Mexico, my go-to dessert is always churros, and this is the spot in Guadalajara.

La Docena Andares

One of the best upscale seafood and oyster bars in the city (remember you’re not that far to the Puerto Vallarta port!), La Docena was a nice experience for seated service. Their menu had a wide range of items, and the ceviche was my personal favorite.

Xokol

One of the top restaurants in the city right now set in a former mechanic’s workshop, it’s all about communal dining and a focus on corn. You’ll find tamales, molé, and more here. I’d snag a reservation in advance.

Restaurante Alcalde

One of Guadalajara’s most acclaimed fine-dining restaurants, Alcalde is known for modern Mexican cuisine with refined presentation. Chef Francisco ‘Paco’ Ruano crafts seasonal tasting menus that showcase the region’s ingredients and culinary heritage, earning him No. 15 on the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants List in 2025. You’ll need an advance reservation.

El Terrible Juan Café

A good spot for just a down-to-earth brunch and coffee. The vibe is really relaxed, and the café is a local favorite.

Tacos Don José

If you’re looking for al pastor tacos, this one was recommended to me by my tour guide. I didn’t make it here, but it looks wonderful.

Best Places to Drink

• El Gallo Altanero — One of Guadalajara’s most respected cocktail bars, known for inventive drinks built around Mexican spirits and local ingredients.
• De La O Cantina — A lively, tiki-inspired spot blending playful tropical drinks with classic cocktails; expect a line on weekends.
• Farmacia Rita Pérez — A moody, speakeasy-style bar with creative cocktails and a design-forward atmosphere tucked away in Colonia Americana.
• Pare de Sufrir Mezcaleria — A laid-back mezcal bar focused on small producers, careful pours, and a relaxed, local crowd.
• Yunaites•Menjurjes Pueblerinos — A casual, old-school cantina serving regional drinks and snacks with an unpolished, neighborhood feel.

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