10 Best Things to Do in Guadalajara

Looking for what to do in Guadalajara? Mexico’s second-largest city blends grand colonial architecture, leafy plazas, mariachi music and tequila country into one irresistible package. It feels both proudly traditional and confidently modern, with historic landmarks, creative neighbourhoods and a growing food and nightlife scene that rivals Mexico City — but with a more relaxed, Jalisco vibe.

From wandering the historic centre and browsing artisan suburbs to tasting tequila at the source and escaping to nearby Lake Chapala, Guadalajara offers plenty to fill several days. Here are the 10 best things to do in Guadalajara to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Explore the historic centre and cathedral

The historic centre is the heart of Guadalajara and the best place to start exploring. Its focal point is the twin-spired Guadalajara Cathedral, whose distinctive yellow-tiled towers have become the city’s most recognisable symbol. Step inside to discover ornate chapels, stained-glass windows and a cool, hushed interior that contrasts with the busy plazas outside.

Several plazas link together around the cathedral, including Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Liberación and Plaza de los Laureles. As you wander between them, you’ll pass fountains, statues, shoe-shine stands and street vendors selling snacks and ice cream. It’s the perfect introduction to the rhythm of everyday life in Jalisco’s capital.

2. Visit the Instituto Cultural Cabañas

A short walk from the cathedral lies the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, a former orphanage and hospital turned cultural centre and UNESCO World Heritage site. Its courtyards and long, vaulted corridors are impressive in their own right, but the real draw is the series of dramatic frescoes by famed muralist José Clemente Orozco.

Inside the main chapel-like hall, Orozco’s powerful murals — including the famous “Man of Fire” — cover the walls and ceiling, depicting themes of revolution, oppression and human struggle. Spend time circling the room, then explore smaller galleries displaying contemporary art and temporary exhibitions.

3. Stroll leafy plazas and pedestrian streets

One of the joys of Guadalajara is simply wandering its plazas and pedestrian areas. Avenida Alcalde and nearby streets are increasingly walkable, with traffic diverted and wider spaces created for people. You’ll find street performers, buskers playing mariachi tunes, balloon sellers and families out for an evening paseo.

Grab a bench in the shade, people-watch with a cup of nieve (traditional ice cream) or duck into historic cafés and panaderías for sweet bread and coffee. As the sun sets, colonial facades glow under soft lighting, and the city feels particularly atmospheric.

4. Browse art and crafts in Tlaquepaque

Just outside central Guadalajara, the suburb of San Pedro Tlaquepaque is one of the best places in Mexico to shop for high-quality handicrafts. Its cobblestone streets are lined with galleries and workshops selling blown glass, ceramics, textiles, leather goods and metalwork — everything from traditional to contemporary designs.

Pedestrian Calle Independencia forms the core of the arty district, with colourful houses, shady courtyards and sculptures scattered along the way. When you need a break from browsing, settle into a restaurant courtyard for Jalisco specialities and live mariachi or banda music.

5. Discover Tonalá’s traditional markets

Another artisan hub, Tonalá is especially famous for its vast Thursday and Sunday street markets, where vendors from across the region set up stalls. Here you can browse pottery, hand-carved furniture, wrought iron, stonework, basketry and decorative pieces at more local prices.

The atmosphere is lively and chaotic, with food stands selling tacos, birria and fresh juices alongside piles of crafts. Even if you’re not shopping for big pieces, it’s a fascinating look at Jalisco’s craft traditions and small-scale industry.

6. Take a tequila tour to the town of Tequila

Guadalajara is the gateway to tequila country, and a trip to the town of Tequila is one of the most popular day trips from the city. As you drive or ride the Tequila train through the blue agave fields, you’ll see the spiky plants that give the spirit its distinctive flavour stretching towards distant volcanoes.

In town, distillery tours walk you through every step of the production process: harvesting agave hearts, roasting, grinding, fermenting, distilling and ageing. Tastings introduce you to blanco, reposado and añejo tequilas, and guides explain how to sip and appreciate them properly. In between visits, wander Tequila’s plaza, browse souvenir shops and soak up the small-town Jalisco charm.

7. Sample Jalisco’s regional dishes

Food is a huge part of Guadalajara’s appeal. Start with a steaming bowl of birria, the region’s famed slow-cooked goat or beef stew, usually served with tortillas, onions and lime. Torta ahogada — a crusty roll stuffed with pork and “drowned” in spicy tomato sauce — is another local favourite, best eaten over a plate as the sauce drips down.

For breakfast, try café de olla and pan dulce, or buscuit sandwiches and chilaquiles. Throughout the day, seek out street stands and local markets such as Mercado San Juan de Dios, where food counters serve everything from tacos and mariscos to regional sweets.

8. Enjoy nightlife in Chapultepec and Americana

For bars, live music and buzzing evenings, head to the areas around Avenida Chapultepec and the Colonia Americana. This part of Guadalajara has become a creative hub, with indie boutiques, galleries, cafés, craft beer bars and mezcalerías lining its avenues.

On weekend nights, Chapultepec’s central boulevard often fills with stalls, performers and crowds walking between venues. It’s a great place to experience contemporary Guadalajara — young, energetic and full of ideas — while sampling local craft beers, cocktails or tequila-based drinks.

9. Take a break at Lake Chapala and Ajijic

When you’re ready for a change of scene, Lake Chapala — Mexico’s largest freshwater lake — lies less than an hour from Guadalajara. The lakeside towns of Chapala and Ajijic offer cooler breezes, waterfront promenades and a slower pace that contrasts nicely with the city.

Stroll along the malecón, watch pelicans and fishermen on the water, and explore Ajijic’s cobbled streets decorated with colourful murals. The area’s popularity with artists and expats gives it a cosmopolitan feel, but it remains very much rooted in Jalisco traditions.

10. Seek out murals, museums and modern culture

Beyond the big-name sights, Guadalajara has a growing contemporary arts scene. Hunt down murals in neighbourhoods like Americana, visit smaller galleries and pop-up spaces, or check listings for film festivals, cultural events and concerts at theatres around the centre.

Museums such as the Museo de las Artes (MUSA) and the city’s regional museum showcase everything from classic works to experimental installations. Together, they show how Guadalajara combines its strong cultural heritage with a dynamic modern identity.