Spend three days in Guadalajara
Guadalajara is a multifaceted city, full of art, history, architecture, delicious food, connectivity, and major international events. Everyone is welcome here.
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Birria at Plaza de las 9 Esquinas
Visit one of the city’s most scenic and traditional spots: the Plaza de las 9 Esquinas. This charming square features a central fountain, tree-lined paths, and a wide variety of restaurants where you can enjoy Jalisco birria a must-try regional dish.
Some recommended restaurants in the area:
Birrieria Las 9 Esquinas
Address: 384 Colón, Downtown
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
El Pilón de los Arrieros
Address: 388Galeana, Downtown
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Birrieria El Compadre
Address: 895 Leandro Valle, Downtown
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Cabañas Museum
Visit the Cabañas Museum, one of the most important cultural centers in Jalisco and across Mexico. Located in the heart of Guadalajara and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this place showcases the country’s rich history, art, and architecture.
Beyond admiring its architecture and historical significance, the museum also features notable art collections and rotating exhibitions by prominent national and international artists.
Address: 8 Cabañas, Las Fresas
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Degollado Theater
The Degollado Theater, one of the best-preserved neoclassical theaters in Latin America, is a must-see architectural gem in downtown Guadalajara.
Behind the theater, you’ll find a fountain and a bronze sculpture ensemble by local artist Rafael Zamarripa, commemorating the founding of Guadalajara and depicting key figures such as Cristóbal de Oñate, Miguel de Ibarra, and Beatriz Hernández.
If possible, visit the theater’s main hall, which resembles La Scala in Milan, Italy. Don’t forget to look up and admire the ceiling mural, depicting the Fourth Canto of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, painted by Jalisco artists Jacobo Gálvez, Gerardo Suárez, and Carlos Villaseñor.
Address: Degollado, Downtown
More information: https://ofj.com.mx/
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Libertad Market
Also known as San Juan de Dios Market, this labyrinthine building hosts thousands of stalls selling everything from crafts, leather goods, herbs, and remedies to a diverse array of foods, home goods, and more.
Designed by architect Alejandro Zohn, Libertad Market has become a city icon thanks to its modernist architecture and vibrant commercial scene. It is also one of three 20th-century buildings in Guadalajara designated as National Historic Monuments.
Explore the food options here—highlighted by dishes like caldo michi (a fish and vegetable soup), tortas locas (giant pork sandwiches with vegetables and cream), traditional birria tatemada (often served as quesabirria), and even several asian food stands offering ramen and other specialties.
Address: Dionisio Rodríguez 52, San Juan de Dios
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Traditional Cantinas of Guadalajara
Since you\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'re already at Guadalajara\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s Historical Downtown, enjoy an evening in one of the traditional cantinas—welcoming spaces full of history, great food, and drinks.
Top recommendations include:
La Fuente
Address: 78 Pino Suárez, Downtown
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Mascusia
Address: Avenida Francisco Javier Mina 336, Downtown
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
La Sin Rival
Address: 699 Calzada Independencia Sur, Barragán Hernández
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Colonia Americana
One of Guadalajara’s most iconic neighborhoods, Colonia Americana is a lively gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. It offers contemporary Mexican and international cuisine, art galleries, museums, churches, the Chapultepec Cultural Corridor, and more.
Start your day here with a delicious breakfast, then stroll through its beautiful streets and admire the early 20th-century architecture.
Great breakfast spots include:
La Postrería
Address: 1780 Libertad, Americana
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
El Terrible Juan Café
Address: 440 Colonias, Americana
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Piggy Back
Address: 537 Progreso, Americana
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Casa ITESO Clavigero
Don’t miss this architectural gem designed by Luis Barragán, the only Mexican architect to win the Pritzker Prize. The house masterfully combines light, textures, gardens, and volumes.
Also known as Casa González Luna, the site is now a cultural center offering talks, workshops, and art exhibitions. It was declared a National Artistic Monument by INBA in 2006.
Address: 2083 José Guadalupe Zuno Hernández, Americana
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
MUSA – Museum of the Arts, University of Guadalajara
This cultural place fuse contemporary art with historical heritage. Located in the university’s old rectory building, it features two murals by José Clemente Orozco: The Creative and Rebellious Man and The People and Their False Leaders, located in the Enrique Díaz de León Auditorium.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions by local, national, and international contemporary artists in its 14 gallery rooms.
Address: 975 Avenida Juárez, Americana
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Esplanade of the Expiatory Temple
Just behind MUSA is the Basilica of the Blessed Sacrament, commonly known as the Expiatory Temple, a neo gothic masterpiece involving renowned architects such as Salvador Collado, Adamo Boari, Luis Ugarte, and Ignacio Díaz Morales.
Highlights include the carved stone facade, european-style stained glass, bronze statues, and a tower clock with a musical carillon. At 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 6:00 PM, it plays a melody as figurines of the twelve apostles emerge in procession.
On weekend evenings, enjoy local food stalls and craft vendors set up in the plaza.
Opening hours: 935 Manuel López Cotilla, Americana
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Guadalajara Zoo
Located in the northern part of the city next to Huentitán Canyon, this zoo is home to a wide variety of animals including capybaras, parrots, elephants, deer, giraffes, hippos, and dromedaries.
Spanning around 50 hectares, the zoo is also a large green space featuring native trees. Enjoy attractions like the Sky Zoo (an aerial cable car), the Aquarium, and the Masai Mara Safari, where you\\\\\\\'ll engage your senses and learn about animals of the African savannah.
Address: 600 Paseo del Zoológico, Huentitán El Alto
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Los Colomos Forest
Located in northeastern Guadalajara on the border with Zapopan, this urban forest is a vital green lung of the city. Enjoy walking, horseback riding, exercising, meditating, or joining family-friendly recreational activities.
Don’t miss the Japanese Garden, a 1994 gift from Kyoto, Japan, symbolizing friendship. The garden follows the traditional layout of a temple dedicated to the goddess Dagoin Samboin, representing family, harmony, beauty, and serenity.
Address: 3200 El Chaco, Providencia
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Arena Coliseo Guadalajara
With over 60 years of history, the Arena Coliseo Guadalajara is a beloved venue where locals and visitors enjoy the world-famous spectacle of lucha libre. Check the schedule and be sure to attend one of the classic Tuesday Glamour Nights.
Address: 67 Medrano, Analco
Opening hours: Tuesdays at 8:30 PM
