Tlaquepaque

Understand

Guadalajara is Mexico's second largest city, and one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. This growth has been driven in part by the booming electronics industry in the industrial outskirts of the city. Other important and growing industries are pharmaceuticals, food processing, and fashion.

Get around

The Centro (downtown) is best accessible by walking. Most attractions lie within an area of about 1 km long by 350 m wide. For longer trips, or to get in and out of the Centro, use the bus, subway or a taxi. There are also horse-drawn carriages (calandrias), which are more expensive and touristy.

Buy

In the centro are ATMs of BanCoppel, Banjercito, BanBajio and Citibanamex.

In the Americana district there is a Banca Inbursa ATM inside the Sanborns, BanBajio, Banca Mifel and Santander.

In the centro and Americana neighborhood are some stores of Oxxo and 7eleven as well as some minimarkets. On the Av Juárez is the .

The shopping scene in Guadalajara is centered around two opposing faces of Latin American culture: traditional open-air markets (tianguis) and the modern shopping plazas and malls that, more and more, are sprouting up around the outskirts of town. The latter can be found in particular proliferation southwest of the Centro Histórico in Sector Juárez, as well as in suburban municipios such as Zapopan.

A refreshing exception to this rule is the historic downtown district of Tlaquepaque, southeast of Guadalajara proper. This area is characterized by a lively collection of shops centered on the pedestrian-only streets, Calle Independencia and Avenida Juárez. Emphasized in these charming shops are arts and handicrafts of all kinds: one-of-a-kind handmade furniture, textiles, jewelry, paintings, sculptures, glassware, home decor, and even chocolate.

Eat

Guadalajara has a wide range of restaurants with outstanding street vendors selling regional specialties (particularly birria, tortas, and various tacos). The city also has a mind-boggling variety of outstanding restaurants with dozens of 5-star restaurants offering an upscale experience and a wide range of international flavors. 2024 saw the famed Michelin Guide make its first pass through Mexico and its initial list of recommended Mexican restaurants included 25 outstanding restaurants. In addition to traditional Mexican specialties, Tapatíos seem to be especially fond of Italian food—a considerable number of restaurants of that type can be found around Guadalajara. If you miss American fast food, worry not: in addition to the restaurants listed here, Guadalajara has plenty of American fast-food franchises.

Drink

Guadalajara has a vibrant nightlife that's spread out all over the city, from the touristy places in the Centro Histórico (Plaza de la Liberación is a good place to start your search) to the college bars in Zapopan. However, the most active bar district in Guadalajara is in Colonia Americana centered along Avenida Chapultepec between Hidalgo and Niños Héroes, about 2 km west of the Centro Histórico. This is the place where GDL's hipster crowd makes the scene, with bar after bar lining the sides of the streets. Many of these places double as popular live music venues.

A good suggestion is to search out a bar with a large collection of tequilas and taste a great blanca, reposada and añejo. If you ask for a traditional tequila from Los Altos, you will almost certainly get something good. Los Altos is the region northeast of Guadalajara where the best tequila in the world is made, bringing up images of tradition, patriotism and individualism.

Sleep

If you plan to spend much time downtown, don't get a hotel farther away—it's much more convenient to be within walking distance of your daytime activities.

Stay safe

Guadalajara is known as one of the safest cities in Mexico. Nonetheless, as in any large city, the usual precautions should be taken. Crimes against tourists and foreign students are quite infrequent and mostly take the form of purse-snatching. Criminals usually work in teams and target travelers in outdoor restaurants, bars and other busy places. Should anyone spill something on you, be alert to your surroundings and step away—accidental spills are a common method of distracting their marks.

Never carry illegal substances with you; Mexican police are very strict regarding these cases.

In case of emergency, dial 911, the number for all emergencies (fire, police and medical) in Mexico. English-speaking operators are not guaranteed, but are often available. In an emergency, it's also a good idea to contact your embassy or consulate.

For non-emergencies, dial 078 to reach the Green Angels, an English-speaking roadside and travel assistance program.

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