Guadalajara for beginners: 10 essential places to enjoy the city.

Are you traveling in Guadalajara and don't know what to do or which places to visit? Don't worry, here we leave you the best 10 tips so you can enjoy the Perla Tapatía to the fullest.

The San Juan de Dios market, live the experience

Get ready to be in the largest roofed market in Latin America. The Libertad market, locally known as San Juan de Dios market, has many things to offer: clothes, shoes, food, typical confectionery, handmade toys, etc. There you'll find all the traditional things from GDL. Moreover, this market is an excellent option to buy some souvenirs of your trip to the city for your family and friends.

Visit the MAZ Museum at Zapopan downtown

If you like culture, you should visit the Zapopan Museum of Arts (MAZ). Located next to the Basilica of Zapopan, the MAZ offers permanent and temporary exhibitions of contemporary art that will open your mind to new perspectives. Who said that tourism cannot be cultural?

Rent a car and move easily

The best option to get around the city and its surroundings is by renting a car, don't waste time and move easily wherever you want. The time you save and the security you get are worth it when it comes to traveling. Book with mexrentacar.com, a Mexican brand with great presence worldwide, you can rent a car at Guadalajara's airport or inside the city.

Fall in love with El Parian of Tlaquepaque

Mariachi, tequila and a lot of folklore is what you'll find in this area of restaurants in Tlaquepaque downtown known as El Parián. Here you can enjoy a nice atmosphere in the company of mariachi music and delicious typical dishes. You cannot stay without trying the traditional tequila cazuelas, a special drink from the local cocktail bar.

Taste the delicious food of the Santa Tere neighborhood

The best homemade food in the city is in the Santa Teresa neighborhood. Even the most famous people from Guadalajara, such as Guillermo del Toro, confesses that he continues to visit it at every opportunity to taste its flavor. The best known points are the Ávila Camacho Market, the restaurants on Manuel Acuña Street and the famous restaurant Carnes en su jugo Garibaldi.

Surprise yourself with the crafts of Tonalá

Settled on the old tecuexe territory of Tonallan, the town of Tonalá is a popular and cultural icon of the city. One of the most touristic elements of Tonalá are its handicrafts, especially those made with clay. You can visit the downtown square, the old parish of Santiago and the craft market.

Discover your favorite bar in Chapultepec Avenue

GDL also has a very attractive nightlife. And, if partying is your thing, you´re going to love Chapultepec. It is a corridor with a wide variety of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs. In Chapu, as the people of Guadalajara call it, there is also a wide tree-lined central ridge where cultural activities are offered for the whole family.

Visit the shopping centers in Andares

The main financial and executive center of the city is located in the Andares area, in the municipality of Zapopan. Andares stands out for its tall skyscrapers and modern buildings. It is also the epicenter of luxury products and fashion in western Mexico. Enjoy the fantastic view to take unforgettable photos and visit some of the most iconic fashion stores.

Enjoy the Guadalajara Zoo

Located 30 min. by car from downtown, the Guadalajara Zoo is another unmissable spot  for all those who travel to Jalisco. It is one of the largest fauna sanctuaries in America and has around four thousand specimens, of more than three hundred different species. Its amenities include a panoramic cable-way, a safari and an aquarium.

Don't miss the murals of the Instituto Cultural Cabañas

If you came to Guadalajara and did not visit the Hospicio Cabañas, did you really come to Guadalajara? You cannot miss the visit to this beautiful place. The most impressive thing you will see are the frescoes painted on the ceiling of the hospice by the Mexican muralist José Clemente Orozco. In addition, there are usually high quality art exhibitions.

No more excuses: book now and rent a car with MEX in any of our  offices: Airport, Américas Av. and López Mateos Av., and dare to visit one of the most fascinating cities in Mexico.