Guadalajara Weekender Travel Ideas
The fascinating city of Guadalajara is very near and dear to our hearts. Antonio’s family originates from ‘La Perla Tapatia’ and recounts the many trips he took there earlier in his life. We have also made family and friend visits together, while we were dating. Now, after several years without making a visit, we left more than surprised with all of the great new (and old!) things this metropolis has to offer. Especially when there are no schedules or firm itineraries, Guadalajara will delight you!
Spend a long weekend in the charming and hip city of Guadalajara with these travel ideas. See where we stayed, sipped on delicious cocktails, and kept our appetites happy.
Consider this a starting point and dig a little deeper on your next visit. There are so many more places to taste, see, and stay at!
Stay
Casa Habita: This is a must for the traveler with a passion for all things design, or just looking for a relaxing place to call “home” during your visit to Guadalajara. As soon as you enter the hotel, there is a luxurious-like scent, that would have led me to easily buy a candle if they made one. This 37 room hotel boasts stunning interiors, design-forward rooms, and multiple bars— including a rooftop terrace and bar next to their pool. The overall vibe of the hotel and its staff are tranquil, which makes it incredibly easy to spend the evening sipping away cocktails and enjoying the view—whether it be on their outdoor patio or upstairs terrace. (Calle Miguel Lerdo de Tejada 2308)
Eat
Palreal: A day that starts with a good cup of coffee and chilaquiles, is surely going to be a great day. Sit on the patio of Palreal, set with lush greenery, and people watch, as you enjoy your breakfast. (Calle Lope de Vega 113)
Tortas: The salsa-drenched torta ahogada is a must-eat item in Guadalajara! For a local favorite, head to Tortas El Profe Jimenez (Calle Andrés Terán 841) and Tortas y Tacos Los Güeros (Calle Juan Álvarez 1804).
Alcalde: Honored as one of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, chef Francisco Ruano’s Alcalde definitely needs to be on your itinerary. The interiors showcase colorful accents, and a glimpse into the kitchen through the glass floor to ceiling windows. We opted for the tasting menu, composed with modern Mexican dishes, which altogether rounded out the whole experience. (Av. México 2903)
Magno Brasserie: The lit floor to ceiling bar is enough to invite you in, but the menu is guaranteed to make you stay. The menu features Franco-Mexican cuisine, lead by Australian chef Paul Bentley. It was most definitely one of the highlights of our trip, and I still dream about the beef tartare and tuna with foie gras dish. (Calle José Guadalupe Zuno Hernández 2061)
Drink
De la O: Located in the historic center of Guadalajara, this is a lovely spot to sip and nibble away. The menu offers a nice range of mezcal, tequila (and other agave spirits) , as well as house wines, and of course beers. Salty snacks + booze, what more could you ask for. (Calle Argentina 70)
El Gallo Altanero: Follow the staircase at Fitzroy Espresso Bar, and you will find this quaint watering hole pouring a wide variety of agave spirits from Tequila and beyond, and mixed cocktails. Order the elote, you won’t regret it. (Calle Marsella 126)
Cantina La Fuente: This quintessential bar is of the oldest and most traditional cantinas in Guadalajara. After walking around Downtown’s Plaza de Liberación, it is the perfect spot to stop for a refreshing icy cold beer and some spicy snacks. It was once known, as exclusively only being open to male visitors, but is now one of the city’s most bustling cantinas. You’ll notice an iconic bicycle mounted on the wall, which legend has it was left behind for payment many years ago, but the bar patron was said to never return for it. (Calle Pino Suárez 78)
Coffee
Fitzroy Espresso Bar: A wonderful spot for a midday cup of coffee. We stopped here between museum visits and lunch, and it was the ideal spot to recharge. (Calle Marsella 126 / shares the same address with El Gallo Altanero)
Cafe Rin Tin Tin: A tiny coffee shop, with delightful baked goods, for that morning sweet tooth. (Calle Morelos 1196)
See
Mercado San Juan de Dios: Known as the largest indoor market in Latin America, Mercado San Juan de Dios is one for the senses. The different levels in the market are filled with a variance of aromas such as both fresh leather, and food cooking at the numerous stands. Grab a torta ahogada, or a piping hot bowl of pozole to fuel yourself before wandering around to see all of the goods and souvenirs to bring back home.
Hospicio Cabañas: Known as one of the oldest, and largest hospital complexes in the Americas, Hospicio Cabañas is absolutely stunning! In 1796 Mexico City architect, Manuel Tolså designed the structure. The design is said to be based on Les Invalides in Paris, and El Escorial in Madrid. It’s most certainly a must see while you are visiting Guadalajara. (Calle Cabañas 8)
Stroll the City’s Center: Strolling the historic city’s center, is a must when we visit large cities. There’s nothing like taking in all of the sights and sounds of Downtown areas. Guadalajara’s city center is nothing short of amazing when it comes to the architectural beauty of the nearby cathedral, and other notable buildings in the area.
Casa Taller José Clemente Orozco: Being able to visit José Clemente Orozco’s former workshop and home, opened by his widow Margarita Valladares in 1951, is a great way to see some of the artist’s work. (Calle Aurelio Aceves 27)
Things to Know
Uber is available in Guadalajara and probably the best way to move around the city
Heavy rain falls in the months of June, July, August and September
Tequila, Jalisco is only a short 40 minute drive