About Guadalajara
Guadalajara is the capital and most populous city of the western Mexican state of Jalisco, as well as the most densely populated municipality in Jalisco. According to the 2020 census, the city has a population of 1,385,629 people, making it the 8th most populous city in Mexico, while the Guadalajara metropolitan area has a population of 5,268,642, making it the third-largest metropolitan area in the country and the twenty-second largest metropolitan area in the Americas. Guadalajara has the second-highest population density in Mexico with over 10,361 people per km2, surpassed only by Mexico City. Within Mexico, Guadalajara is a center of business, arts and culture, technology and tourism; as well as the economic center of the Bajío region. It usually ranks among the 100 most productive and globally competitive cities in the world.
Places to visit in Guadalajara
-
Guadalajara Cathedral
ReligiousThe city's main cathedral, with distinctive twin yellow spires, surrounded by plazas. Walk around the four plazas that frame it to see the historic center.
-
Hospicio Cabañas
MuseumA UNESCO-listed former orphanage famous for its powerful murals by José Clemente Orozco. Lie down on the benches in the main chapel to view the dome mural more comfortably.
-
Tlaquepaque
Neighborhood · 4 mi from centreA historic town within the metro area known for crafts, galleries and mariachi music. Visit El Parián plaza in the afternoon to hear live mariachi bands.
-
Teatro Degollado
EntertainmentA neoclassical theater with an elaborately painted ceiling, home to the state philharmonic. Try to catch a Sunday morning performance by the university folkloric ballet.
-
San Juan de Dios Market
MarketOne of the largest indoor markets in Latin America, selling food, crafts and clothing. Head upstairs to the food stalls for inexpensive local dishes like birria.
-
Tequila
Neighborhood · 35 mi from centreThe town that gave its name to Mexico's famous spirit, surrounded by blue agave fields. Take a distillery tour, and consider the tequila train to avoid driving back.
-
Lake Chapala
Nature · 37 mi from centreMexico's largest freshwater lake, with lakeside towns popular with expats and weekend visitors. Stroll the lakeside malecón in the town of Ajijic and browse its many small art galleries.
-
Guachimontones
HistoricA pre-Hispanic site known for its unusual circular stepped pyramids. Visit the small on-site museum first to understand the ancient culture that built them, and bring a hat for sun.
Top experiences in Guadalajara
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 29 available.
Explore Guadalajara by bus - City tour
From $16 per adult
Tequila Experience Route - Tour
From $92 per adult
Guadalajara Walking Tour
From $53 per adult
Jose Cuervo Express Experience
From $171 per adult
Fiesta at Night - Guadalajara
From $103 per adult
Explore Arenal Jalisco with Tequila Tasting - Full-Day Tour
From $54 per adult
Explore Chapala and Ajijic - Full-Day Tour
From $54 per adult
Jose Cuervo Express Train - Premium Plus Experience
From $193 per adult
Chapala and Ajijic
From $51 per adult
Art Crawl - Half-Day Tour
From $77 per adult
Mexican Pubs and Fiesta Tour
From $84 per adult
Guadalajara and Tequila -With Lunch
From $184 per adult
Best time to visit Guadalajara
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Guadalajara is October to February, when average daytime highs are around 77–82°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Guadalajara weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 82° 62° 2%
- Thu 12 Nov 76° 63° 25%
- Fri 13 Nov 79° 57° 12%
- Sat 14 Nov 78° 55° 6%
- Sun 15 Nov 81° 55° 2%
- Mon 16 Nov 81° 56° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Mexican peso (MXN)1 US dollar ≈ $18.6
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +52
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Mexico_CityUTC−6
- Capital
- Mexico City
Upcoming public holidays in Mexico
- Revolution DayDía de la Revolución
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
- Benito Juárez's birthdayNatalicio de Benito Juárez
- Labour DayDía del Trabajo
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Guadalajara
These are the airports closest to central Guadalajara. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- GDL Guadalajara-M. Hidalgo y Costilla11 mi (18 km) from the city centre
Getting around Guadalajara
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.
By bike
Guadalajara integrates bike rentals in its urban transportation plan. Racks of sturdy rental bikes, most painted green and emblazoned with "Mi Bici" logos, are located in high traffic areas including many city parks, Metro stations, and bus stops. The Mi Bici web site provides a site map showing the locations of bike rental kiosks. Bikes can be rented via an annual subscription (about M$470) or on a temporary basis.
By bus
For finding connections, Moovit and Google Maps cover the city including the subway. Regular buses are green or red and have a "Mi Transporte" logo on the side, they cost M$9.50 (Dec 2023) and cover almost every city street. You can pay with the public transport card or in cash. You don't get change. If paying with a bill, you can fold it and push it through the coin slot inside the bus.
By taxi
Taxis are another option if you don't want to try to figure out the buses. You can either agree on a price with the cab driver or ask him to turn the meter on. Using the latter option, there is a risk that the driver won't the take the shortest possible route if he thinks you don't know it yourself. The meter will normally be a better price than the price the hotel will tell you to pay if they call you a cab. As always, be sure to ask the fare before you get in.
Guadalajara travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Guadalajara?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Guadalajara is October to February, when average daytime highs are around 77–82°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in Guadalajara?
May is usually the warmest month in Guadalajara, with average highs of 94°F (35°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 55°F (13°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 201 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Guadalajara?
Guadalajara-M. Hidalgo y Costilla (GDL) is the closest airport, about 11 miles (18 km) from the centre of Guadalajara.
What currency is used in Guadalajara?
Guadalajara uses the Mexican peso (MXN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $18.6.
What time zone is Guadalajara in?
Guadalajara uses the America/Mexico_City time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Guadalajara?
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.
What are the best places to visit in Guadalajara?
Top sights in Guadalajara include Guadalajara Cathedral, Hospicio Cabañas, Tlaquepaque and Teatro Degollado. The city's main cathedral, with distinctive twin yellow spires, surrounded by plazas. Walk around the four plazas that frame it to see the historic center.
What are the top things to do in Guadalajara?
Popular experiences you can book in Guadalajara include Explore Guadalajara by bus - City tour, Tequila Experience Route - Tour and Guadalajara Walking Tour. Destina Holidays offers 29 tours and activities here.
