15-Day City Experiences Itinerary for Guadalajara, Mexico

  • Day 1: Historic Downtown
    20 minutes (11.2 km) from Guadalajara International Airport

    Start your trip exploring the Historic Downtown of Guadalajara, also known as the Centro Historico. Visit the Paseo Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage site and museum, and the Teatro Degollado, a neoclassical-style theater. Walk around the main square, Plaza de Armas, and admire the stunning Catedral de Guadalajara before visiting the Mercado de San Juan de Dios for a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine.

  • Day 2: Zapopan
    30 minutes (12.5 km) from Historic Downtown

    Head to the neighboring city of Zapopan to explore the Basilica de Zapopan, an important religious site and pilgrimage destination. Take a relaxing walk in the nearby Bosque Los Colomos, a large park filled with walking trails and gardens. End the day with a visit to the quirky Museo Trompo Mágico, an interactive museum perfect for families.

  • Day 3: Tlaquepaque
    20 minutes (11.6 km) from Historic Downtown

    Visit the charming town of Tlaquepaque, famous for its arts and crafts. Walk along the cobblestone streets and admire the colorful buildings before visiting the Museo Pantaleón Panduro, a folk art museum. Shop for souvenirs at the Mercado de Artesanías San Pedro Tlaquepaque and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants that serve traditional Mexican cuisine.

  • Day 4: Guadalajara Zoo
    20 minutes (9.9 km) from Historic Downtown

    Spend the day at the Zoologico Guadalajara, one of the best zoos in Mexico. See animals from all over the world, including giraffes, lions, and elephants. Take a ride on the aerial tram for a bird's-eye view of the park. End the day with a picnic at the beautiful Barranca de Huentitán, a natural reserve with stunning views.

  • Day 5: Chapultepec Avenue
    10 minutes (4.5 km) from Historic Downtown

    Explore one of the trendiest areas in Guadalajara, the Avenida Chapultepec. This lively avenue is filled with cafes, bookstores, bars, and restaurants. Visit the Plaza de las Estrellas and see the statues and murals of some of Mexico's most famous actors and artists. End the day with a visit to the Expiatorio Temple, a stunning neo-Gothic style church.

  • Day 6: Guadalajara Cathedral
    10 minutes (3.3 km) from Historic Downtown

    Visit the Catedral de Guadalajara, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Admire the stunning architecture and artwork inside the cathedral before heading to the nearby Hospicio Cabañas, a former hospital turned museum filled with art and history. End the day with a relaxing walk around the Parque Agua Azul, a beautiful park with fountains and gardens.

  • Day 7: Mercado de San Juan de Dios
    5 minutes (1.6 km) from Historic Downtown

    Visit one of the largest indoor markets in Latin America, the Mercado de San Juan de Dios. Browse through the over 3,000 stands selling everything from food to clothes to souvenirs. Sample delicious dishes at the food court before visiting the Palacio de Gobierno, a beautiful government building with murals depicting the history of Jalisco. End the day with a drink at the rooftop bar at Hotel Solar de las Animas, with stunning views of the city.

  • Day 8: Museum Day
    15 minutes (6.2 km) from Historic Downtown

    Visit some of the best museums in Guadalajara. Start with the Museo de Arqueología de Occidente de México, an archaeological museum with pre-Columbian artifacts. Head to the Museo Regional de Guadalajara, a museum with exhibits on the history and culture of Jalisco. End the day with a visit to the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, an art museum housed in a former orphanage with stunning murals by Jose Clemente Orozco.

  • Day 9: Hospicio Cabañas
    10 minutes (3.6 km) from Historic Downtown

    Explore the Paseo Hospicio Cabañas, a vast cultural complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the Hospicio Cabañas Museum with its Orozco murals, and the Casa ITESO Clavigero, a cultural center and former monastery. For a relaxing end to the day, check out the Bioparque Estrella Wildlife Park, with fun activities like a Safari and water park.

  • Day 10: Tonala Market
    30 minutes (16.3 km) from Historic Downtown

    Visit the Mercado de Artesanías El Parián in the town of Tonalá, known for its traditional crafts, including pottery, woodwork, and textiles. Shop the stalls for souvenirs and gifts before heading to the Casa Museo Sergio Bustamante, a gallery and museum showcasing the works of Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants offering tasty Mexican and international cuisine.

  • Day 11: Illusion Museum
    20 minutes (13.6 km) from Historic Downtown

    Discover the amazing world of illusions at the Museo de las Ilusiones Guadalajara, with interactive exhibits and mind-bending puzzles. Continue the day by visiting the Biblioteca Vasconcelos, a modern library with a unique architecture and design. End the day with a visit to the Tequila Herradura distillery, one of the oldest and most famous tequila producers in Mexico.

  • Day 12: Guachimontones Pyramids
    1 hour 10 minutes (59.6 km) from Historic Downtown

    Explore the ancient ruins of Guachimontones, a pre-Columbian archeological site with fascinating pyramids and structures. Learn about the mysterious culture that inhabited the area before heading back to the city to visit the Museo del Periodismo y las Artes Gráficas, a museum celebrating Mexican journalism and graphic arts. End the day with a performance at the Teatro Diana, a cultural center with a varied program of music, theater, and dance.

  • Day 13: Guadalajara Markets
    20 minutes (9.3 km) from Historic Downtown

    Visit two of the most popular markets in Guadalajara. Start with the Mercado de la Soledad, where you'll find fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat, as well as antiques and crafts. Head to the Mercado San Juan de Dios to browse through the many stalls selling traditional clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. End the day with a visit to the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, an art museum housed in a former orphanage with stunning murals by Jose Clemente Orozco.

  • Day 14: Guadalajara Botanical Garden
    20 minutes (8.5 km) from Historic Downtown

    Discover the amazing flora and fauna of Mexico at the Casa Ecológica Mercado Orgánico y Jardín Botánico, a botanical garden filled with plants and animals from all over the country. Learn about sustainable living and eco-friendly practices at the nearby Museo de las Artes Populares de Jalisco, a museum with exhibits on traditional arts and crafts. End the day with a relaxing stroll in the Parque Mirador Independencia, a park with stunning views of the city.

  • Day 15: Guadalajara Food Tour
    10 minutes (3.6 km) from Historic Downtown

    Spend your last day in Guadalajara experiencing the city's rich culinary scene. Start with a breakfast at La Chata de Guadalajara, a traditional restaurant serving Mexican comfort food. Visit the Tequila Express to learn about the tequila-making process and sample different varieties of this iconic Mexican drink. End the day with dinner at the trendy La Panga del Impostor, a seafood bar with a rotating menu that features local and seasonal ingredients.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Paseo Hospicio Cabañas (1-3 hours, free)
  • Teatro Degollado (1-2 hours, $5)
  • Plaza de Armas (30 minutes-1 hour, free)
  • Mercado de San Juan de Dios (1-2 hours, food and souvenirs prices vary)
  • Basilica de Zapopan (1-2 hours, free)
  • Bosque Los Colomos (2-3 hours, free)
  • Museo Trompo Mágico (1-2 hours, $8)
  • Zoologico Guadalajara (4-6 hours, $10)
  • Avenida Chapultepec (2-4 hours, food and drinks prices vary)
  • Expiatorio Temple (30 minutes-1 hour, free)
  • Hospicio Cabañas Museum (2-4 hours, $2)
  • Museo de Arqueología de Occidente de México (1-2 hours, $3)
  • Museo Regional de Guadalajara (2-3 hours, $2)
  • Instituto Cultural Cabañas (2-4 hours, $2)
  • Mercado de Artesanías El Parián (1-3 hours, souvenir prices vary)
  • Museo de las Ilusiones Guadalajara (1-2 hours, $12)
  • Biblioteca Vasconcelos (1-2 hours, free)
  • Tequila Herradura (1-2 hours, $15-$20)
  • Guachimontones (3-4 hours, $8)
  • Mercado de la Soledad (1-2 hours, food and souvenir prices vary)
  • Museo de las Artes Populares de Jalisco (1-2 hours, $3)
  • Casa Ecológica Mercado Orgánico y Jardín Botánico (2-4 hours, $6)
  • La Chata de Guadalajara (1-2 hours, $10-$20)
  • Tequila Express Tour (4-6 hours, $65)
  • La Panga del Impostor (1-2 hours, $20-$30)
  • Rooftop Bar at Hotel Solar de las Animas (1-2 hours, $15-$20)
Total Estimated Costs: $141-$200 per person

Transportation

Guadalajara is a walkable

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