Guadalajara is one of the most happening cities in Mexico. Situated in the western part of the country, Guadalajara is famous for so many reasons. First of all, it is the home of tequila and mariachi music, so that alone gives you enough reasons to visit!
However, beyond that, there are so many things to see and experience, so switch up your plan and come see Guadalajara!
What to Do
The Hospicio Cabañas is one of the first places you have to go to in Guadalajara. It was built in the late 18th century as a hospital but was also used as an orphanage and more. Now, it’s function is a museum that displays murals from Jose Clemente Orozco. Not just that, but UNESCO also recognizes it as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity site.
If you love theater and performance, then Teatro Degollado is the place for you. Built in 1866, this neoclassical-style building is stunning on its own, even just to look at from the outside. But, on the inside, the lavish building is adorned in tons of ornate decorations, and hosts outstanding performances of all sorts!
The Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco is another must-see site in the city. It’s the center of the state government, and the building is nearly 250 years old. The best part is that it’s open to the public most days of the week for free, and there you can see four of Jose Clemente Orozco’s mural.
If you only go to one museum, though you should definitely go to more, the National Institute of Anthropology and History is the place to go. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing artifacts and cultures that make up the region and Mexico as a whole. This preservation is so vital in order to keep indigenous people’s stories alive and known to the public, as well as showing the rich history of the land; it is a very powerful place to be.
The Cathedral of Guadalajara is a beautiful neo-gothic building in the center of the city, and it’s just something you cannot miss seeing even if you tried! So go in and have a look around at this magnificent church.
What to Eat
There is so much amazing food in Guadalajara, and the one thing you have to try is the famous tortas ahogadas, which literally means drowned sandwich. This sandwich is made of special bread only found in Guadalajara, topped with spicy tomato sauce, and full of goods like fried pork and more.
The best place to go for this staple is Tortas Ahogadas Mr. Paco’s and is famous around the city for its tortas ahogadas and more!
To satisfy your sweet tooth, try jericallas, a dessert that is a combination of flan and creme brulee, so you know you can’t go wrong. This treat is found all over the city, in little bakeries or on the street, and is served cold so don’t be alarmed if you were expecting something hot!
