From essential local cuisine to the coloured grand houses in the village of Tlaquepaque, Outlook Recommends the best places to visit in Guadalajara.
Eat:
FOR QUALITY AND CHARACTER…
Alcalde is a restaurant which combines culinary heritage with modern gastronomy and does so with flavour and affection. With an à la carte and a tasting menu, Executive Chef, Paco Ruano, adheres to the cycles of the Earth with fresh local and seasonal ingredients with worldwide influences but still rooted in the Jalisco region.
FOR AN AUTHENTIC STREET FOOD EXPERIENCE…
Birrieria la Victoria is located in the Santa Teresita neighbourhood and is a local institution, first opening its doors in 1948. Primarily serving goat birria with pieces of veal, there is also an option for a mixed bowl of bien doradito (crispy cuts). Additionally, an order of beans and a mild ranchero salsa or a chile de arbol salsa are recommended.
Do:
FOR A HIGH-SPIRITED EVENING…
By day, Plaza de los Mariachis, the birthplace of mariachi music, is a charismatic narrow street with charming old buildings. However, it bursts into life by night with beer-swilling patrons listening to mariachi musicians and bands playing requests, decked out in full regalia. Indeed, the city hosts the annual International Mariachi Festival in celebration of the unique music.
FOR A CHANGE OF SCENERY…
The cobbled streets and beautiful coloured grand houses in the tranquil, historic village of Tlaquepaque. Although it is surrounded by the modern metropolis, it has a distinctly different vibe from the rest of Guadalajara, despite being only 10 kilometres from the city’s downtown area. Handcrafted artisan shops line the Calle Independencia, as well as a shop selling the most extensive range of commercially available tequila, which is featured in the Guinness Book of World Records!
Sleep:
FOR A BUSINESS OR LEISURE STOP…
The Westin Guadalajara offers pet-friendly hotel rooms for groups and families with many dining options and a wellness centre in the prestigious location of the Residencial del Bosque. The hotel is situated in the district directly across from the Expo Guadalajara convention centre, a major venue for events, exhibitions, and congresses.
FOR AN INSPIRATIONAL STAY…
Villa Ganz Hotel Boutique is listed as Guadalajara’s first boutique hotel. It is located in the heart of the Lafayette Colony, which has a particular European architectural aesthetic and features a tropical interior garden, porch, and terrace. Within the walls of a 1930s mansion, it has 10 fully restored rooms spread over two floors, with antique, classic, and modern furniture and items.
