Compare Cheap 3 Star Hotels

Guadalajara, the Pearl of the West, is a charming, historic city and the capital of Mexico's Jalisco district. The city offers travelers sights including museums, parks, churches, and open-air markets. Entertainment options include bullfights, rodeos and soccer games. As the birthplace of mariachi, Guadalajara has music coming out of its ears. Attractions including the Zoologico Guadalajara with more than 2,000 animals on display, and the Guachimontones Pyramids make the city a favorite among international travelers.

Key facts

The Zocalo, city square, is the heart of Guadalajara, dominated by the twin towers of the Gualajara Cathedral, originally constructed in 1541. Within walking distance of the Zocalo are many hotel options as well as the Libertad Market; the largest outdoor market in the Western Hemisphere, with thousands of vendors selling everything from DVDs to fresh produce.

Nearby are the towns of Tequila, the birthplace of the drink of the same name, and Tlaquepaque and Tonala, where you’ll find hundreds of artisans selling handcrafted art. A short drive south of the city takes you to Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), Mexico's third-busiest airport.

Hints and tips

The weather in Guadalajara is warm year-round, rarely exceeding 95 degrees or falling below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Guadalajara has nightlife around every corner, and many of the clubs with dress codes and covers are located in Zapopan near Patria.