3 Days of Art & Indulging in Guadalajara & Tequila

Explore history through Guadalajara’s iconic murals

I like to begin by grounding myself in local history at the UNESCO-listed Hospicio Cabañas, home of several murals and ceilings painted by celebrated Mexican muralist José Clemente Orozco. The building itself is worth a visit, but it’s truly the paintings that stand out in my memory. Orozco’s works offer a raw and sometimes brutal portrayal of Mexican history, portraying human suffering and resilience. If, like me, you’re a fan of Orozco, make sure to stop by MUSA (Museo de las Artes de las Universidad de Guadalajara) to see more of his murals—alongside rotating contemporary exhibitions.

Gallery hop through Colonia Americana & beyond

If you’re looking for up-and-coming local artists or a piece of art to take home, I suggest spending a leisurely afternoon hopping between cafes, shops, and galleries in the trendy Colonia Americana neighborhood. My favorite galleries to check out are Sepia, Tiro al Blanco, Travesía Cuatro, Páramo, Curro, and artist-run initiatives such as Espacio Cabeza and Guadalajara 90210. Check their schedules to see what emerging local talents you might discover.

Bring home Guadalajara's famous ceramics

Don’t miss your chance to bring home some beautiful ceramics—a specialty of the region. I’m a big fan of Cerámica Suro, Albergue Transitorio (where you’ll find much more for your home than just ceramics), Chamula Hecho a Mano, Kino, Estudio Popdots, and Estudio Pomelo. The ceramics you’ll find in these workshops combine traditional techniques and modern aesthetics. Given the superb craftsmanship, you’ll likely find yourself wanting to buy more than your suitcase can hold.

Quick jaunt to Tequila

Just an hour from Guadalajara, and easily accessible by rental car or hired driver/guide, you can tour tequila distilleries and sample blancos, reposados, and añejos. My favorite—to drink and to visit—is Fortaleza, known for its outstanding tequilas, beautiful setting, and rich family story. For a comparative tasting, Cascahuin also produces exceptional tequilas and remains a hidden gem outside of Mexico.

My clients know I’ll always include a few suggestions of where to eat and drink. Here are just a few of my favorite spots.

Cocktails & mezcal

Guadalajara’s bar scene is, in my opinion, Mexico’s most enjoyable (shhh, don’t tell my Mexico City friends!). For superb cocktails and welcoming service, I highly recommend El Gallo Altanero. Despite its prestigious spot on the World's 50 Best Bars list, it has a wonderfully relaxed vibe—just be sure to make a reservation. For a chill afternoon with local spirits and snacks, check out Cantina De La O. Later, you can join the lively dance party next door at Pare de Sufrir, my absolute favorite bar in all of Mexico! If dancing isn’t your thing, their sister space, Mezonte, offers tastings of sustainably produced agave spirits from various Mexican regions.

Enjoy the best of Guadalajaran food—high & low

Guadalajara lives up to its reputation as a culinary capital, offering a food scene that truly has it all, from elegant restaurants to incredible street finds. You’ll want to indulge at places like Bruna, where you can taste a dozen different moles in a gorgeous setting, and Xokol, where the focus is on ancestral ingredients in a fine-dining setting. But seriously, don’t miss out on the legendary street food. Start with the famous tortas ahogadas— “drowned sandwiches”—from my go-to spot, Tortas Ahogadas El Profe Jimenez. This street stand is also well-known for their tacos destruidos—a dish I’ve never seen outside of Guadalajara. Just a heads-up: They sell out fast, so aim for an early visit!

Another quintessential Guadalajara dish is birria, a savory, slow-cooked goat stew fragrant with spices. For an authentic experience, I suggest Birrerias La Victoria or David. And as anywhere in Mexico, the best way to get to know the local food scene is at the market. In this case, the Mercado Libertad – San Juan de Dios, one of the largest and most vibrant indoor markets in all of Latin America. You’ll find plenty to satisfy your appetite and to bring home as souvenirs.