Curator’s statement
Guadalajara swept me off my feet with its rich culture, joyful spirit and true sense of place. I visited during the International Mariachi Festival, standing under a canopy of colorful flags in the zócalo as world-renowned bands played live — it was one of the most beautiful and emotional travel moments I’ve experienced. From tequila tastings in agave fields to boutique-lined streets in Colonia Americana, the city is full of texture, flavor and soul. Guadalajara is a perfect blend of tradition and creativity — and still feels like a hidden gem.
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Things to do in Guadalajara
All aboard the Jose Cuervo Express — a perfect day trip of tequila, culture, and celebration.
Attend the International Mariachi Festival: If you're visiting in August, this is a must. The city fills with color, music and joy during this annual celebration. I stood under a tent of colorful streamer flags in the zócalo while world-renowned mariachi bands played — locals danced, sang along and the atmosphere was unforgettable.
Ride the Jose Cuervo Express to Tequila: This day trip blends luxury and festive energy. Enjoy appetizers, tequila tastings, cocktails and live music on board. Then tour the Jose Cuervo distillery, watch folklórico and mariachi performances in a lush garden amphitheater and witness a live jimador demo in the agave fields. It's an immersive experience — and yes, there are margaritas all along the way!
Explore Colonia Americana: My favorite neighborhood in the city — full of indie coffee shops, vintage boutiques, bold murals and rustic architecture. It’s effortlessly cool and perfect for wandering. I stayed at Casa Habita, which made it easy to soak in the creative local energy.
Wander through Tlaquepaque: This artsy district is known for its galleries, vibrant streets and traditional charm. I loved browsing ceramics and folk art, and even got a fortune from a tiny trained bird that pecks out your ticket!
Visit the Guadalajara Cathedral & Centro Histórico: The historic heart of the city, home to grand colonial architecture and wide plazas. Even if you’ve seen a cathedral or two, this one is worth it — especially when live mariachi music fills the square.
Take a distillery tour in Tequila or Amatitán: If you don’t ride the train, you can still enjoy excellent tequila tours in the region. Many distilleries offer tastings, agave field tours and the chance to learn about this iconic Mexican spirit.
Enjoy the street art scene: Murals are everywhere in Guadalajara, especially in Colonia Americana and surrounding neighborhoods. Spend time just walking and letting the art guide you — it’s like an open-air museum of color and commentary.
Places to eat & drink in Guadalajara
Casa Luna’s magical ambiance makes it just as much a visual experience as a culinary one
Habanero Negro: One of the best tacos I’ve ever had — hands down. The flavors are bold and creative, with an upscale-yet-casual vibe that makes you want to order everything on the menu. A must-stop for taco lovers.
Restaurante Alcalde: This is Guadalajara’s fine dining standout — and a gem that’s surprisingly accessible. Chef Paco Ruano’s seasonal tasting menus spotlight Mexican ingredients in refined, thoughtful ways. We were blown away by the service and creativity.
Karne Garibaldi: Come hungry and order the local specialty: carne en su jugo. This quick-service institution is always buzzing with locals and serves up fast, flavorful bowls of beef in broth, topped with beans, bacon and onions. Classic, comforting and deeply satisfying.
Casa Luna (Tlaquepaque): A colorful, romantic spot right in the heart of artsy Tlaquepaque. The ambiance is magical — lanterns, flowers and art everywhere — and the traditional Jalisco dishes are just as memorable. Great for a long, leisurely lunch or dinner.
Palreal: One of Guadalajara’s most stylish cafés and brunch spots. Known for their lonche de pancita (slow-roasted pork sandwich), killer coffee and cool local vibe. Perfect for starting the day or fueling up mid-exploring.
El Terrible Juan Café: A tiny but wildly charming café in Colonia Americana with excellent coffee, pastries and people-watching. The kind of place that makes you want to linger. It’s also right near boutique shops and murals.
Santo Coyote: For a festive dinner out, Santo Coyote is a fun and flavorful pick. Live mariachi, mezcal cocktails and traditional dishes in a lush courtyard setting — a great place to bring a group or celebrate.
Need to know
Guadalajara is an easy city to navigate, with friendly locals and a slower, more soulful pace than Mexico City. Most neighborhoods are walkable, but rideshares like Uber are affordable and reliable for getting around. August can be rainy — pack a light rain jacket or umbrella, especially if you're attending the Mariachi Festival. Make time for both the modern (Colonia Americana) and the traditional (Tlaquepaque, Centro Histórico) — the contrast is what makes the city shine. And don’t leave without trying carne en su jugo, tortas ahogadas and a proper tequila tasting — they’re local treasures.
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