• Get to Know Centro: The largest parades surrounding Dia de Los Muertos will take place here. While in the area, be sure to check out Plaza de la Liberación, where the following landmarks are located: Catedral de Guadalajara, Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, and Teatro Degollado (beautiful interior—return for an evening performance if desired).

• Don’t Miss Hospicio Cabañas: Formerly an orphanage, church, and hospital complex, this famed early-19th-century building is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and museum filled with 57 frescoes—a stunning sight to behold.

• Check Out Mercado Libertad - San Juan de Dios: A guided tour is strongly recommended to best tackle Latin America’s largest indoor market in a safe and efficient manner. Don’t miss sampling staples of the region including tortas ahogadas (though a favorite delightfully-messy riff on the original “drowned sandwich” can be found at Tortas Lokas y Kaliente) and tejuino (a cold fermented corn beverage) at Tejuino El Güero.

• Spend Time in Tlaquepaque: The other epicenter of Guadalajara’s Dia de Los Muertos festivities, this fun-and-colorful neighborhood is a thirty-minute drive from Centro and an absolute must see. Prepare for crowds, dress up (bonus points for face paint!), and spend anywhere from a few hours to a full day wandering through festive streets complete with live music, small shops, and colorful “ofrendas” constructed in memory of lost loved ones.

• Explore Colonia Americana: Voted the best neighborhood worldwide(!) by TimeOut magazine in late 2022, this trendy area is marked by tree-lined streets with colorful and poignant murals and is home to dozens of cute restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops.

• Take in the Nightlife: Bar-hop down lively Avenida Chapultepec and end the night dancing at Bar Americas. This city is also extremely LGBTQ-friendly, featuring a massive gay nightclub scene, of which Envy and Xico are top choices.

• Taste Pulque: Known as the “drink of the Gods,” this pre-Hispanic beverage and quasi-kombucha cousin made from fermented agave sap is perhaps less top-of-mind than tequila for the average traveler. Pulque is near-impossible to find fresh outside of certain regions in Mexico, so be sure to take advantage while in GDL and treat your gut to a sampling at Pulquería La Chukirruki.

• Laugh and Cheer at Lucha Libre: A rowdier iteration of fun Mexican wrestling found in other cities—grab a cheap mask outside the arena and enjoy this family-fun spectacle on Sundays and select weeknights.

• Buy Authentic Souvenirs at Tonalá Market: Though somewhat out of the way, this sizable, twice-weekly outdoor market is a treasure-trove of unique items to commemorate your stay. Pro tip: visit on Thursdays rather than Sundays for an even more local experience (with cheaper prices!).

• Stroll Through Bosque los Colomos: Enjoy a quite retreat from the bustling city at the Japanese-inspired garden found inside this large city park.

Day Trips

• Tequila: with many local distilleries and tour operators to choose from when planning a visit to Tequila’s birthplace, make certain your selected tour includes a stop at Cantaritos el Güero #1 for their delicious namesake drinks served by the barrel(!), live music and dancing, and snacks to refuel. Alternatively, if interested in taking the Jose Cuervo Express train, be sure to book well in advance!

• Lake Chapala: Mexico’s largest lake and its charming surrounding of Chapala and Ajijic have become hubs for retired ex-pats. These picturesque “pueblos mágicos” (magic towns) are worth spending a full day touring together.

To Eat

• Allium: A relaxed ambience featuring creative farm-to-table modern-Mexican dishes, emphasizing hyper-local (rooftop garden!) produce—great for a late lunch and dinner alike. Neighborhood: Colonia Americana.

• Alcalde: The ultimate special occasion spot for the adventurous eater (sit at the chef’s counter!), with an optional tasting menu known to showcase out-of-the-box ingredients (read: insects). Neighborhood: Vallarta Norte.

• Xokol: Another proper “foodie” destination, here, most dishes incorporate corn in some way, shape, or form—to be enjoyed at one long, sleek communal table under a ceiling adorned with hundreds of husks. Neighborhood: Santa Teresita
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• Tacos Fish La Paz: Killer fish tacos in a landlocked city where seafood is less of a major focus—customize toppings on this wallet-friendly fave at DIY stations present throughout the restaurant. Neighborhood: Colonia Americana.

• El Habanero Negro: Enjoy superb chicharron tacos “Lyn Mei” and margaritas in a lively indoor-outdoor elevated bar atmosphere complete with cool branding. Neighborhood: Colonia Americana.

• Restaurante Casa Luna: A worthwhile sit-down meal in Tlaquepaque, complete with festive hacienda vibes, live music, large and tasty tequila cocktails, and traditional Mexican fare to match. Neighborhood: Tlaquepaque Centro.

• Cafe Pal Real: This cute cafe makes the perfect haven for digital nomads or remote workers, and its famed “lonche de panchita” (pork belly sandwich) is well-worth the often-lengthy wait times. Neighborhood: Colonia Arcos Vallarta.

• La Docena: With inspiration from Louisiana and Buenos Aires, this spot works well for any occasion from leisurely lunches to light bites to dinner—highlighting oysters and fresh fish in an upscale neighborhood. Neighborhood: Providencia.

• Hueso: Unique decor makes this sophisticated dinner-only spot a great choice—“hueso” (bone) in varying shades of white adorns every inch of the wall. With long communal tables, brush elbows with “tapatíos” (locals) and tourists alike while sipping excellent cocktails and enjoying a refined Mexican menu. Neighborhood: Lafayette.

To Drink

• Pare de Sufrir Mezcalería: Popular place for mezcal enthusiasts to sample a wide variety while enjoying a fun dance-y energy, disco ball and all. Neighborhood: Colonia Americana.

• De La O Cantina: Another hip and renowned watering hole with excellent “Guadalatiki” craft cocktails and friendly bartenders. Neighborhood: Colonia Americana.

• Bruna: Drinks shine brightest here—prepare for whimsical cocktails in a beautiful garden backdrop. Neighborhood: Arcos Vallarta.