Where to stay

Stay in Tlaquepaque to experience authentic life in Guadalajara. Stroll along its old cobbled streets to stop at local art galleries and taste spicy cuisine. Accommodations in Centro Histórica are ideal for visiting the cathedral and central plazas to soak up the historic atmosphere. If staying in this area, make your night special with dinner at one of the fine restaurants and an end to the evening at a cool bar with a live band. The Downtown Guadalajara neighborhood is brimming with different architectural styles and Mexican murals. Walk or bike from your hotel to do some exploring and stop for Mexican coffee and tasty tapas. Meanwhile, Tequila is often on lists of places to visit. About a 1-hour drive from the city center, this volcanic valley is the home of Mexico's national spirit, where tours and tequila tastings are at the top of the agenda.

Accommodations in the El Palomar district are good options for families for a great park with zip lines, paintball, off-road go-karts, and climbing walls. Hotels in Lake Chapala, about a 40-minute drive from the Guadalajara city center, provide easy access to waterfront walks where local ice cream and fresh coconut offer refreshing snacks. This area has great places for family swims. Quaint hotels in nearby Ajijic are good for a family vacation as the area features stunning waterfalls and kid-friendly pools. Stay in Tlajomulco de Zuniga and drive to a local lake to enjoy a picnic along the waterfront or a few rounds on the golf course.

For high-end shopping and upscale restaurants, accommodations in Providencia are a good choice. Hotels here are also close to cool cafés and bars. To try authentic Mexican food and stock up on local products, book a stay near the buzzing Guadalajara Farmer's Market. Consider a hotel in Zapopan, with its 17th-century basilica and seafood market, to be closer to La Gran Plaza Fashion Mall. Those interested in unique souvenirs should stay in Chapalita, where local artists sell their work near Glorieta Chapalita on Sundays. Alternatively, book accommodations in Tonala for its glass-blowing workshops and live music in restaurants during dinner.