Jalisco, Mexico

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is Mexico's second city, the home of mariachi and tequila, with a colonial centre of plazas and José Clemente Orozco's murals.

Guadalajara: Guadalajara City Center Walking Tour
Featured walk: Guadalajara City Center Walking Tour · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Guadalajara was founded by the Spanish in 1542. Its historic centre is laid out around four plazas in the shape of a cross.

The centre is walkable, from the cathedral to the Hospicio Cabañas and the San Juan de Dios market.

What makes Guadalajara distinctive

  • Orozco's murals
  • Mariachi music
  • The cathedral and plazas
  • The San Juan de Dios market

Walking tours in Guadalajara

Hand-picked guided walks in Guadalajara, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

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By theme: Food tours in Guadalajara · History walks in Guadalajara

Compare with other cities: Food tours · History walks

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • Centro Histórico

    Plazas and churches.

  • Tlaquepaque

    A crafts town nearby.

  • Colonia Americana

    Cafés and old houses.

Free self-guided walk

Cathedral to Cabañas

A free self-guided walk in Guadalajara, from the cathedral along Plaza Tapatía to the Hospicio Cabañas and San Juan de Dios market.

1.9 km · 5 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. Plaza Tapatía

    Pedestrian route to the Cabañas.

  2. Avenida Chapultepec

    Cafés.

  3. Paseo Alcalde

    A pedestrian street.

Practical walking notes

  • Terrain

    Flat.

  • Sun

    Strong sun; carry water.

  • Rain

    Afternoon storms in summer.

When to visit

  • Dry season

    November to May is best.

  • September

    Mariachi festival.

  • Summer

    Rainy afternoons.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By air

    Guadalajara Airport is about 30 minutes away.

Local transport

  • Light rail

    Lines cross the city.

  • Ride-hailing

    Widely used.

Questions travellers ask about Guadalajara

How many days do I need?

Two or three days.

Is Tequila nearby?

Yes, about an hour away.

Where can I hear mariachi?

At Plaza de los Mariachis or in Tlaquepaque.

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Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-28. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.