Even if you’ve been to Mexico you might not have experienced the delights of the city of Guadalajara. There’s so much to do and see here, and it’s own distinct culture is ripe for exploration. It pays off to know a bit about visiting the city and what to do there, and that’s what we’re about to talk about today.
1. Avoid Visiting in July if You Plan on Spending a Lot of Time Outdoors
If you’re heading to Guadalajara with the intention of doing a lot of walking and outdoor exploring, you should probably think carefully about the time of year you visit the city. A lot of people assume July, being a summer month, would be a good time to visit. But that’s a month when the city and surrounding areas actually experience a lot of rain.
2. Try Guadalajara’s Traditional Food and Drink
One of the best things about spending time in Guadalajara is the food and drink you’ll find there. You might think you know Mexican food, but until you’ve experienced the traditional torta ahogada of Guadalajara, you’ve seen nothing. It’s a Mexican pork sandwich with a generous helping of chilli pepper sauce. And the best local drink is undoubtedly Tejuino.
3. Expand Your Travels to the Surrounding Towns
There’s a lot to do and see in Guadalajara but there are also lots of other surrounding towns that you might want to explore while you’re in the region. Chapala is a beautiful town sitting on a lake, and towns such as Tonalá and Mazamitla are worth your time as well.
4. Look for Accommodation Outside the City Center
There’s a lot to like about the city center, but many people feel safer and find better accommodation in the less central parts of the city. There are plenty of good Guadalajara hotels to choose from, and you’ll find some of the best in areas of the city such as Colonia Providencia. So it might pay off to look beyond the city center.
5. Watch a Mariachi Band Perform
Mariachi music is one of the most important things about the culture of Guadalajara. Seeing an authentic mariachi music band play live in person is a lot of fun and something that you should certainly seek out. It’s one of those experiences that’s as local as you can get, so don’t miss out.
6. Learn About the Transport System Before You Visit if You Plan on Using It
One of the things that’s not so easy to get to grips with as a tourist in Guadalajara is the public transport system. Be sure to get as much information about it as possible and learn about the routes you’re most likely to need to use as it’s not easy to get that information on the ground.
Each of the tips here will help you get more out of your travels in Guadalajara, Mexico, so be sure to make the most of them. It’s a city full of life and culture, so there’s plenty to enjoy there.
