25 Photos of Guadalajara, Mexico That’ll Make You Want to Book a Visit Right Now
Drawn by its unique blend of tradition and modernity, tourists are flocking to Mexico’s second-largest city in ever-growing numbers. Known as the birthplace of mariachi and renowned for its impressive colonial architecture, Guadalajara is also a vibrant cosmopolitan hub, with excellent restaurants and nightlife. Check out these 25 stunning photos and see why the elegant city is commonly known as the “Pearl of the West.”
Marvel at Guadalajara’s imposing cathedral.
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The cathedral’s towers and domes are illuminated at night.
The stunning Hospicio Cabañas building is just one of Guadalajara’s architectural highlights.
Teatro Degollado, a neoclassical theater, is known for its impressive architectural design and diverse range of performances.
Los Arcos de Guadalajara is a neoclassical archway and one of Guadalajara’s most iconic monuments.
The Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento is a beautiful neo-gothic church in the heart of Guadalajara.
The church boasts huge and beautifully-detailed stained glass windows, Italian mosaics, and a peaceful inner courtyard.
San Juan de Dios market is Latin America’s largest indoor market, containing nearly 3,000 stalls dedicated to every product imaginable.
Fresh, high-quality meat is sold in the city’s many markets.
Cantarito pots are filled with a potent cocktail of tequila and fruit juices, and are sold in many of the city’s cantinas.
One of Mexico’s most respected restaurants, the walls of El Hueso in Guadalajara are adorned with more than 10,000 white animal bones.
Tortas ahogadas, or drowned bread rolls are Guadalajara’s most iconic food. The spicy dish is made with a birote style of bread and stuffed with cuts of meat or prawns that are submerged in spicy tomato sauce.
One of the most popular varieties of tacos offered in Mexico are al pastor (spit-grilled meat tacos), which are often combined with a chopped pineapple for sweetness.
Despite being more than three hours from the coast, Guadalajara has a wealth of first-rate seafood restaurants.
Western Mexico’s largest metropolis is the birthplace of the mariachi.
The “Jarabe Tapatío,” is the city’s traditional dance.
The dance has come to symbolize Guadalajara both domestically and internationally.
Guadalajara also has an emerging electronic music scene.
Mexican pro wrestling, or lucha libre, is a must-see spectacle for visitors to Guadalajara.
The city is home to Guadalajara Chivas, Mexico’s most popular soccer team, which has a unique tradition of fielding only Mexican players.
The Julián Magdaleno Gym is a tiny, rundown facility that has earned legendary status in the world of sport. The gym has trained five boxing world champions, including middleweight champion Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez.
These bright-colored umbrellas were displayed as part of an art installation in the picturesque district of Tlaquepaque.
Tlaquepaque is internationally renowned for its beautiful art, and the noted Mexican artist and sculptor Sergio Bustamante has a studio in the area.
Situated in the wealthy neighborhood of Providencia, the Colomos Park is particularly popular with Frisbee throwers, yoga practitioners, and runners. The highlight of the park is without doubt the Japanese garden.
The Barranca de Huentitán is a canyon with a depth of nearly 3,500 feet that is a popular place to hike and escape from the bustle of central Guadalajara.
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