Where to Stay in Guadalajara – A Guide to the Capital of Jalisco
Guadalajara is the capital city of Jalisco and the third-most populated metropolitan area in Mexico. Located in the western part of the country, Guadalajara is famous for mariachi music, tequila and for being one of Mexico’s most important industrial, cultural and economic hubs. In this post, we will discover the best areas to stay in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The main cultural attractions in Guadalajara’s city center include the lovely Plaza de Armas, Guadalajara Cathedral, the Museum of the Arts University of Guadalajara, the Palacio de Gobierno de Jalisco, the Mercado Libertad, and the Jaliscienses Ilustres Monument. See accommodation in Guadalajara City Center.
Other important attractions in Guadalajara include the Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan, Panteón de Belén, Museo Miraflores, Museo Nacional de Arte Moderno Carlos Mérida, the Railway Museum, or Avenida La Reforma.
Outdoorsy types and nature lovers, as well as those traveling with kids will enjoy attractions like Zoologico Guadalajara, Selva Mágica theme park, Barranca de Oblatos canyon, Bosque Los Colomos, and Trompo Mágico Museum.
Due to its location in western Mexico, Guadalajara has a humid subtropical climate with dry, warm winters and hot, humid summers. During the winter, temperatures typically hover around 10 – 24 ºC. Meanwhile, July can see temperatures of around 17 – 28ºC. Because temperatures remain warm throughout the year, the best time to visit Guadalajara is basically anytime. That said, the summer months tend to be very rainy.
To get to Guadalajara by air, the city is served by the Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport. Located 16 kilometers south of the City Center, this airport is the third-busiest in the country after Mexico City and Cancún. This major hub offers domestic connections to virtually every corner of Mexico and non-stop services to the United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.
A network of long-distance buses also connects Guadalajara to most cities in Mexico. See bus routes, schedules & fares.
Guadalajara has an efficient and well-developed public transportation system consisting of a 3 lines light rail system (known as SITEUR), a bus rapid transit network, several traditional bus lines, taxis, and rental cars. You can rent a cheap car in Guadalajara here.
The best area to stay in Guadalajara is the city’s Historic Center. This central and well-connected area is home to Guadalajara’s main historical and cultural sights, museums, restaurants, nightlife areas, and some of the top hotels in town. See accommodation in Guadalajara Centro Histórico.
Other excellent options when choosing the best location in Guadalajara include Zapopán, Zona Expo / Chapalita, and Tlaquepaque.
Keep reading to find out more about the best location for tourists in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Located in Guadalajara, Hotel Real Maestranza provides accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness center, and a bar. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service, and free WiFi throughout the property.
The Best Areas to Stay in Guadalajara, Mexico
1. Recommended area: Guadalajara City Center
Guadalajara City Center is one of the most interesting areas of the city and one of the places that can not be left in a visit to the state of Jalisco.
The old town of Guadalajara is full of historic buildings, including the spectacular cathedral that dominates the skyline. However, the center also has several more buildings that deserve a visit, including the neoclassical Teatro Degollado, a spectacular theater that often receives the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jalisco.
Another place to take into account is the Cabañas Cultural Institute, declared a World Heritage Site. Other excellent buildings to see are the Government Palace, on the edge of the Plaza de Armas, and the Templo de Santa Teresa de Jesus, a beautiful church.
The Old Town also has excellent traditional bars, in which the shots, the national beer, and the cumbia reign.
The historic center is well connected by the light rail system. The central Juarez station is the connection point of lines 1 and 2. Other relevant stations include Plaza Universidad or San Juan de Dios.
Thanks to its excellent connections, lively nightlife, and its incredible cultural offer and tourist attractions, we can say that the City Center is the best area to stay in Guadalajara.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Guadalajara, Mexico:
- Heart of the city
- Connected by light rail
- Historic buildings
- Great nightlife
- Best area to stay for sightseeing
- Wide range of hotels
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Morales
Located in the heart of downtown Guadalajara, this historic hotel is very close to many places of interest. It offers elegant rooms equipped with the most modern first-class amenities.
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Budget
Hotel Dali Plaza Ejecutivo
This 4-star hotel is just 3 minutes’ walk from Guadalajara Cathedral. The Hotel Dali Plaza Ejecutivo has a lounge, free wireless internet access and rooms with air conditioning.
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Luxury
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Centro Historico
Located in the heart of Guadalajara, a few steps from the areas of historical and cultural interest of the city, this hotel offers facilities such as free local shuttle service within a radius of 10 kilometers.
2. Zapopan
Although it is an independent city, Zapopan is part of the metropolitan area of Guadalajara.
The population of the city of Zapopan itself makes it the second largest city in the state, very close to the population of Guadalajara.
This area is located northwest of downtown Guadalajara.
Its biggest tourist attraction is the Basilica of Zapopan, home of the venerated Virgin of Zapopan, accredited with a series of miracles and even visited by Pope John Paul II.
In the hills of Zapopan are located some of the most exclusive areas of Guadalajara.
Zapopan also hosts the University Cultural Center, which contains one of the most important concert venues in Latin America and the new stadium of the C.D. Guadalajara
Zapopan is, more than an area to stay in Guadalajara, a whole city. The best area to stay within the Zapopan limits is in the vicinity of the basilica , since it is the most picturesque area and has good connections with downtown Guadalajara.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Guadalajara, MX:
- Basílica de Zapopan
- Tourist area
- Best area to stay for a concert
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Country Plaza
This hotel enjoys a central location in the financial district of western Mexico, near the corporate offices of Guadalajara, in Zapopan, Jalisco. It offers quality facilities and delicious places to eat.
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Budget
Hotel Real Zapopan
The Hotel Real Zapopan is located in the center of Zapopan, near the modern financial area of Guadalajara and some of its exclusive shopping centers. It offers a gym, sauna, restaurant and free Wi-Fi.
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Luxury
Hyatt Regency Andares Guadalajara
The Hyatt Regency Andares Guadalajara is ideally located in the Andares district of Guadalajara. The establishment offers a restaurant with contemporary cuisine and a lounge bar with terrace overlooking the Andares development.
3. Zona Expo & Chapalita
Guadalajara’s “Zona Expo” is the largest fairground in the city.
It is located at southeast of downtown Guadalajara, in Colonia Valle Verde.
This exhibition center welcomes more than half of the major trade fair events that take place in Mexico.
Due to the presence of the fairgrounds, the Zona Expo offers a large number of hotels of all types, especially business chains.
Needless to say, the Zona Expo is the best area to stay in Guadalajara for business trips, fairs and congresses.
A few kilometers further north is the Chapalita district, a quiet, peaceful and beautiful area of Guadalajara that becomes very lively during the weekends.
Chapalita is a colony full of restaurants, with a pleasant atmosphere and hotels that tend to be cheaper than those in the city center.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Guadalajara, Mexico:
- Guadalajara’s fairground and conference centers
- Best area for business travelers
- Wide range of accommodation options
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
RIU Plaza Guadalajara
Featuring an outdoor pool and free WiFi, RIU Plaza Guadalajara is 1.5 km from Expo Guadalajara Expo Center. The rooms have air conditioning and an elegant and colorful decoration. There is free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a seating area.
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Budget
Ibeurohotel
Ibeurohotel is located in Guadalajara, 5 km from Guadalajara Cathedral. Near the hotel there are several places of interest, such as the Expo Guadalajara convention center, the Plaza del Sol and the Guadalajara food market. This hotel is located in the Expo Zone.
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Luxury
Westin Guadalajara
The Westin Guadalajara is located in the modern Residencias del Bosque district, opposite the Expo Guadalajara convention center. It offers modern rooms with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV.
4. Tlaquepaque
San Pedro Tlaquepaque, like Zapopan, is an independent city, part of the metropolitan area of Guadalajara.
It is located south of the metropolis.
The tourist industry in Tlaquepaque is focused on the manufacture and sale of pottery, textiles and blown glass crafts.
Its historical center, with a colonial character, has a picturesque architecture, as well as some important tourist attractions such as the Refugio Cultural Center, the Regional Museum of Ceramics, or the Plaza del Jardín Hidalgo with the imposing church of San Pedro Apóstol.
Tlaquepaque is a quiet area to stay in Guadalajara.
This district of the south of Guadalajara is connected to the center of the city by buses.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in GDL:
- Peaceful area
- Streets full of charm
- Museums and cultural attractions
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Posada Margaritas
Offering a garden, bar and free WiFi, Posada Margaritas is located in Guadalajara, 6 km from Guadalajara Cathedral. Nearby attractions include the Tlaquepaque Regional Ceramic Museum and El Parian. It is 8 km from the Jalisco Stadium.
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Budget
Nangpa Hotel
Nangpa Hostel is located in Guadalajara. The property is 4.3 km from Guadalajara Cathedral and free WiFi access is available. The guest house offers a terrace and is 7 km from Jalisco Stadium and 1.1 km from Tlaquepaque Regional Ceramics Museum.
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Luxury
Quinta Don Jose Boutique Hotel
Quinta Don Jose Boutique Hotel is located in Tlaquepaque and features an outdoor pool and a restaurant. It offers free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast. The rooms have cable TV and air conditioning.
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