Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco and the “Pearl of the West.” Founded in 1542, Mexico’s second largest city is a bustling metropolis with a colonial heart and a provincial soul. Guadalajara is a center of learning with six universities, two culinary institutes, a renowned philharmonic orchestra and a thriving art scene.
Mexico hotels in Guadalajara range from comfortable hostels to Gran Turismo category with every creature comfort. The city’s vast array of restaurants and eateries offer world class dining along with traditional regional fare. Nightlife is varied and colorful.
![Museo Regional with the Cathedral spires in the background](https://www.mexconnect.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/7938-museoregional-original.jpg)
Industry thrives and for years, clothing and shoe manufacturing have made Guadalajara a mecca for shoppers. The towns of Tonala and Tlaquepaque are famed for their handicrafts.
The city’s mild year-round climate lends itself to outdoor activities like golf and tennis.
Hospitals with state of the art technology provide quality health care.
Fiestas and festivals throughout the year attract locals and visitors alike. Marathons in February and October, a fashion fair in July, the International Mariachi Festival in August and the traditional Fiestas de Octubre (Octoberfest) vie with the International Book Fair — the largest in Latin America, May’s Cultural Festival, and the International Film Festival sponsored by the University of Guadalajara.
The city includes the municipalities of Tlaquepaque, Tonala, Zapopan and Tlajomulco.
This is just a sampling of all Guadalajara has to offer, plus observations by residents and visitors.
Maps
- Map of downtown Guadalajara, Jalisco
- Map of historic center of Guadalajara, Jalisco
- Map of Tlaquepaque, Jalisco
- Map of Tonala, Jalisco
Gastronomy
![Orozco's mural "Man of Fire" in the Cabañas Cultural Institute](https://www.mexconnect.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/7939-mural-original.jpg)
Shopping
Culture
- The museums of Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque
- Murals come to life in the Florence of Mexico: Guadalajara
- Day of the Dead: things to do around Guadalajara
History
- Guadalajara and the Iztepete archeological site
- Railroads in western Mexico: the next train to arrive….
- South of Yesterday: A True Story by Virginia Downs Miller
- Bloody Guzman
Music
![Tlaquepaque street](https://www.mexconnect.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/7940-tlaquepaque-original.jpg)
Some personal and historical views
- People I saw passing by
- Pilgrimage with La Virgen de Zapopan from A House in the Sun by Dane Chandos
- Friday nights in Guadalajara
- Ladies’ day in Guadalajara
- The CEMEX story
- Ed Fesler’s columns about Guadalajara