In this series, I’ll introduce one fabulous destination and show you where to stay, savor and play on two different budgets. Splurge-worthy picks are all about luxury resorts, fine dining and individualized experiences while budget-friendly ideas offer bargain digs, cheap (but good) eats and free or inexpensive activities to enjoy. I’ll provide money-saving tips (even for the splurges) and ensure that whatever your budget is, you’ll be able to make the most of your vacation.
Highlights of Guadalajara Vacation on Two Budgets
Described as the most Mexican city in all of Mexico, Guadalajara shines as a destination filled with cultural treasures and delectable cuisine. As the city is still under-the-radar (for now), there’s excellent value for your vacation dollars no matter what your budget.
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Luxury
- Stay: an apartment-sized suite at a stylish boutique hotel with sweeping city views and amenities that include a tequila bar and rooftop pool ($500)
- Savor: a ten-course tasting menu with beautifully presented and flavorful fusion creations with wine ($300)
- Play: a private experiential tour of a three-generation workshop in a magical town, where you’ll try your hand at the ceramics the town is famous for ($300)
- Cost for 2: $1100
Budget
- Stay: a newly opened property with sleek modern design, a central inside courtyard and a rooftop bar ($100)
- Savor: cappuccino and chilaquiles, a traditional breakfast dish, at a tropical plant filled café, and Guadalajara’s famous ahogada, ‘drowned sandwich’ at a local chain ($32)
- Play: a visit to the Hospicio Cabanas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its expressive and dramatic frescoes by Jose Clemente Orozco ($8)
- Cost for 2: $140
Stay: Where to sleep in Guadalajara
Our splurge-worthy choice is the Hotel Demetria. This five-star boutique property is located in the trendy Colonia Americana neighborhood, which was voted ‘Best Neighborhood in the World’ by Time Out Magazine, and has some of the city’s most popular restaurants, bars and coffee shops. All of their 37 rooms and six suites offer design-forward interiors with a mix of modern and traditional elements.
For a true luxury experience, choose one of their apartment-sized suites with oversized tubs, a living room and sweeping city views. Amenities include a rooftop pool, jacuzzi, and tequila bar.
Alternative splurge choices include Casa Habita and the newly opened JW Marriot.
SheBuysTravel Money-saving Tip: Hotel rates vary widely and even luxury properties in Guadalajara can be very reasonable, especially when booked mid-week.
Our budget-friendly recommendation, in fact, would count as a luxury pick in other international cities. Hotel Indigo is a recently opened property with sleek modern design, a central inside courtyard and a rooftop bar. The rooms are also stylishly designed and roomy with oversized tubs and ultra-comfortable mattresses and bedding. Yet, rates can often be found for approximately $100.
A more modest option with an average price of less than $50 is Hotel Plaza Diana, which has a central location, clean and comfortable rooms, and indoor pool.
Savor: Where to eat in Guadalajara
The city is a collection of neighborhoods that eventually grew into one metropolis, but each still retains its own character and its own flavors. Added to that, is the fusion of indigenous, Spanish and modern cuisine and the creativity of the city’s chefs. To put it simply: the food scene here is phenomenal.
For an indulgent splurge, make a reservation at Alcalde, which has garnered many accolades, including #12 best restaurant in Latin America. Chef/owner Francisco Ruano executes ten-course tasting menus with beautifully presented and flavorful fusion creations. At a price point of $125 this indulgent dining experience is economical compared to similar experiences elsewhere.
Allium Restaurant in Guadalajara’s financial district is another top pick with an ample selection of mouthwatering seafood and innovative Mexican cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients ($100). Piso Siete in the city’s historical center not only has delicious and well-presented food but also a panoramic view of the central plaza and Guadalajara’s 400-year-old cathedral ($50).
Budget-friendly options abound in the city, whose specialties include birote, Guadalajara’s crunchy sourdough bread that is known throughout Mexico. It’s also the base for the famous torta ahogada (drowned sandwich), which is filled with pork, beans, and pickled onions all smothered in salsa. Other signature dishes here are birria, a rich meat stew in a red chili broth and chilaquiles, a traditional breakfast dish. A stellar place to try the latter is with a cappuccino at PalReal, a tropical plant filled café that is popular with locals.
The cantina culture is alive in Guadalajara and these tavern-type establishments are traditional places to enjoy cheap drinks and snacks in a lively atmosphere. Cantina La Fuente is one of the oldest in the city, famous for a bicycle that a patron forgot in 1957 and has been on display until recently, when it was moved to a museum. The customer’s oversight could easily be forgiven considering the live music that often plays and the cost of the drinks ($2 for a beer).
On the more splurge-worthy side but still very good value is the Cantina de la O, a relaxed and hip venue in Colonia Americana, serving stand-out cocktails and traditional regional dishes like quesadillas de chicharron, enchiladas and the cecina taco ($25).
Looking for the ultimate bargain food? Street vendors are everywhere, serving up all sorts of traditional dishes. Or try Tortas Tonas, a popular fast-food chain that offers Guadalajara’s famous ‘drowned sandwich’ for a cost of $3-5.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Food tours are a fun way to combine meals with a cultural learning experience. Our cantinas tour with Panoramex Tours took us to three distinct establishments and our knowledgeable local guide gave us insights about the different neighborhoods.
Play: What to do in Guadalajara
The city’s historical center and downtown neighborhoods are vibrant and walkable with architecture dating back to the 16th century juxtaposed with modern art installations. Nearby are the magical towns of Tlaquepaque and Tequila, both of which are easy, worthwhile excursions.
For a splurge, book an experiential tour to Tlaquepaque. Not only will you discover the rich craftsmanship the town is famous for, but you can also try your hand at ceramic painting. Private transport will bring you to Taller Paco Padilla, a three-generation studio and workshop that honors and continues the pottery tradition that has existed here since ancient times. A family member demonstrates some of the classic decorative styles unique to the area before letting participants loose on their own calaveras (day of the dead skulls).
Though it’s not included in the experience, don’t leave this artsy district without a meal at Luna Restaurant ($50), whose live music and flamboyant décor reflect Tlaquepaque artistic legacy.
SheBuysTravel Money-saving Tip: Those looking for a more budget way to visit Tlaquepaque can easily take a 20-minute Uber ride and explore the shops, galleries and studios on their own.
Tequila is another excursion worth the splurge. And yes, there really is a town called Tequila. Who knew? The town is approximately 40 miles from the city and it’s a scenic journey as the landscape transitions into verdant hills dotted with agave plants.
Just like champagne, tequila has strict rules about production and origin. And most of it is made right here in Jalisco. To learn more about Mexico’s national drink, join a tour with Casa Sauza, one of 20 tequila operations in and around the town.
Many of the best attractions in Guadalajara are very budget-friendly – -they’re free or have nominal costs. Explore the historical center with its plazas and centuries-old buildings, including the Assumption of Our Lady Cathedral, with its Spanish renaissance architecture and neo-gothic towers. Inside, view the waxed remains of a martyred girl and visit the crypt underground, where archbishops are buried. Also, be sure to wander around the largest indoor market in the Americas –the Mercado San Juan de Dios. It also houses numerous food venders for cheap eats as well.
An entry fee of $4 for adults and $1 for children gives you access to Hospicio Cabanas, an indoor-outdoor complex originally built in 1810 to house orphans. The site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site largely because of the murals of Jose Clemente Orozco. Considered to be the Michelangelo of the Americas, the one-handed painter Orozco is known for his emotionally expressive and dramatic frescoes that convey political commentary on post-revolutionary Mexico. Over 60 works or art cover the ceiling and walls of the chapel inside the site.
SheBuysTravel Money-saving Tip: Many museums everywhere have days with free entry or don’t charge admission fees. In Guadalajara the Hospicio Cabanas is free on Tuesdays and admission at the Pantaleón Panduro museum of ceramics is always complimentary. Also, tour companies often offer free walking tours (though tipping is encouraged), which are a great way to get your bearings and see highlights that would be easy to miss otherwise.
Did you know…
- Guadalajara is the birthplace of three of the most important cultural icons of Mexico: mariachi music, tequila and the sombrero.
- Tapatios is the affectionate nickname for people from Guadalajara.
- the squares surrounding the cathedral form the shape of a cross when seen from above.
- the city is a tech hub and known as Mexico’s Silicon Valley.
- despite its roots as a deeply Catholic city, Guadalajara is also one of the most accepting and inclusive places in Mexico for LGBTIQ+ people with an annual Pride event, queer-owned businesses and cultural events.
When you go: Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco and is centrally located in Mexico, 350 miles west of Mexico City and 200 miles east from Puerto Vallarta. There are direct flights from many North American cities including, New York, Houston, Phoenix, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Vancouver and Toronto.
Safety is a concern in the state of Jalisco, however it’s important to highlight that the tourist areas of Guadalajara as well as nearby Puerta Vallarta are considered safe for visitors. Of course, it’s always important when travelling to urban areas to be aware of your surroundings and belongings.
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