Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Guadalajara?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Guadalajara?
Many travelers spend two to three days in Guadalajara during their visit. After all, the vibrant city has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the restaurant scene.
Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco. It has a large historic city center that is filled with landmarks and beautiful buildings. The city also has many plazas, markets, and shopping streets that are fun to explore. Visitors will appreciate the city's authenticity and rich sense of tradition.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Guadalajara? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Guadalajara?
Many visitors choose to spend around three days in Guadalajara. This would give you the chance to experience this medium-sized city's highlights such as the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the restaurant scene. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to three days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the vibrant city.
How to spend 3 days in Guadalajara
Don't miss the Guadalajara Cathedral during your trip to Guadalajara, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this city, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Full Day in Tequila with Tasting and party in Cantaritos ($72)
- Small-Group Professional Craft Tequila Tasting Tour By Mickey Marentes ($175)
- Full Day Guided Tour in Amatitán and Tequila with Tasting ($48)
Guadalajara is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.
Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Guadalajara a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Day Adventure Tour in Tequila and visit to the Castle of Tequila ($175)
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.
A few tour suggestions include:
- History & Muralism: Guadalajara Walking Tour ($48)
- Private walking tour of Guadalajara ($44)
- Guadalajara Unique Highlights Walking Tour ($10)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Guadalajara.
Is 4 days enough time in Guadalajara?
Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Guadalajara at your own pace to experience the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife scene. Then you can use this city as a convenient base for venturing into smaller destinations nearby where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
Guadalajara, Mexico
How to spend 4 days in Guadalajara
With 4 days in Guadalajara, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
Shopping in Guadalajara is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Guadalajara?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Guadalajara has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Guadalajara as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the restaurant scene at your own pace, as this medium sized city offers a variety of fun activities for backpackers. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
Guadalajara, Mexico
How to spend 5 days in Guadalajara
If you have more than 5 days in Guadalajara, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Guadalajara is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. It's the capital of Jalisco and it's a cultural center for the entire country.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Guadalajara City Tour Within Your Budget ($31)
- Guadalajara City Tour ($20)
- City tour in Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque ($94)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Guadalajara.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Guadalajara, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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