The Westin Guadalajara
Refresh your well-being at this hotel in Guadalajara, Jalisco
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, is located in the center of Mexico. It is often called “Pearl of the West,” and the “City of Roses”. It is known for its exquisite architecture–one of the best examples is the Palacio de Gobierno which houses the murals of José Clemente Orozco, one of the most famous and influential muralists in the 20th-century.
The historic center is dotted with colonial plazas and landmarks. Some of the cultural institutions in Guadalajara include the Jalisco State Museum, Teatro Degollado, and Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.
What do you want to discover?
Best Time to Visit Guadalajara
Top Things to See and Do in Guadalajara
MUST DO: Attractions & Activities
MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
The Guadalajara Pride Parade is one of the most leading pride parades in Latin America along with São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City. Guadalajara Pride has the most extensive cultural programs for the gay community which includes film festivals, art workshops, and other special events.
From the beautiful historic center to the up-scale places in Zona Rosa, the gay scene is seen everywhere. Also referred to as the "San Francisco of Mexico", it’s no wonder that Guadalajara is certainly the center of the gay scene in Mexico.
The best time to visit Guadalajara in Mexico is between March to June and between September and October when there is limited rainfall and a pleasant temperature. The highest average temperature is 27°C in June and the lowest is 15°C in January. The weather and climate of Guadalajara are suitable for a sunny vacation since it is warm all year round.
1) Zoológico Guadalajara
2) Parque Mirador Independencia
3) Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento
4) Hospicio Cabañas
5) Bosque Los Colomos
6) Tlaquepaque
7) Guadalajara Cathedral
8) Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres
9) Palacio de Gobierno
10) Teatro Degollado
Guadalajara is a perfect destination for an interesting day trip. The city’s striking architecture, pleasant green spaces, and hopping cultural scene make it a fabulous choice for a weekend away. One of the most interesting things to do in Guadalajara is to visit Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, an architectural gem with neoclassic beauty.
Another scenic day trip destination is Lake Chapala where you can experience the beauty and tranquility of Mexico’s largest freshwater lake. If you want to bring home some unique souvenirs and distinctive gift items from your trip to Mexico, make sure to include a trip to Tlaquepaque. You can also explore Tequila to take a tour of the distilleries, taste several fine tequilas, and learn how it is produced.
Mexican cuisine is primarily a fusion of Asian, European, and Latino flavors and tastes. Guadalajara is the gastronomic center of the region, and its most famous dish is birria, a spicy stew made of beef, pork, or lamb.
If you are looking for something more traditional, you have to try tacos al pastor (a delicious lamb, pork, or goat tacos prepared in street carts or small cafes in the city) or try the frozen desserts (usually in vanilla and walnut flavors) being sold in the streets of Tlaquepaque.
You can dine in style at Chez Chouchou, a French bistro, or discover one of the city’s most-loved taco spots, Tacos Gay, which is located in the center of Guadalajara’s gay village and is a very popular spot for a late-night snack.
The nightlife in Guadalajara is popular for its outgoing people, lavish nightclubs, and parties. Downtown Guadalajara is where the city’s gay bars and gay clubs are.
Located in the Centro Historico, California’s Bar draws in a diverse crowd from cowboys to college students.
A popular gay club with a casual vibe, Envy is situated in the upmarket gay area of Zona Rosa. It is famous for its great music and good ambiance.
The oldest gay bar in Guadalajara, El Ciervo is popular with older locals and it is a great place to get to know the people of the city.
Guadalajara can be considered a medium-safe city. It has been ranked the 6th best place to visit in South America, Central America, and Mexico.
Try to understand the culture and learn some basic Spanish phrases or other common phrases, as it could take you a long way while traveling in Guadalajara.
View the Gay Scene in Guadalajara
View All Blog Posts in Guadalajara
Are you well traveled? Want to contribute content to GayTravel.com, as well as to our widespread readership? From photos to recommendations to travel tips, we would love to see it all! Submit your content to be featured here.