Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico and is home to numerous historical buildings which are worth visiting. It is essentially a colonial city dotted with buildings of historic importance. Its museums, churches, squares and various historic buildings make it a unique city in entire Mexico. At the same time, tourists can enjoy a range of interesting activities here as well.
Most places of tourist interest are concentrated in and around Centro Historico and the Minerva. Prominent places worth visiting in Centro Historico include Guadalajara Cathedral, Plaza of the Crosses, Plaza Guadalajara, Plaza de la Liberacion, Rotonda de los Jalicienses Ilustres mausoleum and Mercado Libertad etc. Templo Expiatorio, Glorieta Minerva, Arcos Vallarta and Niños Héroes are popular places in Minerva – Chapultepec.
Guadalajara Cathedral is a 16th century cathedral that took over 50 years to get completed. Quite interestingly, a mix of various architectural styles like neoclassical, Palladian and gothic is easily visible here. This welcome mix of different styles provides it a unique look and feel. Here, one may find interesting murals such as Bartolomé Esteban Murillo’s ‘The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin’.
This historic cathedral is crossed by four plazas, making a cross of plazas. These plazas are home to some of the finest historic buildings, restaurants and cafes in the city. Tourists can enjoy the view while having local delicacies. A number of free concerts are held at Plaza de la Liberacion which can be enjoyed as well.
Museo Regional de Guadalajara is a prominent museum in Guadalajara which ought not to be missed. A Mammoth skeleton which was found in Chapala Lake nearby is center of its attraction. Mercado Libertad is a huge multi-storey marketplace in the city where tourists can purchase almost everything of their interest. Besides that, they can enjoy local cuisine in the vast food court.
Minerva – Chapultepec, the western part of Guadalajara, is also home to some of popular buildings in this city. Templo Expiatorio is a 19th century cathedral and has a stunning architecture. Built in neo-gothic style, it is a worth visiting place. Arcos Vallarta is a Romanesque double arch and offers fine views from the top. While ascending upwards, do not miss the interesting murals.
Tourists can enjoy a safari ride at Guadalajara Zoo and have a view of interesting collection of animals at this place. It is a perfect destination for a family visit. Another such place of interest is the Parque Agua Azul. Here, one can visit an aviary, butterfly enclosure and museums of archaeology and paleontology.
The city is also home to a couple of serene gardens like Parque Mirador and El Parque Colomos. Visitors can enjoy quality time in the way of relaxing, visiting fish ponds, horse riding etc. Barranca de Oblatos is a forested gorge where visitors can enjoy hiking and strolling across the beautiful landscape.
There are numerous places of tourist interest nearby Guadalajara. Such places include Tequila, Lake Chapala, Mazamitla, Guachimontones and San Juan de los Lagos. A visit to these places can be considered for one or two day trip.
