08 Oct 3 Days in Guadalajara: A Long-Weekend Plan
So you’re sitting in front of your computer trying to find your next long weekend getaway. Something different from the typical beach. Well, here you have the perfect 3-day plan in the birthplace of mariachi, tequila, and birria. With the best mix of deep tradition and sleek modernity, let’s visit Guadalajara.
Where to Stay to Maximize Your Time
Choosing the right neighborhood is crucial for saving time. These recommendations blend the city’s vibrant modernity with its monumental history in a walkable way.
Colonia Americana
Start the day with the smell of coffee and the humming of street life. This is the most trendy zone. It has a big creative energy and beautiful historic mansions turned into chic bars and hostels.
Enjoy the tree-lined streets with elegant French-style architecture. Enjoy refined dining and a relaxed ambiance, with an upscale local vibe. You will have a less touristy atmosphere, but be near enough to the upbeat Chapultepec Avenue.
Centro Histórico
For those who want to be just a few steps away from the main monuments, on a budget. Among colonial stone, the heart of the city offers high cultural attractions during the day, and the scent of the most traditional street snacks fills the evening air.
Day 1: History and a Tasty Lunch
Let’s start out in the hub for contemporary culture exploration: Colonia Americana.
Morning: Coffee and Gothic Stone
Begin with the ritual of a Mexican coffee at a cafe on Avenida Chapultepec. It won’t be hard to find options, but don’t rush into the first large coffee chain spot you see. Try a specialty coffee at El Terrible Juan or Como si fuera domingo. Enjoy the smell of your crafted cup of coffee while taking a walk.
Next, soak in the striking architecture of the Templo Expiatorio. This Neo-Gothic construction is a sight impossible to miss. Go inside to get the right sensory counterpoint to the busy outside or wander the nearby area, where street art colors the beautiful façades of old mansions.
Breakfast or Early Lunch: A Taste of Jalisco
Skip the tourist catch and seek out a place to have something more traditional. Not so far from Americana, at Niños Héroes 2810, La Gorda envelops you in the warm, lively chaos of a classic Mexican dining hall. Savor the rich, comforting intensity of regional specialties like pozole or birria, a perfect sensory overload.
Afternoon: Modern Culture Check
If you decide to go with the third option, then definitely consider the next options. They are both located at Av. Central Guillermo González Camarena 750, just an Uber away from your lunch place:
Museo Tequila Lab: This new museum offers an interactive, multi-sensory journey into the history and making of Mexico’s most famous spirit. It’s a fresh, modern take that’s way more engaging than a simple tasting. It opens from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and it’s free!
Japi Museo Interactivo: Explore the rich indigenous art and culture of Jalisco in this vibrant space. Get there easily by Uber, and pay an entrance fee of 150 pesos per person. It opens from Tuesday to Friday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekends.
Evening: Chapultepec’s Live Soundtrack
Go back to Americana for its signature nightlife. The experience is an acoustic blend of jovial chatting and the powerful, overlapping rhythms of live music spilling from the bars.
Day 2: Day Trip!
Tailor your weekend in Guadalajara to your personal taste: the dry heat of the agave fields in Tequila or the subtle textures of artistry in Tlaquepaque. Both are part of Jalisco’s Pueblos Mágicos program, which highlights Mexico’s most culturally rich and unique towns.
Tequila Adventure
Immerse yourself in agave fields, where the air is dry and perfumed. Witness the jima (harvesting process) and feel the warming burn of a high-quality Reposado on your palate.
Experience a fun and luxurious ride on the Tequila Express train, with prices starting at 1,150 pesos per person.
Art and Texture
If you prefer to stay local, go to Tlaquepaque. It’s a 20-minute ride by Uber from GDL’s downtown. Walk along Calle Independencia and shop for pottery and delicate blown glass. Enjoy a meal in a restaurant while the brassy, joyous sound of live Mariachi music drifts from El Parián.
Day 3: Foodie Finds and Departure
Use your final day to explore some more and grab those last essential bites.
Morning: Brunch and Cosmopolitan Polish
To leave in the fanciest way, hop in an Uber to have a leisurely brunch in the upscale Providencia neighborhood. Check out spots like La Casa de los Platos, a chalé-type restaurant, evoking GDL’s deep culinary tradition. Prices are a bit higher in this area, but the experiences are totally worth it.
Practical Logistics and Travel Hacks
To make the most of your trip, here are some essential tips:
For non-walkable distances, Uber is the best way to travel; it’s reliable and inexpensive.
Always carry cash (pesos) for street food and small, colorful markets.
Go beyond basic tacos. Seek out the velvety texture and heat of carne en su jugo, a savory, smoky birria, or an always traditional torta ahogada. Guadalajara doesn’t lack options!
Ready yet?
A long weekend in Guadalajara is a whole experience. History, modern attractions, and tasty food will make your 3-day Guadalajara itinerary unforgettable. For some extra guidance, check this site.
If, after a short stay, you can’t resist a longer visit, you can also check this perfect 5-day itinerary option we have also prepared for you. Start booking! The Pearl of the West is waiting to share its magic with you.