WHERE TO STAY IN GUADALAJARA, MEXICO

On the map, which shows the most convenient place to stay in Guadalajara, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

If you were interested in finding out where to stay in Guadalajara, you may also be interested in knowing where to stay in Mexico City.

Historic Centre, the best area to stay in Guadalajara

The Historic Centre, locally known as Centro Historico, is the hub of all Guadalajara’s tourist activity. The streets are lined with beautifully historic buildings, which make the area an aesthetically impressive area to stay in - perfect for those interested in history and architecture. And as for the local attractions and sights, by staying in the Historic Centre, you’ll be in one of Guadalajara’s most central locations, with some of the city’s best attractions only minutes away.

The impressive, double spired Guadalajara Cathedral is the city’s most well-loved landmark and is located at the heart of the Historic Centre. It defines the unique skyline of the area, and adds to the historic atmosphere of the Centre. So if you stay in the Historic Centre, you’ll be only a short walk from this amazing architectural landmark, and you might even be lucky enough to wake up to a view of the Cathedral’s spires.

Around the Cathedral you can find the four main plaza squares of Guadalajara: Plaza Guadalajara, Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Liberación and la Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres. They all have different atmospheres and attractions to offer visitors, and by staying in the Historic Centre, you’ll get to experience them all. The Plaza Guadalajara is the busiest of the plazas, offering the best views of the Cathedral, and a lively atmosphere, with pop up stalls and street vendors all around.

The Plaza de la Liberación has similar street vendors, but is slightly quieter, whilst the Plaza de Armas has more of a traditional park-like atmosphere. La Rotonda de los Jaliscienses is a beautiful landmark and the perfect area for lovers of art and history, with busts of those who have contributed significantly to society characterizing the area.

Also in the area is the Palacio Municipal, and the Palacio de Gobierno, both impressive architectural buildings, with an interesting history. The Palacio Municipal has a neoclassical design, much like the rest of the Historic Centre, but inside you’ll find a detailed and artistic mural that tells the story of the city’s history. The Palacio de Gobierno is an important Government building, and a sight you don’t want to miss. There are political murals throughout the building, and an informative museum on the ground floor.

And if you enjoy admiring murals by talented artists, the nearby Instituto Cultural Cabañas is an attraction not to miss. Full of educational art, you can admire artistic talent, and learn more about historical and political issues. If you decide to stay in the Historic Centre, you’ll have all of these beautiful buildings just moments away from your hotel doorstep.

If you’re looking for a quirky shopping street, the Historic Centre has just the place. Calle Independencia is a colorful street that runs through the Historic Centre. Whether you want to shop for handmade goods in the street’s craft shops, stop for a taste of the local cuisine in one of the street’s restaurants, or just take in the vibrant atmosphere, it’s worth a visit, and if you stay in the Historic Centre, you won’t even have to go out of your way to find it.

Hotels in Guadalajara Historic Centre

Other areas to stay in Guadalajara

Zapopan

Zapopan is another large city in the Guadalajara area, the second largest in the state in fact. So as you can imagine, there’s a whole other world of attractions in this area. There are several artistic and architectural monuments, including the Arcos de Zapopan, the Museo de Arte de Zapopan and the Magic Top Museum, which makes art fun for all the family.

The best known attraction of the area though is the Basilica de Zapopan, which dates back to 1730. This is where you’ll find Nuestra Señora de Zapopan, which is a famous statue of the virgin. So by staying in the Zapopan area, you’ll be in a location just as central as Guadalajara, and if you decide to take a trip into Guadalajara’s Centre, it’s only a half hour journey.

Hotels in Zapopan

Tlaquepaque

Tlaquepaque is a colorful location that’s always full of life, and it’s a beautiful and energetic place to stay. It’s a town that’s known for its locally made and hand painted pottery, so you can expect to see bright colors and artsy sights around the area, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to buy some of the local pottery.

If you stay in Tlaquepaque, you should do your best to fit in a visit to El Parían, an area where restaurants surround a bandstand. Here you can listen to the mariachi (Mexican folk music that originated in this area). This is something that most visitors staying in Guadalajara organize day trips to see, but if you’re staying locally, you’ll be able to enjoy the music of El Parían as often as you’d like.

This area is also a good place to stay for those that enjoy a lively nightlife scene. You’ve already heard about the live music that so often fills the area, but there’s also a wide range of bars, with some good drinks deals.

Hotels in Tlaquepaque