What to Do in Guadalajara

Mexico’s second-largest city is a fascinating place to visit, with enough highlights to keep you entertained for days.

One of the main attractions in the city is the cute Tlaquepaque neighborhood, with its colonial architecture, great restaurants and raucous nightlife. Check out the churches and the market before dinner at Casa Luna and drinks at Cerveceria Chapultepec and then head off to El Parian, the largest cantina in the world, where mariachis serenade revelers until the early hours.

It’s also worth going for a walk around the center of the city to take a look at the cathedral and the central market.

Make a daytrip to the town of Tequila to see how Mexico’s most famous spirit is distilled, or go on a tour to Lake Chapala, the largest lake in the country. While you’re near Chapala, pop into the town of Ajijic, popular with expats, and then hop on the bus back to Guadalajara.

Another popular activity is a daytrip to the ruins at Guachimontones. The Yucatan peninsula might be the focus for fans of Mayan ruins, but this ancient site is also well worth a visit. The pyramids made of concentric circles are unique in Mexico.