Mexico

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Guadalajara

Mariachi, murals and tequila country

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Guadalajara Plan a trip around Mexico

Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec
Currency: MXN
Time zone: UTC-6
Country: Mexico

Photo: Salvadormello30, CC0

Guadalajara is Mexico's second-largest city and the capital of Jalisco, known as the birthplace of mariachi, tequila and birria. Visitors come for its colonial centre, Orozco murals, huge markets and easy day trips to craft towns and tequila distilleries.

Largest cities

Mexico City
Guadalajara
Monterrey
Puebla
Tijuana

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Mexico
Capital: Mexico City
City population: 1.4M
Population of Mexico: 132.3M
Country area: 1,972,550 km²
Official language: Spanish
Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN) · 1 USD ≈ 18.41 MXN
Time zone: UTC-6
Calling code: +52
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 1,551 m
Plugs: A / B · 127V
Emergency numbers: 911
Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	25°	28°	31°	32°	34°	30°	27°	26°	27°	27°	27°	25°
Low	11°	11°	13°	15°	17°	17°	17°	16°	16°	15°	13°	11°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$29
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$75
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$185

Plan a trip to Guadalajara

Top things to do

Free
Guadalajara Cathedral
The city's twin-spired landmark on Plaza de Armas, with a quiet interior and free entry; go early to avoid midday heat.
- Half day
- Centro Histórico
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $4
Hospicio Cabañas
UNESCO-listed former orphanage housing Orozco's powerful murals, including the famous Man of Fire in the chapel dome.
- Half day
- Centro Histórico
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Closed: Monday
Free
San Juan de Dios Market
Latin America's largest indoor market, spread over several floors of food stalls, crafts and household goods; keep bags in front of you in the crowds.
- Half day
- Centro Histórico
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Degollado Theatre
Neoclassical theatre with a gilded interior; check the schedule for free or low-cost evening performances and concerts.
- Half day
- Centro Histórico
- Indoors
- Good in the evening
Free
Plaza de los Mariachis
Evening square where mariachi bands play for tips; agree on a price before requesting a song.
- Half day
- Centro Histórico
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Tlaquepaque crafts district
Walkable streets of pottery, glass and textile workshops plus galleries and restaurants, about 30 minutes by car from the centre.
- Half day
- Tlaquepaque
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Tonalá craft market day trip
Combine Tonalá's handicraft shops and markets with the ceramics museum in neighbouring Tlaquepaque for a full day of shopping and local food.
- Full day
- Tonalá
- Good for kids
≈ $45
Tequila distillery day trip
Tour a working distillery in the town of Tequila and ride the agave fields train; book ahead and arrange a driver or tour so you can taste safely.
- Full day
- Zapopan
- Indoors

Before you go

Entry and visas

British citizens and many other nationalities can visit Mexico as tourists without a visa, receiving a stamp on arrival that states the allowed length of stay. You may be asked to show a return ticket, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds. Entry rules depend on nationality; check the official Mexican immigration site or your nearest Mexican embassy before travel.

Official website

From the airport

Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) sits about 18 km south of the centre along the Guadalajara–Chapala highway. A taxi or rideshare into the historic centre takes roughly 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting around

The compact Centro Histórico is best explored on foot, while the Mi Tren light rail, city buses, Mi Bici bikes and Uber, Cabify or Didi cover longer trips across the metro area.

Local tips

The rainy season runs June to September, so pack a light rain jacket and plan indoor activities for afternoons.
Carry small change and low-denomination pesos: buses and some market stalls do not give change.
Use rideshare apps or official taxis at night, and avoid the area around the old Central Vieja bus station after dark.
Dress comfortably for warm days but cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches such as the cathedral and Templo Expiatorio.

Areas worth knowing

Tonalá
Zapopan
Zona Rosa and Minerva
Tlaquepaque
Centro Histórico

Official travel advice

The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on October 9, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.

Read the advice on GOV.UK