We finally visited Mexico’s second-largest city, so your quick 4 day Guadalajara guide is here! As luck would have it, we stayed during Dia de los Muertos (DDLM) which added to the festivities and bright energy of the city. If you can swing a trip here at the beginning of November, do it! Upon landing, the vibe felt very different than Mexico City, which was welcomed as I am always searching for newness. The pace was laid back and evening traffic was manageable. With a quick 2.5 hour flight from So-Cal and a 40 minute Uber later, we were ready for dinner in a new city! Below we will break down neighborhoods, fun and of course epic food on this 4 day Guadalajara guide.
Colonia Americana
Staying in the very walkable Colonia Americana neighborhood made our trip. This is one of Guadalajara’s most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods. It is known for its mix of historical charm and modern energy. It’s located just south of the historic center and is a favorite zone for locals and tourists. I loved the blend of tree-lined streets, trendy cafés, art galleries, and boutique shops. Every place we went felt like an entrepreneur’s artistic vision come to life. Architecturally, Colonia Americana has a fascinating mix of 100 year old mansions, mid-century modern buildings, and more contemporary structures. The historic mansions intrigued me, so I had to research.
Many of these European style mansions were built from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, some have been reimagined as chic boutique hotels, galleries and restaurants breathing new life into their bones while preserving their original grandeur. Strolling through Colonia Americana was a delight, as the neighborhood effortlessly blends residential and commercial spaces. As you walk, you might unexpectedly stumble upon a charming terrace draped in greenery, or discover a cozy café tucked between stately homes.
Highlights of Colonia Americana
Onward with your 4 day Guadalajara guide, here are our highlights of Colonia Americana. We won the jackpot on our hotel along with fun eats and drinks. You could go to only these places and have the perfect trip!
Stay
• Casa Habita – an absolute dream of a hotel stay and neighborhood hot spot. It was originally built as a residential house in the 1950s and then repurposed into a boutique hotel. The designer maintained the building’s structure while introducing contemporary elements. Our favorites were cosy sitting areas and large windows that blur the boundaries between the interior and the exterior. The friendly staff, breakfast chilaquiles, warm pool and craft cocktails have us daydreaming for a return. 😴 * A perfect place to have dinner and drinks whether you are staying at the hotel or not!
Dine
• Mutante Restaurante – this spot enchanted us with its sophisticated, yet no frills, late-night dining experience. Back home, late-night eats often mean unhealthy options with limited atmosphere. Mutante defies that entirely. The highlights are an immaculate outdoor dining room built around huge trees, an extensive mezcal and tequila selection and artful industrial decor. I can’t stop thinking about their decadent ‘jaiba’ taco – truly unforgettable.
• Bruna – just a stone’s throw away from Casa Habita is the elegant compound of Bruna. Filled with art, gardens, bonsai trees and table-side cocktail service, you are in for a unique treat! The Zarandeado salmon was some of the best fish I have had. It was so succulent and tasted poached and barbecued all at once. Make sure you leave extra time to walk the entire grounds that are large enough to host a wedding.
* Say what ~ Zarandeado is a traditional Mexican grilling technique from the sates of Nayarit and Sinaloa. The fish is butterflied, marinated in spices, and grilled over an open flame, imparting a smoky, charred flavor. I truly can’t believe I am just learning about this Mexican style of cooking. It is so flavorful, I am addicted!
Drinks in Colonia Americana
Drinks in Colonia Americana may have been our highlight. Yes, because we love mezcal, but mainly for the creative decor and down-to-earth vibes of places mentioned below. Many establishments cater to Guadalajara’s temperate weather with elegant outdoor areas and delightful foliage surrounding you. Like Medellín, I have added Guadalajara to my ‘jungle city’ list for its amazing greenery.
• El Gallo Altanero – congrats to this cutie for scoring number 48 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list for 2024. This website sums it up perfectly, stating ‘a mix of agave nerds, cocktail enthusiasts and everyday partygoers of all ages – come for the house Paloma and stay for the dive bar vibes, vinyl DJ sets and passion for the Asparagaceae genus.’ We loved their light bites as well, the tostada layered with corn was a winner!
• De La O Cantina – this place’s captivating salon walls and tiki chic vibes had me smiling upon entry. The classic Americana music threw me off, I thought I was in a tourist trap. Then upon talking to the bartender, he filled me in that Guadalajara is FULL of American music. 🤔 There are proper mixologists here who can whip up whatever is on your heart. Be sure to try their classic dish, a chile relleno taco. Yes, you heard that right, first time for everything!
• El Rey Mezcalería – now for the true blue local dive bar of Colonia Americana! El Rey focuses on showcasing small-batch mezcals from various regions of Mexico, offering a range of diverse tastings. The ambiance at El Rey is extremely relaxed with DJs spinning and bar snacks waiting for you (my fave). A place to boogie, but not a club. The kind of place you can practice your Spanish with the bartender and feel no judgment or annoyance. Winner!
Día de los Muertos
We have always want to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Mexico. DDLM or Day of the Dead, is a deeply rooted Mexican tradition that dates back to pre-Hispanic times. It blends Aztec, Maya, and other indigenous beliefs with Catholic influences introduced during the Spanish colonial period. This holiday is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd and it honors deceased loved ones. It is believed that their spirits return to the world of the living during these days. Families create altars, or ofrendas, adorned with photos, marigolds, candles, favorite foods, and symbolic items to guide and welcome the spirits back.
While the big ticketed Día de los Muertos events were sold out, we really wanted to feel the spirit of this special time in Mexico. We were tipped off by a few locals to head to the heart of Tlaquepaque, a festive and create neighborhood that would be decked out.
Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque did not disappoint! Every inch of the town was covered in altars, marigolds, street performers, live music, face painters and swarms of people. This was the place to be and 100% somewhere to visit even if you are not in town for the holiday. Tlaquepaque is known for its vibrant scene, colonial architecture and lively atmosphere. It’s also famous for its pottery, blown glass, textiles and handcrafted items, attracting artisans from all over Mexico. This neighborhood felt like a mini Oaxaca City~ bright, artsy, traditional and welcoming with mystery around each corner.
We loved traipsing in and out of art galleries, rooftops and El Parián. This is a large plaza surrounded by bars and eateries where mariachi bands and dancers perform. Our favorite gallery, Galería Rodo Padilla showcases the sculptures of beloved local artists Rodo Padilla. His work features whimsical, round-bodied figures that capture the joy and warmth of everyday Mexican life. You don’t want to miss his creations in the flesh!
I can only imagine how much this special day meant to the locals who hold this holiday near and dear. Tlaquepaque was the place to be for a carefree, lively and free DDLM event. We didn’t feel the holiday spirit like this in other parts of the city. As much as the festive vibes in Tlaquepaque made our time extra special, I can’t wait to return to take in this amazing area with fewer people.
Providencia
Wrapping up your 4 day Guadalajara guide, is the last charming neighborhood of Providencia. If you need a CDMX comparison, this is the Polanco of Guadalajara City! The neighborhood’s upscale boutiques, gourmet restaurants and chic cafés showcase the city’s stylish side. We recommend weekend dining here around Ave Providencia and Ave de las Américas. A leisurely walk in the residential streets will leave you admiring unique architecture, shady parks and how local families go about their weekends.
La Docena
We fell in love with La Docena in Providencia, which will leave you in a light brunch coma. This is a popular seafood and oyster bar, with four locations. Two in Guadalajara City and two in Mexico City. There is a buzz about this place and within 30 minutes of the first seating, the place was packed. We loved watching wealthy families roll up in their fancy SUVs equipped with private drivers waiting outside while they dined. The crowd was posh and they dressed the part. It was all a feast for the eyes and mouth. Saffron mussels, grilled oysters, truffle fries and crisp white wine did the trick. We are of course dreaming of a return with friends.
After brunch we strolled the shady streets and enjoyed an afternoon cap at the lovely Gastón Wine Bar. To wrap up your 4 day Guadalajara guide~ La Docena is the perfect last day!
Goodbye to Guadalajara
As we say goodbye to Guadalajara, we hope you are inspired to visit this artsy and delicious city. I get the feeling that the more times you come, the better this city gets. We loved the elevated food scene featuring shared plates, inventive dishes and artistic decor. For anyone who loves a temperate, laidback and mid-sized city like San Diego, Valencia or Medellín, then Guadalajara City is for you. The vibe is a real departure from places like Mexico City and New York.
If you want to add to your Guadalajara trip, the coastal Puerto Vallarta airport is a one-hour flight away. Just north of PV, you can enjoy tropical, warm water beaches in towns like Sayulita, San Pancho, Lo de Marcos and Chacala. We are touring this region for the month and we will be sure to report back on food, fun and surf!
Con Amor,
Rach
PS ~ To continue diving into the best food in Mexico, be sure to check out our Valle de Guadalupe, wine county article here!
