Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Guadalajara, Mexico
Briefly

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Guadalajara, Mexico
"Jalisco's capital city, Guadalajara, is an ambassador for the country. It's rich in the vivid Mexican traditions that are seared into the collective imagination of millions of international travelers: Guadalajara is home to the brassy sounds of mariachi, the pageantry of charrería (the forerunner of American rodeo), the rich flavor of birria and countless other dishes-and it acts as a gateway to tequila country."
"But it's not stuck in the past, either. Of late, Guadalajara has seen the growth of a vibrant bar scene that's gained international recognition, alongside a thriving design culture. With all this interest, it's no surprise that an expansion of the Guadalajara International Airport is currently underway to improve access and service the growing demand: A complete remodel of Terminal 1 and improvements to Terminal 2 have already been completed,"
"We know, you've heard a lot about Mexico City, but Guadalajara rivals CDMX in its heritage-rich offerings and up-and-coming creative class, while feeling slightly less congested. We even named it one of the Best Places to Go in 2026, for this very reason. If "Jalisco es Mexico", as the state's slogan reads, Guadalajara is its beating heart. Below, we cover everything you need to know before a visit-including when to go, what to do, and very importantly, what to eat."
Guadalajara blends iconic Mexican traditions—mariachi, charrería and birria—with modern cultural growth in bars and design. The city's architecture mixes neoclassical buildings, Spanish Renaissance cathedrals and Mexican modernist homes. Guadalajara acts as a gateway to tequila country and hosts a vibrant culinary scene. Airport improvements include a complete remodel of Terminal 1, upgrades to Terminal 2, and an additional access road due by May 2026 to accommodate rising visitors. The city will host four FIFA World Cup games in 2026. Guadalajara rivals Mexico City in heritage and creative energy while generally feeling less congested.
Read at Conde Nast Traveler
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