Best Things To Do In Guadalajara: Spending A Day In Tlaquepaque

One of the best things to do in Guadalajara is to explore its surrounding municipalities like Zapopan, Tonala, and Tlaquepaque.

Of these three suburbs, my favorite, and the one I highly recommend you add to your Guadalajara bucket list, is Tlaquepaque.

During my time in Guadalajara, I visited Tlaquepaque on several occasions with friends, family, and solo.

In this post, I share my recommendations on the best things to see and do when visiting this beautiful suburb of Guadalajara, Mexico.

Old Town Feel in Guadalajara’s Suburbs

Like many large cities, Guadalajara has expanded and absorbed several surrounding towns, forming one vast metropolis.

However, three of these suburbs have preserved their small-town charm, offering a great opportunity to experience the feel of a traditional Mexican town while visiting Guadalajara.

Tonala is known for its craft markets, and Zapopan is a key pilgrimage site for Christians. Meanwhile, Tlaquepaque offers crafts, festivals, a historic church, and much more.

Tlaquepaque is recognized as a “Pueblo Magico” for its beauty and rich traditions.

I found it lively, energetic, and safe to explore, even on my own.

Reaching Tlaquepaque

Tlaquepaque is just 6 km from Guadalajara’s Historic Center.

A quick 10-minute taxi ride will take you to this charming municipality.

You can also hop on Tram Line #3 outside the cathedral and reach Tlaquepaque in under 20 minutes.

What To Do In Tlaquepaque

The best way to experience Tlaquepaque is to stroll through its streets.

You’ll find shops selling tequila, nieves de garrafa (local ice cream), and traditional Mexican candies.

One of my favorite shops was Nuestros Dulces, known for its delicious selection of classic sweets.

As you explore, you’ll come across many shops selling traditional crafts like leather and straw goods.

This area is especially famous for its pottery and blown glass, offering a mix of both traditional and modern pieces to suit every taste.

You’ll also find a wide range of clothing and accessories, from classic styles to upcycled designs.

In addition to these unique shops, there are art galleries showcasing works by contemporary artists.

Spend the day hopping from one store to the next, admiring the incredible variety and craftsmanship on display.

Of the many stores found in the center of Tlaquepaque, my favorite is one dedicated to Catrinas.

During my visit to Guadalajara, I fell in love with these iconic figures and what they represent.

As a central symbol for Día de los Muertos, the Catrina embodies the cycle of life and death.

With the elegant dress and signature skull makeup, she reminds us to embrace and celebrate life, even in the face of death.

In fact, Tlaquepaque embraces Dia de los Muertos and has a festival that fills the streets with tourists and locals for several days around this holiday.

A highlight of the festivities is the traditional parade, which features individuals dressed as Catrinas and Catrines—the elegant skeletal figures symbolizing the holiday.

If you like festivals, you may enjoy planning your visit around this time of year.

Parroquia San Pedro Apostol

The church at the heart of Tlaquepaque captures the essence of a traditional small-town parish in Mexico and across the Americas.

Though modest in size, it is beautifully maintained, and the devotion of its visitors creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Stepping inside reminded me of the church in my grandmother’s hometown and Sunday mornings with her.

To the side of the church is a wonderful garden called Jardin Hidalgo, where you can rest from the sun.

There are many street vendors around the park where you can eat a treat like elote asado (corn on the cob cooked on the barbecue) or drink an agua fresca.

Don’t miss the opportunity to try the local ice cream, “nieve de garrafa”.

The Ferrero Rocher flavor is a favorite in this area, and the fruit flavors are refreshing and tasty.

Traditional Mexican Food and Music

Tlaquepaque is filled with restaurants and cantinas.

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a cool drink, or eating lunch in a colonial setting, Tlaquepaque has it all.

You’ll find many of the cantinas and restaurants down Calle Independencia.

El Parian

A unique place in Tlaquepaque is El Parian, and I highly recommend you visit.

You may think it’s touristy, and it is a little bit, but the locals love it, too.

At El Parian, a central kiosk serves as a stage for local Mariachis and folkloric dancers.

Around the kiosk, you’ll find restaurants and cantinas where you can enjoy drinks or a full Mexican meal while listening to lively music and folkloric dancing.

As the birthplace of Mariachis, Jalisco is home to some of the best, and during my visits, I had the pleasure of seeing incredible Mariachis perform at El Parian.

This is a fantastic spot to experience Mexico’s traditional music and dance in a unique atmosphere.

Tlaquepaque – A Must-See When in Guadalajara

Tlaquepaque is one of Jalisco’s eight Pueblos Mágicos, which makes it a treasure to visit.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during the Día de los Muertos festival, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.

But even if your trip falls at another time of year, a day in Tlaquepaque will still immerse you in Mexico’s rich culture—think Mariachis, Catrinas, and stunning artwork.

Spending a day in Tlaquepaque, in my opinion, is one of the best things to do during your visit to Guadalajara.

For more background on Tlaquepaque and things to do in Jalisco, visit the Visit-Mexico official site.

Don’t miss out on exploring this incredible suburb of Guadalajara—be sure to add it to your itinerary!