Art & ArchitectureArticleFood & Drink

Old Town Guadalajara

 

 

A statue of two lions and a tree
Zona Centro. All photos by Angela Fairhurst

Guadalajara is a city located in the western part of Mexico. It is the capital of the state of Jalisco and is known for its rich cultural heritage, and lets not forget delicious food!

One of the most popular areas of the city is the old town. Guadalajara’s old town is a treasure trove of history, culture, and beauty. Visitors can spend days exploring the stunning colonial-era buildings, beautiful parks, and historic landmarks that make this area of the city so unique.

A woman walking in front of a large cathedral.
Guadalajara Cathedral

One of the most iconic landmarks in the old town is the Cathedral of Guadalajara. This stunning cathedral was built in the 16th century and features an impressive neoclassical facade. Not only is the outside of it a site for sore eyes, but inside, visitors can spend hours marveling at the beautiful stained glass windows, the ornate altarpiece, and the stunning murals that adorn the interior of the cathedral.

A large cathedral with many windows and arches.
Guadalajara Cathedral Interior

Teatro Degollado is a neoclassical theatre known for its diverse performances and artistic design. This theatre was inaugurated in September 1866 and is a major landmark of the city.

A fountain in front of a building with people walking around.
Teatro Degollado
A group of people walking across the street.
Plaza Guadalajara

Highlights of the old town for locals and tourists alike is the Mexican history and culture and the beautiful colonial-era buildings. Taking a stroll around the square and admiring the surroundings in and of itself is a day’s activities, let alone touring the museums.

A street with many people walking on it
Zona Centro

No trip to the old town of Guadalajara would be complete without a shopping trip! This area features everything from clothing stores, local handicraft stands, to Mexican cuisine. Visitors can stroll through the area, shop and nibble in between.

Guadalajara’s old town is a food lover’s paradise. Visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes and desserts, which features a blend of Spanish and indigenous flavors and ingredients, as well as sampling some of the best tequila in the world. From traditional Mexican cuisine to street food favorites, the food in Guadalajara is sure to delight the taste buds.

A group of people standing around a counter.

Some of the most popular dishes in Guadalajara include pozole, a hearty soup made with hominy and meat; birria, a spicy stew made with goat or beef; and tortas ahogadas, a local specialty consisting of a crispy bread roll filled with pork and drowned in a spicy tomato sauce.

A can’t miss for Guadalajara is definitely the tequila. This famous spirit is produced in the nearby town of Tequila and is made from the blue agave plant. Visitors can take a tour of one of the many tequila distilleries in the area and learn about the production process, as well as sample some of the delicious varieties of tequila.

A group of people sitting at tables in an open room.

No trip to Guadalajara’s old town would be complete without sampling some of the city’s street food. Visitors can enjoy delicious tacos, quesadillas, and tamales and all the local dishes from one of the many restaurants and food vendors throughout the town. For those with a sweet tooth, Guadalajara’s old town is home to a variety of delicious desserts. One popular dessert is the jericalla, a creamy custard flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. Another sweet treat is the torta de cielo, a rich almond cake made with egg yolks and sugar.

 

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