Guadalajara Centro Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Degollado Theater featuring theatre scenes, heritage architecture and interior views
Double spires of the neo-Gothic cathedral rise above the central plaza beside a glorious rotunda and a majestic theater in this preserved historic district.

Visit the Centro area of Guadalajara to see an exceptional layout of historic architecture that transports you to the colonial era. Neoclassical treasures adorn the plazas, while the covered Mercado Libertad provides insights into local culture. Try botana appetizers and tequila in traditional cantina bars.

As you travel through the city center, notice the twin neo-Gothic spires of the Guadalajara Cathedral. Consider the mix of architectural styles in this minor basilica, which has been renovated many times since its inception in the 1500s. Inspect the cathedral’s large organ and study The Immaculate Conception mural by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.

The cathedral overlooks the Plaza de la Liberación, a pedestrian hub with two fountains and surrounded by many historic buildings. On the square’s eastern side, notice the Teatro Degollado, its neoclassical façade imbued with an imposing pediment, sculptures and columns. It was constructed in 1866 and continues to play a key role in the city’s opera and dramatic arts scene.

Look to the plaza’s northern side for the Regional Museum of Guadalajara, which traces the history of the city. Marvel at the woolly mammoth skeleton and examine the artifacts made by pre-Hispanic people.

Next door, gaze up at the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, a large memorial to some of the city’s most acclaimed artists, musicians and historic figures.

At the plaza’s southwestern corner is the Plaza de Armas, with its charming bandstand. Admire the impressive frontage of the adjacent Palacio de Gobierno. Head east to the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, a former orphanage and hospital.

Guadalajara’s Centro zone occupies the core of the city. It lies between the neighboring districts of Jardines del Country, La Perla, Villaseñor and Americana. Walk north from the Parque Agua Azul for about 45 minutes to reach this area.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Guadalajara Centro Hotel Deals

Hotel Dali Ejecutivo
Hotel Dali Ejecutivo
3 out of 5
Av. Pedro Moreno N. 570 Col. Centro, Guadalajara, JAL
The price is NZ$79 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
NZ$79
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Guadalajara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,652 reviews)
"everything was nice ,clean the only thing I did not like that THAT I WANT TO MAKE COFFE IN THE MORNING I WILL HAVE TO GO DOWN TO THE RECEPTIONIST ASK FOR THE COFFE SO I CAN MAKE IT IN MY ROOM ??????? don’t understand the logic on that ???"

Reviewed on 4 Nov. 2024

Hotel Dali Ejecutivo
Hotel Real Maestranza
Hotel Real Maestranza
3.5 out of 5
Calle Madero 161, Col Centro, Guadalajara, JAL
The price is NZ$113 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
NZ$113
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Guadalajara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,117 reviews)
"Excellent service for the price."

Reviewed on 1 Nov. 2024

Hotel Real Maestranza
Hotel Plaza Genova Centro
Hotel Plaza Genova Centro
3.5 out of 5
Av. Juarez 123 Zona Centro, Guadalajara, JAL
The price is NZ$73 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
NZ$73
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Guadalajara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,035 reviews)
"Good option if you look for something in the center"

Reviewed on 1 Nov. 2024

Hotel Plaza Genova Centro
HVH by Yaxché
HVH by Yaxché
3 out of 5
596 Avenida Juárez, Guadalajara
The price is NZ$81 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
NZ$81
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Guadalajara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (621 reviews)
"When we arrived we found out the rooms were really small and that our room smelled bad but the staff fixed asap as soon as we told them"

Reviewed on 4 Nov. 2024

HVH by Yaxché
Hotel Santiago de Compostela
Hotel Santiago de Compostela
3.5 out of 5
Calle colón # 272-A, Colonia Centro, Guadalajara, JAL
The price is NZ$65 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
NZ$65
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Guadalajara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,237 reviews)
"Todo me gusto, su limpieza, tranquilidad, su cama y almohada, personal en general. Lo unico que no me agrado es que me entregaron la habitación un poco tarde."

Reviewed on 3 Nov. 2024

Hotel Santiago de Compostela
Hotel Portobelo
Hotel Portobelo
3 out of 5
Av Juarez No. 687 Col Centro, Guadalajara, JAL
The price is NZ$79 per night from 13 Nov to 14 Nov
NZ$79
includes taxes & fees
13 Nov - 14 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Guadalajara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,361 reviews)
"The staff was pretty friendly. The building and rooms were clean and tidy. It’s in a prime location and is very walkable. There was a flea market that was held in the area in front of the hotel to the side where the park is as well, couldn’t hear any noise from the room as we were located in the ..."

Reviewed on 2 Nov. 2024

Hotel Portobelo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Guadalajara Centro

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Downtown Guadalajara

4/5(7 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Downtown Guadalajara. If sightseeing is on the list, Plaza de Armas is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Plaza Universidad Station or San Juan de Dios Station to see more of the area.

Downtown Guadalajara
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Colonia Americana

If you're spending time in Colonia Americana, check out sights like Avienda Chapultepec or Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Juarez Station or Mexicaltzingo Station.

Colonia Americana
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San Juan de Dios

Well liked for its live music and shopping, San Juan de Dios is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Hospicio Cabanas and Magno Centro Joyero, and jump on the metro at San Juan de Dios Station to get around the city.

San Juan de Dios
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Moderna

While you're in Moderna, take in top sights like Avienda Chapultepec and jump on the metro at Washington Station to see more of the city.

Moderna
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Santa Teresita

Though Santa Teresita may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Avienda Chapultepec and Applicant Service Center.

Santa Teresita
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Lafayette

If you're spending some time in Lafayette, Applicant Service Center and Avienda Chapultepec are top sights worth seeing.

Lafayette

Guadalajara Centro Travel Guide

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