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In Guadalajara, every sidewalk, corner, garage, vacant lot, food cart, car wash, and even bicycle has the potential to become a food stand – a restaurant just waiting to happen. But what truly sets our city’s gastronomy apart is its contradictions. It’s both stubborn and traditional, yet constantly evolving. It belongs to no one, and everyone. It’s both sacred and profane because, while locals take their recipes seriously, they’re not afraid to push boundaries and bring them to unexpected places.
Tour Guadalajara with Culinary Backstreets®
Beyond Birria: Neighborhood by Neighborhood, Bite by Bite
Culinary Backstreets® Envoys, Always Searching for the Next Hidden Gem
Guadalajara Food Tour Leader
Born and raised in Los Angeles, where she studied pastry and breadmaking at Le Cordon Bleu, Eliza first came to Mexico to work at a boutique hotel on the Pacific coast of Jalisco state in 2005 and has been living in the country since. She moved to Guadalajara in 2006 after meeting her husband, an artist who grew up in the city. Deeply involved in the city’s arts scene, Eliza works as a language coach and also runs a lending library that she opened in 2015.
Guadalajara Photographer
Bernardo is a photographer and videographer with over 25 years of experience in photojournalism and documentary filmmaking. His work has taken him across five continents, capturing stories of culture, social issues, and environmental challenges. Through his lens, Bernardo strives to document impactful stories that connect people to the world around them.
Guadalajara Correspondent
Brenda is a media specialist with a passion for print, digital, and storytelling. She reads, writes, edits, and explores cities in search of hidden gems. Brenda has worked with Editorial Planeta, GQ México, Travesías, and Gurú de Viaje. She launched the website CDMX Secreta, then took the lead on creating its sister site, Guadalajara Secreta.
Guadalajara Photographer
María graduated from architecture school at Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (Guadalajara). Her work focuses on the human customs and rituals that arise in daily life derived from the small passions that move people; whether in the crafts, in the ways of producing or the use of everyday spaces and objects. In 2023 she founded Presente Continuo Perfecto, a creative direction and photography studio that seeks to represent through image, design and narrative different brands, business or people.
CB’s work was started in 2009 by Ansel Mullins and Yigal Schleifer as a humble food blog called Istanbul Eats. The following year we published a book of our reviews, now in its tenth edition. That year we also launched our first culinary walk in Istanbul, a route we are still using today. In 2012, we realized that what we built in Istanbul was needed in other cities we knew and loved. We started CB that year with Athens, Barcelona, Mexico City and Shanghai as pioneering members of our network. Since then, we’ve been regularly adding worthy destinations – culinary capitals where the food tells an even bigger story – to our network. Today, we work in over 20 different locations on four continents.
Where is Guadalajara?
Sitting inland, on a high plateau in west-central Mexico, Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco state and known as La Perla de Occidente: The Pearl of the West. Think of it as Mexico’s “second city,” with around 5 million people in the metro area and a vibe distinctly different from Mexico City. The surrounding Jalisco countryside is protected as a UNESCO site.
What are the best things to do in Guadalajara?
Wind through Centro Histórico, home to the grand cathedral and the Teatro Degollado; browse Tlaquepaque’s artisan shops and San Juan de Dios Market, the largest indoor market in Latin America; explore the UNESCO World Heritage site Hospicio Cabañas; take a ride in a formerly horse-drawn, now-electric calandria carriage; and, above all, eat. Another popular thing to do from Guadalara is take the 2-3hr Tequila Express train to the town of Tequila (and yes, it’s about the drink, too).
When is the best time of year to visit Guadalajara?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) are your best bets. The weather is comfortable – warm days, cool nights – and you’ll miss the rainy season. In October, Guadalajara throws one of the most important fairs in the country.
What is the weather like in Guadalajara?
Guadalajara has a generally temperate climate. Summers (June-August) are warm and humid, with highs in the low 80s (°F) and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winters (December-February) are mild and dry, with highs in the low 70s and nights that can dip into the 40s. Spring and fall are the sweet spots.
Is Guadalajara expensive?
Compared to many major cities, and especially Mexico’s beach resorts, Guadalajara is very affordable. You can eat incredibly well on a budget. A comida corrida (set lunch menu) might cost $5-8 USD, and even a nice dinner can be $20 per person. Street food is affordable and abundant, often under $3. A beer is about $2, a simple cup of coffee about $1, and three-star hotel around $30-50 a night.
Is Guadalajara safe?
Guadalajara, like any large city, has its safer and less safe areas. Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially at night, and be mindful of your belongings. Don’t flaunt expensive items. The main tourist zones are generally quite safe, and common sense goes a long way.
What is the best food in Guadalajara?
Torta ahogada is the undisputed king – a crusty roll filled with carnitas and drowned in a spicy tomato-based sauce. Get your napkin ready. But don’t stop there. There’s the torta loca, a glorious maximalist sandwich packed with meats, cheeses, and often, a fried egg. Then, lonches – simpler sandwiches, usually on a soft roll, with fillings like pierna (pork leg) or panela cheese. And for a crispy, satisfying snack, grab some taquitos dorados (also known as flautas in some regions) – tightly rolled, deep-fried tortillas filled with shredded chicken or beef. And don’t miss tejuino, a fermented corn drink – it’s an acquired taste, but a local favorite.
Where is the best place to stay in Guadalajara?
The Centro Histórico is a good choice for first-timers, placing you within walking distance of major sights and restaurants. Colonia Americana has a more bohemian, trendy vibe, with boutique hotels and cafes. Zapopan is a more modern, upscale area.
What is the COVID-19 situation in Guadalajara?
Mexico has no COVID-19 restrictions at the moment. Always check the latest guidelines from both the Mexican government and your home country before traveling.
Can Americans travel to Guadalajara?
Americans can visit Mexico for tourism without a visa for up to 180 days.
Can I fly directly to Guadalajara?
Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) has direct flights from numerous US cities and other international destinations.
What is the best restaurant in Guadalajara?
That’s a tough one – it depends on what you’re craving! The best restaurants for us right now in Guadaljara are Francisco Ruano’s Alcalde and Xrysw Ruelas and Óscar Segundo’s Xokol. For tortas ahogadas, try El Viejito. Some of the best food is found at unassuming street stalls – the best thing to do is get out and explore.
Are there beaches in Guadalajara?
Guadalajara is landlocked. However, the beautiful Pacific coast beaches (like Puerto Vallarta) are only a 3-4 hour drive away.
Is Guadalajara suitable for children?
Guadalajara has options for families. There are parks, plazas, and the Trompo Mágico interactive museum. Food can be made friendly for those with sensitive palettes (ask for “sin chile”). Just keep in mind that some streets and sidewalks can be uneven and difficult to navigate with a stroller.
Is Guadalajara accessible for folks who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility?
Guadalajara’s accessibility is a mixed bag. The Centro Histórico has made some improvements, with wider sidewalks and ramps in some areas, but older buildings and uneven streets can still be challenging. It’s best to research specific locations and hotels in advance. Public transport is generally not very accessible.
