If you’re spending time in Guadalajara and debating whether a side trip to Tlaquepaque is worth the effort, here’s my honest take:
Yes, it is. It’s not a “must-see” in the flashy, bucket-list kind of way, but if you like slow travel, interesting art pieces, cutsey restaurants, and Mariachi music, it’s absolutely worth a few hours of your time.
Getting There Is Easy
Tlaquepaque is about a 25-minute ride from central Guadalajara. The first time I went there several years ago, I was with one of our local guides who drove me there to show me around this town. You can also take an Uber or taxi for probably less than an expensive cup of coffee. In scheduling your excursion from the capital city, you don’t need a full-day commitment to enjoy it. You can go in the morning, explore, have lunch there, and be back in Guadalajara well before dinner.
What Stood Out to Me
What Stood Out to MeThe thing I especially liked about Tlaquepaque was its array of eclectic artisan galleries. Some of the paintings and sculptures are just really cool! The first time I went there, I took photos of some of the art work in the galleries. A year or so later when I was there again with a small group of travel guests, we were told verbally and in signage that no photos could be taken inside. So if you enter the galleries in Tlaquepaque, you can look but not click.
You will find most of these galleries on Calle Independencia. It’s a pedestrian street that runs for several blocks and is also lined with other shops, sculptures, and a few shaded benches. Outside along this walking street you may find local folks selling their own handcrafts, cold drinks, food, jewelry, and other trinkets.
El Parian – Where the Mariachis Hang Out
Another place you should not miss is called El Parian. They promote this place as the largest cantina in Mexico.
It is big!
However, in reality, it is a bunch of independent cantinas/restaurants located around a central stage where different mariachi groups can be heard playing at times throughout each day. If you are part of a small group celebrating a birthday, some other special event, or just for fun, you can hire one of the mariachi groups to play a few songs right at your table when there is no main stage band playing.
Plenty of Restaurants to Choose From
I had lunch at a courtyard restaurant called Casa Luna. It wasn’t cheap but the setting was relaxed and the food was tasty. If you’re into a more casual “budget lunch,” there seems to be plenty of other moderately priced eating establishments as well as buying food and snacks from the street vendors.
And of course, tequila and mezcal are easy to find. In fact there are some places which even offer tastings without any heavy pressure to buy.
Is It Worth a Half Day?
Absolutely. You don’t need a tour guide, though joining a small tour could give you some extra context if you’re curious about the town’s history and artists. Plus, don’t expect the people in the galleries, shops, and restaurants in Tlaquepaque to speak English. So another reason for considering having a guide is for the translations. Guides can be secured in Guadalajara.
If you go on a weekday, it’s quieter. Weekends get busier, especially with local families. Either way, you can get a feel for the place in a few hours.
My Final Take
Tlaquepaque felt like a welcome diversion to touring Guadalajara. It was an easygoing half-day of wandering from gallery to gallery, enjoying a nice meal with a pleasant atmosphere, and listening to some lively mariachi music.
In mid-afternoon I traveled back to Guadalajara with a full belly, a piece of jewelry I bought to give my young niece for her upcoming birthday, and an obligatory photo sitting on a bench next to a statue of a plump mariachi wearing a big sombrero. Don’t worry – you can’t miss him.
If that sounds like your kind of travel exploration day, then yes—Tlaquepaque is absolutely worth visiting.
FYI: If you are interested in booking a multi-day tour which includes Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque, and many more locations in this region of Mexico, then click on the links below to view itineraries for a 10 day and a 14 day guided exploration tour.
Best of Guadalajara, Tequila & Puerto Vallarta Tour – 10 Days
Best of Guadalajara to Mazatlán Tour – 14 Days
See you in MEXICO!
About the Author
Mike Vondruska is the founder and director of tour operations for Go Now Adventures LLC. He and his team specialize in creating expert-guided small group multi-day tours for curious and adventurous travelers to explore the country of Mexico.
Mike’s tour company is registered in the United States and also has an office near the city of Pachuca in the Mexico state of Hidalgo. His company website is MexicoVacationTours.com
