A Weekend in Guadalajara, Mexico
Boasting impressive architectural sites and a growing tech industry, Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco and the second largest city in Mexico. It is also the land of tequila and mariachi, and it offers a perfect mix of culture and tradition.
Last year we had the opportunity to briefly enjoy this abundant city, on our way to Atotonilco, Jalisco. Although our time there was fairly short, we loved every minute of it and we would definitely return to explore much more of its wonders!
If you find yourself in Guadalajara for a couple of days and are looking for some tried and true spots to make the most of your time, read on!
Where to stay
While in Guadalajara, we stayed at two great design hotels, both located in the Americana neighborhood. If you enjoy colorful spaces, go for Casa Habita. If you’re more into neutrals and high ceilings, you’ll love Demetria Hotel!
Built in the 40’s with updated interiors by Dimore Studio, Casa Habita has several great corners throughout. Our favorite spot? The patio downstairs, full of lush palm trees, with marble tables and green chairs that will make you feel like it’s all an endless summer!
Demetria sits between two iconic buildings: Casa Franco, a Luis Barragán home, and Casa Quiñones — considered the first modernist house in Guadalajara, by Pedro Castellanos. With a stunning workout room, a peaceful rooftop pool, and a beautiful tequila bar downstairs, this highly design-driven hotel provides perfect spaces for work or for fun!
What to do
Given that we were on a work trip, we spent most of our time working from the hotel. That said, we made sure to explore a few places that were on our radar: Centro Histórico, Museo Cabañas, and Casa ITESO Clavigero!
Centro Histórico
Guadalajara’s downtown is a very architecturally rich area of the city. Anywhere you look, you can see impressive historical buildings, some of the most iconic being the Guadalajara Cathedral—completed the 1600s and surrounded by four plazas from which you can see passersby and experience the hustle and bustle of Mexican life.
Another architectural gem that is definitely worth a visit is the Instituto Cultural Cabañas – a World Heritage site, once one of the largest hospitals in the Americas and now a museum that houses grand murals by José Clemente Orozco. Tours of the institute are available in English!
Casas Luis Barragán
Luis Barragán is the only Mexican architect that has been awarded a Pritzker prize. He was born in Jalisco and although his most popular house is located in Mexico City, he designed a good number of buildings in Guadalajara, which you can visit to get a sense of why he was highly acclaimed for his dramatic use of light! Casa ITESO Clavigero, now part of a university, is located in the Americana neighborhood – a good area for a stroll if you want to admire big homes and occasionally pause at one of the many cafes in the area.
Where to eat
We had breakfast at our hotel and then snacked on the street (street tacos, we’re calling you a snack!). The best dinner and best lunch we had in Guadalajara? Hueso and Magno Brasserie, hands down!
We only had one day to dine in Guadalajara the first time we visited and when we heard about Hueso, we knew it had to be it. We might have been biased by their communal table but it was absolutely worth it! A very unique space with a concept that felt close to home as we sipped cocktails and watched full action in the kitchen.
Later in the year we made it to Guadalajara for a couple of days and we just had to go back to Hueso! A completely different — yet equally delicious — menu and the same friendly server as last time made for a memorable evening.
Hueso is only open Tuesday through Saturday, so if you’re around, make a reservation to experience it!
Boasting incredibly high ceilings, food and cocktails to die for, and the friendliest staff, Magno Bistro was the perfect spot for our team’s celebratory lunch, after a hectic fall season!
Every single dish on our table was mouthwatering and the mezcal cocktails were delightful!
Fun fact, while at Magno Brasserie, we paired our food with a Valle de Guadalupe wine and we were so taken with it that right then and there we declared we’d bring a Secret Supper experience to Baja – happening in less than two weeks now!
