Guadalajara, known as the City of Roses, is a vibrant cultural hub in Mexico. From tequila to mariachi bands, this region has given birth to iconic elements of Mexican culture. Let’s delve into the best places to visit in Guadalajara and beyond:
1. Ariel Awards and Film Festival: Guadalajara now hosts the AMACC’s Ariel Awards, often called “Mexico’s Oscars.” The awards take place at the historic Teatro Delgollado, inaugurated in 1866. Recently, actor Diego Luna received the Mayahuel Award for Mexican Cinema during the 39th Guadalajara International Film Festival.
2. Culinary Delights: Eva Longoria’s show, “Searching for Mexico,” highlighted Guadalajara’s new food pioneers. Chef Fabian Delgado Padilla’s Café palReal (in the trendy Colonia Americana neighborhood) and Yunaites (affordable fare in Mercado IV Centenario) offer mouthwatering variations of pork belly with mole dulce sauce.
3. Xokol: A Unique Dining Experience: In the Santa Teresita neighborhood, Xokol stands out. Chefs Óscar Segundo and Xrysw Ruelas Diaz celebrate native corn and beans in their communal dining space. Try their chayote squash root dish and the “ceremonial taco” with a carmine insect dye-decorated tortilla, filled with bitter greens and black beans. Xokol has hosted legendary singer-poet Patti Smith, Ozark star Alfonso Herrera, and Black Panther actress Mabel Cadena—all dining at the same table, like guests in a home.
Where to Enjoy Agave Spirits in Guadalajara
1. El Gallo Altanero: This intimate 80-seat bar, located at 125 Calle Marsella, focuses on boutique agave spirits such as tequila, mezcal, and raicilla (a mezcal crafted in western Jalisco known for its herbal notes). El Gallo Altanero made it to number 14 on North America’s 50 Best Bars List in 2024. Visitors like Ross Lynch and Tame Impala (Kevin Parker) have been spotted here.
2. Cascahuin Distillery: Located about 27 miles from Guadalajara in El Arenal, the family-owned Cascahuin distillery offers a fascinating tour. Salvador Rosales Trejo, grandson of Cascahuin founder Salvador Rosales Briseño, guides visitors through the tequila-making process. Longoria, during her visit, expressed her love for the extra añejo tequila. Remember that tequila varieties include blanco (distilled and bottled), reposado (aged 2 to 12 months), añejo (aged over a year), and extra añejo (Cascahuin’s aged for four years).
3. Other Notable Tequilas: Explore the world of tequila beyond Guadalajara. Calirosa, the Adam Levine-Behati Prinsloo label, produces rosé tequila in Amatitán. Casa Maestri in Tequila, Mexico, offers a wide range of tequilas, including Tesla Tequila (endorsed by Elon Musk), Onda (Shay Mitchell’s brand), and Cincoro Tequila (co-founded by Michael Jordan, Jeanie Buss, Wes Edens, Wyc Grousbeck, and Emilia Fazzalari). Cincoro recently welcomed co-owners Derek Jeter, Serena Williams, Michael Strahan, Dustin Johnson, and Keegan Bradley.
4. Celebrities’ Tequila Labels: Eva Longoria’s Casa Del Sol tequila hails from the Los Altos (Highlands) region of Jalisco. Other notable labels include Lobos 1707 (LeBron James), Teremana Tequila (Dwayne Johnson), Santo Tequila (Sammy Hagar and Guy Fieri), and Villa One (Nick Jonas and John Varvatos).
Where to Stay
Consider Hotel Fénix, dating back to 1912, in downtown Guadalajara. This historic hotel hosted actress-singer María Félix during the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Known as “La Doña” for her role in the 1943 film *Doña Bárbara*, Félix even had a secret staircase built for private entries and exits to suite 710. Notable guests like President John F. Kennedy and former Mexican President Manuel Ávila Camacho have also stayed at Hotel Fénix. Rooms start at $55 per night. You can find more booking options on Tripadvisor and Hotels.com.
Where to Shop for Art and Home in Guadalajara
1. Cerámica Suro: Located in the Santa Teresita neighborhood, Cerámica Suro’s 25,000-square-foot factory produces custom tableware, tiles, and ceramics. Collaborations with architects, artists, interior designers, and chefs result in unique pieces. José Noé Suro, who inherited the business from his father Noah, has even crafted volcanic lava tiles for Salma Hayek’s Los Angeles swimming pool and designed tiles for Audrey restaurant at The Hammer Museum.
2. Claudio Limon’s Vibrant Art: Mexican pop artist Claudio Limon creates colorful works inspired by the local flower market. His studio in Guadalajara’s Moderna neighborhood is a hub of creativity. Actor Diego Boneta is a fan of Limon’s pieces, and the artist recently installed a large mural at Mercado González in Costa Mesa. To book a private appointment, email [email protected].
3. Jose Dávila’s “Photographic Memory“: Guadalajara-based artist Jose Dávila held his first solo show in Los Angeles, featuring contemporary interpretations of traditional “papel picado” (cut paper art). Represented by the Sean Kelly gallery, Dávila’s work offers a fresh perspective.
4. Tributo: Artisanal Home Furnishings: Run by sisters Laura and Gabriela Noriega, Tributo (Calle Gral San Martin 185) in the Colonia Americana neighborhood curates home furnishings and accessories crafted by Mexican artisans. From wood credenzas with embroidered textile inlays to unique pieces like the wood and copper Vaiven container, this shop offers a delightful blend of creativity and craftsmanship. Gael García Bernal and singer Pepe Aguilar have explored its treasures.
Where to Shop for Fashion in Guadalajara
- Alfredo Martinez: A prominent independent fashion designer, Alfredo Martinez has dressed celebrities like Janelle Monáe, Lupita Nyong’o, and Cindy Crawford. Inspired by Studio 54 and ’80s supermodels, his brand focuses on making women look powerful. To schedule an appointment at his atelier (located at Avenida de la Paz 1740 in Colonia Americana), email [email protected].
- Benitos Santos: Known for designing Ximena Navarrete’s Miss Universe gown, Benitos Santos creates elegant evening dresses. He was the first Mexican designer to co-create a Barbie for Dia de Muertos. Santos has dressed luminaries like Mexico’s former First Lady Angélica Rivera de Peña and singer Thalía. For custom appointments, email [email protected] (atelier located at Avenida Rubén Darío 1440).
- Julia y Renata: The Franco sisters launched their avant-garde fashion brand in 1993. Julia y Renata specializes in minimalist, one-size-fits-all silhouettes in solid colors. Visit their flagship boutique at Avenida de la Paz 2219, where you’ll find a curated selection of local labels—a project they call Albergue Transitorio or “transitional shelter.”
- Ugga Boutique: Located at Avenida Rubén Darío 1328 in the Providencia neighborhood, Ugga features emerging designer fashion brands. Clients like Carola Martinez Galindo (married to F1 driver Sergio “Checo” Pérez) and television personality-actress Gloria Calzada frequent this concept boutique.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
