How to Explore Guadalajara on Your Own/如何独自探索瓜达拉哈拉

Unveiling Guadalajara: A Solo Travel Guide Based on My Personal Experience/瓜达拉哈拉：我个人的独自旅行指南

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Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, is packed with history, culture, and delicious food. I spent about a week there, and this is my personal travel guide. It covers things like getting around, where to stay, tasty eats, and essential info for digital nomads.

Getting There:

To reach Guadalajara, you have a few ways:

1. By Plane: Use the Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL). Book a flight directly here from different places.

2. By Bus — Long-Distance Bus: Guadalajara has good bus connections. Just make sure to know which bus terminal you’re using.

Accommodation:

Pick from these neighborhoods (barrios) in Guadalajara:

For Short Stays:

Zona Centro (City Center): It’s lively with history and culture, great if you want to be close to fun spots. Many people, especially foreigners, like places near Americana.

For Medium or Long Stays:

Zapopan and Providencia: These are chill areas with parks and nice neighborhoods. I like it, especially near Andares shopping mall or Providencia, a cool area with shops and nightlife.

Something Different:

Tlaquepaque: It’s charming with artsy vibes, good if you like crafts and culture.

Note: Guadalajara is more expensive than other Mexican cities, so accommodation costs more.

Food:

Guadalajara has tasty food like:

1. Birria: A spicy stew with beef or goat meat, served with tortillas and stuff.

2. Tortas Ahogadas: Big sandwiches with pork and a spicy tomato sauce — yummy street food.

3. Tequila: Not food, but it’s a big deal here. Try different types.

4. Carne en su Jugo: Thin beef slices in a tasty broth with beans — comforting and filling.

Public Transport:

For tourists, cash is the way to go. Skip the 30-peso card unless you’re staying a while. The price for bus or metro normally costs 9.5 pesos however, since vending machines don’t give change, so be ready to pay the full 10 pesos each time — kind of a rip-off.

Electronic Payments:

Cards work in big shops and fancy places, but not everywhere. Many small shops prefer cash, and some charge extra for cards. Keep some cash on you.

Fitness and Workout

Calisthenics spots are hard to come by in Guadalajara; I couldn’t find any outdoor workout parks or equipment with pull-up bars in the central area.

Eventually, I stumbled upon them in Zapopan’s Parque Metropolitano and Unidad Deportiva El Polvorin. That’s one reason why I suggest Zapopan if one wants a more extended stay.

My Todo List for Guadalajara:

1. Explore the Historical Center and Sightsee the Following:

• Guadalajara Cathedral: Visit this historic cathedral known for its impressive architecture in the city center.

• Hospicio Cabañas: Explore this cultural institute housed in the Cabañas Hospice. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with murals by José Clemente Orozco. Founded in 1791, it began as a hospital/orphanage, later transforming into a cultural institution. The entrance is 80 pesos, but it’s free on Tuesdays.

• State of Jalisco Government Building: Check out the Government Palace, a free activity but not available on weekends.
• Plaza Tapatía: Enjoy the central square surrounded by government buildings and cultural institutions.
• Wander Around Mercado Libertad: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this traditional market offering local foods, crafts, and more.

2. Visit Tlaquepaque:

Explore the charming streets filled with artisan shops, galleries, and restaurants. Tlaquepaque is famous for its beautiful, hand-painted pottery. You can reach there by metro.

3. Try Local Cuisine:

• Sample regional dishes like birria, tortas ahogadas, and tequila, as Guadalajara is known for its gastronomic delights.

4. Listen to Live Mariachi Bands:

Mariachi, a wandering musician band, might be the most famous musical form in Mexico, often forming the initial impression for many.

You can experience it for free in Plaza de los Mariachis in the evenings. Alternatively, enjoy a show in El Parian de Tlaquepaque in Tlaquepaque while savoring food.

When you have more time and money

5. Watch a Show in Teatro Degollado:

Attend a performance at this historic theater known for its neoclassical architecture. The building is one of the most beautiful in Guadalajara, with incredible murals.

Entrance is free when there isn’t a show.

Regular performances include operas and symphony orchestras, and if you’re lucky, you can get tickets to one of the gala performances during the mariachi festival.

6. Drink Tequila in Town Tequila:

• Explore the Mexican town of Tequila, not far from Guadalajara. Visit agave fields and distilleries; you have several options, including taking a local bus or joining a guided tour.

7. See the Modern Side of Guadalajara:

• Andares Shopping Mall: Visit this upscale shopping and entertainment district with modern architecture and trendy boutiques.
• Parque Colomos in Zapopan: Enjoy a large green space in the northwest part of the city with walking paths and picnic areas. The highlight is the stunning Japanese gardens.

8. Day Trip to Lake Chapala:

Enjoy a day trip to Mexico’s largest freshwater lake, offering scenic views and lakeside villages. Remember to check for local events, festivals, or activities during your visit for an even richer experience.

如何独自探索瓜达拉哈拉

瓜达拉哈拉，墨西哥的第二大城市，充满历史、文化和美食。我在那里待了一周左右，这是我的个人旅游攻略，包括交通、住宿、美食，以及一些数字游民可能需要的重要信息。

到达瓜达拉哈拉的方式有好几种：

1. 飞机： 到达瓜达拉哈拉，可以选择使用米格尔·伊达尔戈·伊·科斯蒂亚国际机场（GDL）。可以直接从各种国际和国内航班预订到这个机场。

2. 巴士： 瓜达拉哈拉有很多长途巴士。确保知道你购票的是哪个巴士站。

住宿：

在瓜达拉哈拉，有一些社区（barrios）可以选择：

短期住宿：

Zona Centro（市中心）： 这个区域充满活力，位于市中心，有着悠久的历史和文化，适合喜欢靠近地标和娱乐场所的人。很多外国人喜欢在Americana附近找地方。

中期或长期住宿：

Zapopan和Providencia： 这个地区是大瓜达拉哈拉都会区的一部分，以其历史悠久的教堂、公园和高档社区而闻名，提供了一种更为轻松的氛围。个人来说，我很喜欢这个地方，尤其是靠近Andares购物中心或Providencia，一个时尚的区域，有购物中心、餐厅和夜生活。

另类选择：

Tlaquepaque： 如果你喜欢艺术、手工艺和充满波西米亚氛围的地方，Tlaquepaque是一个迷人的社区，有鹅卵石街道、艺术画廊和充满活力的文化氛围。

注意：瓜达拉哈拉是墨西哥最昂贵的城市之一，游客在住宿方面可能需要支付约19%的税费，使得住宿费用相对于其他拉美国家更昂贵。

美食：

瓜达拉哈拉有丰富的美食文化，反映了墨西哥美食的多样性。以下是一些建议品尝的瓜达拉哈拉美食：

1. Birria： 一道美味而辣的炖菜，通常用牛肉或山羊肉制成，搭配玉米饼、洋葱、香菜和酸橙一同享用。

2. Tortas Ahogadas： 翻译成“淹死三明治”，是一款丰盛的猪肉三明治，浸泡在辣番茄酱中，是瓜达拉哈拉的招牌街头美食。

3. Tequila： 虽然不是食物，但是龙舌兰酒是瓜达拉哈拉文化的重要组成部分，附近的特基拉小镇因生产着世界著名的龙舌兰而闻名。不妨尝试不同类型的龙舌兰。

4. Carne en su Jugo： 这道菜以薄切牛肉片搭配美味的汤、豆类、培根和其他调味料，既温暖又营养。

交通：

对于游客来说，使用现金是更方便的选择。除非你打算在当地逗留较长时间，否则不要购买30比索的卡。巴士或地铁的票价通常是9.5比索，但由于售货机不找零，所以每次都准备好支付完整的10比索 — 有点坑人。

电子支付：

与墨西哥大多数城市一样，电子支付在瓜达拉哈拉并不十分普及。超市和高档餐厅可以使用信用卡，但许多小摊贩仅接受现金，或者要求支付高额的额外手续费，因此有必要随身携带足够的现金。

健身

很难找，在中心区域我没有找到任何有单杠的公园。最后在Zapopan的Parque Metropolitano和Unidad Deportiva El Polvorin，这个也是我推荐Zapopan的原因。

我在瓜达拉哈拉的游玩清单：

1/ 探索历史中心并观光以下景点：

瓜达拉哈拉景点相对集中，城市也不是很大。

瓜达拉哈拉大教堂：参观这座位于市中心的历史悠久、以其宏伟建筑而闻名的大教堂。

卡瓦纳斯收容所Hospicio Cabañas：探索这个位于卡瓦纳斯收容所的文化机构。这是一个由何塞·克莱门特·奥罗斯科的壁画装点的联合国教科文组织世界遗产地。它始建于1791年，最初是一家医院/孤儿院，后来演变成文化机构。

入口费用为80墨西哥比索，但周二免费。

哈利斯科州政府大楼：参观政府宫殿，免费的一项活动，但是周末不开放。

塔帕蒂亚广场Plaza Tapatía：欣赏中央广场，四周是政府大楼和文化机构。

逛自由市场Mercado Libertad：沉浸在这个传统市场的充满活力的氛围中，这里提供当地食品、手工艺品等各种商品。

2/ 参观特拉克帕克Tlaquepaque：

非常有魅力的小镇，你可以探索充满工匠店、画廊和餐馆的迷人街道。特拉克帕克以其美丽的手绘陶器而闻名。

可以乘坐地铁前往那里。

3. 尝试当地美食：

因为瓜达拉哈拉以其美食而闻名。一定要品尝当地菜肴，如烤肉、ahogadas三明治（tortas ahogadas）和龙舌兰酒，

4. 聆听现场流浪乐队演奏：

流浪艺人乐队可能是墨西哥最有名的音乐形式，对于很多人来说这可能就是对墨西哥的最初印象。你可以在在马里亚奇广场晚上免费体验。或者在特拉克帕克的El Parian de Tlaquepaque，边品尝美食边观看表演。

有更多时间和金钱时

5. 在德戈拉多Degollado剧院观看演出：

参加在这座以其新古典主义建筑而闻名的历史剧院的演出。

这座建筑是瓜达拉哈拉最美丽的建筑之一，拥有令人难以置信的壁画。

当没有演出时，入口是免费的。

剧院定期上演歌剧和交响乐团的演出。如果幸运的话，您可以购买到在马里亚奇节期间举行的一场盛大演出的门票。

6. 在特基拉小镇品味龙舌兰酒：

探索位于离瓜达拉哈拉不远的墨西哥特基拉小镇。参观龙舌兰田和酒厂；您有几种选择，包括乘坐当地巴士或者参团。

7. 看看瓜达拉哈拉的现代一面：

• Andares购物中心：参观这个现代建筑和时尚精品的高档购物和娱乐区。
• Zapopan的Colomos公园：在城市西北部的这片大型绿地，有散步道和野餐区，是度过悠闲下午的好地方。其中最亮眼的是美丽的日本花园。

8. 前往查帕拉湖进行一日游：

享受到墨西哥最大的淡水湖的一日游，欣赏风景秀丽的湖畔村庄。在访问期间，请记得查看是否有当地的活动、节庆或活动，以丰富体验。