Downtown Guadalajara, Mexico, is home to many historic sites, including a soaring, 16th-century cathedral and the UNESCO-recognized Hospicio Cabanas. But just below the surface of this much-visited neighborhood is a decidedly 21st-century development: Line 3 of Mi Tren, the region’s metropolitan light rail system.
The newest line, which opened in 2020, is symbolic of Guadalajara’s continued investment in infrastructure — and how the visitor experience in Mexico’s second-largest city continues to evolve and improve.
During my most recent visit, I checked out a variety of new offerings — ranging from upscale restaurants and hotels to budget-friendly transportation — and found lots of new ways to appreciate this fascinating metropolis.
Here are my top reasons for planning a visit to Guadalajara right now.
New Ways to Get Around Guadalajara
Not all travelers choose mass transit when visiting Guadalajara, to be sure. But those looking for an inexpensive and efficient way to get around the metropolitan sprawl — people like me, as a matter of fact — will do well to consider a ride on Mi Tren’s new Line 3, which uses European-made Barcelona Metro 9000 train cars.
Mi Tren’s new Line 3 uses Barcelona Mero 9000 train cars.
Credit: 2022 LatinFlyer.comThe 13-mile route connects several destinations popular with international visitors, running from Zapopan to Guadalajara’s southernmost long-distance bus station — all in fewer than 40 minutes and at a fare of less than 50 cents. The train stops in the historic downtowns of both Zapopan and Guadalajara, as well as in Tlaquepaque, another important spot for tourists (although it’s about a 15-minute walk from the station to the main pedestrian thoroughfares in Tlaquepaque).
Guadalajara International Airport is in growth mode, too, with a new terminal building and additional runway slated to open by 2026 (in addition, the airport now offers on-site COVID-19 testing).
Hotels Opening in Guadalajara
Travelers can already find expanded offerings in the city’s hotel sector. A total of some 2,000 new hotel rooms are to be added by the end of the year, according to the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Office.
New hotels already up and running include the 142-room HS Hotsson Hotel GDL Country Club, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and the 119-room Staybridge Suites Guadalajara Novena.
In addition, a few longstanding hotels have been rebranded, including the 36-room Casa Habita; a revamp of the former Casa Fayette, a member of Design Hotels in the trendy Americana neighborhood; and the 142-room Doubletree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Historico, the result of a 2020 reflagging of a former NH Collection property in downtown Guadalajara.
Fresh Restaurants
Guadalajara has long been known as a culinary hotspot, thanks in no small part to traditional dishes such as tortas ahogadas (pork carnitas sandwiches “drowned” in red chile sauce) and birria, a tasty stewed meat specialty. But Guadalajara’s dining scene is also a place to savor sophisticated contemporary and international delights, and noteworthy new dining venues continue to debut. (It’s no wonder that Afar Magazine recently declared Guadalajara “Mexico’s next food city to watch.”)
Among the newest entrants are Matilde Mi Amor, a hip, urban restaurant and eatery at the trendy Via Libertad retail complex; Negroni, an upscale Italian trattoria; TaCorea, a contemporary Korean eatery; Yunaites, which serves gourmet Mexican food in the Mercado del IV Centenario; and Octo Pescadera, which opened in November 2021 with eye-catching design and an extensive seafood menu.
These new restaurants join the city’s impressive number of longtime favorites for upscale cuisine, including places like Hueso, a chic venue with all-white decor that specializes in shared plates and craft cocktails; and Peligro al Fondo, a casually stylish, open-air restaurant that’s popular for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Staying on top of Guadalajara’s ever-evolving options for dining, drinking, shopping and accommodations can be daunting. During my visit, I found an excellent resource called Antiturista, a website and guide created by Alex Serranos (who also happens to be the cofounder of Peligro al Fondo restaurant). The free guide lists chic and style-conscious venues that are less known by most foreign tourists (hence the name “Antiturista”).
Daytrips to Tequila
Likely the highest-profile destination for side trips from Guadalajara, the town of Tequila is a must-see for fans of the eponymous spirit that was born there — and there are new ways to experience this charming Pueblo Magico.
After suspending service in 2020, the Jose Cuervo Express is back on track and has added a new service category called Elite wagons, furnished with couches, large windows and an open bar. For an even more upscale experience, travelers can opt for the Diamond wagon, which has velvet curved sofas and multiple rooms.
One of the newest hotel options in Tequila, meanwhile, is Casa Salles Hotel Boutique, which opened in 2020 near the La Guarrena distillery. All rooms have a private balcony, and there’s an on-site bar, a restaurant, an outdoor pool and a spa.
The Details
Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Office
