Guadalajara is known as the most Mexican of Mexico’s cities. It is the birthplace of mariachi music, tequila, the sombrero, and charros (Mexican cowboys).

Guadalajara is a somewhat more conservative and religious city than many in Mexico, yet it still is one of the biggest LGBT centers in the country. It also is a  great city if you like to party. There are plenty of nightclubs, often open until the wee hours of the morning.

Guadalajara is rich in colonial architecture. The Plaza de Liberacion in the Centro Historico district borders the main cathedral of Guadalajara, which began construction in 1452. The Regional Museum, Degollado Theatre, and the Palacio del Gobierno are all in the historic district.

You can also stroll through history in the Colonial Center in Centro, which has five main plazas: Plaza de las Armas, Plaza Tapatia, Plaza de Gobierno, Plaza de los Laureles and Palacio de Justicia.

The Fiesta Internacional del Mariachi (International Mariachi Fair). starts the end of August and ending in early September, This festival is alive with mariachi bands and attracts fans from all over the world. Credit: Elenathewise | Fotolia

Some of the best shopping in Guadalajara can be found in Tlaquepaque, several miles southeast of Centro. artists and artisans from all over Mexico have small shops along the pedestrian walkways, plus there are numerous restaurants, and many of Guadalajara’s famous mariachi bands play there.

If fine dining is an important part of your lifestyle, Guadalajara will not disappoint. The city offers a wide range of dining experiences, from small intimate dining spots to gourmet dining. It is not Mexico City, but you can dine very, very well in Guadalajara.

Guadalajara’s great year-round climate is perfect for sports lovers. If you like golf, there are numerous private and public courses throughout the area. For hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities, the Bosque La Primavera (Spring Forest) nature reserve is just 12 miles west of Guadalajara.

If you are a soccer fan (futbol (soccer) in Mexico), you will have two of the best teams in Mexico to cheer for when you attend games at Guadalajara’s Jalisco Stadium, the third-largest in Mexico. Rivals Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Las Chivas) and Atlas Futbol Club (Los Zorros) compete in the Mexican Primera División.

The ex-pat population in Guadalajara is quite diverse.  Tech companies from all over the world have offices in Guadalajara and transplanted employees there.

Mi Casa has agents very familiar with the Guadalajara housing market.  We are happy to help you get to know this amazing city.