10 Great Itineraries for Family, Fun, and Relaxation
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Sunday is an amazing day to scroll through the city if you can muster the energy to get out of your pajamas and leave the house. Not only does less traffic make the air just a little more breathable, but everyone is out and about — biking on via recreative, sitting in parks, eating with family, and just generally enjoying the day.
However, many venues close or have limited hours on Sunday!
From Colonia Americana to Tlaquepaque, here are 10 ways the TWIG team loves to spend a Sunday in beautiful Guadalajara!
Don't miss these amazing Sunday activities in Guadalajara! Guaranteed fun that you are on your own or for the whole family!
1 - CENTRO HISTORICO
The historic center of Guadalajara is filled with historic buildings, including the spectacular double-spired cathedral that dominates the skyline and is a must see when you visit this wonderful city. The center also boasts several wonderful museums and tons of free activities offered by the city.
Option 1
1. Start with breakfast at the pretty location of Chai Ex-Convento with a beautiful view on the park. Opens from 8 am to 11 pm on Sundays. Offers a $190 MXN buffet or a la carte menu. Both outdoor and indoor. If you couldn’t get a booking on open table, go directly, add your name on the list, it will take you about 15 minutes to get a table. Jacobo Galvez 45A, Zona Centro, GDL.
2. At 11.30am the bells of the 17th-century Templo de Nuestra Señora del Carmen ring and its doors open. It is an example of neoclassical architecture with lots of gold leaf, old paintings and murals in the dome. Free.
3. Then cross the street and visit the Ex-Convento del Carmen Museo. A 17th-century church converted into an art gallery presenting work by local & foreign artists. Free. Opens from 11 am to 2 pm on Sundays. Av Juárez 638, Centro, GDL.
4. Then walk Avenida Juárez to Plaza de la Liberación at the heart of Guadalajara’s historic district. It’s the largest among the 4 vast plazas and gardens surrounding the majestic Cathedral. Get your shoeshine. Take photos at the Guadalajara sign. C. Pedro Loza 27A, Zona Centro, GDL.
5. Attend a 12.30 pm daytime performance at the beautiful 1866 Teatro Degollado, home of the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra (OJF) as well as to cultural festivals, performances of live theatre, opera and dance. See their program. C. Degollado s/n, Zona Centro, GDL.
6. Take a 60-minute tram panoramic tour to discover or rediscover the historic center of Guadalajara. Tour only in Spanish. Departures are daily approximately every hour according to availability. (Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm). It has a cost of $199 MXN per Adult and $99 MXN per child (4-10 years).
7. Go buy a pair of affordable shoes in the multiple shoe stores of Centro Historico. You’ll be surprised to find some great designs for as low as $200 MXN a pair. It’s fun!
8. Enjoy a coffee or cocktail at the newly opened restaurant/bar Los Ilustres. It offers a beautiful view of the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, a Centro Historico landmark. Excellent music, atmosphere, service. Opens from 8 am to 6 pm on Sundays. Av. Fray Antonio Alcalde 118, Zona Centro, GDL.
9. Learn about the prominent figures in art, literature and science that made Guadalajara what it is. Especially look out for the statues of José Clemente Orozco, a key figure in the Mexican Muralism scene; modernist architect Luis Barragán; and Rita Pérez Jiménez, heroine of the Mexican War of Independence and one of the few women honored at Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres. Av. Fray Antonio Alcalde 108, Zona Centro, GDL.
10. Take a 5 min free ride on the Carrousel Tapatío, Jardín de la Reforma. Opens from 10 am to 8 pm on Sundays.
11. Enjoy a unique visual experience with the free 15 min Videomapping at the Cathedral: An awesome outdoor show where history comes alive with a charming light and sound show. Watch as the grand cathedral illuminates the night sky and let your imagination soar with the tales of Guadalajara's past. It's a spectacle that will leave you in awe. 7.30 pm, 8.30 pm, 9.30 pm.
12. End the day with dinner on the rooftop of Piso Siete Restaurante Bar with a gorgeous view on the Cathedral and Centro Historico. Opens from 7 am to 11 pm on Sundays. Double Tree Hotel C. Colón 73, Zona Centro, GDL.
Option 2
1. Start with a piping hot cup of café de olla, a traditional Mexican coffee brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo (brown sugar) and an authentic Tapatio lunch at Birriería Las 9 Esquinas: Beautiful restaurant in a very old building. The food is authentic Mexican and offers the most popular dishes from Guadalajara. Opens from 8 am to 10 pm on Sundays. C. Colón 384, Zona Centro, GDL.
2. Walk 5 min to discover the free underground Museo de Sitio de El Puente de las Damas (The Ladies Bridge) where you will learn the story of the tunnels and bridges that the City had in the 18th century. Opens from 9 am to 6 pm on Sundays. Av. Cristóbal Colón 570, Zona Centro GDL.
3. Walk 30 min to lose yourself in the beautiful Museo Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the jaw-dropping frescoes by renowned artist Jose Clemente Orozco, and let your imagination run wild in this haven of art and culture. $80 MXN. Opens from 10 am to 5 pm on Sundays. C. Cabañas 8, Las Fresas, GDL.
4. Walk 15 min to enjoy a 5 min free ride on the Carrousel Tapatío, Jardín de la Reforma. Opens from 10 am to 8 pm on Sundays.
5. Enjoy a unique visual experience with the free 15 min Videomapping at the Cathedral: An awesome outdoor show where history comes alive with a charming light and sound show. Watch as the grand cathedral illuminates the night sky and let your imagination soar with the tales of Guadalajara's past. It's a spectacle that will leave you in awe. 7.30 pm, 8.30 pm, 9.30 pm.
6. End the day with delicious pastas and a great view on the rooftop of Altezza Cocina Italiana, Opens from 4-11 pm on Sundays. C. Manuel López Cotilla 285-Piso 10, Zona Centro, GDL.
TIP: Take coins and small bills if you want to buy a refreshing raspado (snow cone) or snack from the nearby street vendors.
2 – COLONIA AMERICANA
Close to the center of Guadalajara you’ll find one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the city, Colonia Americana, which was named the coolest neighborhood in the world by Time Out Magazine in 2022. Walking her streets, it’s common to find ancient 1920s mansions that architecturally preserve their original style but have since been transformed into bars and restaurants. This area is filled with historic mansions, has tons of character and is an obligatory and chic stop for locals and travelers alike.
Option 1
1. Start with a relaxed Mexican gourmet breakfast at Quelite that uses ancestral ingredients. Opens from 9 am to 1 pm on Sundays. C. Pedro Moreno 1078A, Col Americana GDL.
2. Then walk 10 min to one of the best museums in the city, Museo MUSA. It hosts both national and international contemporary art expositions. Free. Do not miss the Auditorium conceived from the murals that José Clemente Orozco painted in the Paraninfo and the art shop. Opens from 10 am to 3 pm on Sundays. Av Juárez 975, Col Americana GDL.
3. Then cross the street to catch a movie (mostly indies films) at the underground Cineforo University of Guadalajara. For around 100 pesos each you get a ticket, a snack, and drink. Av Juárez 976 piso menos uno, Col Americana, GDL.
4. Then cross the street once more to enjoy the Templo Expiatorio Sunday Night Food Market. Starts at 7 pm. Street vendors (including organic), street food, music, dancing and games stands. There is a restaurant overlooking the square, Tertulia Café & Vino, that has wonderful food and a great view of the Templo Expiatorio.
5. Visit Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento (Expiatory Temple of the Blessed Sacrament), whose construction took more than 75 years. Free. It is best to visit it late in the afternoon, while the sun is low in the sky, so you can see the stained glass in all its glory.
6. Enjoy a unique visual experience with the free 15 min Videomapping at the Sanctuary: An awesome outdoor show where history comes alive with a charming light and sound show. Watch as the grand cathedral illuminates the night sky and let your imagination soar with the tales of Guadalajara's past. It's a spectacle that will leave you in awe. 8.30 pm, 9.30 pm.
Option 2
1. Start with a relaxed breakfast at Membrillo Cocina, an oasis in the city. It offers a back patio and is pet friendly. Opens from 9 am to 3 pm on Sundays. Libertad 1760, Col Americana, GDL.
2. Then walk Avenida Libertad and Avenida Vallarta, two of the most beautiful streets in Guadalajara to admire the three most beautiful mansions still well kept.
3. One. Walk 2 min to La Casa de los Abanicos, a mansion dating back to 1903, which name comes from the exterior fencing that is shaped like a folding hand fan. Home of Manuel Cuesta Gallardo, the last Porfirian governor of the State of Jalisco, who used the house for romantic escapades thanks to tunnels connecting the mansion to a nearby property where Cuesta Gallardo kept his lovers. Today, it is a popular wedding venue. Libertad 1823, Col Americana, GDL.
4. Two. Walk 5 min to catch fine vendors or open house events at the Versace Building. Named after the fashion designer Versace renting it to make it its flag store in GDL, not knowing it belonged to one of the Narcos lords. Abandoned for many years, it was renamed La Casa Blanca and is now a boutique retail establishment and event hall. Av. Ignacio L Vallarta 1339, Col Americana, GDL.
5. Three. Walk 20 min to Casa José Guadalupe Zuno who was inspired by conversations with famous artists such as José Clemente Orozco and Gerardo Murillo (AKA Dr. Atl). The baroque accents are reminiscent of the Santa Monica Temple in Downtown Guadalajara while the exterior covering of red tezontle (volcanic igneous rock) was a locally sourced building material. This is the best example of neo-viceroyalty in the Colonia Americana. Av Unión 2226, Col Americana, GDL.
6. Walk 5 min to take a peek at Guadalajara’s most beautiful hotel Demetria, a treasure of Art & architecture. Ask to visit a room and see the rooftop bar and pool. Av. de la Paz 2219, Col Americana, GDL.
7. Walk 15 min to climb to the rooftop of Barra Mathilde Mi Amor to enjoy a fine American cocktail or Mexican spirits in a cool atmosphere with DJ music. Opens from 1-9 pm on Sundays. Terraza del tercer piso, C. Colonias 221, Col Americana.
8. Walk the Chapultepec Avenue at night, Guadalajara’s busiest nightlife strip. This bustling, tree-lined avenue hosts some of the city’s liveliest pubs and clubs, the perfect place for a late-night bar crawl with friends. You may catch the tail end of the Paseo Chapultepec Market, where local vendors peddle everything from Huichol beaded jewelry to handwoven textiles. Just stop anywhere that feels appealing to you!
3 – BOSQUE COLOMOS
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and escape to the tranquil oasis known as the Bosque Colomos, a bucolic city park with walking paths, picnic areas, dramatic landscaping & a Japanese garden. The park is located on the limits of Guadalajara and Zapopan. C. El Chaco 3200, Providencia, GDL.
1. Entrance is free on Sundays. There are three entrances: Patria (for playground, basketball courts), Camacho (for duck pond, Japanese garden), and Torreon (a neighborhood entrance).
2. Start with a DIY picnic. Enter the following address in your GPS to access the most pleasant area to stop and lay in the grass: C. El Chaco 3200, Providencia, GDL
3. On the Patria side, you can horseback ride with a guide for $100 pesos for a half hour tour.
4. Enjoy exercising jogging the paved trails (3k & 5k) or using the free spots with exercise machines.
5. A favorite spot (even for taking photos) is its Japanese Garden, a space that celebrates the friendship between the cities of Guadalajara and Kyoto.
6. In the center of the park, there is a lake with ducks that kids love. There is also a fountain water feature, and that central area of trees is just gorgeous. On weekends, you will find ceramic painting set up right by the pond. This is an inexpensive and fun family activity, and it always gets busy.
7. Drive 10 min and end the day with dinner at La Casa De Los Platos, São Paulo 2367, Providencia, GDL. Opens from 9 am to 7 pm on Sundays. Make sure to walk through the jungle that connects several restaurants together. Gorgeous spot in GDL.
4 – ZAPOPAN
Zapopan, one of the wealthiest municipalities in Mexico, located on the northwest side of Guadalajara, is known for its Virgin of Zapopan figure, the focus of a popular yearly pilgrimage attracting millions of pilgrims.
Option 1 (Modern Zapopan)
1. This area was developed in the last 30 years by the Leaño Family who are some of Mexico’s top visionaries. They founded the Autonomous University of Guadalajara, built Plaza Andares (one of the most popular malls in western Mexico), and zoned an area for skyscrapers. It is a very pretty skyline.
2. Every Sunday Plaza Andares comes alive with incredible activities (most are free). Spend a pleasant time in the company of your family or friends enjoying cultural events, food festivals, concerts, and street art on the promenade.
3. Andares is home of many eateries with one side open to elements, but dining areas are covered overhead. Pick the one that tempted you. Reservation are rarely needed day time.
4. Catch the latest movie at the VIP Cinepolis, lounging in reclining leather chairs.
5. Nearby, a 15 min walk, you’ll find the best family entertainment at The Landmark. From bowling at Alboa (Opens from 12-10 pm on Sundays) to a new form of entertainment, the interaction of video games as you have never experienced before at ARENA (Opens from 11 am to 11 pm on Sundays).
Option 2 (Historical Zapopan)
1. There are lovely pedestrian malls, cobblestone streets, and old buildings. Many pedestrian streets have restaurants that spill into the street and offer a lively, carnival-like atmosphere.
2. Start with breakfast or lunch at the famous La Fonda De Doña Gabina Escolastica. It offers an authentic fonda tapatía, a tribute to the most emblematic Mexican dishes. Cash only. Opens from 8 am to 11 pm on Sundays. Javier Mina 237 45100 Zapopan.
3. Walk 5 min to visit the Basilica de Zapopan for free. Started in 1689 it wasn’t completed until 1866. Opens from 10 am to 8 pm on Sundays. Calle Eva Briseno 151, 45100 Zapopan.
4. Walk 5 min to visit the MAZ, Zapopan Art Museum. It is small but excellent and free. Opens from 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays. Prol. 20 De Noviembre 166, centro historico, 45100 Zapopan.
5 – TLAQUEPAQUE
Can you say ‘Tlaquepaque’ (Tla-keh-pa-keh) ten times fast? Tlaquepaque is a tiny, colorful town, about twenty minutes south of central Guadalajara. Known for its ceramics and mariachi bands, it’s often the favorite area of most visitors. A visit to Tlaquepaque is not complete without watching live mariachi, the famed Mexican folk music. But be careful: If you request a song from a Mariachi band they will charge you and you might have to pay around $10 US per song. That is not the case in some restaurants that pay for the Mariachi.
1 - Arrive at 11 am, to stroll on Independencia Street where you'll find galleries, museums, restaurants, and authentic, delicious Mexican food. You pretty much can’t go wrong here.
2 - Start at the incredibly mesmerizing Sergio Bustamante Gallery, Calle Independencia 238, Tlaquepaque. Make sure to not miss any room and its incredible garden.
3 - Must stop at the indigenous craft gallery Del Corazón de la Tierra, Calle Independencia 227, and several other gorgeous shops to pick up a gift or two.
4 - Visit the free Museum of Ceramics, which was founded in 1954 to preserve and promote indigenous art. Opens from 11 am to 2 pm on Sundays. Calle Independencia 237.
5 - Have lunch (restaurants open at 1 pm) at either: Restaurante Cielito Lindo Calle Independencia 208 (☹TWIG’s favorite. Choose a garden table.), El Patio for lunch with mariachis Calle Independencia 186, or 1910 Cocina De México, with a rooftop beautiful view of the town., C. Prisciliano Sánchez 4.
6 - Visit El Jardín Hidalgo, which has a large statue of the eponymous, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, who led the Mexican War of Independence.
7 - End the day at El Parián, a cluster of restaurants circled around the central bandstand, filled with mariachi bands. Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in this authentic local experience! Opens from 9 am to 11 pm on Sundays. Independencia No. 58.
TONALA: TWIG wrote a great guide A PERFECT DAY IN TONALÁ - A Treasure Hunter's Itinerary for Shopping, Eating, and More.
CHAPALITA: Coming Soon
Voila! We hope you will enjoy amazing Sundays discovering these wonderful options.
The TWIG team wishes you and amazing chilled weekend!
Want more of everything going on in Guadalajara? Subscribe to TWIG’s free weekly newsletter to get the best of Guadalajara in your inbox. And get the “Best of Guadalajara List” to know the top bilingual professionals in 30+ categories (from private drivers to doctors).
FAQ´S -
Where can I relax in Guadalajara? TWIG recommends a day in nature at Bosque Los Colomos, to catch a movie with a VIP experience at Cinepolis VIP, the best facial at Miel & Leche, meditating at Centro Khamlungpa, read a book in the quiet court of Impronta Casa Editora, or play a board game at La Madriguera, among the best options for a chilled day.
Are there quiet spots to unwind in GDL? Yes! TWIG recommends to find a quiet spot in Bosque Los Colomos, Mirador Independencia Park, or Jardin Botánico.
What are the top recommended chill places by locals in Guadalajara? Ecocentro Providencia, Rancho San Juan Diego, Lakeside Chapala Spas, Casa Habita pool, and Centro Khamlungpa to chill for the day.
How do I plan a relaxed day in Guadalajara? Sign-up for TWIG’s free weekly newsletter to be transported to the best activities and events.
How can I stay updated on the latest events and attractions in Guadalajara? Subscribe to TWIG's free weekly newsletter to get the best of Guadalajara delivered directly to your inbox.
Want more of everything going on in Guadalajara? Subscribe to TWIG’s free weekly newsletter to get the best of Guadalajara in your inbox. And get the “Best of Guadalajara List” to know the top bilingual professionals in 30+ categories (from private drivers to doctors).
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