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Home » Destinations » Central America » Mexico

Scenes from Guadalajara's Historic City Center

Modified: Mar 25, 2021 · Published: May 26, 2013 by Dave Lee |

My favorite view of Guadalajara Cathedral is from Plaza de la Liberación to the east
My favorite view of Guadalajara Cathedral is from Plaza de la Liberación to the east

[I] waved goodbye to Christine, Drew and family at the Puerto Vallarta bus terminal, and was soon speeding east toward Guadalajara.

Not knowing much of Mexico, I always thought Guadalajara was a pueblo.

Turns out it's the capital of the central state of Jalisco, and the second biggest city in the country after Mexico City (which we all know to be one of the largest cities in the world).

Five hours later, we pulled into the new bus terminal on the western outskirts of the city.

From there, I took a taxi to my hostel in the historic city center.

Downtown Guadalajara is awash in historic buildings, and despite its size, it's still more relaxed and manageable than Mexico City.

Front facade of Guadalajara Cathedral, which was built in the late 16th century. The area in front of the cathedral is known as Plaza Guadalajara.
Front facade of Guadalajara Cathedral, which was built in the late 16th century. The area in front of the cathedral is known as Plaza Guadalajara.
A French bandstand in the middle of the Plaza de Armas, east of the Cathedral. The Palacio de Gobierno (Governor's Palace) can be seen in the back left.
A French bandstand in the middle of the Plaza de Armas, east of the Cathedral. The Palacio de Gobierno (Governor's Palace) can be seen in the back left.
Huge ceiling mural painted by José Clemente Orozco in the Palacio de Gobierno
Huge ceiling mural painted by José Clemente Orozco in the Palacio de Gobierno. You can see more of Orozco's murals at the Instituto Cultutal Cabañas.
The Rotonda de los Jalicienses Ilustres
The Rotonda de los Jalicienses Ilustres (Rotunda of the Illustrious People of Jalisco) is north of the Cathedral. Statues of notable figures from the state surround the park.
The Teatro Degollado (Opera House) faces the Plaza de la Liberación east of the Cathedral
The Teatro Degollado (Opera House) faces the Plaza de la Liberación east of the Cathedral
Inside Teatro Degollado
Inside Teatro Degollado
Behind the Teatro is a fountain and sculpture, which marks the site where Guadalajara was founded in February 1542
Behind the Teatro is a fountain and sculpture, which marks the site where Guadalajara was founded in February 1542. In the late afternoon, this becomes a popular space for street performers.
One of the many churches in downtown Guadalajara
One of the many churches in downtown Guadalajara
Main building at Instituto Cultural Cabañas, a former orphanage and current UNESCO World Heritage Site
Main building at Instituto Cultural Cabañas, a former orphanage and current UNESCO World Heritage Site

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About Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 68 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

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