A Guide to Visiting Tlaquepaque, Jalisco: Guadalajara's Charming Neighbour

Walk the popular Calle Independencia, a vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants and colourful decorations. This is the most visited and (in my opinion) most beautiful area of Tlaquepaque. When travelling to Tlaquepaque as an independent day trip from Guadalajara, Calle Independencia is an ideal reference point to map to. It’s worth noting you'll see A LOT of  'no photos' signs at various stores and displays along this street.

Mercado Benito Juarez is a lively, local market in Tlaquepaque where you’ll find everything from souvenirs to foods and even piñatas. For items that are unique to this region of Mexico, we recommend checking out Cantú for tiles, Casa Piel for leather, Galería Cempasúchil for decorative items, and Galería Imperial for furniture. The galleries and shops along Calle Independencia have some really impressive displays but you may find that shopping in Tlaquepaque is more boutique than budget.

The museum is small but free with varying local exhibits throughout the year and some examples of traditional ceramics. Entrance is off of Calle Independencia.

It may be mariachi or folklore ballet but those dining at El Parían can enjoy a live Mexican performance in Tlaquepaque. El Parían is a complex of over a dozen restaurants that surround a gazebo where performers entertain daily. We were there for mariachi from 3:30-4:30pm and, while the restaurants are quite calm during the day, things are said to pick up at night. Menus seem to be about the same at each restaurant though the food is nothing to write home about. If you’re keen to watch a performance, try a tequila cazuela with a snack instead.

To truly escape from the bustle of Guadalajara, grab some helado de garrafa (ice cream) and find shade at the Jardin Hidalgo. At the square you'll also find the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Solitude and the San Pedro Tlaquepaque Parish.

On the second and fourth Friday of every month, the main streets of Tlaquepaque come to life with live music and dancing to celebrate noches de la ronda.

A day trip to Tlaquepaque is often combined with a stop in Tonalá, a neighbouring city also offering artisan crafts but in a less touristy setting.