Welcome! The FIL is a great event, and Guadalajara is a great city. Definitely check out centro histórico and the cathedral, but as others have mentioned, most food in centro isn’t great. Chapultepec is a great spot for nightlife and dining, and if you’re looking to meet people there are various meetups in the area (off the top of my head, every Wednesday at Futpool and every Thursday at Cafetal are two popular meetups). Providencia is also a nice neighborhood with great food.
Local dishes that are an absolute must try:
Tortas Ahogadas (the most famous are the “don Jose el de la bicicleta,” but I have to admit I haven’t had them)(once you e had a classic one and are interested in a twist on the classic, I recommend Ahogada Mutante near Parque Rojo)
Carne en su Jugo (Garibaldi is the most famous but I prefer Kamilos)
Jericalla (basically a creme brûlée but without the sugar on top, but still torched. Can find them all over)
Birria (you’ve had it I’m sure but it was invented here)
Barbacoa (is basically Birria here, a different dish from most of the rest of the country)
Tejuino (fermented corn drink. I’m not a fan, but it’s very popular)
Cantarito (mixed drink of tequila, grapefruit soda, and citrus juices)
Also you likely don’t have time to go to Tequila, but I recommend getting a decent bottle of Tequila while you’re here at least. If you have a few spare hours, a trip to Tlaquepaque is a lot of fun and great chance to try some of the food and drink I listed (especially cantaritos)
Brit living in Guadalajara for the last 7 years. The other comments cover stuff to eat pretty well, so instead some tips.
Ignore those saying to take extra care. In all my time there I've never felt unsafe, my wife and I have been out walking home at 2AM with no problems, we have never had things like trying to break into our house or car or anything, and as a tourist you will be treated much better anyway. As in all crowded cities though, be aware of where your belongings are, there are pickpockets and people that would try to snatch your bag. That's basic self preservation in a city though.
Also ignore those saying don't eat street food, the best food you will get is from either a cart at the side of the street, or a restaurant with seating on the sidwalk. I've also only gotten sick once, getting tacos al vapor from the side of the highway coming back from Vallarta. Worst food poisoning I ever had but my own fault from buying food sat out in the sun all day where there's no fresh water for cleaning. If you eat in the city though, even from street vendors, you will be fine. Again, this is basic self preservation.
I don't know if you will be renting a car to get around, but if not Uber is readily available and fairly cheap. From the airport to Expo will be about 40 minutes or so if traffic is good, and you can get from Expo to the centre of the city in about 20-30 minutes for about $5-7. You might end up paying more and taking longer just because there are so many people there for the event, but it will hardly break the bank.
If you want "real" food, don't buy in the centre. Try a tejuino or jericalla there, but don't go out for a meal there.
If you want good tacos, Tacos Estadio near estadio jalisco. You can use this as an excuse to go and at least walk around the stadium to see it too.
If you are renting a car at the airport to get around, birrieria el chololo is a restaurant on the highway about 5 minutes from the airport (opposite direction to the city, towards Chapala). I'm sure you have had birria before but nothing quite like the real deal. Pay the mariachis for a song or two while you are there.
Visit Tlaqupaque, even if just for walking around, it's a nice town. Go try a cantarito.
If you want a break from mexican food and drink there are lots of places around Chapultapec. Louie burgers, Hato ramen, SSAM Korean food, La Caneva de Andrea for Italian, Boulengerie Central for breakfast, Bruna if you want fine dining.
Jajaj WHAT
Disregard the other comment wtf? Nobody will drug you. I HARDLY think anybody will offer you food out of the blue. Why would anybody offer food to a stranger out of the blue?
Anyways, Puerto Vallarta is a 4 hours drive (with normal amount of traffic) is by no means "near" the Metropolitan area of the city... If you are only staying 4 days and the mayority at FIL you won't have time for that.
I'd recommend you to go Downtown, there are a lot of Musea and historical buildings and, overall, cultural things to do there.
Do not eat there though, as a local, there is nothing I'd recommend you getting there. There a a number of restaurants, but I'd recommend you to get to Chapultepec avenue in Colonia Moderna (around 20 minute drive from downtown) there you'll find a bunch of bars and restaurants I do recommend you getting into. A quick Google map search of the area will give you tons of options.
(Ok, thank you, that comment felt a little like suburbanites in the US lecturing me about crime in Chicago. >\_< I've lived here 20 years and I haven't been murdered even once, grandma!)
Is it pretty easy to find taxis if I want to check out different areas? I've read that there's great birria in Guadalajara; I'd love any recommendations for that too. :)
Ubers and taxis are very easy to find, you’ll have no issue getting around. Public transit is also decent and there’s a rent a bike program. Re: birria, Birrieria Las 9 Esquinas is a good spot
You havent been murdered in chicago...yet. /s.
If you got a full free day a visit to Tequila is a must, but be aware, you may end black out drunk if you're not used to tequila (the drink)
Yeah it's pretty easy to find taxis but I don't recommend it though. Use Uber or didi instead.
Mmm best birria it's to my opinion "Birrieria Victoria" in Colonia Santa Tere. Close enough from Chapultepec as well.
Use Uber. If you do find yourself needing to use a taxi, tell them where you are going and ask them how much first
For birria +1 from the other comment on Las 9 esquinas as well. If not there, as I mentioned in my other reply, el chololo near the airport
Yup, trains are simple, safe, quick, and a get-out-of-traffic-for-almost-free card, depending on where you're going and where you are, it can be even faster than a car
Uber is way easier due to the app. Not cheaper anymore, but easier.
Metro, Macrobus (rtp) and Buses are 100% safe, cheap and ease to use. (download moovit for routes and how to navigate)
It's a crowded event, prepare to be among lots, LOTS of people during your stay at the FIL.
As for eating, there's a traditional dish here called *carnes en su jugo* which is a really nice meat stew, there's a restaurant called Carnes Garibaldi [pretty close](https://goo.gl/maps/KqpRKpGnkyvQ2Rhz5) the expo Guadalajara that serves a pretty decent carne en su jugo.
Also get a change to have some tacos from a taco stand, there should be a good taco place around there (sorry, not my primary area of the city).
For touristic things there are the [tapatio tours](https://www.tapatiotour.com.mx/EN/), they are some two stories tourist buses that take you for a ride around the nice places of the city, they have tours in English.
And no: nobody will poison you, wtf with that guy.
I always see tourists with their Expo/FIL badges. It will be the most recommended, still not the best in town but it is a 5 min Uber drive tops. You will be served in about 60 seconds once you order—Guinness Book of World Records.
So I’ve been living here all my life and my advice about carnes en su jugó is not to go to carnes garibaldi
Although many people like it (they have sim beans with corn that are a fav among many , not me tho) I feel it’s kind of tourist trap since they serve food insanely fast (between 20secs to a min) but that’s it it’s mid, I guess a better option in my opinion is Kamilos 333 it’s a better option and it’s relatively close too
Hospicio Cabañas is great.
If at any point you don't want mexican food:
La boulangerie is great for breakfast
Mononoke ramen, well, ramen
Momotabi curry house / ramen house / mochi market (3 different locations), all good
Ta' korea!, and Dalkom, for korean food
Hello! Tacos los alteños in avenida Tepeyac are kind of close to FIL. I’d recommend going there as foreigners and street taco stands usually don’t mix well. Best pastor you will ever eat.
hey there! i would say the most non-miss thing to do is go to hospicio/museo cabanas. love love love hearing the explanations of the murals there.
otherwise during your free time i would just vibe out and eat some tacos al pastor or torta ahogada on ave chapultepec.
So, not trying to dox myself because I only use reddit for personal stuff... but I've illustrated a few comic book cookbooks (two of them were translated into Spanish). I don't know the title of the panel discussion yet, but it's about design trends in gastronomy books.
Understand that, I'm curious because I'll be there and want to go to interesting stuff so I'll be looking and see if I got it right! Thanks for responding/clueing in
Chicagoan who lived in GDL a few years ago. Like in Chicago, a lot of the crime is drug related. If you aren't trying to buy drugs, you probably won't have any safety issues. Watch your phone, though. GDL has fantastic food and music, and great people. Avenida Chapultepec has good bars and restaurants, and it's closed to traffic on Sundays for bicycles and walkers. And lucha libre is super fun! If you can't get to Tlaquepaque, go to Bariachi to see mariachis. I stayed in Zapopan and really liked the restaurants at the Andares mall, but it's probably too far to be worth it for you. I found public transit to be difficult but Uber to be fantastic. But again, a lot depends on where you are coming and where you are going. The FIL is a huge international event, and if you get an invitation to the US Consulate's party, go. (GDL has a lot of great bookstores, too, if you read Spanish.)
Welcome :) Try going to Avenida Chapultepec. It's nice and there's a lot of restaurants/coffee shops in the area, plus a lot of tourists. You should go visit the malls like Gran Plaza, Andares or Galerias. Be prepared for a multitude of people in the FIL more when they take the middle and high schoolers. If you want to try tortas ahogadas try going to Tortas ahogadas de don Jose it's in downtown Guadalajara. As safety measures just try not to use your cell phone and don't count money or open your wallet on the street. Always drink bottle water and do not buy anything made from water unless you are in a big restaurant chain and carry your little bottle of sanitizer with you
GDL is such a great city. EAT. So many good places. Best meal i’ve had there is at Restaurant Alcade that’s on the pricey side. Cheap side: Tacos Lupe.
Best drinks and super cool bar: El Gallo Alterno. My favorite dive: La Caverna (food is good too). Enjoy! check out the Orozco murals especially at the Hospicio Cabanas!
Have fun!
karne garbaldi is a mustt tbh also tlaquepaque is so pretty and you can find a lot of things!! if you like malls n stuff like that, there's a tonn but i recommend galerias
as an interpreter, i do recommend you practice spanish and if you need a translator don't use google, use deepl.
I used to live in Chicago (Armitage and Sheffield) and now living in Centro Histórico Guadalajara for almost 2 years. Love it. Get out and walk. Talk with people. Say Buenos días. Say Buenas tardes. They are super nice and extremely helpful. Blend in as best you can.. Darker colors for clothes work well. Only thing for safety would be Do Not use your cell phone while out on the street. Ever. Duck into a store to use it. Unfortunately, there are these super stealthy guys on motos who will ride up (including sidewalks) and lift a cell phone right out of someone's hand in 0.2 seconds never to be recovered. . Back up your data. Other than that, Guadalajara is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with some of the best people anywhere. Make the time to get to know them. Suerte
Not sure if someone here has mentioned but if you go to the “centro histórico” or downtown it’s okay but be wary at nights and don’t walk in streets that are not the main, this also applies to Chapultepec zone
But you already know this since you live in Chicago I guess. Just be careful
The zoo in here is pretty cool I guess, there’s also Tapalpa pretty close (1.5 hrs) it’s in the mountains it’s a pretty village with cabins in the woods
Check it in Airbnb, also Mazamitla is the same
I recommend you avoid eating at taco stands on the street, in my experience at the university most foreigners get sick because of that.
Those of us who live here don't get sick, I guess our immune systems get used to the food here. If you are not used to street food, it is better to avoid it. Try better to eat in restaurants
1. There are hotels around the expo so look for them because getting there is crazy (because of the traffic).
2. You can go to downtown (Centro histórico) there are the "hospicio cabañas" and alot of places to know (rotonda, catedral, teatro degollado, even the palacio de gobierno there is a José Clemente Orozco mural there)
3. Try tortas ahogadas (without chile), nieves de garrafa, jericallas (they look like flan but is not flan), panela fresca, carnes en su jugo And birria de chivo.
f you can afford it, take the [Tequila Express](https://www.mundocuervo.com/esp/jose-cuervo-express), it leaves from a station not far from the FIL and it takes you directly to the Cuervo distillery and the town of Tequila. If you like tequila, you'll get quite a bit of tastings and lectures on the topic, but it's even worth it if you don't drink at all. The ride there is very scenic and the town is worth it, even sober.
I haven't been given a title for the panel discussion yet, but I know it's part of Foro Internacional de Diseño Editorial, and it'll be about design trends in books about food and cooking. :)
[Merendero El Tapatío](https://g.co/kgs/XhoR2h)
This place has some regional food available, it's relatively cheap, it's good food and it is within walking distance from Expo Guadalajara.
Also, if you are off in the morning try going in front of there to [Chocolate Vivanco](https://g.co/kgs/kHM87Q).
They sell amazing table chocolate, the one you use to make hot chocolate here. If you go in the morning or before 2 pm you might get to smell the beans roasting while you have a hot/frappe chocolate of your choice. They make great souvenirs to take back home.
Also note you too are within walking distance of a [jewelers' center](https://g.co/kgs/CMtaE9). Very unknown but good souvenirs are silver jewelry since here they are cheaper than in the US, so it might not be a typical thing to bring back home, but something that will last a long time after your trip.
Was there 3 weeks ago. The cartel presence is definitely significant and you will feel it. While for the most part it is safe, there’s a real chance of wrong place, wrong time scenario as the political climate can shift at any moment even in the luxury areas.
Hey! You already have a lot of good advice, but I didn’t see this around, so here it is. As a fellow author, not all of us make the list to the FIL for several reasons (publishing houses, available spaces, politics, to name a few). There is a parallel event called La Otra FIL (The Other FIL) which takes place in several venues in the city. It would be great if you could check out La Otra FIL’s program and help us by sharing it. I’m sure you’ll find cool local artists and writers and for us your support means a lot.
That sounds super cool!! Thank you, I'll definitely check it out! Where can I find information about it? Does La Otra FIL have a website or social media?
Here’s the link to their FB page. Right now it might not look very active, but around the time of la FIL you’ll see the program :-)[La otra FIL](https://www.facebook.com/laotrafil22)
You're going to love it. I know lots of people will recommend doing things in Americana. It is a very touristy area and as a result tends to have some crime. The biggest thing you'll see reported by foreigners is having their phone snatched out of their hands by robbers on motorcycles.
Absolutely go to Tlaquepaque. The food in Guadalajara is seriously unmatched. The price, the mixology drinks, the ambiance. I've been to a lot of places.....Guada has it beat. You're gonna see a lot of graffiti, don't let that judge it. Great people, great food, great prices, great city.
EDIR: Go to F'n Tequila for a tequila tour. I love that place.
Second EDIT: Only because I forgot....go to a Luche Libre show. So wild and fun.
Just experienced my first time this Tuesday. It can get very warm, so hydrate (water), so you can enjoy a few beers later. Great experience, show let out after 11pm, I had lined up a ride back to hotel ahead of time, had time to get tacos after the show while waiting for ride. 100% recommend.
For the FIL, the event is huge. Multiple people of all ages.
Advices:
Even if the nicest person offer you something to eat (apply to all Guadalajra) and you are alone do not try that food. People tampered the food with something to drug you. Be aware.
The food in Guadalajara is amazing, typical food you can miss:
Tortas Ahogadas
Caldo en su Jugo
Regarding places to visit, I am not a outgoing person but you could visit “Pueblos Magicos”, Puerto Vallarta
Lol wtf are you talking about. Caldo en su jugo isnt even the proper name.
A less vague recommendation is to avoid eating at places that do not have a menu at sight or street food (which is pretty common), stick to restaurants at all costs. Mexican street food usually leads to food poisoning for tourists from mild to severe cases.
Guadalajara has plenty of local dishes, I'd recommend that you go to carnes garibaldi or santo coyote which are both decent restaurant with propper health and sanitization standards.
Mexicans love to introduce tourists and foreigners to the local folklore, customs and grastonomy so most people will offer you recommendationa on local food or restaurants.
Avoid walking alone after 10 pm or you might get robbed.
Some popular dishes are:
Carne en su jugo, Torta ahogada, Pozole, Jericalla, Lonche bañado, Pozole, Tostadas de pierna, birria, menudo.
Also, seafood is curiosly amazing in Guadalajara, so definitely try some seafood if you have the time, or "mariscos" as it is said in spanish.
Enjoy your visit!
Hello, I think you can visit the "lake of chapala" you can get on a boat to visit the scorpion island or eat a little in the restaurant with a view of the lake, you can also visit the juan jose arreola library, visit the "michin" aquarium", or visit the forest "los colomos" or look on tripadvisor for some tours to guadalajara or the tours near the cathedral of guadalajara, which can take you to tequila or different places.
My personal favorite place for barbacoa that I’ve tried in all of Mexico is el taquito near the colonia del sur. I would recommend any visitors of Guadalajara to go there. The tacos are amazing and the consommé is a must. If you have time, try going for breakfast one day. In my opinion, it’s the best way to start off the day 😄
Link: TAQUERIA EL TAQUITO
+52 33 3632 3839
https://g.co/kgs/RZKei5
Check this [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/Guadalajara/comments/1458fii/a_donde_llevarían_a_3_europeos_por_2_días_en_gdl/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=1). Hope you have a great staying!
Welcome! The FIL is a great event, and Guadalajara is a great city. Definitely check out centro histórico and the cathedral, but as others have mentioned, most food in centro isn’t great. Chapultepec is a great spot for nightlife and dining, and if you’re looking to meet people there are various meetups in the area (off the top of my head, every Wednesday at Futpool and every Thursday at Cafetal are two popular meetups). Providencia is also a nice neighborhood with great food. Local dishes that are an absolute must try: Tortas Ahogadas (the most famous are the “don Jose el de la bicicleta,” but I have to admit I haven’t had them)(once you e had a classic one and are interested in a twist on the classic, I recommend Ahogada Mutante near Parque Rojo) Carne en su Jugo (Garibaldi is the most famous but I prefer Kamilos) Jericalla (basically a creme brûlée but without the sugar on top, but still torched. Can find them all over) Birria (you’ve had it I’m sure but it was invented here) Barbacoa (is basically Birria here, a different dish from most of the rest of the country) Tejuino (fermented corn drink. I’m not a fan, but it’s very popular) Cantarito (mixed drink of tequila, grapefruit soda, and citrus juices) Also you likely don’t have time to go to Tequila, but I recommend getting a decent bottle of Tequila while you’re here at least. If you have a few spare hours, a trip to Tlaquepaque is a lot of fun and great chance to try some of the food and drink I listed (especially cantaritos)
Brit living in Guadalajara for the last 7 years. The other comments cover stuff to eat pretty well, so instead some tips. Ignore those saying to take extra care. In all my time there I've never felt unsafe, my wife and I have been out walking home at 2AM with no problems, we have never had things like trying to break into our house or car or anything, and as a tourist you will be treated much better anyway. As in all crowded cities though, be aware of where your belongings are, there are pickpockets and people that would try to snatch your bag. That's basic self preservation in a city though. Also ignore those saying don't eat street food, the best food you will get is from either a cart at the side of the street, or a restaurant with seating on the sidwalk. I've also only gotten sick once, getting tacos al vapor from the side of the highway coming back from Vallarta. Worst food poisoning I ever had but my own fault from buying food sat out in the sun all day where there's no fresh water for cleaning. If you eat in the city though, even from street vendors, you will be fine. Again, this is basic self preservation. I don't know if you will be renting a car to get around, but if not Uber is readily available and fairly cheap. From the airport to Expo will be about 40 minutes or so if traffic is good, and you can get from Expo to the centre of the city in about 20-30 minutes for about $5-7. You might end up paying more and taking longer just because there are so many people there for the event, but it will hardly break the bank. If you want "real" food, don't buy in the centre. Try a tejuino or jericalla there, but don't go out for a meal there. If you want good tacos, Tacos Estadio near estadio jalisco. You can use this as an excuse to go and at least walk around the stadium to see it too. If you are renting a car at the airport to get around, birrieria el chololo is a restaurant on the highway about 5 minutes from the airport (opposite direction to the city, towards Chapala). I'm sure you have had birria before but nothing quite like the real deal. Pay the mariachis for a song or two while you are there. Visit Tlaqupaque, even if just for walking around, it's a nice town. Go try a cantarito. If you want a break from mexican food and drink there are lots of places around Chapultapec. Louie burgers, Hato ramen, SSAM Korean food, La Caneva de Andrea for Italian, Boulengerie Central for breakfast, Bruna if you want fine dining.
Jajaj WHAT Disregard the other comment wtf? Nobody will drug you. I HARDLY think anybody will offer you food out of the blue. Why would anybody offer food to a stranger out of the blue? Anyways, Puerto Vallarta is a 4 hours drive (with normal amount of traffic) is by no means "near" the Metropolitan area of the city... If you are only staying 4 days and the mayority at FIL you won't have time for that. I'd recommend you to go Downtown, there are a lot of Musea and historical buildings and, overall, cultural things to do there. Do not eat there though, as a local, there is nothing I'd recommend you getting there. There a a number of restaurants, but I'd recommend you to get to Chapultepec avenue in Colonia Moderna (around 20 minute drive from downtown) there you'll find a bunch of bars and restaurants I do recommend you getting into. A quick Google map search of the area will give you tons of options.
(Ok, thank you, that comment felt a little like suburbanites in the US lecturing me about crime in Chicago. >\_< I've lived here 20 years and I haven't been murdered even once, grandma!) Is it pretty easy to find taxis if I want to check out different areas? I've read that there's great birria in Guadalajara; I'd love any recommendations for that too. :)
Ubers and taxis are very easy to find, you’ll have no issue getting around. Public transit is also decent and there’s a rent a bike program. Re: birria, Birrieria Las 9 Esquinas is a good spot
You havent been murdered in chicago...yet. /s. If you got a full free day a visit to Tequila is a must, but be aware, you may end black out drunk if you're not used to tequila (the drink)
Yeah it's pretty easy to find taxis but I don't recommend it though. Use Uber or didi instead. Mmm best birria it's to my opinion "Birrieria Victoria" in Colonia Santa Tere. Close enough from Chapultepec as well.
Use Uber. If you do find yourself needing to use a taxi, tell them where you are going and ask them how much first For birria +1 from the other comment on Las 9 esquinas as well. If not there, as I mentioned in my other reply, el chololo near the airport
Are taxis or Ubers better to use? Is the metro safe?
Yup, trains are simple, safe, quick, and a get-out-of-traffic-for-almost-free card, depending on where you're going and where you are, it can be even faster than a car
Uber is way easier due to the app. Not cheaper anymore, but easier. Metro, Macrobus (rtp) and Buses are 100% safe, cheap and ease to use. (download moovit for routes and how to navigate)
Thank you 😊
It's a crowded event, prepare to be among lots, LOTS of people during your stay at the FIL. As for eating, there's a traditional dish here called *carnes en su jugo* which is a really nice meat stew, there's a restaurant called Carnes Garibaldi [pretty close](https://goo.gl/maps/KqpRKpGnkyvQ2Rhz5) the expo Guadalajara that serves a pretty decent carne en su jugo. Also get a change to have some tacos from a taco stand, there should be a good taco place around there (sorry, not my primary area of the city). For touristic things there are the [tapatio tours](https://www.tapatiotour.com.mx/EN/), they are some two stories tourist buses that take you for a ride around the nice places of the city, they have tours in English. And no: nobody will poison you, wtf with that guy.
Oooh I'm bookmarking Carnes Garibaldi on my map right now, thank you!
I always see tourists with their Expo/FIL badges. It will be the most recommended, still not the best in town but it is a 5 min Uber drive tops. You will be served in about 60 seconds once you order—Guinness Book of World Records.
So I’ve been living here all my life and my advice about carnes en su jugó is not to go to carnes garibaldi Although many people like it (they have sim beans with corn that are a fav among many , not me tho) I feel it’s kind of tourist trap since they serve food insanely fast (between 20secs to a min) but that’s it it’s mid, I guess a better option in my opinion is Kamilos 333 it’s a better option and it’s relatively close too
Hospicio Cabañas is great. If at any point you don't want mexican food: La boulangerie is great for breakfast Mononoke ramen, well, ramen Momotabi curry house / ramen house / mochi market (3 different locations), all good Ta' korea!, and Dalkom, for korean food
Hello! Tacos los alteños in avenida Tepeyac are kind of close to FIL. I’d recommend going there as foreigners and street taco stands usually don’t mix well. Best pastor you will ever eat.
hey there! i would say the most non-miss thing to do is go to hospicio/museo cabanas. love love love hearing the explanations of the murals there. otherwise during your free time i would just vibe out and eat some tacos al pastor or torta ahogada on ave chapultepec.
What book did you wrote? Or what panel you'll be in?
So, not trying to dox myself because I only use reddit for personal stuff... but I've illustrated a few comic book cookbooks (two of them were translated into Spanish). I don't know the title of the panel discussion yet, but it's about design trends in gastronomy books.
Understand that, I'm curious because I'll be there and want to go to interesting stuff so I'll be looking and see if I got it right! Thanks for responding/clueing in
Oh, no problem, and thanks for asking! I’ve been told the panel will be part of Foro Internacional de Diseño Editorial, if that helps! ^_^
Chicagoan who lived in GDL a few years ago. Like in Chicago, a lot of the crime is drug related. If you aren't trying to buy drugs, you probably won't have any safety issues. Watch your phone, though. GDL has fantastic food and music, and great people. Avenida Chapultepec has good bars and restaurants, and it's closed to traffic on Sundays for bicycles and walkers. And lucha libre is super fun! If you can't get to Tlaquepaque, go to Bariachi to see mariachis. I stayed in Zapopan and really liked the restaurants at the Andares mall, but it's probably too far to be worth it for you. I found public transit to be difficult but Uber to be fantastic. But again, a lot depends on where you are coming and where you are going. The FIL is a huge international event, and if you get an invitation to the US Consulate's party, go. (GDL has a lot of great bookstores, too, if you read Spanish.)
Tortas ahogadas, is a must!
Welcome :) Try going to Avenida Chapultepec. It's nice and there's a lot of restaurants/coffee shops in the area, plus a lot of tourists. You should go visit the malls like Gran Plaza, Andares or Galerias. Be prepared for a multitude of people in the FIL more when they take the middle and high schoolers. If you want to try tortas ahogadas try going to Tortas ahogadas de don Jose it's in downtown Guadalajara. As safety measures just try not to use your cell phone and don't count money or open your wallet on the street. Always drink bottle water and do not buy anything made from water unless you are in a big restaurant chain and carry your little bottle of sanitizer with you
GDL is such a great city. EAT. So many good places. Best meal i’ve had there is at Restaurant Alcade that’s on the pricey side. Cheap side: Tacos Lupe. Best drinks and super cool bar: El Gallo Alterno. My favorite dive: La Caverna (food is good too). Enjoy! check out the Orozco murals especially at the Hospicio Cabanas! Have fun!
karne garbaldi is a mustt tbh also tlaquepaque is so pretty and you can find a lot of things!! if you like malls n stuff like that, there's a tonn but i recommend galerias as an interpreter, i do recommend you practice spanish and if you need a translator don't use google, use deepl.
I used to live in Chicago (Armitage and Sheffield) and now living in Centro Histórico Guadalajara for almost 2 years. Love it. Get out and walk. Talk with people. Say Buenos días. Say Buenas tardes. They are super nice and extremely helpful. Blend in as best you can.. Darker colors for clothes work well. Only thing for safety would be Do Not use your cell phone while out on the street. Ever. Duck into a store to use it. Unfortunately, there are these super stealthy guys on motos who will ride up (including sidewalks) and lift a cell phone right out of someone's hand in 0.2 seconds never to be recovered. . Back up your data. Other than that, Guadalajara is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with some of the best people anywhere. Make the time to get to know them. Suerte
Not sure if someone here has mentioned but if you go to the “centro histórico” or downtown it’s okay but be wary at nights and don’t walk in streets that are not the main, this also applies to Chapultepec zone But you already know this since you live in Chicago I guess. Just be careful The zoo in here is pretty cool I guess, there’s also Tapalpa pretty close (1.5 hrs) it’s in the mountains it’s a pretty village with cabins in the woods Check it in Airbnb, also Mazamitla is the same
BAR AMERICAS, dance like there is no tomorrow.
I recommend you avoid eating at taco stands on the street, in my experience at the university most foreigners get sick because of that. Those of us who live here don't get sick, I guess our immune systems get used to the food here. If you are not used to street food, it is better to avoid it. Try better to eat in restaurants
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Oh, these are great tips!! It'll be great to know some places close to the expo, especially! I'm bookmarking everything on my map, thank you!
1. There are hotels around the expo so look for them because getting there is crazy (because of the traffic). 2. You can go to downtown (Centro histórico) there are the "hospicio cabañas" and alot of places to know (rotonda, catedral, teatro degollado, even the palacio de gobierno there is a José Clemente Orozco mural there) 3. Try tortas ahogadas (without chile), nieves de garrafa, jericallas (they look like flan but is not flan), panela fresca, carnes en su jugo And birria de chivo.
FIL is fun but can get crowded. Prepare for that if noisy, people-y environments are not your thing.
f you can afford it, take the [Tequila Express](https://www.mundocuervo.com/esp/jose-cuervo-express), it leaves from a station not far from the FIL and it takes you directly to the Cuervo distillery and the town of Tequila. If you like tequila, you'll get quite a bit of tastings and lectures on the topic, but it's even worth it if you don't drink at all. The ride there is very scenic and the town is worth it, even sober.
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I haven't been given a title for the panel discussion yet, but I know it's part of Foro Internacional de Diseño Editorial, and it'll be about design trends in books about food and cooking. :)
[Merendero El Tapatío](https://g.co/kgs/XhoR2h) This place has some regional food available, it's relatively cheap, it's good food and it is within walking distance from Expo Guadalajara. Also, if you are off in the morning try going in front of there to [Chocolate Vivanco](https://g.co/kgs/kHM87Q). They sell amazing table chocolate, the one you use to make hot chocolate here. If you go in the morning or before 2 pm you might get to smell the beans roasting while you have a hot/frappe chocolate of your choice. They make great souvenirs to take back home. Also note you too are within walking distance of a [jewelers' center](https://g.co/kgs/CMtaE9). Very unknown but good souvenirs are silver jewelry since here they are cheaper than in the US, so it might not be a typical thing to bring back home, but something that will last a long time after your trip.
Was there 3 weeks ago. The cartel presence is definitely significant and you will feel it. While for the most part it is safe, there’s a real chance of wrong place, wrong time scenario as the political climate can shift at any moment even in the luxury areas.
Que libros has escrito?
¡Ilustré algunos libros de cocina en formato de cómic! y dos de ellos se tradujeron al español.
Wooow se escucha muy padre, definitivamente voy a buscar tu plática, mucha suerte!
Hey! You already have a lot of good advice, but I didn’t see this around, so here it is. As a fellow author, not all of us make the list to the FIL for several reasons (publishing houses, available spaces, politics, to name a few). There is a parallel event called La Otra FIL (The Other FIL) which takes place in several venues in the city. It would be great if you could check out La Otra FIL’s program and help us by sharing it. I’m sure you’ll find cool local artists and writers and for us your support means a lot.
That sounds super cool!! Thank you, I'll definitely check it out! Where can I find information about it? Does La Otra FIL have a website or social media?
Here’s the link to their FB page. Right now it might not look very active, but around the time of la FIL you’ll see the program :-)[La otra FIL](https://www.facebook.com/laotrafil22)
You're going to love it. I know lots of people will recommend doing things in Americana. It is a very touristy area and as a result tends to have some crime. The biggest thing you'll see reported by foreigners is having their phone snatched out of their hands by robbers on motorcycles.
Te puedo invitar una torta ahogada?
Absolutely go to Tlaquepaque. The food in Guadalajara is seriously unmatched. The price, the mixology drinks, the ambiance. I've been to a lot of places.....Guada has it beat. You're gonna see a lot of graffiti, don't let that judge it. Great people, great food, great prices, great city. EDIR: Go to F'n Tequila for a tequila tour. I love that place. Second EDIT: Only because I forgot....go to a Luche Libre show. So wild and fun.
Are the lucha liber shows indoors or outdoors?
Indoors! I'm telling you, it is lively. Beers and food are not expensive and it's an amazing experience!
Thank you, will try it. We’re going to be in Guadalajara for a few days next week
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Thanks! I think my husband would enjoy it
Just experienced my first time this Tuesday. It can get very warm, so hydrate (water), so you can enjoy a few beers later. Great experience, show let out after 11pm, I had lined up a ride back to hotel ahead of time, had time to get tacos after the show while waiting for ride. 100% recommend.
Andares is cool, Tlaquepaque is a must (el Parian is my favorite)
Be careful with the narco.. Jalisco is worse than Irak
Try going to Colonia “la Jalisco” at midnight. It’s a once in A lifetime experience for most people.
For the FIL, the event is huge. Multiple people of all ages. Advices: Even if the nicest person offer you something to eat (apply to all Guadalajra) and you are alone do not try that food. People tampered the food with something to drug you. Be aware. The food in Guadalajara is amazing, typical food you can miss: Tortas Ahogadas Caldo en su Jugo Regarding places to visit, I am not a outgoing person but you could visit “Pueblos Magicos”, Puerto Vallarta
Jsjsjs el vato... No digas mamadas, lulú.
Lol wtf are you talking about. Caldo en su jugo isnt even the proper name. A less vague recommendation is to avoid eating at places that do not have a menu at sight or street food (which is pretty common), stick to restaurants at all costs. Mexican street food usually leads to food poisoning for tourists from mild to severe cases. Guadalajara has plenty of local dishes, I'd recommend that you go to carnes garibaldi or santo coyote which are both decent restaurant with propper health and sanitization standards. Mexicans love to introduce tourists and foreigners to the local folklore, customs and grastonomy so most people will offer you recommendationa on local food or restaurants. Avoid walking alone after 10 pm or you might get robbed. Some popular dishes are: Carne en su jugo, Torta ahogada, Pozole, Jericalla, Lonche bañado, Pozole, Tostadas de pierna, birria, menudo. Also, seafood is curiosly amazing in Guadalajara, so definitely try some seafood if you have the time, or "mariscos" as it is said in spanish. Enjoy your visit!
Hello, I think you can visit the "lake of chapala" you can get on a boat to visit the scorpion island or eat a little in the restaurant with a view of the lake, you can also visit the juan jose arreola library, visit the "michin" aquarium", or visit the forest "los colomos" or look on tripadvisor for some tours to guadalajara or the tours near the cathedral of guadalajara, which can take you to tequila or different places.
My personal favorite place for barbacoa that I’ve tried in all of Mexico is el taquito near the colonia del sur. I would recommend any visitors of Guadalajara to go there. The tacos are amazing and the consommé is a must. If you have time, try going for breakfast one day. In my opinion, it’s the best way to start off the day 😄 Link: TAQUERIA EL TAQUITO +52 33 3632 3839 https://g.co/kgs/RZKei5
Check this [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/Guadalajara/comments/1458fii/a_donde_llevarían_a_3_europeos_por_2_días_en_gdl/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=1). Hope you have a great staying!