Visit Tlaquepaque (Jalisco): Top 16 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in Tlaquepaque: The 16 Best Places to Visit and Highlights

Tlaquepaque is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Jalisco, just a short drive from Guadalajara. It’s especially known for its rich artistic heritage, vibrant culture, and colorful streets.

Also famous for its exquisite pottery, Tlaquepaque is a paradise for art lovers and collectors alike.

In order to help you plan your visit, I have written this guide of the 16 best things to do in Tlaquepaque, with all the must-see attractions and points of interest.

I’ll also introduce you to some of the best places to eat, drink tequila and listen the mariachis.

At the end of the article, I will show you how to spend 1 day in Tlaquepaque and enjoy the best of this charming city and give my suggestions of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best places to visit in Tlaquepaque? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The Ceramic Museum (Museo Regional de la Cerámica)

Located in the heart of Tlaquepaque, the Ceramic Museum (Museo Regional de la Cerámica) is a must-see attraction in Tlaquepaque for art and history enthusiasts.

Dedicated to showcasing the rich pottery heritage of Jalisco and Mexico, the museum houses an extensive collection of ceramic pieces from different regions and periods, reflecting the diverse techniques and styles of pottery making.

As you explore the museum, you’ll find beautifully crafted pottery, ranging from pre-Hispanic artifacts to contemporary art pieces. The exhibits are carefully curated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the development and evolution of ceramic art in Mexico.

The museum also hosts regular workshops and demonstrations led by local artisans, offering you an opportunity to witness the pottery-making process and learn about traditional techniques.

For those who wish to take home a piece of Tlaquepaque’s pottery tradition, the museum also features a gift shop where you can find a wide array of ceramic souvenirs, including decorative items, kitchenware, and jewelry.

• The expo is small but very interesting and you can enter for free!

2. Stroll along Independencia Avenue

As the main street of Tlaquepaque, Independencia Avenue is a vibrant and bustling area, filled with shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars.

Take a leisurely stroll along the street to admire the charming colonial architecture, and browse through the countless handicrafts, antiques, and unique items available for sale.

As you walk, you’ll encounter live music and performances by talented mariachi bands and other local artists, adding a lively atmosphere to your exploration. Don’t forget to stop by some of the local specialty stores to sample delicious Mexican treats, drinks, and dishes.

3. Relax at El Parian

El Parian is a lively plaza surrounded by arcades and terraces and is home to some of the best restaurants and bars in Tlaquepaque.

Here, you can unwind with a delicious meal or drink while enjoying the live music and observing the bustling activity of locals and tourists alike.

Take this opportunity to taste some of Tlaquepaque’s famous tequila or pulque, a traditional fermented drink made from agave, as you immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.

It has 18 restaurants-bars with different owners and prices, there is also mariachi function almost every day (except Wednesdays).

4. Explore the Centro Cultural El Refugio

The Centro Cultural El Refugio is a former convent that has been transformed into a cultural center, housing galleries, exhibition halls, and the Museo Pantaleon Panduro.

This museum is dedicated to the works of Pantaleon Panduro, a renowned sculptor from Tlaquepaque, known for his incredibly lifelike busts of famous individuals, including politicians, artists, and writers.

As you wander through the Centro Cultural El Refugio, you’ll also come across contemporary sculptures by other artists, providing a diverse and engaging experience for art lovers.

5. Visit the Santuario de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad

Dating back to the 18th century, the Santuario de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad is a beautiful church dedicated to the patron saint of Tlaquepaque.

It has a stunning baroque facade and a richly decorated interior, adorned with paintings, sculptures, and altarpieces. The church is also home to an image of the Virgin of Solitude, believed to have cured many people of their ailments.

6. Shop at El Arca Artesanias y Antiguedades

Owned by señor Miguel, El Arca Artesanias y Antiguedades is a spacious store that showcases a variety of handicrafts and antiques from different regions of Mexico.

You can find pottery, textiles, jewelry, furniture, masks, toys, and more to bring back home as souvenirs and gifts.

You might also stumble upon some rare and unique items that are hard to come by elsewhere, making your shopping experience even more satisfying.

7. Taste some fresh tejuino

Tejuino is a traditional Mexican cold beverage made from fermented corn masa, piloncillo, and water. It has a quite interesting tasting profile (coming from the fermented corn), and it may be an acquired taste for some people, but I LOVE it.

8. Relax at Jardin Hidalgo

Jardin Hidalgo is a beautiful park in the heart of Tlaquepaque, a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

With its lush greenery, colorful flowers, and a charming central kiosk it offers a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation and leisure.

The park is surrounded by historic buildings and charming shops, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll.

On weekends, you’ll find the park buzzing with activity as locals gather to socialize, listen to street performers, and enjoy snacks from various food vendors.

9. Take a free Walking Tour of Tlaquepaque

I was amazed to find out that the tourist center offers not one but many different Free walking tours of Tlaquepaque!

I went in to get a map, and the very friendly agent told me they have many tours everyday (11h, 1pm, 4pm, 6pm), you just need to book in advance at: 33 1578 1290.

Isn’t that awesome?

You can chose between:

• Artistic craft route: includes the main art galleries
• Dynamic cultural route: historical sites
• Gastronomic route: representative restaurants
• Commercial historical route: historical sites and shopping malls
• Inclusive route of the senses: presidency, parian and Jardín Hidalgo
• Religious tourist route: Sanctuary, Parish, Agustín Parra Museum, and Andador Independencia

And they even have tours for kids!

It’s also where you’ll find the colorful letters of Tlaquepaque: the perfect place to take a photo!

10. Discover the World’s Largest Tequila Collection

Nuestros Dulces is a must-visit destination in Tlaquepaque, even if you don’t like tequila!

It’s a traditional Mexican candy store with an impressive collection of tequila bottles. At the entrance there is a big sign saying they’re “the store with the most variety of tequila in the world” (2016 bottles when i visited but it probably varies).

I can’t say if it’s true, but it really looked like the Ali Baba cave of tequila, with so many different bottles (some of them with very fun shapes like catrinas, skulls. I even saw a horse!). Their most expensive bottle costs 19 000 pesos. 😮

Browse the aisles filled with colorful and delicious sweets, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or finding unique gifts for friends and family back home.

From sugary confections to spicy treats, Nuestros Dulces has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Tlaquepaque.

The 6 Best Places to Visit Around Tlaquepaque

While Tlaquepaque itself is a treasure trove of cultural experiences, the surrounding areas also offer some fantastic destinations that you should consider adding to your itinerary.

From the bustling metropolis of Guadalajara to the picturesque town of Tequila, here are some of the best places to visit around Tlaquepaque:

11. Guadalajara

As the capital of Jalisco and Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara is a must-visit destination that boasts a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity.

Home to stunning colonial architecture, world-class museums, and a vibrant culinary scene, Guadalajara offers plenty of attractions for every type of traveler.

Be sure to visit the Historic Downtown, Hospicio Cabañas, and the Guadalajara Cathedral.

12. Tequila

Famed for its namesake spirit, the picturesque town of Tequila is a UNESCO World Heritage site located just a short drive from Tlaquepaque.

Here, you can visit world-renowned tequila distilleries such as Jose Cuervo and Herradura, and immerse yourself in the rich history of tequila production. Don’t forget to explore the beautiful agave fields that dot the landscape.

• From Guadalajara:

Booking a tour to Tequila from Guadalajara is very easy. My favorite tour includes hotel pick up, a visit to one of the oldest tequila distilleries and some free time to explore the town of Tequila and Amatitán. – Book it here!

• From Puerto Vallarta:

Take this 2-day trip that includes roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Puerto Vallarta, visit of Tequila and Tlaquepaque the 1st day, 1 night in Guadalajara and visit of Guadalajara on the 2nd day. – Book the 2-day tour here!

13. Lake Chapala

As Mexico’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Chapala is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

With its scenic waterfront, charming towns like Ajijic and Chapala, and an array of recreational activities, Lake Chapala is an ideal spot for a relaxing day trip or weekend getaway. Enjoy boat rides, bird watching, and sampling the region’s delicious cuisine.

I personally found Ajijic more charming with its art galeries, cute boutiques and colorful streets. 😍

• To visit Lake Chapala from Guadalajara:  book this tour (click here)– it includes transporation from your hotel, a guided visit of Chapala and Ajijic, with some free time
• To discover all there is to know about Ajijic, make sure to check out my comprehensive guide!

14. Tonala

Situated just a short distance from Tlaquepaque, Tonala is another artistic hub known for its handicrafts and pottery.

The town’s lively artisan market is a must-visit destination, where you can find a wide range of traditional Mexican crafts and souvenirs. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit local workshops and witness the skilled artisans at work.

15. Mazamitla

Mazamitla is a picturesque town nestled in the mountains that offers a welcome escape from the bustling city life.

Known as the “Switzerland of Mexico,” this charming village is famous for its alpine-style architecture and lush pine forests. You can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and zip-lining, or simply relax and take in the stunning natural scenery.

• To visit Mazamitla from Guadalajara: book this tour (click here) with transportation from your hotel, a stop at “Los Vampiritos“, a short hike to a waterfall in an eco-park, and free time to explore Mazamitla

16. Guachimontones

At 90 minutes from Guadalajara, located near the town of Teuchitlán, Guachimontones was one of the most important sites of Western Mesoamerica.

The site features circular stepped pyramids and other intriguing structures that date back to the Teuchitlán culture, which flourished from around 300 BCE to 900 CE.

A visit to Guachimontones offers a rare glimpse into the ancient history and culture of the region. Don’t miss the on-site interpretive center, which provides valuable context and information about the site’s significance and the people who once inhabited it.

• Book this tour (click here!) that includes transportation from your hotel in Guadalajara, guided visit of Teuchitlan and Guachimontones with the museum

Where to stay to visit Tlaquepaque

I recommend staying in Guadalajara because it offers many hotel choices and it’s very close to Tlaquepaque! Here are my favorite hotels for all price ranges:

• Hostal Hospedarte Centro: A cozy and colorful hostel in the heart of Guadalajara, close to the Cathedral and Plaza de Armas. Dorm or private room with shared bathroom, from 34 $usd per night, breakfast included. Highlights: free walking tours of the city, friendly staff, lively common areas – this is my choice for a cheap and fun stay in Guadalajara!

• Hotel Dalí Plaza Ejecutivo: A modern and comfortable hotel 320 ft meters from the Teatro Degollado and the Plaza de la Liberación. Room with private bathroom and cable TV, from 44 $usd per night. Highlights: central location, rooftop terrace, free parking.

• Hotel de Mendoza: A historic and elegant hotel next to the Teatro Degollado and the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres. Spacious room with balcony and panoramic view of the city, from $67 usd. Highlights: outdoor pool, gym, colonial charm, restaurant.

• Casa Habita: A restored 1940s mansion in the Colonia Americana neighborhood, 3 km from the historic center. Very elegant and comfortable room with terrace and pool view, from 150 $usd per night, breakfast included. Highlights: the outdoor pool, the bar, the retro atmosphere.

• Boutique Hotel Villa Ganz: A renovated mansion in the Colonia Americana district, 3 km from the historic center. Cozy and elegant room with fireplace and garden view, from 200 $usd per night. Highlights: the personalized service, the gourmet restaurant, the beautiful decoration, it’s my favorite hotel in Guadalajara for a romantic stay!

How much time do I need to visit Tlaquepaque

Half a day or a day is enough to visit Tlaquepaque and experience its art, history and cuisine, as most of the attractions are located in the central pedestrian zone.

How to Spend 1 Day in Tlaquepaque

To make the most of your visit, here’s my suggested itinerary to visit Tlaquepaque in 1 day:

Morning:

• Start your day with a visit to the Ceramic Museum to learn about the history and techniques of pottery making in Jalisco.
• Next, stroll along Independencia Avenue, browsing through the handicrafts and antiques shops, and admiring the colonial architecture.
• Take a break at Jardin Hidalgo where you can relax, enjoy the park’s atmosphere and have a refreshing tejuino.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Centro Cultural El Refugio and explore the galleries, exhibition halls, and the Museo Pantaleon Panduro.
• Head to El Parian for lunch, where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine and listen to live music or at the charming restaurante Luna.
• Shop for souvenirs and unique items at El Arca Artesanias y Antiguedades and Casa del Artesano.

Evening:

After visiting the impressive collection of tequila bottles at Nuestros Dulces, taste some tequila or mezcal at La Cata and learn about the history and production of this famous Mexican spirit.

Where to Eat in Tlaquepaque

There are many cafés, bars and restaurants in Tlaquepaque. Here are my recommendations for your one-day trip:

Restaurante Casa Luna:  you will love this restaurant for its beautiful colonial house and courtyard that is perfect for taking pictures, its tasty food and cocktails (the “cazuela” was delicious: orange, mezcal, tequila and grapefruit), and its cozy vibe.

I thought it was a bit pricey, but the portions are generous, service is great and the setting is perfect. – I would recommend making a reservation or arriving early because it gets busy!

La Última Lucha: inspired by the iconic Mexican wrestling culture, La Última Lucha is a unique and vibrant pulqueria. They have a lot of flavors (some of them I had never seen before in other pulquerias). I recommend mazapan or mango😋!

Cafenea 40: a charming café that offers a variety of pastries (try the elote flan!), coffee, and light meals in a warm atmosphere. The friendly staff and artistic touches throughout the café make it a great spot to relax. Opened 3pm-11pm, everyday except tuesday.

How to Get to Tlaquepaque

Reaching Tlaquepaque is quite easy, whether you’re traveling from Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, or Mexico City. Here are some options for getting to this charming city:

• From Guadalajara

Tlaquepaque is located just about 6 miles (10 km) southeast of Guadalajara, making it a convenient day trip.

• You can take  an Uber, which should take around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• You can use public transportation: take the Tren Ligero (light rail) Line 3 from Guadalajara to Tlaquepaque, or take one of the local buses that connect the two cities. -It’s a good idea to have the Moovit app on your smartphone or on the web because it provides up-to-date information on bus routes, schedules, and fares.

• From Puerto Vallarta

 If you’re coming from Puerto Vallarta, you can:

• fly to Guadalajara (1h05) with Volaris or Viva Aerobus
• to take a bus to Guadalajara (6h), with Primera Plus, ETN, Pacifico or Chihuahuenses

Once you arrive in Guadalajara, follow the instructions above to reach Tlaquepaque.

Another option is to book the 2 day-trip from Puerto Vallarta (click here!) with roundtrip transportation from your hotel, the visit of Tequila, Tlaquepaque and Guadalajara and 1 night in Guadalajara.

• From Mexico City

To get to Tlaquepaque from Mexico City, you can either:

• take a flight to Guadalajara (1h15) with Aeromexico, Volaris or Viva Aerobus
• or a bus to Guadalajara (6-7h) with Futura, Elite or ACN

After arriving in Guadalajara, use one of the transportation options mentioned above to get to Tlaquepaque.

Rent a car in Mexico

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore Mexico and make the most of your stay!

While it’s not super useful to visit the city, having a car is a must to discover the rest of the country.

To rent a car, personally, I always use Rentalcars.com, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Rentalcars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

How to find a cheap flight to Guadalajara

The Guadalajara international airport (GDL) is also known as Aeropuerto Internacional Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.

With 15 airlines operating and 58 national and international destinations, the Guadalajara airport is easily accessible for travelers!

To find a cheap flight to Guadalajara as well as the best domestic flights in Mexico, you should use our flight comparison tool in partnership with Skyscanner. It is guaranteed to get you the best price!

Best Time to Visit Tlaquepaque

The best time to visit Tlaquepaque is during the months of October to April when the weather is generally pleasant and dry.

This period also coincides with several cultural events and festivals, such as the Feria Nacional de San Pedro and the International Mariachi and Charreria Festival.

Tips for Visiting Tlaquepaque

1. Wear comfortable shoes: The streets of Tlaquepaque are often made of cobblestones, so it’s important to wear comfortable and sturdy footwear while exploring the city.
2. Stay hydrated: Tlaquepaque can get quite hot, especially during the summer months. Make sure to drink plenty of water
3. Wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun – I got a sunburn in April, even though it’s not the hottest month of the year!
4. Bring cash: Many small shops, street vendors, and some small restaurants in Tlaquepaque only accept cash, so be sure to have some Mexican pesos on hand.

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico

• Guadalajara (Jalisco): Top 40 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• One Day in Guadalajara (Jalisco): Must-See Places + Itinerary
• 2 days in Guadalajara: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)
• 3 Days in Guadalajara: An Epic Itinerary
• The 5 best coffee shops in Guadalajara (Colonia Americana)

• Ajijic (Lake Chapala): Best Things to Do + Tips
• Puerto Vallarta: Top 35 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• Sayulita: the 15 Best things to discover

• Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month

• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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