DOWNTOWN

People flock to downtown Guadalajara (metropolitan area pop. 3.5 million, elev. 5,214 feet, 1,589 meters) to shop and choose from big selections at correspondingly small prices.

But that’s only part of the fascination. Although Guadalajarans like to think of themselves as different (calling themselves, uniquely, “Tapatíos”), their city is renowned as the “most Mexican” of cities. Visitors, both foreign and Mexican, come to Guadalajara to bask in its mild, springlike sunshine, savor its music, and admire its grand monuments.

CATEDRAL DE GUADALAJARA: Catedral de Guadalajara: The cathedral is a central spot to start your downtown sightseeing. It contains the casket of the Virgin of Innocence, who was martyred in Rome during the third century a.d. and whose remains were brought to Guadalajara in 1788. (read more)

PLAZA DE LOS HOMBRES ILLUSTRES: The remains of celebrated Guadalajarans lie beneath a circular rotunda. These include former governor Ignacio Vallarta and renowned muralist José Clemente Orozco. (read more)

TEATRO DEGOLLADO: Feast your eyes on the theater’s epic facade, depicting the allegory of Apollo and the nine muses. At the box office, get tickets for the Sunday folkloric ballet of the University of Guadalajara and world-class theatrical, dance, and musical performances. (read more)

FRISA DE LOS FUNDADORES: This monumental bronze frieze depicts Guadalajara’s founding by a company of gritty settlers. (read more)

MERCADO LIBERTAD: Stroll the market’s manifold lanes of bright fruit and vegetables, fragrant flowers, pungent herbs and spices, and handicrafts. Enjoy a savory home-cooked lunch at one of the second-floor fondas (food stalls). (read more)

HOSPICIO CABAÑAS: Latin America’s largest colonial building houses a grand collection of the work of José Clemente Orozco, notably the stirring mural Man of Fire, which decorates the interior cupola of its monumental dome. (read more)

PALACIO DE GOBIERNO: This building is famous as the Jalisco state governor’s office and for an arrestingly graphic Orozco mural that depicts Father Miguel Hidalgo, like an avenging angel, battling the demons of oligarchy and ignorance. (read more)

PARQUE SAN FRANCISCO: Admire the facade of the Templo de San Francisco de Asis and the golden retablos (altarpieces) inside the Capilla de Nuestra Señora de Aranzazú. (read more)

NUEVE ESQUINAS: “Nine Corners” is a picturesque village-within-a-city neighborhood. At Plaza Nueve Esquinas, enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner of regional specialties. (read more)

PARQUE AGUA AZUL: The south-of-downtown park features a botanical garden, a butterfly house, concerts, and plenty of shade and green grass. While you’re here, visit the park’s excellent paleontology museum. (read more)