Things To Do
in Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque, a charming historic town just southeast of Guadalajara, blends colonial architecture with a vibrant arts scene. Its cobblestone streets, colorful ceramics workshops, and lively plazas make it feel like an outdoor gallery at every turn. The neighborhood is renowned for its artisanal crafts, traditional music, and welcoming cantinas.
With easy access to Guadalajara's amenities, Tlaquepaque offers a picturesque, culturally rich getaway for lovers of culture and craft.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Mexican dishes such as chilaquiles or huevos rancheros. Afterward, stroll through the cobblestone streets of Tlaquepaque, where colorful buildings and vibrant street art surround you. Make your way to the iconic Parroquia de San Pedro, taking in the stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
In the afternoon, visit the Regional Museum of Ceramics, where you can learn about the rich history of pottery in Tlaquepaque and admire various exhibits. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local specialties like birria and tortas ahogadas. Spend the rest of the afternoon browsing artisan shops and galleries, where you can find handcrafted goods and unique souvenirs.
As the sun sets, head to a local eatery for dinner, where you can enjoy a delicious meal accompanied by live mariachi music. Experience the vibrant nightlife of Tlaquepaque, visiting a local bar or tavern to mingle with locals and travelers alike. Conclude your day by taking a peaceful evening walk through the town, admiring the twinkling lights and lively atmosphere.
Begin your morning with a visit to one of Tlaquepaque's renowned artisan workshops, where you can observe skilled craftspeople at work, creating beautiful pottery or handwoven textiles. Engage with the artisans and learn about the traditional techniques passed down through generations. After your workshop visit, stop by a nearby café for a mid-morning snack and coffee.
In the afternoon, explore the bustling market, where you can find a wide array of handmade goods, from ceramics to textiles. Don't forget to bargain with the vendors as you search for the perfect souvenir to take home. Take a break for lunch at a market stall, sampling local street food such as tacos or quesadillas.
As evening falls, attend a pottery-making class at a local studio, where you can unleash your creativity by molding clay into unique pieces. After the class, enjoy dinner at a charming restaurant known for its traditional Mexican cuisine. Cap off your evening by watching a cultural performance, showcasing traditional music and dance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🚌Public transit ride | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $25-60 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $1-3 |
| 🛍️Souvenirs | $5-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich crafts scene and welcoming culture
- Walkable historic center and beautiful plazas
- Tourist-heavy areas can be crowded on weekends
- Some areas require caution after dark
- "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" - Hello, how are you?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Tlaquepaque
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful archways, bright fabrics, and string lights create vibrant evening photography opportunities.
Classic colonial-style storefronts and tiled accents line a picturesque street ideal for architectural shots.
A traditional plaza with a charming church, fountains, and lively street life—great for candid and street photography.
Hidden courtyards of pottery studios offer intimate textures, kilns, and artisan-at-work scenes.
Food in Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked goat in a rich consommé, often served with tortillas for dipping. Best found at local taquerías and specialty stands.
Must-Try!
A savory beef stew simmered with beans and bacon, typically served with tortillas and lime.
A hearty sandwich drowned in a spicy red salsa, commonly found in Guadalajara–area eateries and nearby towns.
A traditional hominy stew with pork or chicken, garnished with cabbage, onions, radish, and lime.
Cactus-nopal salad with tomatoes, onions, and herbs—light, refreshing, and commonly available in markets and casual eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
An outdoor market area adjacent to the center with stalls selling crafts and street food like sopes, quesadillas, fresh fruit and aguas frescas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Start with a polite Spanish greeting like 'Buenos días/tardes.' Handshakes are common; close friends may greet with a hug or kiss on the cheek.
Maintain courteous conversation; applaud craftsmanship and thank artisans for their work.
Safety
Tipping in Tlaquepaque
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants typically expect 10–15% if service isn’t included. For street vendors or casual stalls, a small tip or rounding up is appreciated.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and hotels; cash is preferred at markets and smaller eateries.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cool mornings; ideal for outdoor photography, walking tours, and market visits.
Hot and humid with occasional afternoon storms; stay hydrated and seek shade mid-day.
Mild and comfortable temperatures; perfect for long evening strolls and plaza performances.
Mild to cool days with cooler evenings; great for exploring interiors of galleries and enjoying local sounds.
Tlaquepaque at Night
Hiking in Tlaquepaque
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forested canyon offering scenic outlooks near Guadalajara; a short drive from Tlaquepaque.
Urban forest park with trails, lakes, and pleasant landscaping; ideal for easy hikes.
Large nature reserve with multiple trails, biking paths, and picnic areas.
Airports
How to reach Tlaquepaque by plane.
Guadalajara's main international airport, about 15-25 minutes by car from central Tlaquepaque; multiple airlines.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Families and artisans who live in Tlaquepaque and nearby communities.
Day-trippers from Guadalajara and other parts of Jalisco exploring crafts and culture.
Craftspeople working in ceramics, glass, wood, and textiles.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local leagues and matches.
Common recreational activity and local leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tlaquepaque.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes can be prepared meat-free; look for beans, grilled vegetables, cheese, and rice. Ask for 'vegetariano' or 'sin carne' and request careful preparation to avoid lard in sauces or tortillas.