Guadalajara

Última Milla at Estadio Akron

Transport · Parking · Stadium access

On match days there will be a so-called "última milla" around the stadium — a closed security perimeter. What it means for you: there's no parking right by the stadium (forget about parking on the street), only vehicles with accreditation or with parking pre-booked through the JustPark platform are let in. You can only enter the zone on foot with a valid match ticket. So plan your transport ahead — ideally a shuttle or public transport.

Official info

Mi Macro Periférico — public transport in Guadalajara

To the stadium by public transport

Transport · Public transit · The cheapest option

The cheapest and often fastest way. The backbone is Mi Macro Periférico, where you get off at the Estadio Chivas stop — from there it's a short walk to the stadium. From downtown it goes like this: take the Light Rail (Tren Ligero) line 3 to Periférico Belenes station, then transfer to Mi Macro Periférico towards Estadio Chivas. The fare is a ridiculous 11 pesos, paid with a Mi Movilidad card (available at the train stations), running roughly 5:00–23:00 (extended on match day). Forget the car.

Transit map Official info Guide (Milenio)

"Ride al Estadio" shuttle

Transport to the stadium · Comfier, but pricier

Don't fancy dealing with public transport and traffic jams? There's the official "Ride al Estadio" shuttle. For 500 pesos (round trip) it takes you from one of 10 pickup points across Guadalajara to near the stadium — from there it's still about 800 m on foot. Some points have free parking (Auditorio Telmex, Plaza Patria, Expo GDL). The condition: a valid match ticket with a QR code, capacity is limited, so buy ahead. A pricier comfort, but it spares you the nerves of getting to the match.

Buy / info

Centro Histórico

History · Atmosphere · 2026 World Cup fan zone

The city's main downtown, where pretty much every tourist ends up — but this is no dead historical backdrop. The Centro lives with the locals from morning till night, and it's packed because of it. I still get queasy remembering last year's pre-Christmas crowds. During the 2026 World Cup it'll be even livelier — the main fan zone is set for this area, so practically everyone who flew in for the football will head here. Expect crowds, watch your pockets and enjoy it — because the Centro in full swing is an experience you won't get anywhere else. And one last tip: if you want to wander, head rather to the west of the center. I maintain that nothing will happen to you in Guadalajara, but there's no need to go statistically against the odds.

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Chapultepec

Nightlife · Bars · Atmosphere

Want to watch the match on TV, then spend an hour over a beer dissecting why so-and-so didn't play, and end up somewhere you never meant to be? Welcome to Chapultepec. The whole street is one long row of bars and restaurants — there's something for everyone. But beware, the better spots have queues. We'll go over my favourites in the section below. Chapultepec isn't only about food and drink, though — down the middle of the avenue runs a promenade full of street artists, dancers and vendors. In the evening, just go and don't plan your way back.

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Vía Recreativa de Guadalajara

Sunday event · Bikes · Local life

For me, this is one of the absolute best things Guadalajara offers. Every Sunday from eight in the morning to two in the afternoon, kilometres of roads are closed and people take over instead of cars. Locals bring out bikes, skates, scooters, extravagant costumes, portable speakers — and just enjoy the Sunday morning. You don't need to rent or pay anything, just show up and walk. Or go for a run, if the night before on Chapultepec didn't destroy you. The route is brutally long, but the main highlight is Avenida Vallarta from the Minerva to Chapultepec, or even on to the Mercado San Juan de Dios. If you're in Guadalajara over a Sunday, don't miss this — there's no better way to understand local life. And if you fancy riding it on a bike, check the transport chapter — I describe there how to set up MiBici.

Official website

Riu Rooftop

Viewpoint · Rooftop bar · City landmark

This is that huge building you can see from practically the whole city — over 200 metres, the tallest structure in Guadalajara. It always fascinated me when I drove past. And now they've opened a rooftop bar up there with a view. Honestly — I haven't been yet, but my amigos keep insisting I have to. So it's on the list the moment I land. If you're planning to go during the World Cup, count on other fans discovering this landmark too — a reservation will be a good idea.

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Barranca de Huentitán

Nature · Views · Hiking

Even if I put the best photo here, the place in person will completely surprise you. A huge canyon of the Santiago River right on the edge of the city — you don't expect it, and that's exactly why it takes your breath away. The best views are from the Mirador Independencia park, which you reach easily by Uber for a few pesos. Just walk to the edge, look down, and for a moment forget you're still in Guadalajara. A hiking trail leads down into the canyon too, but count on it being a half-day trip, and on the way back up you'll be asking yourself why you went down. Bring plenty of water — down there nobody's going to sell you any.

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Mariachi

Tradition · Music · UNESCO

When you say Mexico, most people picture guys in wide-brimmed hats playing La Cucaracha. And that's exactly how it works in Guadalajara — because mariachi was born here. Guadalajara is the official cradle of this tradition, UNESCO confirmed it, and the locals will remind you at every opportunity. In restaurants downtown or in Tlaquepaque, mariachis often go from table to table — they play you a song, you toss them a few pesos, and suddenly you realise you've ordered three in a row. And if you want the full dose, head to El Parián in Tlaquepaque — a huge courtyard ringed with bars where mariachi plays afternoon and evening. Just a warning: after the third tequila you'll want to sing along with them. And they'll let you.

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Andares

Modern district · Viewpoint · Shopping

I know, malls and tourism don't go together that well. But Andares is worth a visit even if you don't buy anything. This district shows you a completely different face of Guadalajara — modern, wealthy and full of opportunity. If anyone thinks Mexico is just tacos and dusty streets, here they'll quickly reconsider. And while you're there, pop into The Landmark mall — it has a fairly nice city viewpoint. Don't expect a skyscraper, it's more of a balcony a few floors up, but the view over the surroundings is worth it.

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Templo Expiatorio

Architecture · Night atmosphere · Beer with a view

Technically "just" a church, but honestly — I like it more than the famous cathedral downtown. Maybe it's because I lived right next to it for a long time and the place got under my skin. A neo-Gothic building that looks like it fell straight out of Europe. The little square around it has a great vibe, especially on Sunday evenings, when the locals gather and the whole place has this laid-back atmosphere. And if you want to combine culture with beer — right on the square is the bar El Cardenal Cervecería with a view of the lit-up church. I recommend coming at night, when the whole temple is illuminated. Beer in hand, a Gothic church in front of you — that's a combination you won't find back in Czechia.

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Lucha Libre

Wrestling · Show · Experience

If you have no idea what it is, picture American wrestling but in a Mexican version — which means more colour, more drama and more madness. Wrestlers in all kinds of masks face off, and the rules... the rules basically don't exist. The nights have different themes and you never know what's coming. From my last visit I won't forget the bout of midget wrestlers. They usually fight on Tuesdays and Sundays, but during the World Cup I expect it'll be more often. Before you go, check whether the show is at the Arena Coliseo or somewhere else in the city. And above all — let yourself get swept up. Shouting at the wrestlers is mandatory, not optional.

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Estadio Akron

2026 World Cup · Chivas · Chicharito

The newer of the city's stadiums, and this is exactly where the 2026 World Cup matches will be played. I assume you've already studied the capacity and stats, so I won't bore you with numbers. Outside the championship, Chivas play here — the most popular football club in Mexico. And they have one quirk you won't find anywhere else in the world: only Mexicans can play for Chivas. No foreigners, no exceptions, a one-hundred-percent Mexican team. And their most famous product? Chicharito Hernández, the top scorer in the history of the Mexican national team, whom you've surely heard of. He grew up here, started here, and to the locals he's still a god — despite his botched penalty in last year's play-off, when he really caught it.

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Estadio Jalisco

History · 1970 World Cup · Pelé

The hub of the championship is the Estadio Akron, but it's not the city's only stadium. Northeast of the center stands the Estadio Jalisco, with a far more interesting history. Don't believe me? Ask Ivo Viktor, who kept goal there over fifty years ago against Brazil and couldn't prevent a 4:1 defeat. One of the scorers was Pelé. So when you stand in front of that stadium, know that you're standing where the Czech footballing heart bled as far back as 1970. I'm trying to find out whether stadium tours will be possible during the World Cup. But even from the outside it's worth a visit — a huge colossus wedged among rows of residential houses.

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Tequila

Day trip · Distilleries · Agave

Does anything need adding? The town where that drink was born — the one that made you make a bad decision at least once in your life. Tequila lies about an hour and a half from Guadalajara, and the drive alone is worth it — the whole way you go along agave fields that stretch to the horizon. The village itself is basically one big distillery with a view of blue agave as far as the eye can see. There are loads of tequilerías and most offer tours with tastings. For the most famous one — José Cuervo — you need a reservation in advance, but plenty of smaller distilleries you can arrange on the spot, often with a more personal touch and fewer tourists. From Guadalajara you can also get there by bus, I used to go from the Vieja Central station, but it depends where you're staying. Count on a full-day trip and on heading back a little merrier than you set out.

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Puerto Vallarta

Sea · Beach · Sayulita · Day trip

If folks back home wouldn't forgive you a Mexico without the sea, Guadalajara won't send you away empty-handed. Five hours by bus and you're in Puerto Vallarta — a destination that's more and more in fashion and long ago stopped being just for American retirees in sandals. I recommend travelling with Primera Plus — comfy seats, A/C, WiFi. And if you want a tip from someone who didn't go for the first time — head to Sayulita. A little village near Vallarta, geared towards surfers, with a completely different pace. No mega resorts, just beach, waves and chill. The only thing to watch — when wading in the shallows, shuffle your feet along the bottom so you don't step on a stingray. That's not a joke.

Puerto Vallarta Sayulita

Chapala

Lake · Trip · Better to skip

This lake shows up in every guidebook and on every "what to see in Guadalajara" list. I'm putting it here for the opposite reason — I don't think it's worth going if you're in Mexico for a short time. It's not far, but it didn't particularly speak to me. The lake itself nothing special, the surroundings no wow either. Honestly, Chapala is more for American retirees who settled there and live their quiet lives. If you only have a few days in Guadalajara, invest that time elsewhere.

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Cervecería Chapultepec

Bar · Single price · Game changer

Here's what will be an absolute game changer for a lot of Czech fans. A chain of bars where everything on the menu costs the same. Beer, cocktail, a shot of tequila, tacos — all at a single price. I remember the days when it was 19 pesos an item, but inflation doesn't stop even in Mexico, so now we're somewhere around 25 pesos. Even so — convert it to your own currency and try not to burst into tears of joy. There are several branches in the city, don't be fooled by the name — they're not tied to the street of the same name, Chapultepec. And if it's packed and you can't get in, try Botanero 21 — a similar concept, a bit copied, but it works. Your wallet will thank you for this tip. Your liver maybe not.

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Tacos and street food

Street food · You have to try it

This you can't skip. And the more street, the better — don't be scared even of the stalls right on the pavement. They might look like a Czech health inspector would shut them down on the spot, but the tacos that come out of them are phenomenal. I can't recommend a specific filling, because every taquería is a little different and that's the beauty of it. Just try a bit of everything — pastor, costilla, suadero, bistek, chorizo, and whatever else they show you. The link goes to my favourite stall, which used to stand right in front of my house. Not because you should go there, but so you can see the conditions in which they manage to prepare food you'll want to come back for. I'm sure you'll find something similar near your accommodation — just take an evening walk around the area and follow the smell.

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Taco Fish

Shrimp · Restaurant · Must-try

A taco filled with breaded shrimp. Period. This can't be described, it has to be tasted. When you try it, you'll understand why I mention it separately. I'm not recommending a type of food, I'm recommending a specific place — Taco Fish. There were, I think, several branches in the city, so you should find one. Find it, order, and don't worry about how much you eat. You'll thank me later. But a warning — order two and wait. Once you finish, if you want more, go ahead, they're made quickly. But those shrimp fill you up incredibly, and whoever orders five upfront will end up giving the last three away to passers-by. And as in many places in Mexico — the cold bar with sides, salsas and veggies you serve yourself, so you garnish it exactly to your taste.

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Michelada

Drink · Beer · You have to try it

Are you a lover of cold beer with a creamy head, Czech-style? Then maybe don't even come. This isn't your country. For everyone else — try a michelada. What is it? You take ice, lime juice, chilli powder, Maggi, fill it with tomato juice and top the rest off with beer. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, but believe me — it works. There are many variations and every place makes it a little differently. Personally I love the chelada — that's the purest version: just ice, lime juice, salt and beer. No tomato, no chilli, just freshness in its purest form. After the first one you'll shake your head, after the third you'll wonder why nobody back home makes it.

Carne en su Jugo

Traditional dish · Beef · World record

One of my favourite dishes in Mexico, but I admit — it's not for everyone. Beef in its own juices with bacon and beans. Sounds simple, and that's the best part. In Guadalajara there's even a restaurant, Karne Garibaldi, that holds the world record for the fastest service from the order — 13 seconds. When I went, I didn't witness these feats, so either I caught a bad day or that record belongs to a specific waiter who had a very good shift. But the carne en su jugo did its job, so if you're in the area, give it a try. At least you'll be able to say you ate at a world-record restaurant.

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Aguas Frescas

Drink · Non-alcoholic · Horchata

That's enough alcohol, let's go for something without any proof. Instead of the eternal Coca-Cola, go for something local — aguas frescas. Most restaurants offer them and they're basically homemade lemonades in different flavours. Tamarind, hibiscus, orangeade... but the one that'll drive you wild is horchata. It probably has more sugar than Coke, but never mind — it tastes like melted vanilla ice cream in liquid form. It's not healthy, it's not diet, but after walking around the city all day in the Mexican heat you won't care in the slightest. Order it at least once.

Colonia Americana

Stroll · Cafés · Atmosphere

One of the most popular neighborhoods in the city and for me one of the nicest to stroll through. Endless little cafés, bars and shops — especially in the area between Chapultepec and Enrique Díaz de León streets, where you can easily lose a whole afternoon. Every time I'm in Guadalajara, I take a walk down Libertad street. The avenue of palm trees lining it always makes me wonder why I'm freezing back in Czechia. If you're looking for a place to sit with a coffee and just watch the city, this is it.

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Bosque Los Colomos

Park · Nature · Japanese garden

Something between a park and a little forest in the middle of the city. Great for walking, running or simply switching off from the urban noise. It includes a Japanese garden that somehow makes more sense than you'd expect. And above all — squirrels. They're everywhere and have no shame whatsoever. They'll watch you, come closer and put on a face like they haven't eaten in a week. Don't be fooled, they know what they're doing.

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Arcos Vallarta

Stroll · Cafés · Modern city

Another great neighborhood full of little cafés and restaurants, where you easily get lost. And above all — you can wander down quiet little streets and enjoy the surroundings without keeping an eye out for what's about to run you over. I recommend a walk from Chapultepec towards the Minerva — on the way you take a photo and notice something along the way. How many tall new buildings there are all around. And how many are being built. It's insane. Anyone who thinks Mexico is stagnant should come and see this. This country is moving at a pace we can only dream of back in Czechia.

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Lady Lee

Rooftop club · View · Party

An upscale club on a hotel rooftop. Musically a classic mix, nothing surprising, but it's not about the music here. It's about the view — you see the city from above, and with a drink in hand it feels like you're somewhere completely different to Mexico. And the parties tend to be good, so in the end you stop looking at the view anyway.

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La Lupita

Reggaeton · Latin vibes · Perreo

If you like reggaeton, Latin vibes and everything that comes with it, you have to come here. A small club, bursting with people — and absolutely everyone goes all in. Nobody's standing at the bar staring at their phone. Either you dance, or the crowd drags you along and you'll dance anyway. Whoever thinks they know how to perrear discovers here that they don't.

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Bar Americas

Electronic · Afterparty · Until sunrise

Electronic. Not exactly my thing, but this club has one fundamental advantage — when everywhere else has already closed, here they keep going until dawn. So if the night still doesn't want to let you go, Bar Americas won't disappoint.

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La Celébre

Theme nights · Fake weddings · Fun

A club with different theme nights — check their socials beforehand to know what you're walking into. And above all — I believe Saturdays are dedicated to fake weddings. That means exactly what you're thinking. The whole party is staged as a wedding, often with an extra theme, and you're the guests. Only nobody's getting married and everyone's dancing. Sounds crazy, it is crazy, and it's incredible fun.

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Uber

Ride-hailing · Cheap · Reliable

I assume this app needs no introduction. In Guadalajara it works wonderfully — coverage is excellent and prices better than in Czechia. But watch out for surge pricing. When it rains, the price shoots up. And the ride back from the match? Either you pay double, or you'll wait so long that you'd get there faster on foot. The trip back from the stadium I recommend solving another way — for the World Cup there should be shuttle buses available, which will be a more reliable and cheaper option.

MiBici

Bike sharing · Cheap · Ideal for the center

This is another of the city's best things. Shared bikes spread across Guadalajara — there are countless stations around the city, you tap your card, the bike unlocks and you have 30 minutes to return it at another station. If you don't make it in time, they charge a small penalty, but nothing dramatic. After returning it you can grab another bike immediately and keep pedalling, so those 30 minutes don't really limit you in practice. Downtown the network of stations is very dense, towards Zapopan it gets sparser. To register you have to go in person to the MiBici office — the link is below. Don't forget your passport! A weekly membership costs roughly 10 dollars, or the annual one about 14 dollars, which is practically free. If you stay in one of the more central neighborhoods, it's the absolutely ideal way to get around the city.

MiBici office

Metro

Public transport · Cheap · Panoramic Line 3

I definitely recommend the metro too. And if you've already sorted out your MiBici, you're halfway there — you top up the same card at the station and use it to pass through the turnstiles. Don't have MiBici? No matter, the card machines are right there in the metro stations. You pay per ride and the prices are roughly half a dollar per trip, so here it's really not about money. And a tip — hop on Line 3 from the center towards Zapopan, or the other way. Roughly 80% of the route runs above ground and the views of the city and surroundings are unexpected. Most people take the metro as transport, here it's almost a sightseeing ride.

Rainy season

Weather · June · Be prepared

Unfortunately the World Cup dates coincide with the rainy season, when after half a year of blue sky come occasional downpours and storms. This isn't a scientific study, just what I observed informally over those years — full days of rain are rare. It usually starts at dusk and within a few hours it calms down. But when it rains, it rains. The intensity is in another league compared to European rain. And once or twice a year a real deluge comes — the city floods, rivers form in the streets, Uber triples, and sometimes even the mobile data fails. I don't want to scare you, but better to be prepared. If it catches you, don't stress. Sit down somewhere nearby to eat, order a michelada and wait for the water to drop. It always drops.

Safety

Pickpockets · Phones · Common sense

In four years in Guadalajara I have not a single bad experience. So in my opinion there's nothing to fear — but that doesn't mean you can switch your brain off. Behave with respect and caution, like in any big city. If I had to warn about something, it would be two things. Pickpockets in the crowds — especially in the Centro and the markets. And phone snatchers on motorbikes — they ride past you, and if you're standing at the edge of the pavement staring at your phone, they simply rip it out of your hand. Hold your phone tight and don't stand with it next to the street. For night transfers I recommend Uber — it's cheap and safe. Some neighborhoods can be more problematic, but I assume as World Cup visitors you'll be moving around more central areas, where everything's fine.

Chile

Spicy · Salsas · Mind the salsa

In most restaurants you serve the salsas and sides yourself — a cold bar full of containers, little bottles and salsas. It looks harmless. But this is where trouble can arise. Ideally before you spoon five helpings of green habanero salsa thinking it's a creamy avocado sauce. You'll notice that difference, but unfortunately only after the first bite. I recommend always testing first with the tip of a little spoon to gauge the heat level.

Traffic jams

Rush hour · Stadium · Leave a margin

Guadalajara is a metropolis growing extremely fast, and that has a negative effect on traffic. At rush hour, jams form that will make you miss the ring road back home. You're on holiday, so most of the time you're not in a hurry and you'll sort it out somehow. But if you're going to the match, leave yourself a good margin of time. I trust the shuttle buses will help a lot with this problem. But to this day a shiver runs through me when I remember how I almost missed the start of Coldplay — the trip to the stadium took several times longer because all the streets even kilometres from the stadium were completely jammed and the traffic wasn't moving.

Tournament news

Última Milla at Estadio Akron

To the stadium by public transport

"Ride al Estadio" shuttle

Tourist classics

Centro Histórico

Chapultepec

Vía Recreativa de Guadalajara

Riu Rooftop

Barranca de Huentitán

Mariachi

Andares

Templo Expiatorio

Sports fan

Lucha Libre

Estadio Akron

Estadio Jalisco

When there's time to spare

Tequila

Puerto Vallarta

Chapala

Food and restaurants

Cervecería Chapultepec

Tacos and street food

Taco Fish

Michelada

Carne en su Jugo

Aguas Frescas

Neighborhoods to discover

Colonia Americana

Bosque Los Colomos

Arcos Vallarta

Party where it's at

Lady Lee

La Lupita

Bar Americas

La Celébre

Transport around the city

Uber

MiBici

Metro

Beautiful city, but be prepared

Rainy season

Safety

Chile

Traffic jams

Guadalajara has much more