Very close to the center of Guadalajara you’ll find one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the city, Colonia Americana.
Walking the historic, buzzing streets is an experience like no other. It’s easy to get drawn into this incredible neighborhood.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Avenida Chapultepec
Originally called Lafayette, Avenida Chapultepec (often called Chapu) is the heart and soul of the area. This tree-lined street is filled with galleries, bars, boutiques, and cafes with a combination of contemporary and historical architecture.
On Saturday evenings until 10:30 pm, the city welcomes artisans and vendors who offer their products on the wide pedestrian strip in the center of the avenue (spruced up by seven stone fountains). The promenade transforms into a market filled with stalls of beautiful artisan goods, including jewelry and pottery.
Beer and Tacos for a Dollar
Chapu comes alive as musicians light up the evenings and groups gather to practice their best dance moves, inside and outside of bars.
One of the most representative and unmissable spots for live music and a drink is Cervecería Chapultepec. This spot is all about one unique concept: everything costs the same: 19.90 pesos (approximately 1 dollar).
A haven for electronic and techno music lovers, Bar Américas is one of the busiest venues on this avenue and famous for its late-night (into morning) parties and international DJ sets. For a sports scene, soccer fanatics gather to support their favorite team and follow the games on one of many screens at La Insurgente.
Where to Eat in Colonia Americana
If you find yourself hungry but without a specific craving in mind, there’s nothing like getting happily lost in the three-story Mercado Libertad — also known as Mercado San Juan de Dios (San Juan de Dios Market) — the largest indoor market in Latin America, with nearly 3,000 stalls. Grab some fresh fruit or handmade candy, or explore the many regional food options like the torta ahogada (drowned torta), a crusty sandwich completely soaked in a chili and vinegar-based sauce. There’s also even more shopping for handmade goods here.
For some more traditional fare, visitors should also stop by La Menudería, a restaurant that, as its name implies, specializes in menudo, a stew with beef belly, chili, and spices. For a fine-dining and internationally-infused take on Mexican cuisine in a mansion-like space, reserve a spot at Tikuun Comedor Local, whose menu changes with what’s best throughout Jalisco each season.
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