The Magic Town of Tlaquepaque, a few minutes from the Guadalajara International Airport, Jalisco, is famous for its crafts and Mexican atmosphere, this beautiful destination has so much to offer and enjoy. Here we tell you the best things to do in Tlaquepaque, as well as everything you need to know to visit it.
Location and how to get there
Tlaquepaque: what to do and what to see?
The city of Tlaquepaque is located in the southern part of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, in the central region of the state of Jalisco.
It is located 7 kilometers from the center of Guadalajara, 214 kilometers from León, Guanajuato; 215 kilometers from the city of Aguascalientes, and 335 kilometers from Puerto Vallarta.
You can check its location here:
Although it depends on the region of the country where you are, in general the easiest thing is to get to Guadalajara (by plane, bus or car) and then take another transport to Tlaquepaque (taxi or My Train). However, you will also find direct buses to Tlaquepaque departing from Mexico City and from other destinations.
Climate and best season to visit it
Tlaquepaque: what to do and what to see?
Tlaquepaque’s climate is temperate throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 15 ° C in winter to 30 ° C in summer.
The rainy season is between July and September, but it is not particularly intense.
Therefore, the best season to visit Tlaquepaque is fall, when the weather is mild and various cultural events are held.
Where to stay in Tlaquepaque?
Tlaquepaque: what to do and what to see?
Although there are not as many lodging options as there are in Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque also has great hotels of various categories, as well as inns and Airbnbs.
For example, some of the hotels available are Juana Bautista , Casa Armonía, Casa Campos, Casa de las Flores, Casa del Retoño, Casa Tlaquepaque, Mi viejo Refugio, Villa del Ensueño, Posada de la Media Luna, Posada where the Indian Sleeps, Quinta Don José and Rosa Morada.
Other nearby options are the Hotel Tapatío Resort, Posada Virreyes, Holiday Inn Express ITESO and Hotel One El Tapatío.
The best things to do in Tlaquepaque
Check the location of the tourist attractions of Tlaquepaque on the following map:
Walk along the Independencia Walkway
Tlaquepaque: what to do and what to see?
One of the first things to do in Tlaquepaque is to walk through the pedestrian corridor on Independencia Street. Ideal for leisurely walks, it is one of the best places to shop in Tlaquepaque, due to the large number of colorful shops and peculiar establishments that this avenue offers.
Here you will find everything from typical crafts to the new proposals of Mexican design, as well as beautiful decorative objects from all over the world. If you are interested in art, in Independencia you will also find spaces such as the Insurgentes Gallery and the Sergio Bustamante Gallery.
Here is the colorful Tlaquepaque sign, to take your souvenir photo.
El Parían, a must see to visit in Tlaquepaque
© Antonio Rentería Navarro / Tlaquepaque: what to do and what to see?
If what you want is to enjoy a Mexican atmosphere with typical music, then what you have to do in Tlaquepaque is visit El Parián . In this square you will find 18 restaurants, bars and canteens specialized in Mexican food. Be sure to try (or even prepare!) Your own “flying casserole”, the typical cocktail of the place. It is prepared with tequila, citrus and grapefruit soda, and is served in a clay pot.
There are also the churros on the corner of Progreso and Reforma, and the tacos on Juárez and Niños Héroes streets, as well as the aforementioned street food from the stands of the Jardín Hidalgo.
Go to the Regional Museum of Ceramics
Tlaquepaque: what to do and what to see?
The Regional Museum of Ceramics is one of the must-see cultural visits of the Pueblo Mágico. Located in a historic 19th century farm, it has an interesting collection of handicrafts from the 18th to 19th centuries. Its purpose is to promote and preserve the artisan tradition of the state.
In its rooms pieces made with various techniques are exhibited, ranging from blown and burnished glass to different styles of clay and ceramics. They come from different parts of Jalisco and especially from the Atemajac Valley.
Take pictures of yourself in the Hidalgo Garden
Tlaquepaque: what to do and what to see?
Another unavoidable stop to do in Tlaquepaque is the Jardín Hidalgo, a beautiful square with a traditional charm. In this prelude to El Parián, locals and visitors gather to refresh themselves with a carafe of snow, sunbathe and enjoy the atmosphere of the Magic Town. It has a quarry kiosk built in 1950 and a bronze monument to Miguel Hidalgo.
Around the square there are several stalls selling handicrafts, accessories and food, with options such as different kinds of skis, churros, steamed vegetables with cream and cheese, sausages with French fries, crepes and drinks such as cane and coconut juice, Russian and micheladas. .
Admire the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Solitude
Built in 1742 when Manuel Caballero promised to build a temple to the Virgen de la Soledad for the favors received. Its architecture is neoclassical style. While inside, his paintings and sculptures stand out.
Tlaquepaque, what to do and what to see?
Get to know the Parish of San Pedro Apóstol
Tlaquepaque: what to do and what to see?
Dedicated to the patron saint of the Pueblo Mágico and to whom it owes its original name. It was built by the Franciscans. Mix the Byzantine, Baroque and Roman styles. Made with quarry, inside you will find neoclassical altarpieces. Opposite you will see the San Papa Juan Pablo II square.
Visit artisan workshops, an original tour to do in Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque is known throughout the country for its beautiful handicrafts, available in countless shops, boutiques, and stalls. However, an experience that is very worthwhile is really entering the world of crafts, seeing its processes first-hand and above all, meeting the people who make them.
Depending on what you are looking for, there are many workshops that you can visit, but there are three that stand out especially.
Artisan workshop Manzano Galán / Tlaquepaque: what to do and what to see?
The first is the traditional clay workshop of Manzano Galán , who for more than sixty years has dedicated himself to making the famous clay pigs of Tlaquepaque. He is one of the last artisans dedicated to this trade in the region, with molds and techniques passed down from generation to generation. It has several models of clay pigs, all handmade, from piggy banks to flower pots, with different sizes, styles and shades.
If you want to visit the studio or participate in one of its workshops, visit its FB page.
Another visit that is worth making in Tlaquepaque is to the studio of César Lucano AlebrijArte , a plastic artist who is revolutionizing the world of handicrafts. His work uses classic handcrafted elements and gives them a modern twist, making pieces such as La Llorona clay puppets, colorful pigs with wrestling masks and figures of traditional characters.
AlebrijArte craft workshop / Tlaquepaque: what to do and what to see?
If you like large-format works, then you have to visit the wood sculpture workshop of Agustín González García , who creates impressive works that can weigh tons.
Get to know the El Refugio Cultural Center
Tlaquepaque: what to do and what to see?
Home to several of the most important cultural events in Tlaquepaque, the El Refugio Cultural Center is located inside a centennial building that was a convent and hospital. It is, at the same time, a house of culture, a school, a cinema and a gallery.
All kinds of activities are carried out in it , ranging from awards to screenings, through exhibitions, gatherings, plays and concerts, so there is always a reason to visit it.
Visit the Museum of the National Ceramics Prize “Pantaleón Panduro”
Tlaquepaque: what to do and what to see?
Another of the best things to do in Tlaquepaque is to visit the Pantaleón Panduro museum, an iconic cultural space in the state. It is totally dedicated to Mexican pottery and has more than 300 pieces from all over the country.
There is from dotted clay from Michoacán to Puebla talavera, Jalisco petatillo, black clay from Oaxaca and much more. A journey through the artisanal talent of our country!
In addition, modeling workshops, conferences, exhibitions and concerts are held here.
Go to the regional sweet factory “Nuestro Dulces”
Tlaquepaque: what to do and what to see?
To end with a great taste in your mouth, we close this list of the best things to do in Tlaquepaque with a tour of the regional sweet factory “Nuestro Dulces” .
In this magical space, you will be able to discover how some of the richest typical sweets in Mexico are made, such as cajeta, rompope, marzipan and guava roll.
You will also learn how the cocoa bean is transformed into chocolate, and you will be able to try surprising combinations, such as chocolate with chipotle and ginger. We especially recommend the chocolate with serrano pepper, but be careful because it stings!
Where to eat in Tlaquepaque?
Tlaquepaque: what to do and what to see?
Just as it shines for its art, this Magic Town also shines for its culinary options. Therefore, eating and eating is one of the things to do in Tlaquepaque.
For example, if you are looking for Mexican food, you have restaurants like El Patio and El Abajeño ; If you prefer a more contemporary or author’s proposal, Casa Luna , Casa Fuerte and La Mata Tinta never fail; And if you have a craving for comfort food and homemade flavors, Chai is your best option.
There is always something delicious to eat in Tlaquepaque!
Source: Travel Report MX
