Guadalajara is one of the best cities to study in Mexico, if not the best! What is student life like in Guadalajara? What are the activities you shouldn’t miss? What are the best places to go out? We can tell you all about it in this article!
A dynamic city in Mexico: Guadalajara
Guadalajara is the capital and largest city of the state of Jalisco in Mexico. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, food and vibrant nightlife. As a student in Guadalajara, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in this rich and dynamic culture during your studies.
Cultural places
Guadalajara is a city with a thriving arts and culture scene. As someone who has just arrived in Guadalajara, I would recommend visiting the historic center of Guadalajara, where there are several cultural attractions such as the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary or also known as the Cathedral of Guadalajara (Catedral de la Asunción de María Santísima o Catedral de Guadalajara), the Palace of Government (Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco) and the Rotunda of Illustere Jaliscienses (Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres). The city is home to several museums and galleries such as the MUSA or Museo cabañas. Whether you are interested in modern art, traditional Mexican music, or experimental theater, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to engage with the culture in Guadalajara.
Food
Let me tell you, Guadalajara is also a great place to experience traditional Mexican cuisine. The city is known for its delicious street food, as well as its many traditional restaurants and markets. You can get some spicy tacos, savory tamales, or sweet churros – all so good you’ll want to come back for more. And don’t forget to try the local fave: torta ahogada – it’s a must-have when you’re in Guadalajara. Check out our list of unique places to eat in Guadalajara in this article, and you won’t be disappointed!
Wrestling
If you’re planning on studying in Guadalajara, there’s one thing you absolutely can’t miss – Lucha Libre! It’s like wrestling, but with crazy masks and costumes, and it’s super entertaining. The Arena Coliseo de Guadalajara is the place to be if you want to experience it live. You can check the schedule online here to see when events are taking place and purchase tickets in advance.
The Nightlife in Guadalajara
There are several areas in Guadalajara known for their nightlife. Some of the most popular areas are:
Historic center
If you’re looking for a night out in Guadalajara, you’ve got to check out the bars in the area known as El Centro. This is the spot where you’ll find many bars with live music and dancing. And let me tell you, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into traditional Mexican music like Mariachi, or you want to dance the night away to electronic beats, you’ll find it all here. As a student, I spent one of my best nights at a jazz bar called Segundo Piso Music, where I drank amazing cocktails while enjoying a Mexican jazz band.
Colonia Americana (Chapultepec)
You can find many cool bars and clubs that attract a younger crowd. I strongly recommend going to Bar Americas which is a must for clubbers as the club frequently hosts world-famous electronic music artists.
Tlaquepaque
If you’re looking for a place to experience some live music and dancing, you gotta check out Tlaquepaque! It’s a super nice area with lots of bars to choose from. And if you’re into traditional Mexican music, Mariachi is a must-see! Tlaquepaque is known for being more traditional, so it’s a great spot to get a feel for the local culture.
Zapopan
If you’re into more upscale bars and clubs that attract a sophisticated crowd, this is the area for you! You find many young Mexicans and internationals enjoying themselves at clubs like Republica or Rakata. Most clubs have tables where they have bottle service and people are dressed more classy, such as women wearing dresses, skirts, and heels. Men wear more of a shirt or blouse with nice shoes or trainers.
There are a ton of things to do in Guadalajara, so don’t worry about not finding something you’re into. Whether you feel like exploring culture, partying hard or just chilling out with some good vibes, you’ll find a spot that’s perfect for you. So, get ready to explore Guadalajara!