Guadalajara Historic Center: Full-Day Food and Culture Tour

Embark on a full-day gastronomic tour in Guadalajara, exploring the city’s culinary scene. Sample delicious Birria and other local delicacies, visit historical sites, and get insider recommendations for the best restaurants. Join this exclusive experience led by a friendly local guide.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Nueve Esquinas - Our guide will take you to enjoy the most typical breakfast of the region in a beautiful restaurant that preserves the original structure of an old mansion of high ancestry, which is also perfectly functional, the atmosphere and warmth of the owners of the place will leave you wanting to to return.
    Ask for your order of Birria de Chivo roasted with freshly made tortillas in full view of everyone and of course you can not miss an aromatic pot coffee totally included in the cost. Does not include tips
  • Los Dos Templos - We will walk back now in the direction of the two temples and on the way we will see outside the house of Jose Cuervo who is now a tax collector.
    In the two temples we will appreciate a series of photographs that show what the area was like before and the guide will explain the changes in the general structure of the surroundings.
  • Avenida 16 de Septiembre - We will walk along what used to be the main avenue of the city and now gives way to the New Paseo Mayor completely walkable and safe, the guide will explain in detail the archaeological ruins that are buried in the area and that are partially visible thanks to the remodeling work
  • Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco - The expert guide will tell you about the history of the building and anecdotes that accompany it, in addition to showing you images of one of the most famous murals by the muralist painter José Clemente Orozco.
  • Plaza de Armas - The guide will show you old photos of the changes that this main square has had, which also has one of the most emblematic and beautiful Kiosks in the city, will tell you the story of its radical change and the reason for the alignment in the French tone
  • Guadalajara Cathedral - In the first instance, the guide will show you the exterior of the façade and will comment on the changes it has undergone due to various events.
    Then they will enter to listen to the legend of Santa Inocencia and her faith, and then tour the interior catacombs and other legends that are discussed.
  • Rotonda de Los Jaliscienses Ilustres - The smallest cemetery in Guadalajara and where the guide will explain some of the most illustrious characters who are remembered with this structure
  • Plaza de la Liberacion - The guide will take you to tour this square where you can clearly see how the cultural elements that characterize the city of Guadalajara are combined.
  • Teatro Degollado - The guide will explain the origin of this beautiful enclosure and its structural details, as well as the legend that is told.
    Entrance is not always allowed, in case it is not possible, the guide will show you photos of the interior and the explanation of the painting that is in the enormous dome
  • Rincon del Diablo - The expert guide will show you this mysterious point and the legends that surround it, as well as the funny story of the fountain of the mischievous or mischievous children.
    At this point, the guide will invite you to a typical snack from Guadalajara and the respective Tejuino, explaining its origin and its preparation.
  • Plaza Tapatia - The guide will take you for a walk through this huge square and will explain in more detail how the city was structured from these first paintings, he will also tell you the origin of its name and what it represents for the Jaliscienses.
  • Instituto Cultural Cabanas - The expert guide will take you inside the Hospice to recount the historical origin of this enormous enclosure considered the largest neoclassical building in all of Latin America, in addition to entering the main chapel where he will explain the meaning of some of the most famous murals of the painter. muralist José Clemente Orozco and his greatest work “The Man on Fire”
    In addition, they will walk the corridors contemplating old photographs to identify what daily life was like in the enclosure.
  • Mercado Libertad - The guide will take you inside the market from the back to go through its corridors by sections until you reach the restaurant where you will taste typical dishes from Guadalajara such as Enchiladas, Chile Relleno, Meat in its Juice, Tampiqueña accompanied by its water from Jamaica or Horchata and for dessert a delicious vanilla ice cream or a “Jamoncillo” (dulce de leche) to go out through the independence road that is the main door
  • Paseo Degollado - The guide will take you back to the downtown area along this quiet and safe path where you will be able to appreciate a great variety of handicrafts.
  • Palacio Municipal de Guadalajara - The guide will show you the house of all the “Tapatios” (person born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico)
  • Museo del Periodismo y las Artes Graficas - The guide will take you to this beautiful house that now works as a small journalism museum where you will enter and listen to the stories, stories and legends that surround it.
  • El Santuario - The guide will take you to see this great Catholic site where you will hear stories related to the Catholic faith and appreciate the structure as well as learn about the origin and history of the famous benefactor of Fray Antonio Alcalde and his legacy.
    Here you can also enjoy a delicious fritter included in the cost or a gordita de nata
  • Los Famosos Equipales - The guide will take you to the last point of the tour, which is one of the oldest canteens in the city with more than 100 years, to taste its famous drink prepared with alcohol “Las Nalgas Alegres” includes the cost of one drink per person of legal age
What's Included
  • 1 per person
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Snacks
  • Tea and coffee
  • Bottled water
  • Carbonated beverages
What's Not Included
  • Souvenirs and photographs
Additional Information

Do you have a few days of vacation in Guadalajara, Mexico, and want to make the most of it? Are you a fan of trying traditional food? Do other tours feel incomplete and rushed? Are you looking for a local guide who grew up in and loves the city to show you around? I have the perfect solution for you.

Enjoy a perfect full day exploring the Historic Center of Guadalajara with everything included:

  • Breakfast
  • Entrance fees to museums
  • Typical snacks
  • Lunch
  • Traditional drinks
  • Visits to more than 18 historical sites
  • Typical dessert
  • A freshly prepared alcoholic beverage, all in regular sizes, not samples.

My name is Noemi, and I was born here. I’ve been involved for many years in citizen groups dedicated to preserving our architecture, culture, and traditions because I love them.

Join me for an exclusive and fun experience that combines gastronomy, culture, and tradition. You won’t regret it, and your group will thank you.

Wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen.

Location
Plaza de las 9 Esquinas
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(36 Ratings)
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A_dad_in_training
Jul 5, 2024
The absolute best way to spend a day in Guadalajara!!! - This is not just a food tour. This is a celebration of the food and culture that make Guadalajara what it is and Noemi is the most enthusiastic and informative guide. The food is wonderfully paced throughout the tour and takes advantage of fresh seasonal specialties, fresh pitaya is an experience. The tour provides ample opportunity to try food from preferred street vendors as well as dishes from restaurants that have been generational institutions for families in Guadalajara. Noemi won’t just take you to get birria. She will take you to get birria from the best birria spot in the best birria neighborhood in town and when a local asks you where you went they’ll usually mention that that’s their favorite spot too while nodding approvingly. If you have the opportunity to try Tejuino go for it; so refreshing! Providing breaks from eating there is the culture part. While walking around Guadalajara you’ll visit churches, museums, and the odd government building, if you’re lucky. Together they, with Noemi as a translator, tell the story of the history and people of Guadalajara from the very beginnings of the city to the present day. Again I can’t think of a better way to spend a day in Guadalajara. You get so much from this tour. The food is amazing. The drinks are amazing. The culture is amazing and Noemi is by far the best ambassador Guadalajara could ask for. Do yourself a favor and spend a day falling in love with Guadalajara.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Matthew_h
May 28, 2024
A fascinating and really memorable full day's tour of Guadalajara - I thoroughly recommend Noemi’s tour. Her passion for her city and culture are infectious. I came away knowing more than I ever imagined I would about Gaudalajara and wider Mexico in terms of history, culture, customs, art, music, food, and more. Noemi has clearly put a lot of work into planning the tour. We visited all the major sights in the city centre, plus a whole lot of other less well-known things and small details that I would otherwise have missed. We tried a wide variety of different food and drink. The tour aided me in getting my bearings in the city, and Noemi’s advice really helped me make the most of the remainder of my trip. Throughout the whole day Noemi had boundless energy. She is a gold mine of information, all delivered with humour, warmth and of course in absolutely perfect English. I had a wonderful day. Thank you Noemi!
Review provided by Viator
Jason_l
Mar 9, 2024
An All-In-One Tour - An incredible walking tour! Naomi was nothing short of an amazing tour guide. Being a "Tapatios" she is not only proud of her city but a wealth of knowledge be it history, places to visit as well as where to eat. I had an amazing day eating my way through the cultural sites of Guadalajara. I highly recommend booking this tour with Naomi.
Review provided by Viator
Hugh_s
Mar 2, 2024
Highly recommended - Highly recommended. Great mix of history, art, culture and cuisine! I was a solo traveler so this was a great way to see the sights with insights.
Review provided by Viator
Mlopezj
Feb 10, 2024
Amazing experience: 100% recommended - I'd like to write this review in English so it reaches as many people as possible because Noemi really deserves much more attention. Her tour was the best experience we had while visiting Guadalajara. She is knowledgeable, caring, detail-oriented, and from the moment you book a tour with her, you can see how much she loves her city and what she does. She told us she wanted to create a tour that she herself would love to take, and I believe she has succeeded in doing so. My husband and I spent the entire day learning amazing facts about Guadalajara, trying on some of the most iconic beverages and dishes from the city, and getting to know little corners and details that made us feel like locals. We came back to a few of the places she introduced us to during the next couple of days because her recommendations are spot on. Take it from a Mexican couple who sometimes struggles with these kinds of experiences: just book her tour. You'll be delighted, exhausted, and completely glad you did it. I think she single-handedly managed to make us want to come back to Guadalajara for a second visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tom_e
Jan 24, 2024
Wonderful full day in Guadalajara - Noemi was such a great guide! My boss and I were in town for a couple days on a work trip and only had one day off to explore Guadalajara. Since I had never been I really wanted to make the most of it and see as many major sites as possible, experience the culture, learn, and try a variety of local food. And this tour truly delivered in all aspects. Noemi knew so much about the area and was a true pleasure to spend the day with. One of my favorite things about her tour is that it was not like the typical super tourist'y tours you often get while on vacation and it was clear that there was no back end deals with merchants and restaurants. This is her own small business where she clearly put a lot of work and study into planning a fun and informative route where she takes you to her own personal favorite food spots and stands (all wonderful with a nice variety) but also allows plenty of room for customization: say your more into churches and want to focus more time on that or want to shop a bit while in the huge market: she was very accommodating... The one potential negative (as mentioned by others) is to be ready for a long day... We did over 16k steps and didnt get done till close to 7pm. But it was all at a casual pace that most could handle. Anyways, very highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Brian
Jan 21, 2024
Best food and history tour in Guadalajara - The food and historical tour was awesome. Our guide, Noemi Castillo, a native to Guadalajara was very informative and personable. She guided us to the best food, snacks and market. We really loved her expertise.
Review provided by Viator
Mark_l
Dec 4, 2023
Wonderful and friendly tour - We received an excellent overview of the city, it’s history, culture politics, art, and great food. Neomi was friendly and charming and generally wonderful. Very highly recommended. This was more of a general tour of the city than specifically gastronomic. There definitely was discussion (and eating) of some wonderful food, but also murals, history, churches, neighborhoods. It is a significant amount of walking - ours was 7.3 miles (12k). But it was slow and mostly flat walking. Our tour began at 9 am and didn’t finish until 6 pm.
Review provided by Viator
718lauried
Sep 30, 2023
Great way to experience Guadalajara! - Noemi was absolutely wonderful. She was warm, genuine, and knowledgeable. She gave us an overview and history of her beloved city. She did whatever she could to make the whole experience enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Enrique_l
Jul 20, 2024
Average tour and it is not recommended. - This tour only includes two restaurants and does not provide an abundance of food to sample from a variety of restaurants. The majority of the time was spent on a walking cultural tour in the heat. This tour is not recommended.
Review provided by Viator
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October 2024
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