Guadalajara Cathedral

A must-see for even the most casual of visitors to Guadalajara, the cathedral ties together the downtown. Travelers can enter for free, although history, architecture and art fans will appreciate in-depth, guided tours. Stops at the Guadalajara Cathedral are often built into city tours, too, some of which include visits to nearby towns, such as Tlaquepaque, or surrounding attractions, such as the Teatro Degollado (Degollado Theater). However, for travelers keen to visit other incredible colonial destinations Mexico has to offer, multi-day tours with stop-offs at Guadalajara Cathedral are also an option.

• Guadalajara Cathedral remains a working place of worship, so dress modestly if you plan on going inside.

• Architecture fans and history buffs will be especially charmed by the city’s cathedral.

• Book a guided tour for more insight into the building, history and religious relics contained within.

• Entrance is always free.

• The cathedral is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Guadalajara Cathedral sits at the center of the city’s four principal squares—Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Liberación, Plaza Guadalajara and the Rotunda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres—just off Avenida Alcalde. Most buses running past Avenida Alcalde will stop outside the cathedral. The closest Tren Ligero station is Plaza Universidad, three blocks away.

The cathedral is busy year-round and typically open from 7am to 8pm. Regular Spanish-language services take place daily and given the vastness of the cathedral, it’s unlikely to ever feel too crowded. The exception to this is during large Catholic holidays, such as Easter, Christmas, and December 12, Day of the Virgin Guadalupe (Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe).

There’s no shortage of nearby sights, given the central location of this magnificent cathedral. However, it makes sense to explore the surrounding squares. Stroll past busts of "Jaliscienses Ilustres" (illustrious people from the state of Jalisco), grab coffee in the popular Plaza Guadalajara, and people-watch from the wrought-iron benches of Plaza de Armas. Finally, wander the length of Plaza de la Liberación until you reach Teatro Degollado.