Mariachi Plaza (Plaza de los Mariachis)

The Basics

You can easily enjoy everything that Mariachi Plaza has to offer—including streetside drinks and a few mariachi numbers—in less than an hour. However, given the location of Mariachi Plaza, in a seedier side of downtown Guadalajara, this atmospheric square is best visited during a guided group or private tour. Sightseeing excursions in Guadalajara’s historic center tend to combine stops at Mariachi Plaza with visits to the cathedral, Degollado Theater, and more for a first time-friendly experience.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Mariachi Plaza may not be suitable for travelers with kids.

• Mariachi Plaza borders an unsavory part of town and pickpockets are common, so try to visit in the daylight hours and don’t carry much cash.

• Mariachi Plaza is fully wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Mariachi Plaza is situated in the San Juan de Dios neighborhood, just a few blocks away from downtown Guadalajara’s main tourist drag. While you can easily arrive on foot or by public transit—the closest microbus station is San Juan de Dios—it’s best to visit by day as part of a guided excursion.

When to Get There

Mariachi Plaza is accessible year-round but the main draw—the live mariachi music—tends to take place in the afternoons and evenings. Weekends are typically busier and livelier than weekdays, but you should always visit before night falls as the area isn’t the safest place to be after dark.

What to Do Nearby

Whether you like art, history, or theater, there’s plenty to do close to Mariachi Plaza. Pick up some souvenirs in the nearby San Juan de Dios Market, admire the twin yellow spires of the 16th-century Cathedral, or people watch in Plaza de Armas. Alternatively, take a tour of the Orozco murals at Instituto Cultural Cabañas before catching a show at the historic Degollado Theater.