Guadalajara Mexico

World Cup Info

  • 🏟️ Host stadium: Estadio Akron
  • 📍 District / Area: Zapopan / El Bajío
  • 👥 Stadium capacity: 48,071 (Approx for World Cup)
  • 🚶‍♂️Stadium Type: Open Air (Partially Roofed stands)

Welcome to Guadalajara: A World Cup 2026 Host City

guadalajara mexico

Welcome to the cultural heart of the nation. Visiting Guadalajara Mexico means stepping into the land of Mariachi and Tequila. As a proud World Cup 2026 host, this city combines tradition with modernity. Before packing, check the guadalajara weather, which offers warm days and pleasant nights, perfect for football.

Getting here is the first step. Fans are already searching for flights to guadalajara mexico landing at the international hub. We recommend reviewing the guadalajara airport guide to ensure a smooth arrival. Whether you are arriving from the US or Europe, flights to guadalajara are plentiful. Choosing where to sleep is crucial. You can stay in the historic center or book guadalajara hotels closer to the action. The matches will be held at the stunning akron stadium, famous for its volcano-like design.

Don’t forget the food! Every guadalajara restaurant offers a taste of history. From the famous “Tortas Ahogadas” to fine dining, exploring Guadalajara Mexico is a feast for the senses.

SoFi Stadium (Inglewood) Capacity: 70,240 Type: Indoor-Outdoor (Roof covered)

LAX International Distance to Stadium: Only 6 km (4 miles). Transfer time: ~15 mins by car.

 

Santa Monica & Downtown Santa Monica for beach vibes. LA Live (Downtown) for city celebrations.

Top Things to Do in Guadalajara

Hospicio Cabañas

Description: A UNESCO World Heritage site and an absolute must-see in Guadalajara Mexico. It houses the breathtaking “Man of Fire” murals by José Clemente Orozco. It is visually stunning and historically profound.

Tlaquepaque Historic Center

Just a short ride from downtown, this neighborhood feels like a magical village. Famous for its pottery, mariachi bands playing in the streets, and colorful umbrella-covered alleys, it defines the charm of Guadalajara Mexico.

Tequila Express Train

You cannot visit Jalisco without tasting Tequila. Take this legendary train ride through the agave fields (a UNESCO landscape) to the town of Tequila. It’s the most spirited adventure in Guadalajara Mexico.

Guadalajara Cathedral

The twin neo-Gothic towers of the cathedral are the city’s emblem. Located in the heart of the historic center, it is surrounded by four beautiful plazas, making it the perfect starting point for any tour.

Mercado San Juan de Dios

The largest indoor market in Latin America. From leather goods to local food stalls, this three-story giant is a sensory explosion. It is the best place to buy souvenirs and experience the real daily life of Guadalajara Mexico.

Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Guadalajara

🎸 Icon & Luxury

Hard Rock Hotel Guadalajara

A massive tower that dominates the skyline. It offers a rooftop pool and rock-star amenities. It is one of the most popular guadalajara hotels for international travelers looking for familiarity and luxury.

🌹 Boutique/Romantic

Hotel Villa Ganz Boutique

Located in the trendy Lafayette district, this is the first luxury boutique hotel in the city. If you prefer charm over massive resorts, this stands out among guadalajara hotels for its garden vibes and service.

🏟️ Near Akron Stadium

City Express Plus by Marriott (Zapopan)

Strategically located in Zapopan, this is your best bet if you want to be close to akron stadium. It is modern, efficient, and saves you from the heavy traffic on match days.

🎨 Design & Art

Hotel Demetria

An architectural gem made of glass and steel. It feels more like an art gallery than a hotel. Located near the best nightlife, it is a top choice among trendy guadalajara hotels.

💰 Budget & Stadium

One Guadalajara Periférico Poniente

A clean, affordable option right on the ring road (Periférico), offering easy access to the akron stadium. It is perfect for fans who just want a bed and a shower without breaking the bank.

🏛️ Historic Center

Hotel Morales Historical & Colonial

Stay inside a 19th-century masterpiece. Famous for having hosted bullfighters in the past, this hotel exudes history. It is the best of guadalajara hotels for those who want to walk to the Cathedral.

Best Restaurants & Food in Guadalajara

⚡ Guinness Record

Karne Garibaldi

Famous for holding the Guinness World Record for the fastest service. Their “Carne en su Jugo” (meat in its own juice) is legendary. This is the most essential guadalajara restaurant experience you can have.

🥃 High-End Dining

La Tequila Cocina Mexicana

If you want to pair premium tequila with gourmet Mexican food, come here. It elevates traditional dishes to a new level. It is widely considered the best guadalajara restaurant for a sophisticated dinner.

🥪 Iconic Dish

Tortas Ahogadas El Profe

You must try the “drowned sandwich” (Torta Ahogada). It’s pork on sourdough bread, submerged in spicy salsa. This spot is a local favorite, offering a spicy, messy, and unforgettable meal.

🐐 Traditional Birria

Birrieria las 9 Esquinas

Located in a picturesque plaza, this spot serves the city’s other famous dish: Birria (goat stew). It is authentic and flavorful, representing the soul of any traditional guadalajara restaurant.

🎺 Mariachi Show

Casa Bariachi

A total fiesta. While touristy, it guarantees a live Mariachi show with your meal. It creates the atmosphere every visitor expects from a guadalajara restaurant—loud, colorful, and fun.

🌟 World's 50 Best

Alcalde

For foodies, this is the holy grail. Chef Francisco Ruano has put this spot on the “Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants” list. It offers a modern interpretation of local ingredients.

Guadalajara Fan Experience: Play, Watch & Chant

📺 City Heart

Plaza de la Liberación

Located behind the cathedral, this massive square usually hosts the official FIFA Fan Fest. Watching a game here, surrounded by colonial architecture and thousands of fans, rivals the energy inside the akron football stadium.

Watch

🏟️ Legend

Estadio Jalisco Tour

Before Akron, there was Jalisco. This stadium hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cups (Pelé and Maradona played here). Visiting it connects you to the deep history that paved the way for the modern akron football stadium.

Culture

👟 Open Fields

Metropolitano Park

A huge park offering open spaces and sports facilities. It is a favorite spot for locals to play pickup matches. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and play a game before heading to the akron football stadium.

Play

Best Time to Visit Guadalajara

World Cup Season ⚽🔥

Rainy Summer

June – July

18°C - 30°C

Expect warm days and afternoon showers. The guadalajara weather in summer is distinct; it rains almost daily in the late afternoon, cooling down the heat. Pack a rain jacket for the matches.

The Sweet Spot 🌿

Dry Autumn

October – November

12°C - 26°C

The rain stops, and the landscape is lush green. The guadalajara weather is perfect, and the city celebrates the “Day of the Dead,” making it a culturally rich time to visit.

Winter / Budget 🌵

Cool & Dry

January – March

5°C - 25°C

Mornings are crisp and cool, days are sunny. It is the driest season. If you dislike humidity, this is when the guadalajara weather is most comfortable for exploring the outdoors.

Getting Around in Guadalajara

🚇 Efficient

Mi Tren (Light Rail)

The Metro System

The “Mi Tren” system is clean and safe. Line 3 is modern and connects the historic center to Zapopan (closer to the stadium area). It is a great way to avoid traffic after arriving on flights to guadalajara mexico.

Buy the reloadable card at any station; it works for buses too.

🚗 Best Value

Rideshare (Uber/Didi)

The Tourist Choice

Unlike some airports, guadalajara airport allows rideshare apps (though pickup zones may vary). Uber and Didi are very cheap compared to the US. It is the recommended way to move between guadalajara hotels and restaurants safely.

City Map Guadalajara

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Jalisco Fan Guide

Essential Tips for Guadalajara 2026

How do I get to the city?
Most fans book flights to guadalajara mexico arriving at Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL). The guadalajara airport is modern and located about 30 minutes from the city center. It serves as a major hub, so finding flights to guadalajara from major US cities is usually direct and easy.
What is the stadium like?
The akron stadium (Estadio Akron) is an architectural marvel designed to look like a volcano covered in grass. Unlike older venues, the akron football stadium is modern and sustainable. It is located in the Zapopan area, so plan your transport ahead as it is outside the main historic center of Guadalajara Mexico.
Where should I stay?
You have two main options for guadalajara hotels. Stay in the “Centro Historico” for culture and nightlife, or book guadalajara hotels in Zapopan (near Andares) to be close to the akron stadium and luxury shopping. Both areas are safe and tourist-friendly.
What should I pack for the weather?
The guadalajara weather in June and July is warm but wet. Expect sunny mornings and heavy thunderstorms in the late afternoon. Pack light clothes for the day and a waterproof jacket for the evening matches. The guadalajara weather is generally more pleasant and less humid than coastal Mexico.
Is the food spicy?
It can be! Every guadalajara restaurant will serve salsa on the side. The local specialty, Torta Ahogada, is famous for being spicy. However, visiting a guadalajara restaurant is the highlight of the trip, so just ask for “salsa aparte” (sauce on the side) if you are worried about the heat in Guadalajara Mexico.

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