Visiting Tlaquepaque Jalisco: Your Ultimate Guide to This Colorful Pueblo Magico
Want to visit Tlaquepaque pueblo magico?
You’re in the right place because I have visited myself — and this article covers EVERYTHING you need to know about visiting the pueblo magico (Mexico magic town) of Tlaquepaque Jalisco Mexico.
The small town is known for its charming vibes, artisan shops selling locally-made crafts, Mariachi music, yummy restaurants, and a lively atmosphere that’s family-friendly but also adult-friendly.
Ready to discover everything else you need to know about visiting Tlaquepaque Keep reading for all the info!
How to Visit Tlaquepaque Jalisco: Everything You Need to Know
How do you pronounce Tlaquepaque?
This is a common question, so let’s clear it up! The correct Tlaquepaque pronunciation is tlah-kay-pah-kay.
What is San Pedro Tlaquepaque?
The official name of Tlaquepaque Mexico is actually San Pedro Tlaquepaque (AKA San Pedrito Tlaquepaque Jalisco).
Regardless of the official name, most people just call it Tlaquepaque.
Where is Tlaquepaque Jalisco located?
Tlaquepaque is located about 10 miles (15 km) from Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport, and about 6 miles (10 km) from Downtown Guadalajara.
With this location, it makes for one of the best day trips from Guadalajara.
Even if you’re not renting a car in Guadalajara, it’s still easy to get to Tlaquepaque (keep reading for all your options).
The Best Tlaquepaque Tours from Guadalajara
1. Tlaquepaque VIP Experience
This VIP Tlaquepaque Private Tour, hosted by a Guadalajara local named Titan, is the easiest and best way to visit Tlaquepaque on a private tour.
Let’s just say it has a perfect 5 Star rating for good reason!
It starts out with a pick up from your hotel or Airbnb in downtown or Colonia Americana — the two best areas of town for visitors.
⚠️ Note: If you’re staying in another area, you’ll have to take an Uber to the meeting point.
Next, enjoy a breakfast buffet with local Tapatio cuisine, like tortas ahogadas, café de olla and chilaquiles. Your food and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the cost.
After a nice meal, you’ll head to Tlaquepaque with a local to show you around.
Here, get ready to enjoy Mariachi music shows, sample local delicacies like birria and carne en su jugo, visit artisan street markets, art galleries, boutique shops, interior design showrooms, and more.
You can catch a ride back to Guadalajara with Titan, or opt to stay in Tlaquepaque after the tour ends if you want to see more of Tlaquepaque on your own.
2. Visit Tlaquepaque With a Local
Prefer a group tour rather than a private tour?
This Visit Tlaquepaque With a Local Tour, led by Mayra, is the perfect choice.
During this tour, you’ll visit the Andador Independencia pedestrian street, a Mexican candy shop, one of the Tlaquepaque museums, the El Parían de Tlaquepaque Cantina, and more.
3. Tapatío Tour Bus
The final option is the Tapatío Bus, a hop-on-hop-off double decker tour bus that goes to Tlaquepaque.
It has several routes, so make sure you buy tickets for the Tlaquepaque Route.
To get tickets, head to where the buses park in front of the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres. This is right next to the Guadalajara Cathedral in downtown.
Your ticket lasts the entire day, and the bus makes five stops in Tlaquepaque so you can hop off wherever you’d like throughout the day.
How to Get to Tlaquepaque on Your Own
🚗 By Rental Car
If you’re getting a rental car in Guadalajara, all you have to do is jump in your car, open your maps app for directions, and drive to Tlaquepaque.
Depending on traffic and where you’re coming from, the Tlaquepaque Guadalajara drive can take 25-45 minutes.
For parking in Tlaquepaque, opt for the paid parking lots over street parking.
I like this one called Tlaqueparking, which is open daily until 11pm, and charges by the hour.
🚕 By Uber or Taxi
There are plenty of taxis as well as Uber in Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico, so it’s easy to go this route.
I prefer using Uber or Didi ride-share apps over taxis — and since I’ve only been to Tlaquepaque via Uber, I don’t know the taxi rates (though they should be similar).
For a ride-share, expect to pay between $75-$150 pesos (about $4-9 USD) each way on the drive from Guadalajara to Tlaquepaque.
⚠️ Note: Ride-share prices can always vary, especially on weekends and holidays during an extreme fare surge.
🚇 By Public Transportation: Metro Light Rail
Not everyone knows this, but there is a metro in Guadalajara.
To take the metro to Tlaquepaque from Guadalajara, you’ll need to use Line 3 — which is the newest and nicest line.
The Guadalajara Centro Station (Estación Guadalajara Centro) is usually the most convenient for visitors, as it’s located in Downtown GDL.
From the downtown station, it’s just six stops to Tlaquepaque.
The metro to Tlaquepaque runs daily from 5am-11pm, and tickets cost $10 pesos per ride (less than $1 USD).
You’ll need to get an Univiaje ticket, which you can get from the kiosk machines at the station.
⚠️ Note: Though it’s called Tlaquepaque Centro Station, the metro doesn’t actually drop you off in downtown Tlaquepaque.
From the station, it’s about a 10-15 minute walk to Tlaquepaque Centro Histórico (Historic Downtown).
🚲 By Bike: Vía Recreactiva
Wondering how to get to Tlaquepaque in the most fun way possible?
You can bike there!
On Sundays, more than 20 miles (32 km) of Guadalajara, Zapopan and Tlaquepaque roads close to cars from 8am-2pm.
This is part of Via RecreActiva Guadalajara, a local initiative promoting recreation in public spaces.
The easiest way to rent a bike in Guadalajara is via the MiBici Program.
There are more than 360 bike stations throughout the city, and all you need to do to rent one is download the MiBici App, and use your credit card.
A one-day rental is $105 MXN pesos (about $6 USD).
The Best Things to Do in Tlaquepaque Jalisco
1. See the Mariachi at El Parian Tlaquepaque
El Parian is one of the top Tlaquepaque sites, and a must-visit.
It is a large, bustling circular area with a quiosco (sometimes spelled kiosko, and meaning “gazebo”) in the center, surrounded by several restaurants and bars.
Admittedly, El Parian Tlaquepaque is very touristy, but it’s also fun.
My husband and I randomly picked a restaurant, had some drinks, and watched the Mariachi and traditional Mexican dance show.
We didn’t eat at the restaurant because we heard the restaurants at El Parian aren’t good.
If you want to see the show, just walk in and ask someone when it starts, then make sure to be back about 15 minutes early to snag a good seat.
The restaurant we picked made us each get one drink each to see the show.
📍 Address: Calle Juárez 68
🗺️ Google Map
2. Stroll Calle Independencia Tlaquepaque
Wondering about the colorful street in Tlaquepaque?
That’s Calle Independencia, AKA Andador Independencia, which is a pedestrian-only street.
It is the main Tlaquepaque street, and lined with shops, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars, street food vendors, and more.
It’s also where you’ll find the Tlaquepaque sign and colorful umbrellas.
📍 Address: Calle Independencia
🗺️ Google Map
3. Photograph the Tlaquepaque Sign
This is a very photogenic town overall, but one of the most Instagrammable places in Tlaquepaque is the Tlaquepaque sign.
Similar to what you’d see in other Mexican pueblos magicos, this is a large sign with colorful letters that spell out the town’s name.
📍 Address: Calle Independencia 295
🗺️ Google Map
Cantú Azulejos Mural
Another one of the best Tlaquepaque Instagram spots is a tile mural on the side of the Azulejos Talavera Cantú shop.
This is a tile recreation of one of the most famous Mexican paintings of all time — Dream on a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central by Diego Rivera (or, Sueño de una Tarde Dominical en la Alameda Central in Spanish).
The original is located in a Mexico City museum, and features MANY famous Mexican people like Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, La Malinche, and former Mexican presidents Francisco I. Madero and Benito Juárez.
This 50-foot-long painting (15 m) also features La Catrina.
She is the skeletal woman who’s among the most important Day of the Dead symbols.
📍 Address: Calle Francisco de Miranda 60
🗺️ Google Map
4. Go Shopping for Artesanias
One of the top reasons people visit Tlaquepaque is for the shopping.
While some artisan towns in Mexico sell knock-off stuff that’s produced for cheap outside of the country, art from Tlaquepaque is known to be authentic, good quality and locally-made.
Here’s a list of my favorite shopping boutiques, many of which are also considered among the best shops in Tlaquepaque:
- Xícara and Cerámica Avalos for ceramics
- Azulejos Talavera Cantú for talavera tiles
- Casa Piel and Alejandro Yeo Marroquinería for leather goods
- Galería Cempasúchil for decorative items
- Galería Imperial for furniture and homegoods
🛍️ Plaza de Artesanías Tlaquepaque
The Tlaquepaque Artisan Market, located here on Calle Juarez, is a cluster of several shops inside a charming plaza.
Here, you’re any souvenirs and smaller and medium sized items you could want, as well as some charming cafes.
🛍️ Tlaquepaque Crafts Market in Mercado Benito Juárez
The art galleries and boutique shops in Tlaquepaque have AMAZING hand-crafted pieces.
However, you’ll soon see shopping in Tlaquepaque is on the pricier side (for good reason, but still).
If you’re not looking to break the bank, head to the Mercado de Artesanías in Mercado Benito Juárez Market.
This lively, local market in Tlaquepaque is where you’ll find everything from budget-friendly souvenirs to food stalls.
On a side note, my husband and I love the Mariscos Chava puesto in this market. Puestos are small food shops, run by locals for locals.
This one serves up seafood at great prices, with everything from tacos to ceviche.
📍 Address: Calle Álvaro Obregón 25
🗺️ Google Map
5. People-Watching at El Jardín Hidalgo
Jardin Hidalgo Garden is the central square in Downtown Tlaquepaque.
Here, you can buy food from the street stalls, sit on a bench near the beautiful Quiosco de Hidalgo (gazebo), and take a breather from this bustling small town.
The two most beautiful Tlaquepaque churches are located at this square: Santuario Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Solitude) and Parroquia San Pedro Apóstol (San Pedro Tlaquepaque Parish).
📍 Address: Guillermo Prieto S/N, Centro, 45500 San Pedro Tlaquepaque, Jalisco
🗺️ Google Map
6. Sample Local Jalisco Tequilas at El Búho
In case you didn’t know, tequila is from Jalisco state — and El Búho is known as one of the best places to buy tequila in the entire state.
They have A LOT of bottles for sale, and a bar where you can sample before you buy.
The staff here is super knowledgeable, so even if you know nothing about tequila, they can help you pick out a great bottle (which makes for an amazing Mexico souvenir).
📍 Address: Calle Juárez 164 B
🗺️ Google Map
7. Best Art Galleries in Tlaquepaque
Sergio Bustamante Gallery
One of the most famous Mexican artists from Jalisco state, Sergio Bustamante’s pieces are weird, wonderful, colorful and fanciful.
If you love modern art, you’re going to fall in love with his paintings, sculptures and jewelry and furniture pieces.
📍 Address: Calle Independencia 238
🗺️ Google Map
🤑 Admission: FREE
Casa de la Bicicleta Gallery
You’ll see Rodo Padilla’s gorditos sculptures all over Tlaquepaque, but his La Casa de la Bicicleta Gallery is still worth a visit.
If you don’t go inside, make sure you snap a photo of the famous gordito guitar player on the bench located just in front of it.
There’s also Padilla’s gordito on a bike sculpture in front of Jardín Hidalgo. You can sit on this one for a photo.
📍 Address: Calle Independencia 139
🗺️ Google Map
🤑 Admission: FREE
8. Best Museums in Tlaquepaque
Regional Ceramic Museum
This small museum had some of the most beautiful Mexican ceramics I’ve ever seen — including the traditional pottery from Jalisco state, which has a very unique look.
Housed in a 19th Century mansion, Museo Regional de la Ceramica Tlaquepaque has a collection of pottery with pieces that date back hundreds of years, and showcase different styles from all over Mexico.
📍 Address: Calle Independencia 237
🗺️ Google Map
🤑 Admission: FREE
Pantaleon Panduro Museum
Located in the historic Fray Luis Arguello Chapel, which is inside El Refugio Cultural Center Tlaquepaque, you’ll find the Museo Premio Nacional de la Cerámica Pantaleón Panduro.
If you really loved the pieces you saw in the Tlaquepaque Ceramics Museum, head here next.
Inside, there are award-winning ceramic sculptures and art pieces from winners in Mexico’s National Ceramics Contest.
📍 Address: Calle Prisciliano Sánchez 191
🗺️ Google Map
🤑 Admission: FREE
9. Get Sweet Treats from Nuestros Dulces
Nuestros Dulces Candy Shop is always a must-stop for me — and anyone who has a sweet tooth.
They have a HUGE collection of famous Mexican candies from various places in Central Mexico, and I love buying something I’ve never tried each time I go.
My favorite so far are the morelianas from the city of Morelia, Michoacan.
📍 Address: Calle Juárez 154 A
🗺️ Google Map
10. Visit Nearby Tónala Jalisco
Tlaquepaque is all about art, but so is the nearby town of Tonalá, Mexico.
This town hosts the famous Tonalá Artisan Market every Thursday and Sunday, so if you’re visiting Tlaquepaque one one of those days, try to squeeze in a visit to Tonalá too.
BONUS: Events in Tlaquepaque Jalisco
💃🏻 Noches de la Ronda
Looking for things to do in Tlaquepaque at night?
There are several bars to choose from, like the popular La Mata Tinta — but for a family-friendly nighttime event, check out Noches de la Ronda Tlaquepaque.
On Thursdays to Sundays from 5pm-9pm, the main streets of Tlaquepaque come to life with live music, folk dancing and more to celebrate Noches de la Ronda.
💀 Day of the Dead in Tlaquepaque
The official dates for Día de Muertos in Mexico are November 1 and 2.
However, in Tlaquepaque and some other places, the celebrations can last up to two weeks.
To check out the town when it’s decorated and enjoy some of the festivities, head there the weekend before Day of the Dead, or the weekend immediately following.
The November 1 and 2 holidays dates will have parades, public ofrendas (altars honoring deceased loved ones), cempasuchil (marigold flowers), art exhibits, and more.
⚠️ Note: It gets VERY crowded on these days.
🥃 Expo Tequila Tlaquepaque
The Tlaquepaque Tequila Expo takes place each year in September at El Refugio Cultural Center Tlaquepaque.
During the event, you can expect demos, classes and tequila tastings, with about 150 brands represented.
🎡 Feria de Tlaquepaque
The San Pedro Tlaquepaque Fair is basically an old school county fair that’s held each year in June and/or July.
It is a celebration of San Pedro (Saint Peter). This is the Mexican saint who’s also the patron saint of Tlaquepaque.
Best Restaurants in Tlaquepaque Jalisco
Casa Luna Restaurant
If you’re looking for an up-scale and beautiful Tlaquepaque restaurant, head here.
Restaurante Casa Luna has the BEST ambiance, and serves up classic Mexican dishes like chile en nogada, as well as local tequilas and tequila cocktails.
📍 Address: Calle Independencia 211
🗺️ Google Map
Birrieria Chololo
Birria is THE food of Jalisco state, and a must-try when you’re visiting Guadalajara and the surrounding area.
For the best birria in Tlaquepaque, head to Birrieria Chololo. They have a few locations, but this chain originated in Tlaquepaque.
📍 Address: Avenida Patria 1100
🗺️ Google Map
Tlaquepaque Markets & Street Food
If you just want to eat some food as you walk around, no worries!
In Mexico, street food is everywhere, so you’ll find all kinds of grab-and-go options like tacos, elote and esquites (Mexican corn), tejuino (a locally-made drink) and nieves de garrafa ice cream.
Best Hotels in Tlaquepaque Jalisco
La Villa del Ensueño
Rated 9.3 out of 10 Stars, La Villa del Ensueño is easily the best hotel in Tlaquepaque Mexico.
Located just steps from downtown, this 20-room boutique hotel has those quintessential Mexican hacienda vibes, a pool and jacuzzi, secure parking lot, and other great amenities.
Casa Alfareros
Meaning “Potter’s House,” Casa Alfareros Tlaquepaque is another visitor favorite with a 9.5 out of 10 Star rating.
This is a mid-range hotel, so it won’t break the bank. However, it will charm you with locally-made furnishings and art, and a stellar location in downtown.
Traveling to Tlaquepaque Jalisco: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tlaquepaque safe for visitors?
For the most part, yes, Tlaquepaque is considered safe for visitors and locals alike. It is also very family-friendly, but great for adults too.
Is Tlaquepaque worth visiting?
Yes — It’s both family-friendly and fun for adults, there’s great shopping and locally-made art, live Mariachi music, and more.
If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Guadalajara Mexico, Tlaquepaque usually makes the list.
At only 25-45 minutes away by car, it is one of the best Guadalajara day trips.
What is Tlaquepaque Jalisco famous for?
Tlaquepaque is most famous for art and culture. It’s also fairly well-known because it’s considered one of the best pueblos magicos in Jalisco state.
Originally, ceramics put this town on the map. In fact, Tlaquepaque even has the nickname La Villa Alfarera, which means “The Potter’s Village.”
However, you can now get A LOT of handicrafts in Tlaquepaque beyond pottery — like talavera tiles (colorful Mexican tiles), leather goods, blown glass art pieces, sculptures, wood-work, and more.
The town also hosts the annual Expo Ganadera, a large county fair for Mexican ranchers.
Here, people buy and sell livestock, enjoy rodeo demos, eat local foods, dance, listen to live banda music, and more.
How many days is enough in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco?
Most people visit Tlaquepaque for one day. It is a small town, so you can see all the sites at a leisurely pace in 3-5 hours.
Since it’s so close to Gudalajara, most travelers will stay at a hotel in Guadalajara, and just spend the day in Tlaquepaque.
However, you can also book a stay at a Tlaquepaque hotel for an off the beaten path experience.
If you’re coming from Puerto Vallarta to Tlaquepaque, you’ll want to stay at least one night. This is about a five hour drive each way, so 10 hours total.
What’s the Tlaquepaque weather like?
Weather in Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque tends to be on the warmer side year-round.
Temperature-wise, you can expect hot, sunny days in summer and fall, and warm, sunny days in winter and spring.
☀️☔️ Weather in Tlaquepaque: By Season
The rainy season in Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque goes from about June to September.
On average, this part of Mexico gets 40 inches of annual rainfall each year (1 meter), so it can rain quite a bit in summer and fall.
The dry season in Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque is sunny and warm during the day, and cool at night. Basically, winter and spring are the best seasons to visit.
What is the best month to visit Tlaquepaque?
Late-October to early-November — During this time, the town will be decorated for Day of the Dead, so it will be extra beautiful. However, it will also be busier than usual.
If you want pleasant weather and small crowds, opt for any weekday in November to March.
December tends to be the busiest month for Mexico travel, so be prepared for large crowds in December.
What is the best street in Tlaquepaque?
There are two: Calle Independencia and Calle Juarez.
These two streets run parallel to one another, and have lots of great photo ops and cool views along each one.
If you had to pick just one actual “best” street, that would be Calle Independencia.
It runs from Avenida Niños Heroes to El Parián, and always has the most activity of any Tlaquepaque street.
Where are the umbrellas in Tlaquepaque?
They are located along the Andador Turístico de Tlaquepaque, which is on Calle Independencia.
Keep in mind that the umbrellas aren’t always up.
When they aren’t, you will usually see papel picado (perforated paper flags in bright colors) or some other festive decorations above this street.
Is Tlaquepaque a pueblo magico?
Yes — Tlaquepaque joined the Mexico Pueblos Mágicos Program on October 11, 2018.
It is still one of the 177 pueblos magicos today.
What is the meaning of Tlaquepaque?
The word tlaquepaque comes from the Aztec word, tlalipac.
In Náhuatl (the Aztec language), tlalipac means “place above knolls of clay” or “men who craft clay pieces.”
Brief History of Tlaquepaque Jalisco
As you now know, the tlaquepaque meaning comes from the Náhuatl word, tlalipac.
The word tlalipac is a reference to the original inhabitants of present-day Tlaquepaque.
Centuries before the Spanish Conquistadors arrived, these people used local clay to make eating utensils, art ornaments, and more.
In 1530, the Spanish arrived in this part of Mexico and eventually renamed the area San Pedro Tlaquepaque.
While no one calls it that, technically, it is still the town’s official name.
In October 2018, the Mexican government designated Tlaquepaque a pueblo mágico (which means “magic town”).
This added to the town’s notoriety, and today, it sees hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Is there a Tlaquepaque Arizona?
Yes — This small town is so popular with U.S. travelers that they built a replica of Tlaquepaque Mexico in Sedona, Arizona.
My Final Thoughts on Visiting Tlaquepaque Jalisco México
Mexico pueblos magicos are some of the most charming small towns in the country, and Tlaquepaque is no exception to that rule.
Conveniently located less than 45 minutes from downtown Guadalajara, it’s easy to see why this makes for a perfect day trip.
If you love art and shopping, it’s a must — however, there’s more to Tlaquepaque.
It is a quintessential Mexican town with colorful colonial architecture, but there are also local influences, like live Mariachi music and folk dancing demos.
In short: If you’re planning to visit Guadalajara, make sure you save some space on your Guadalajara itinerary to check out Tlaquepaque for at least a few hours.
