Tlaquepaque is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Jalisco, just a short drive from Guadalajara. It’s especially known for its rich artistic heritage, vibrant culture, and colorful streets.

Also famous for its exquisite pottery, Tlaquepaque is a paradise for art lovers and collectors alike.

I’ll also introduce you to some of the best places to eat, drink tequila and listen the mariachis.

In beautiful Guadalajara is the only Day of the Dead theme park. And it promises to make you live the magic of this tradition in your own flesh, where you will go through El Más Allá and El Más Acá through an immersive experience.

Surrounded by the rich smells of the offering and the colors of the papel picado, the Day of the Dead is going to become an adventure between life and death, where any resemblance to fantasy... is a reality!

It also offers you an area where you will find snacks that are to die for! and a store where you can buy a souvenir so that you can take a little piece of Calaverandia home.

If you are dying to live this experience, access tickets are available at: ticketmaster.com.mx

It features a spacious median strip, lush trees, and benches arranged for visitors to sit and enjoy the glamour of the area.

The avenue is lined with designer shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes with outdoor seating, fountains, and beautiful sculptures that adorn the promenade.

Street performers often gather here, and it's a place where you can enjoy outdoor movie screenings, salsa classes, and occasionally music festivals.

This area is ideal for strolling around, having a drink, and dining.

Not far away, you'll find two contemporary art museums: the Museum of Arts of Guadalajara (MUSA) and the Raúl Anguiano Art Museum (MURA).

Naturally, there’s great debate in Guadalajara over who does the tastiest tacos de barbacoa. Tacos Juan, El Guero, and Va Taco Vallarta are all up there with the best and although comparing them can be like choosing your favourite child there are few places that do barbacoa better than Tacos Charlie.

Here in Guadalajara, the Jalisco state capital, the quality of barbacoa can vary considerably from one establishment to another, but when it’s done right it’s better than practically any other taco filling. Although generally considered a breakfast food, tacos de barbacoa also make a fine lunch and I’d probably eat them for dinner as well if they were still on sale anywhere in the evening.

The popular “drowned sandwich” created in Guadalajara — by accident

The torta ahogada, consists of a kind of bun called a birote, sliced the long way and typically filled with pork meat, on top of which a generous amount of salsa has been ladled.

The torta ahogada, it seems, was originally created by accident sometime in the 1930s by one Don Luis de la Torre. Attempting to hand a pork sandwich to a customer, Don Luis accidentally dropped it into a container of salsa.

“You drowned my sandwich,” said the customer, “but I want to try it like this. Give me a spoon.”

The man was delighted with his sopping wet sandwich, and the torta ahogada was born.

Tortas Toño

📍 Tierra de Fuego 3160-2, Providencia. IG: @tortastono

Tortas Ahogadas Enrique “El Viejo”

📍Camarena 69, Colonia Americana.

Tortas Ahogadas El Profe Jiménez

📍Andrés Terán 841, Villaseñor.

Tortas Ahogadas José “El de la Bicicleta”

📍Mexicaltzingo 27, Mexicaltzingo. IG: @joseeldealbicicleta

Tortas Ahogadas El Príncipe Heredero

📍Epigmenio González 200, Mexicaltzingo.