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Have you been craving some old-world charm lately, but with a Mexican flair?
Between the glitz and glamor of Cancun’s resorts, the turquoise sea of Tulum and the boisterous nightlife of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico has no shortage of amazing cities to its name, some of which date back centuriesand with the kind of architectural wealth that only Europe can compete with.
It probably helps that air links between the United States and Mexico are the strongest they’ve ever been, and it’s never been easier for Americans to discover their southern neighbor, especially now that new flights to one of the most vibrant destinations.
If you are a culture vulture and like to keep up with the latest travel trends, then so be it Guadalajara where to go next:
Why is Guadalajara worth visiting in 2025?
Guadalajara is the capital of the Mexican coastal state of Jalisco, although not located on the coast itself, a bustling metropolis inhabited by more than 1.3 million people and distinguished by its historic center full of historic sites, an abundance of cultural sites and lively street markets.
Although it is not as popular with tourists as Mexico City or San Miguel de Allende, its colonial core plays host some of Mexico’s most iconic structuresincluding the gold-spired Guadalajara Cathedral, a 16th-century Gothic and Baroque structure with opulent interiors.
It dominates the equally beautiful Plaza de Armas, Guadalajara’s main public square, with gardens, a central fountain and pedestrian-friendly passages with benches; it is the beating heart of the city and the best place to enjoy the atmosphere!
Other notable sights include the Government Palace, formerly the seat of the Spanish governor during colonial times, and Guadalajara’s most historically important attraction: the UNESCO-protected Hospicio Cabañas.
This 18th-century gem is more than just the perfect photo, with its colonnade and frescoed ceilings. It was once one of the largest hospital complexes and orphanages in America before it became a museum.
You can experience culture everywhere in Guadalajara
The beautiful Teatro Degollado, just a 3-minute walk from the cathedral, is a testament to the neoclassical madness of the 19th century and still hosts live orchestral performances (something we highly recommend you are present).
Guadalajara is known for its music scene––Jalisco is the birthplace of mariachiso if you’re hoping to jam out to some traditional music and admire the colorful women’s dresses, the aptly named Plaza de los Mariachis is the place to go.
That said, chances are you’ll find a mariachi player around every corner you turn, and if you visit in late summer or early fall, you might witness the 500 and more bands that line the narrow streets of flow into the center. streets for the International Mariachi Festival.
That’s part of why Guadalajara is so fascinating and why National Geographic mentioned it one of the best destinations to visit in 2025the only Mexican city to be on the list next year.
Guadalajara is an affordable city trip
Guadalajara is also a great destination for an affordable city break, with lower prices than Jalisco’s resort-lined coast – a city center room can cost as cheap as $47 per night––and of course incredible gastronomy.
A few of them our favorite restaurants in all of Mexico are here, from Campomar Providenciawhere they serve the most delicious, freshest seafood (we still dream about them camarones zarandeados) to cheerful Sylvestre Midtown (beef tongue tacos are definitely our new guilty pleasure).
With such a gem of a capital, is it really a surprise that the state of Jalisco is on its way to one record breaking year in tourism in 2025?
According to Gustavo Staufert, the director of the Guadalajara Visitors and Conventions Office (OFVC), the city is poised for double-digit growth in the coming year, largely fueled by Guadalajara’s cultural offerings, Puerto Vallarta’s coastal appeal, and exciting new launches.
For example, a scenic train will soon depart from Guadalajara to the historic city of Tequila, deeper in the state’s hinterland, and four new international flights connecting the Mexican metropolis with the United States:
Which US cities offer flights to Guadalajara?
Aeromexico is expected to launch service to Guadalajara from Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami and Denver sometime in 2025, as reported by local mediamore information will follow soon.
Although the new flights haven’t launched yet, you can still fly nonstop to Guadalajara from the following US departure points:
From California
11-13 flights per day with Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines, VivaAerobus and Volaris
5-6 flights per day with Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines and Volaris
3-4 flights per day with VivaAerobus and Volaris
3-4 flights per day with Aeromexico and Volaris
2-3 flights per day with Alaska Airlines and Volaris
1-2 flights per day with Volaris
1 flight per day with Volaris
From Texas
5-7 flights per day with United, VivaAerobus and Volaris
4-5 flights per day with American Airlines, VivaAerobus and Volaris
2-3 flights per day with VivaAerobus and Volaris
From Nevada
3-5 flights per day with Aeromexico, VivaAerobus and Volaris
From Illinois
4-5 flights per day with Aeromexico, VivaAerobus and Volaris
1 flight per day with Volaris
From Arizona
1-2 flights per day with Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines
From Oregon
1-2 flights per day with Volaris
From Washington
1-2 flights per day with Volaris
From Colorado
1-2 flights per day with Aeromexico and Volaris
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The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.