I know I’m getting to my Guadalajara wrap-up kinda late, but better late than never, I guess. First off: If you’re ever in Guadalajara, you absolutely must visit the Mercado San Juan de Dios. It’s three stories (!) of food stalls, produce, meat, jewelry, leather, boots, pottery, kitchen items.
A few other spots I’d recommend if you’re ever in GDL:
1. Casa Vilasanta: A small, clean hotel with free high-speed Internet, gorgeous patios and a communal kitchen. It’s also really cheap. I paid the equivalent of $30 USD a night.
2. Casa Bariachi: A group of new friends and I were looking for a place to catch live mariachi music on Tuesday night, and our taxi driver referred us here. I’d feared it would be touristy, but it wasn’t — it was actually pretty awesome. A mariachi band played partially on stage, and then amongst the crowd. Everyone else there was Mexican, and they sang along when they knew the words. We each had a bandera or two of tequila and split a few desserts. (Highly recommend the coconut ice cream.) Prices aren’t super cheap, but they’re reasonable.
3. Loncherita: A cute, Mexican-kitsch place with mini tortas smothered in salsa (they’re called “loncheritas” here), and Guadalajaran microbrews. We ordered tostadas de marlin and pata, one loncherita a piece, and a burrito stuffed with panela. Everything was good — above average but not insanely fantastic. That’s fine with me. I’d go back again for the drinks and ambience.
4. Zapópan: A suburb about 8km north of Guadalajara with a quaint plaza (that’s it in the picture above), a cool little museum — where I caught the fantastic “Phantom Sightings” exhibit, showcasing Chicano artists — and narrow, colonial-type streets. I ate some tacos de carnaza at the market there, and wanted to explore more, but I didn’t have time. Next time.
More pictures below!
Mercado San Juan de Dios from the outside -- it sits next to a big plaza
Puya chiles are similar to guajillo chiles, but hotter
These arbol chiles were grown in nearby Yahualica. Interestingly, the other arbol chiles for sale came from China.
Among the many strands of Christmas lights for sale in the back market area
More Guadalajara pictures, if you’re not too tired of looking at them, after the link…
The inner patio at Casa Vilasanta, where I stayed
The rooftop patio at Casa Vilasanta
Great fun. xD.
Yahualica’s in the house!!! Sorry, I had to get that out of my system! LOL. I am so lucky to live in the pueblo that produces the best chile de arbol in the world. I hope you bought some. Glad that you enjoyed your trip to “La Perla Tapatia”!
Just got back from a trip to Guadalajara. We saw just about everything your photos showed – San Juan de Dios (actually, Mercado Libertad, but almost no one calls it that – the name was changed half a century ago, when I lived there), the dresses, Xmas ornaments, chiles, the cathedral, and so much more. Can you tell us more about Vilasanta? I don’t think I could talk my wife into staying in a place that inexpensive, but I’m intrigued – it looks really nice! Also, is it OK if I link to your blog from mine (www.dbl-exposure.blogspot.com)? Mine chronicles the years (most of my teen years) living in GDL, 1956-1960. Let me know and thanx! (BTW, I’ll be revisiting your blog – I love reading about other people’s experiences living in Mexico. Keep blogging!)
Dave
Hi Dave: Of course, you can definitely link to my blog! And Vilasanta was wonderful. I can’t recommend it highly enough. I was a little worried about the price point too (figured something HAD to be wrong with the place) — but really, it was great. Spotless rooms, cheery atmosphere, and wireless Internet throughout, which sold me because I had to get some work done while I was there. The walls were a little thin, and so were the bath towels. And of course you don’t get amenities like free shampoo and body wash. But my room had a double bed, a small desk area with a window, and a large bathroom with hot water. The bathroom also had an electric outlet so I could dry my hair and stuff. For that price, with the communal kitchen, it was a steal.
How can anyone ever get tired of looking at pictures of Guadalajara? 😉 My family is from there and I try to return at least once a year, the city is beautiful and looking at your pictures brought tears to my eyes. Another great place to take in some wonderful live mariachi is El Parian in Tlaquepaque, it’s about a 30 minute drive or so from Guadalajara and it is AMAZING.