With a mix of modern and historic elements, Guadalajara provides visitors with a unique Mexican experience. As the second largest city in Mexico with a population of about 4 million people, you are constantly reminded that Guadalajara is a busy metropolis, and a major Mexican business center. Although the city bustles at a more rapid pace than most in Mexico, you will still notice that the laid back latin culture is ingrained in every day life.

Guadalajara is a city of monuments, parks and flowers, fountains and tree lined avenues. It's vibrant atmosphere and attractions can keep visitors and locals alike continuously occupied. Guadalajara's history dates to the 16th century and the rich heritage of México's colonial gem is evident everywhere you look.

The Guadalajara area is known as the birthplace of the world famous Mariachi bands and also as the home of the Mexican hat dance. The nearby town of Tequila (you can guess what it is famous for) attracts many visitors, as well as the neigboring towns of Tlaquepaque and Tonolá, which are known for their colorful art and craft markets and restaurants.

The nightlife in Guadalajara is lively and encompases the entire city. Piano bars, jazz and blues seem to be every bit as available as rock and disco.

The Guadalajara Historic Center:
The Historic Center of the city is at the top of every visitor's to-do list. It is the perfect place to get a sense of the city's historical roots as well as marvel at the colonial architecture that is unsurpassed in Mexico.

Places to visit at the Historic Center:
The Cathedral
Government Palace
Degollado Theatre
Regional Museum
Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Los Laureles
Rotonda de los Hombres Ilustres
Plaza de La Liberación
Cabañas Cultural Institute
San Augstín Church
Libertad Market
Plaza de los Mariachis

Other attractions near the Historic Center:
Templo Expiatorio
San Francisco Church
Ex Convento del Carmen
Santa Mónica Church
Nuestra Señora de Aranzazú Church

Parks in Guadalajara:
Parque Agua Azul- The park is divided into two parts connected by a bridge, and features things such as a butterfly house, bird house, orchid house and various entertainment venues like La Concha Acustica, the large outdoor amphitheater.

Los Colomos Park- This park is located in a forest within the city. It is perfect for those who enjoy jogging, walking and even horseback riding! There are picnic areas, and even a cultural center called "The Castle" within the park, as well as the Japanese Gardens.

¿Habla inglés? Do you speak English? (formal)
¿Hablas inglés? Do you speak English? (informal)
(No) Hablo español. I (don't) speak Spanish.
Perdóname/Con permiso. Excuse me (used when cutting through a crowd).
Pasa. Pass (the response to perdóname).
Lo siento. I'm sorry.
¡Ayuda! Help!
¡Socorro! Help! (in an emergency situation)
¡Cuidado! Caution, look out!
¿Cómo está? How are you? (formal)
¿Cómo estás? How are you? (informal)
(Muy) Bien. (Very) Well.
(Muy) Mal. (Very) Bad.
Gracias. Thank you.
Por favor. Please.
Buenos días. Good morning.
Buenas tardes. Good afternoon.
Buenas noches. Good evening.
Adios. Goodbye.
No entiendo. I don't understand.
¿Cómo se llama? What is your name? (formal)
¿Cómo te llamas? What is your name? (informal)
Me llamo... My name is...
Mucho gusto./Encantado. Nice to meet you.
¿De dónde es? Where are you from? (formal)
¿De dónde eres? Where are you from? (informal)
Soy de... I am from...
¿Qué hora es? What time is it?
¿Dónde está el hotel? Where is the hotel?
¿Dónde está un teléfono? Where is a telephone?
¿Dónde está el baño? Where is the restroom?
¿Cómo voy a...? How do I get to...?
¿Tiene usted...? Do you have...? (formal)
¿Tienes...? Do you have...? (informal)
¿Cuánto cuesta? How much is it?
Me gustaría... I'd like to order... (in a restaurant)
La cuenta, por favor. The bill, please.
Soy vegetariano/a. I am a vegetarian.
¡Salud! Cheers!/Bless you! (after a sneeze)
¿Cómo se dice ____ en español? How do you say ______ in Spanish?
¡Vamos! Let's go!

Sample Dialog:
En la estación de autobuses:
Tú: ¿A qué hora sale el autobús para Guadalajara?
Otro: Sale a las diez de la mañana y otro sale a las dos de la tarde.
Tú: ¿Cuántas horas tardará en llegar?
Otro: Es un viaje de cinco horas.
Tú: ¿Cuánto cuesta un boleto?
Otro: Cuesta doscientos cuarenta pesos y lo compra el mismo día del viaje.
Tú: Gracias por la información.

En un taxi:
Tú: Oye, taxi!
El taxista: Sí, a dónde va?
Tú: Quisiera ir al Museo de las Momias. ¿Cuánto me cobra?
El taxista: Cuesta veinticinco pesos.
Tú: Es demasiado! Puedo caminar. Gracias.
El taxista: Pero...lo puedo llevar por veinte pesos.
Tú: Por veinte pesos?
El taxista: Sí.