Tlaquepaque is a city in the state of Jalisco that has been absorbed into the Guadalajara conurbation, lying only a few kilometres from the capital's centre. It is known for its crafts — pottery, textiles and blown glass — and its streets are lined with last-century casonas and colonial constructions. It was designated a Pueblo Mágico in 2018, and the Tapatío Tour sightseeing route reaches the municipality.
For a visitor, the practical question is where to base yourself within the wider Guadalajara area, since Tlaquepaque sits on the south side of the city and is connected to the rest of the conurbation. The areas below are drawn from accommodation coverage of Guadalajara and its surroundings, and cover the Centro Histórico, the old bus station area, and the western districts. This guide covers what each area is like, who it suits and how it connects to the sights.
Best areas to stay in Tlaquepaque
1. Centro Histórico
The Centro Histórico is the most convenient base if you plan to spend much of your time downtown: staying within walking distance of your daytime activities saves a great deal of travel. It holds many inexpensive hotels, particularly around the old bus station, alongside mid-range boutique and colonial-style places with courtyards, restaurants and bars.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants the main sights on foot. Note that some mid-range rooms face busy traffic on certain sides of their buildings, so it is worth asking about room position when you reserve.
2. Colonia Americana
Colonia Americana is a good choice for nightlife and for a younger or sociable stay. It has a concentration of hostels with shared kitchens, roof terraces and organised activities, as well as a boutique property in a 1930s mansion. Staying here puts you close to the Chapultepec venues.
It suits budget travellers, solo travellers and anyone who wants bars and evening activity within reach. The trade-off is that you are not in the Centro Histórico, so you will rely on transport for daytime sightseeing there.
3. Around the old bus station (Antigua), south of the Centro Histórico
This area has the cheapest rooms in the city, in small hotels with private bathrooms and hot water but no air conditioning. It is the most economical option for two people travelling together.
It suits budget travellers who prioritise price over polish. Be mindful of security, as this neighbourhood is sketchy at the best of times.
4. Minerva, Chapultepec, Zapopan and west of the Centro Histórico
This broad western side of the city covers quiet residential pockets, financial districts and business-oriented hotels, including larger properties with pools, gyms and conference facilities, and an all-suite option near the Minerva district. It is generally calmer and more spread out than the centre.
It suits business travellers, longer stays and those who prefer quieter surroundings, and it can work for families wanting space and hotel facilities. The practical point is distance: you are away from the Centro Histórico, so plan on transport for downtown sights.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels with dorms and some private rooms, often with shared bathrooms, common areas, roof terraces and organised tours; and small inexpensive hotels, typically with private bathroom and hot water but no air conditioning. The cheapest cluster is around the old bus station south of the Centro Histórico, where you should be mindful of security.
- Mid-range: colonial-style and boutique hotels, often with courtyards, a restaurant and bar, free WiFi, air conditioning and sometimes a pool; some all-suite properties with kitchenettes and work areas. Rooms vary within the same building, so ask about position and floor when booking.
- Splurge: larger business and luxury hotels with spacious rooms, upscale amenities, on-site restaurants, fitness centres, pools and concierge services, found mainly on the western side of the city and in the financial districts.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the Centro Histórico. It is the most convenient choice if you plan to spend much time downtown, since you can walk to your daytime activities rather than commuting to them. It also offers the widest spread of budgets, from inexpensive rooms to mid-range colonial-style hotels.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay in Tlaquepaque itself or in central Guadalajara?
Tlaquepaque is fully integrated into the Guadalajara conurbation and lies only a few kilometres from the city centre, so the two are closely connected. If most of your daytime plans are downtown, staying within walking distance of them is far more convenient than staying farther out.
Where are the cheapest places to stay?
The cheapest rooms are around the old bus station (Central Vieja / Antigua) south of the Centro Histórico, where small hotels offer private bathrooms and hot water without air conditioning. Be mindful of security in that neighbourhood.
Which area is best for nightlife?
Colonia Americana puts you close to the Chapultepec venues and has a concentration of hostels with sociable common areas. The western side of the city also has livelier nightlife attached to some of its larger hotels.
Do I need air conditioning?
The climate is semi-warm without a defined winter season, with rain from June to August. Budget rooms around the old bus station generally do not have air conditioning, while mid-range and larger hotels typically do.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.