Guadalajara Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico)

Guadalajara successfully combines being a large and bustling Mexican city with a popular tourist destination and is filled with engaging tourist attractions. Three of the most notable are situated close to each other and on the northerly outskirts of Guadalajara - the city's zoo (Zoológico Guadalajara), planetarium (Centro de Ciencia y Tecnologia Planetario) and the Selva Magica children's amusement park.

The Degollado Theatre (Teatro Degollado) is a further attraction and can seat more than 4,000 people, regularly hosting a number of events, such as dramas, live music, comedy events, ballets, dancing and concerts by the acclaimed Guadalajara Philharmonic Orchestra. All of these tourist attractions are described in more detail below.

Teatro Degollado (Degollado Theatre)

Address: Belén, Guadalajara, 44630, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 33 3614 4773
The Teatro Degollado is a particularly imposing building and boasts a magnificent Neo-classical facade, which dates back around 150 years and has been renovated a number of times over the years. Known for its grand columns depicting Apollo and the Nine Muses, the interior of the theatre is equally impressive and features elaborate decor, with red velvet, areas painted in gold, and a number of eye-catching attractions and murals.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge

Centro de Ciencia y Tecnologia Planetario (Centre of Science / Guadalajara Planetarium)

Address: 401 Huentitán el Alto, Guadalajara, 44390, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 33 3674 4106
The Guadalajara Planetarium has long been a prominent tourist attraction within the city and features regular sky shows, where visitors are able to learn more about the solar system. Planetarium shows take place each day and last around two hours, starting at around 10:00. The Centro de Ciencia y Tecnologia Planetario also features an area dedicated to various aspects of science, including space, airplanes, physics and maths. Other attractions include a car museum filled with vintage vehicles from America.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, concessions

Selva Magica

Address: Paseo del Zoológico 600, Huentitán, Guadalajara, 44390, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 33 3674 1418
The Selva Magica children's amusement park is sited alongside Guadalajara zoo and is full of quality family attractions. With a host of fast rides, a huge Ferris wheel and regular shows, passport tickets allow you to access the entire park and join in the fun. Popular performances include dolphin and seal shows, and even a trained bird show complete with parrots. This is a large park and many families find that it easily fills an entire day.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge, concessions for children

Zoológico Guadalajara (Guadalajara Zoo)

Address: Paseo del Zoológico 600, Parque Natural Huentitán, Guadalajara, 44100, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 33 3674 4488
Guadalajara Zoo is a historic attraction and large in size, featuring two huge aviaries shaped like pyramids, and a petting zoo, where children are able to interact with many friendly and cuddly animals. Other attractions include a snake house, a museum with many interesting hands-on exhibits, a covered auditorium area, eateries, a gift shop and a zoo train, which transports visitors around the grounds and allows you to view many of the attractions without even leaving your seat. At the northern end of Guadalajara Zoo you will find good views of the Barranca de Oblatos canyon.
Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge, concessions for children