Tlaquepaque

Tlaquepaque arts and crafts fill the showrooms and stores here; you'll find carved wood furniture, colorful ceramics, and hand-stitched clothing. Pedestrian malls and plazas are lined with more than 300 shops, many run by families with generations of experience. One of Guadalajara's most exceptional museums, which draws gifted artists for its annual ceramics competition in June, is also here.

But there's more to Tlaquepaque than shopping. The downtown area has a pleasant square and many pedestrian-only streets, making this a good place to take a stroll, even if you're not interested in all the crafts for sale. It is touristy, but if you stay in one of the bed-and-breakfasts here, you'll be able to enjoy some peace in between peak shopping hours.

Many tourists come to Tlaquepaque via the Tranvía Turística, an open-air bus that leaves from the Plaza de Armas in Guadalajara's historic center.

Word of Mouth

"Tlaquepaque is a living, breathing community, not just a shopper's paradise. There is a magnificent meat and produce market near the Parian. And it is especially charming in the evening, when most of the tourists are in their downtown 4-stars; the families come out to visit in the square, and tons of really good food vendors come out."

-Carolred