Squares of Guadalajara (Self Guided), Guadalajara

The historic center of Guadalajara is the oldest part of the city, a place where it was founded. The abundance of handsome colonial landmarks here – old buildings, public parks and squares (plazas) – makes the area truly magnificent. The plazas – popular gathering spots filled with fountains, statues, benches and food stalls – are particularly great for having a break, watching people and admiring majestic architecture.

The Downtown itself, centered on Paseo Morelos/Paseo Hospicio, extends from Plaza de Armas (Main Square), which is marked by an elegant monument and band stand Quiosco De Guadalajara, to Plaza de los Mariachis (Mariachi Square), at the far east end. The latter square is named so for the many mariachi musicians playing here regularly live traditional Mexican melodies.

Together with Plaza de Armas, another three plazas, namely Plaza de la Liberación, Plaza Guadalajara and Rotonda Plaza, surround Guadalajara Cathedral, which is one of the city's key symbols, in the form of a Latin Cross.

Plaza de la Liberación (Freedom Square) borders the Cathedral to the east and is nicknamed Plaza de las Dos Copas for the two fountains located on its sides. Facing this square Teatro Degollado (Degollado Theater) has directly behind it yet another plaza with a fountain, called the Fuente de los Fundadores (Fountain of the Founders). Plaza Fundadores (or Founders Square) covers the exact spot where the city of Guadalajara was established.

One more fountain – the Inmolación de Quetzalcóatl – is the centerpiece of the nearby Plaza Tapatia (Tapatia Square), which lies between the Cathedral and the Hospicio.

To explore more closely the beautiful churches, fountains and monuments dominating the plazas of Guadalajara's historic downtown, take this self-guided walking tour as a highly-recommended part of your visit.