Guadalajara (I)

In comparison to Mexico City, Guadalajara is wildly underrated as a principal tourist destination. Sure, some travelers pass through on their way to the Pacific coastline and hippy hotspot of Sayulita, but often it’s ignored without a second thought. However, Guadalajara arguably has just as much to offer as Mexico’s capital and even boasts experiences and cultural heritage you simply won’t find in Mexico City. With that in mind, here are all the reasons you should visit Guadalajara instead.

Mexico City is enough to make even the most relaxed person’s stress levels go through the roof. Guadalajara, as Mexico’s second biggest city, still offers that big city feel without the chaotic tendency Mexico City leans towards even on a good day, so you can really focus on enjoying your visit. Additionally, the public transport is far less stressful in Guadalajara. While the city only has two metro lines in comparison with Mexico City’s 12-line subterranean monster, most things around the center are accessible on foot. Even when you do need to take the metro, you won’t end up pinned against the window because of the overcrowding.

In summer, Mexico City is going through its rainy season (as is Guadalajara, to be fair), but the crowded city atmosphere means that when it’s hot in Mexico City, it’s also humid in Mexico City and if you’re traveling on the metro all day, it doesn’t make for a pleasant sensation. Meanwhile, Guadalajara (aforementioned rainy season aside) is far more temperate all year round, which is especially welcomed during the winter months.