Top things to do in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco
We headed to Tlaquepaque without any particular plans just to wonder around for a day and get back to Guadalajaha. Tlaquepaque is a small colorful town that is now part of greater Guadalajara. It is known for its unique art and crafts shops, art studios and restaurants. Here is my list of top of things to do in Tlaquepaque.
Walk around Jardin Hidalgo
Jardin Hidalgo is a small park in the center of the town. It is a place for people during the weekends. You will see a lot of vendors and food stands in the garden, kids playing around the gazebo and tourists groups gathering ready to start their tours. It is a perfect place for people watching and relaxing during hot summer days.
Shop for sweets at Nuesrto Dulces
I looked through the window and just couldn’t pass this store Nuestro Dulces is a small family store that specializes in traditional Mexican sweets, candies and high quality tequila. So, I got inside and in no time I had more bag and boxes than I could carry in my hands. They have Tons of exclusive Mexican sweets that you can’t find anywhere else. You can also try a lot of sweets, so If you a looking for a something special to bring home from Tlaquepaque, this place is for you. I bought coconut roll, couple of guava roll, marzipan roll and their special tamarind chunks.
Visit Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol
A small cozy local church with a lot of history. As you get inside look at the doors with detailed woodwork and and a huge chandelier. The church is very clean and inviting with a good-kept interior, magnificent sculptures and beautiful main altar piece.
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Refresh with Tejuino con Nieve.
Tejuino is a traditional Mexican drink popular around Jalisco and especially in Guadalajara . It is made of corn and sugar cane and served with lemon sorbet. You will see a lot of fresh Tejuino stands on the streets of Guadalajara and Talquepaque.
Souvenirs shopping.
Tlaquepaque is full of crafts and souvenirs shops. Every store is unique and has something that catches your eye even if you are not big on souvenirs. I spent some time walking from shop to shop looking at unique creations. Some stores look like museum with their exclusive art collections. I stopped by the store that exclusively sells all sizes of bicycle riders souvenirs.
See metal sculptures
As you walk around the town you will see tons of metal sculpture there. The entire town looks like a large open air art museum.
Stroll on Independencia Avenue
After shopping a headed down to Independencia avenue . This street if full of vendors, street performers, bands, coffee shops, restaurants, craft stores and street vendors. Have you seen fortune telling birds? I had no clue such a thing exists before I visited Tlaquepaque. You pay a small fee, the bird gets out of the cage and pick a little piece of paper and here you have it – your future predicted by the bird 😊.
Bird fortune teller, Tlaquepaque, Jalisco.
Dinner at Casa Luno
I just stopped by this place with reservations and research as it was on my way to the garden. The restaurant courtyard under the trees is truly beautiful and the food. I got a small table outside, got a Tamarindo margarita and spend some time there people watching and enjoying afternoon sun before going back to Guadalajara.
Final thoughts.
Wit it’s small town feel and charm, tons of souvenir shops and great restaurants, Tlaquepaque is a great place to visit. Similar to Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque is one of my favorite places in Mexico I spend a great relaxed day there exploring the city, shopping and eating Mexican food.
