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Have you been craving some Old World charm, but with a Mexican flair, lately?
Beyond the glitz and glam of the Cancun resorts, the turquoise seas of Tulum, and Puerto Vallarta’s riotous nightlife, Mexico has no shortage of amazing cities to its name, some dating back centuries, and with the kind of architectural wealth, only Europe can rival.
It probably helps that air connectivity between the United States and Mexico is the strongest it’s ever been, and it’s never been easier for Americans to discover their southern neighbor, especially with the new flights launching to one of its most vibrant destinations.
If you’re a culture buff and you like keeping up to date with the latest travel trends, it’s Guadalajara where you should be headed next:
Why Is Guadalajara Worth Visiting In 2025?
The capital of Mexico’s coastal state of Jalisco, though it is not itself on the coast, Guadalajara is a bustling metropolis over 1.3 million people call home, distinguished for its landmark-packed historic center, a plethora of cultural venues, and lively street markets.
Despite not being as popular with tourists as Mexico City or San Miguel de Allende, its colonial core plays host to some of Mexico’s most iconic structures, including the gold-spired Guadalajara Cathedral, a 16th-century Gothic and Baroque effort with a sumptuous interior.
It dominates the equally beautiful Plaza de Armas, Guadalajara’s main public square, featuring gardens, a central fountain, and pedestrian-friendly passages lined with benches––it’s the city’s beating heart and the best spot for enjoying its atmosphere!
Other noteworthy sights include the Government Palace, formerly the seat of the Spanish governor during colonial times, and Guadalajara’s most historically significant attraction: the UNESCO-protected Hospicio Cabañas.
More than just the perfect photo op, what with the colonnaded square and frescoed ceilings, this 18th-century gem was once one of the largest hospital complexes and orphanages in the Americas before becoming a museum.
Culture Is Everywhere To Be Experienced In Guadalajara
A short 3-minute walk from the cathedral, the stunning Teatro Degollado is a testament to the Neoclassical frenzy of the 19th century, and it continues to host live orchestra performances (something we strongly recommend you attend).
Guadalajara is well-known for its music scene––Jalisco is the birthplace of mariachi, after all––so if you’re hoping to jam to some traditional music, as well as admire the women’s colorful dresses, the aptly-named Plaza de los Mariachis is the place to go.
That being said, every corner you turn, you’re likely to stumble upon a mariachi player, and if you’re coming in late summer or early fall, you could be bearing witness to the 500 and more bands that pour into the center’s narrow streets for the International Mariachi Festival.
That’s part of the reason why Guadalajara is so fascinating and why National Geographic has named it one of the best destinations to visit in 2025, the only Mexican city to feature on the list for the upcoming year.
Guadalajara Is An Affordable City Break
Guadalajara is also a prime destination for an affordable city break, with lower prices than the resort-lined coast of Jalisco––a room in the city center can cost as cheap as $47-a-night––and of course, incredible gastronomy.
A few of our favorite restaurants in all of Mexico are right here, from Campomar Providencia, where they serve the most delectable, freshest seafood (we’re still dreaming of their camarones zarandeados) to the upbeat Sylvestre Midtown (beef tongue tacos are our new guilty pleasure, for sure).
With such a gem of a capital, is it really a surprise the state of Jalisco is heading for a record-breaking year in tourism in 2025?
According to Gustavo Staufert, the director of Guadalajara Visitors and Conventions Office (OFVC), the city is poised for double-digit growth in the coming year, largely fueled by Guadalajara’s cultural offer, the coastal appeal of Puerto Vallarta, and exciting new launches.
For instance, a scenic train will be launching soon from Guadalajara to the historic town of Tequila, deeper in the state’s hinterland, and four new international flights linking the Mexican metropolis to the United States:
Which U.S. Cities Offer Flights To Guadalajara?
At some point in 2025, Aeromexico is expected to launch service to Guadalajara from Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami and Denver, as reported by local media, with more information to follow soon.
While the new flights aren’t launched, you can still fly nonstop to Guadalajara from the following U.S. departure points:
From California
11-13 flights per day with Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines, VivaAerobus and Volaris
5-6 flights per day with Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines and Volaris
3-4 flights per day with VivaAerobus and Volaris
3-4 flights per day with Aeromexico and Volaris
2-3 flights per day with Alaska Airlines and Volaris
1-2 flights per day with Volaris
1 flight per day with Volaris
From Texas
5-7 flights per day with United, VivaAerobus and Volaris
4-5 flights per day with American Airlines, VivaAerobus and Volaris
2-3 flights per day with VivaAerobus and Volaris
From Nevada
3-5 flights per day with Aeromexico, VivaAerobus and Volaris
From Illinois
4-5 flights per day with Aeromexico, VivaAerobus and Volaris
1 flight per day with Volaris
From Arizona
1-2 flights per day with Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines
From Oregon
1-2 flights per day with Volaris
From Washington
1-2 flights per day with Volaris
From Colorado
1-2 flights per day with Aeromexico and Volaris
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
