Tlaquepaque

About Tlaquepaque

Tlaquepaque, formally San Pedro Tlaquepaque, is a historic town now absorbed into metropolitan Guadalajara. Long a center of pottery and crafts, it was once a retreat for wealthy families from the city, and their old mansions have been converted into galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Pedestrian streets and colorful facades give it a festive, village-like feel within the larger urban area.

El Parián, a large covered square ringed by restaurants, is where mariachi bands perform for diners, especially on weekends. Jardín Hidalgo, the main garden, faces the Parroquia de San Pedro, and Calle Independencia, the main pedestrian street, is lined with shops selling ceramics, blown glass, furniture, and sculpture. The Museo Regional de la Cerámica showcases traditional pottery from across Jalisco, and the Museo Nacional de la Cerámica, nearby in Tonalá, adds more depth. Tonalá's street market, held on certain days of the week, is a sprawling bazaar of handicrafts. The historic center of Guadalajara, with its cathedral, the Hospicio Cabañas, and the Plaza de los Mariachis, is a short ride away.

Tlaquepaque suits shoppers, art lovers, and travelers who prefer a calmer base than downtown Guadalajara. Evenings are lively, and many visitors stay in small boutique hotels. Dry months are most comfortable for walking.