Off the beaten path but never boring: What to do in downtown Zapopan

As 1 of Mexico’s wealthiest municipalities, Zapopan, Jalisco — portion of the Guadalajara metropolitan country — is known for its modern buying malls, lavish residences and lush parks. But beyond its upscale buildings and neighborhoods lies Zapopan’s historical center, location to an awesome basilica that’s Mexico’s 3rd astir visited pilgrimage tract and a big of taste and culinary experiences.

From landmarks, creation galleries and a modern creation depository to a wide assortment of restaurants, bars and quirky cafés, downtown Zapopan is 1 of those off-the-beaten-path destinations worthy exploring if you person spare clip erstwhile visiting Guadalajara. 

Zapopan is portion of the municipality sprawl that is Guadalajara, seen here. But dissimilar trafficky Guadalajara, downtown Zapopan is simply a comparative breeze to get to and determination astir in. (Carlos O. Flores/Shutterstock)

As a Guadalajara native, here’s my usher to things to bash successful downtown Zapopan.

Easy to get to 

Unlike Guadalajara’s sprawling historical center, Zapopan’s downtown is small, making it easier to determination astir successful and research implicit a greeting oregon afternoon. Its culinary options are varied, boasting everything from fondas (casual restaurants serving accepted Mexican food) to good eating to household restaurants. The streets and sidewalks astir the main quadrate are well-maintained, with gathering facades featuring Mexico’s classical lively colors.   

Downtown Zapopan, located to the west, is accessible by 1 of the city’s largest roads, the Avenida Patria and conveniently reachable by nationalist autobus and the Urban Electric Train System, known arsenic the Tren Ligero.

If arriving by car, determination are galore nationalist parking tons astir the main plaza, including 1 underground.  

What to spot and do?

Even if you’re not religious, downtown Zapopan’s Basilica de Zapopan is inactive impressive, built successful the Plateresque architectural benignant utilized primitively successful 15th- and 16th-century Spain. (Jesús Cervantes/Shutterstock)

Basílica de Zapopan
Eva Briseño 152

Known arsenic 1 of Mexico’s main spiritual centers, Franciscan friars built the basilica successful grant of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, presently known arsenic the Virgin of Zapopan. Its operation dates from 1690 to 1730.

The building’s façade is successful Plateresque style, and the basilica’s interior uses assemblage Doric, Corinthian and Gothic architectural styles.

Zapopan Art Museum (MAZ)
Andador 20 de Noviembre 

The MAZ is simply a nationalist modern creation depository known for its impermanent exhibitions and projects specifically designed for the museum.

Mexican architects María Emilia Orendáin and Enrique Toussaint designed the building, which opened successful 2002. It’s the lone Jalisco nationalist instauration dedicated exclusively to modern art.

Where to eat?

Doña Gabina Escolástica 
Javier Mina 237

This picturesque fonda is 1 of downtown Zapopan’s astir fashionable restaurants. It gives disconnected a emblematic Mexican vibe, with vibrantly colored chairs, talavera-covered walls, rows of papel picado hanging from the ceiling and walls decorated with Mexican art.

The paper features everything successful the realm of antojitos mexicanos — snacks whose sanction translates arsenic “little cravings.”  Sample authentic enchiladas, sopes, pozole, tamales, and more. 

People enactment up to devour here, truthful I urge arriving earlier it opens astatine 2 p.m.

Craving a thick, juicy steak? Get it successful downtown Zapopan astatine Res Pública Parilla, which specializes successful Argentine fare. (Res Pública Parilla)

Res Pública Parrilla 
Calle 28 de Enero 291

Ranked by section mag Players of Life arsenic 1 of the champion steakhouses successful Guadalajara, Res Pública stands retired for its quality. The paper features Argentine classics: chorizo, freshly baked empanadas and provoleta cheese, positive a assortment of steaks accompanied by chimichurri and the classical lettuce, herb and bulb salad.

Res Pública besides features an extended vino paper successful enactment with the restaurant’s motto: “fire, vino and a bully life.”

Salón Candela
Javier Mina 183

Just a five-minute locomotion from the Basílica de Zapopan is Salón Candela, which has been astir for 2 decades. With a casual taberna ambiance and elemental but tasty cuisine, Salón Candela besides supports section spirits brands, has vegetarian options and opens its doors arsenic a venue to section bands.  

Need a pick-me-up aft exploring the Basilica de Zapopan? El Hábito Café is conveniently close outside. (El Hábito Café/Facebook)

Independent cafés

Forget Starbucks, downtown Zapopan is filled with amusive autarkic cafés, serving java from each implicit Mexico, including the states of Chiapas, Tabasco and Veracruz. 

Some large places to bask a cupful of java downtown see Taller de Espresso, which besides sells wholesale and retail java and adjacent offers java courses.

El Hábito Café, located successful a cozy terrace extracurricular the Basílica de Zapopan’s souvenir shop, is different large spot to unwind with a cupful of java and a pastry.

Café Zapopan features delicious java and an all-day meal paper known locally for its homestyle menu.

Where to shop?

The Andador 20 de noviembre marketplace successful downtown Zapopan. (ehudson/Shutterstock)

Downtown Zapopan has been undergoing a large translation successful the past 2 years, with thoroughfare renovations and caller attractions making it easier and much appealing to unearth your latest buying find. Here are a mates of options:

Andador 20 de Noviembre pedestrian market
Andador 20 de Noviembre

Art galleries and shops enactment the Andador 20 de Noviembre, a pedestrian-only thoroughfare adorned with colorful translucent decorations that make beauteous reflections crossed the sidewalk. On Saturdays, the thoroughfare hosts an antiques and creation marketplace and unrecorded music. Take a breather astatine 1 of respective bars and restaurants besides located here.

Centro Zapopan buying mall
Avenida Hidalgo #352

Located a fewer meters from the Arcos de Zapopan historical landmark, this caller buying promenade features Mexican and planetary stores, arsenic good arsenic fashionable nutrient chains similar Starbucks, Carl;s Jr, York Pub and Sushi Central.

There is besides a wealthiness of Mexican crystal pick parlors successful the mall, including trusted franchises similar Santa Clara and Helados Dolphy. Also, illustration decadent Mexican pastries astatine Guadalajara’s fashionable bakery chain, Cuca y Lupe.