Guadalajara, Jalisco
Your Complete 2026 World Cup Guide
At a Glance
- Location
- Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
- Population
- 1.5 million
- Time Zone
- CST (UTC-6)
- Stadiums
- 1 venue
- Matches Hosted
- 4 matches
- Best Way to Get Around
- SITEUR Light Rail (Mi Tren) & Macrobús
Last Updated: by KickoffAdventures Editorial Team
Overview
Estadio Guadalajara (locally known as Estadio Akron) will host 4 FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage matches, including Mexico's crucial June 18 match—the day the entire city will shut down. The stadium, home to Chivas de Guadalajara (one of Mexico's most iconic clubs), seats over 46,000 fans and is located in the Zapopan suburb, about 9 miles from downtown.
Guadalajara is Mexico's second-largest metro area and the heart of Jalisco state—the birthplace of mariachi music, tequila, and charreada (Mexican rodeo). The city combines colonial-era plazas and cathedrals with modern shopping districts and a thriving food scene. It's more laid-back and authentically Mexican than the capital, making it a favorite among visitors who want culture without the chaos of Mexico City.
Pro Tip: Most fans stay in Colonia Americana for its walkable charm and great nightlife, or in Zapopan for closer stadium access and upscale hotels. Book well in advance for June 18—demand will be insane.
⚽World Cup Stadium
Getting Around
Guadalajara is spread out, but getting around is straightforward. Rideshare apps (Uber, Didi, inDriver) are cheap, safe, and widely used—most trips cost $5-11 USD. The city also has a light rail system (SITEUR / Mi Tren) and Macrobús BRT, though they're less intuitive for first-time visitors.
CRITICAL: Buy a 'Mi Movilidad' card (about 30 MXN) at any OXXO or light rail station. The flat fare is 9.50 MXN per ride, and bus/BRT machines DO NOT give change. If you pay with a 10-peso coin, you lose 0.50 MXN every time. The card works across all trains and buses.
To Estadio Guadalajara: Rideshare is the easiest option (20-45 mins depending on your neighborhood, around $6-12 USD). If you prefer public transit, take light rail Line 3 toward Zapopan and transfer to a Macrobús or bus route heading to the stadium area—budget 45-60 minutes total.
Pro Tip: Download offline maps and keep small bills in pesos. Not all drivers speak English, so having your destination pinned on a map helps.
Where to Stay
Best Overall: Colonia Americana (800-1,800 pesos/$45-100 per night). Trendy neighborhood with tree-lined streets, restored mansions turned into boutique hotels, great restaurants, and lively nightlife. About 30-45 minutes to the stadium by rideshare or bus.
Best for Stadium Access: Zapopan (1,200-2,500 pesos/$65-140 per night). Modern, upscale area with malls and business hotels. Only 10-15 minutes to Estadio Guadalajara by rideshare, but less character than central neighborhoods.
Best Budget Option: Centro Histórico (600-1,500 pesos/$35-85 per night). The historic heart of Guadalajara with colonial plazas and cheap eats. About 45-60 minutes to the stadium. Some blocks feel rough at night, so stick to main streets.
Pro Tip: Book early for World Cup dates—hotels fill up fast and prices spike 30-50% during major matches, especially the June 18 Mexico game.
Neighborhood Breakdown
Colonia Americana
Best For
First-time visitors, nightlife, walkable neighborhood, cultural immersion
Distance to Stadium
5-6 miles
Travel Time
30-45 min bus or 20-25 min rideshare
Pros
- •Most vibrant neighborhood with trendy bars, cafes, and restaurants
- •Historic mansions mixed with modern venues—tree-lined streets with character
- •Walking distance to Centro Histórico and Chapultepec Avenue nightlife
- •Charming boutique hotels and guesthouses in restored colonial buildings
- •Good bus and rideshare access across the city
- •Safe neighborhood with lively atmosphere day and night
Cons
- •5-6 miles from Estadio Guadalajara (requires bus or rideshare)
- •Can get loud on weekends—nightlife runs late
- •Limited parking if renting a car
- •Prices higher than outer neighborhoods
Zapopan (Near Stadium)
Best For
Stadium access priority, luxury travelers, upscale shopping
Distance to Stadium
2-3 miles
Travel Time
10-15 min rideshare or taxi
Pros
- •Closest major hotel zone to Estadio Guadalajara (2-3 miles)
- •Modern, upscale area with malls, restaurants, and business hotels
- •Safer, quieter feel than downtown
- •Easy taxi and rideshare access to stadium
- •Good base if you only care about matches and comfort
Cons
- •More expensive than central Guadalajara
- •Less 'traditional Mexico' character—feels modern and corporate
- •Further from historic center (20-30 min drive)
- •Limited nightlife compared to Colonia Americana
Centro Histórico
Best For
Budget travelers, history lovers, being near major sights
Distance to Stadium
7-8 miles
Travel Time
45-60 min bus or 25-30 min rideshare
Pros
- •Heart of Guadalajara—cathedral, plazas, government palaces
- •Cheapest hotel rates in the city
- •Easy to explore on foot—everything clusters around main squares
- •Close to big markets and street food
- •Good bus connections to the rest of the city
Cons
- •7-8 miles from Estadio Guadalajara (45-60 min by public transit)
- •Some blocks feel rough at night—stick to main streets
- •Older hotels with fewer modern amenities
- •Busy and noisy during the day, quiet at night
Chapalita
Best For
Families, quiet residential vibe, local experience
Distance to Stadium
4-5 miles
Travel Time
25-35 min bus or 15-20 min rideshare
Pros
- •Calm, residential neighborhood away from tourist crowds
- •Tree-lined streets, small parks, and local cafes
- •Good value mid-range hotels and guesthouses
- •Easy access to Avenida Vallarta (main road toward stadium)
- •Feels safe and local rather than touristy
Cons
- •4-5 miles from Estadio Guadalajara (requires bus or rideshare)
- •Less nightlife and dining than Colonia Americana
- •Not walkable to major attractions downtown
- •Fewer English-speaking staff at smaller hotels
Tlaquepaque
Best For
Art lovers, pottery shopping, traditional plazas
Distance to Stadium
6-7 miles
Travel Time
35-45 min bus or 20-25 min rideshare
Pros
- •Charming artisan town absorbed into metro Guadalajara
- •Pedestrian streets lined with galleries and workshops
- •Mariachi music and lively plazas in the evenings
- •Great place to buy pottery, blown glass, and crafts
- •More relaxed pace than downtown
Cons
- •6-7 miles from Estadio Guadalajara (35-45 min by transit)
- •Further from central Guadalajara (4-5 miles southeast)
- •Can feel touristy around main plaza
- •Limited hotel inventory compared to core city
Top Things to Do
Must-See in Guadalajara:
- Guadalajara Cathedral & Historic Center – Iconic twin yellow spires and lively plazas. Free to explore.
- Instituto Cultural Cabañas – UNESCO site with stunning Orozco murals. Around 80 pesos (often free on Tuesdays).
- Tlaquepaque Artisan District – Colorful pedestrian streets, pottery shops, mariachi music. Free to wander (shopping extra).
- Tequila Day Trip – Visit the town of Tequila (1 hour away) to tour distilleries and walk through blue agave fields. Tours from 700-1,500 pesos ($40-90 USD).
- Mercado San Juan de Dios – Massive indoor market with food stalls, leather goods, and local chaos. Bring cash.
Food Highlights:
- Try tortas ahogadas (Guadalajara's signature drowned sandwich in spicy sauce). Pro Tip: When they ask "¿Con todo?" (with everything?), say NO unless you have an iron stomach. 'Con todo' means extra-spicy chili sauce. Ask for 'media' (half) or 'poco picante' (mild spice) instead.
- Sample birria (slow-cooked meat stew, often goat or beef)
- Visit a traditional cantina for tequila and live music
Pro Tip: Afternoons often bring rain in June/July. Plan indoor activities (museums, markets, cantinas) for late afternoon, and save outdoor sightseeing for mornings.
Must-See Attractions
Guadalajara Cathedral & Historic Center
Guadalajara's postcard image—twin yellow spires rising above Plaza de Armas. The historic center around the cathedral is packed with plazas, fountains, government buildings, and street performers. It's the best place to feel the pulse of the city and a perfect starting point for first-time visitors.
Cost
Free (donations appreciated)
Time Needed
1-2 hours
Best Time
Morning (9-11am) or golden hour before sunset
How to Get There
Centro Histórico, walkable from most downtown hotels or short rideshare from Colonia Americana
Instituto Cultural Cabañas
UNESCO World Heritage site housed in a former orphanage. Inside you'll find powerful murals by José Clemente Orozco, including the famous 'Man of Fire' in the main chapel dome. Even if you're not usually a museum person, this one is worth it.
Cost
Around 80 pesos (often free on Tuesdays)
Time Needed
2-3 hours
Best Time
Late morning or early afternoon
How to Get There
Short rideshare or 15-20 min walk from the cathedral area
Tlaquepaque Artisan District
Colorful streets, traditional plazas, and some of the best artisan shops in Mexico. Tlaquepaque is where you come to buy quality pottery, blown glass, and handcrafted decor—not airport souvenirs. Mariachi bands often play around the main plaza in the evenings.
Cost
Free to explore (shopping and dining extra)
Time Needed
3-4 hours
Best Time
Late afternoon into evening
How to Get There
10-20 min rideshare from Centro or Colonia Americana
Tequila Day Trip
The town of Tequila, surrounded by blue agave fields, is about an hour from Guadalajara and is a UNESCO-listed landscape. Tour distilleries big and small, learn how tequila is made, and taste the good stuff straight from the source.
Cost
Tours typically 700-1,500 pesos ($40-90 USD)
Time Needed
Full day (6-8 hours)
Best Time
Any day, departing in the morning
How to Get There
Guided tour, bus from old bus station, or rental car (about 1 hour)
Mercado San Juan de Dios (Mercado Libertad)
One of Latin America's largest indoor markets—three floors of food stalls, produce, clothing, leather goods, and just about anything else you can imagine. It's chaotic, loud, and an absolute must if you want a real slice of local life.
Cost
Free to enter (bring cash for food and shopping)
Time Needed
2-3 hours
Best Time
Morning through early afternoon
How to Get There
A short rideshare or local bus from Centro; walkable from the cathedral if you don't mind 15-20 mins on foot
Weather & When to Visit
High
87°F
(31°C)
Low
63°F
(17°C)
Rain
15-20 days/month (June-July is rainy season)
Humidity
65-75%
June/July Weather:
- Highs around 87°F (31°C), lows around 63°F (17°C)
- Rainy season – expect afternoon thunderstorms most days (usually 4-7 PM)
- Mornings are sunny and pleasant; rain cools things down by evening
- Humidity is moderate (65-75%)
What to Pack:
- Light rain jacket or small umbrella
- Layers (mornings can be cool, afternoons warm)
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestone streets in historic areas)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
Pro Tip: The rain is intense but brief. Locals don't let it slow them down—just wait it out in a cafe or cantina, then carry on.
Money-Saving Tips
- Buy a 'Mi Movilidad' card (around 30 pesos) right away—bus and BRT machines don't give change, so cash riders lose coins on every trip.
- Use Uber or Didi instead of street taxis—it's generally cheaper and safer, with most in-city trips in the $5-11 USD range.
- Eat tortas ahogadas, birria, and other local dishes at neighborhood spots or markets for 60-150 pesos ($3-9 USD) instead of tourist restaurants.
- Visit Instituto Cultural Cabañas on free or discounted days (often Tuesdays) to save on museum costs.
- Drink tequila in local bars and cantinas rather than on pricey organized tours if you're on a tighter budget.
- Split rideshare costs with other fans heading to Estadio Guadalajara—it's easy to match up from popular neighborhoods like Colonia Americana.
- Book accommodation several months before the June 18 Mexico match, when demand and prices will spike citywide.
- Use public transit (Mi Tren + Macrobús) on non-match days for ultra-cheap city exploration.
- Stay in Centro Histórico or Colonia Americana for better value than upscale Zapopan hotels
- Buy bottled water and snacks at OXXO or 7-Eleven instead of hotel mini-bars
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Population
5.3 million (metro)
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Currency
MXN ($)
Language
Spanish
Emergency
911
Major Airports
GDL - 11 mi