Things To Do
in Zapopan
Zapopan is a vibrant city in the state of Jalisco that forms part of the Guadalajara metropolitan area and blends colonial architecture with modern commercial districts. It is best known for the Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan, an important religious and cultural landmark that draws pilgrims and visitors. The city sits near protected natural areas — including the Bosque La Primavera and the Huentitán canyon — offering easy access to hiking, mountain biking and scenic viewpoints.
Zapopan’s mix of traditional markets, contemporary malls (Andares), and a growing food-and-craft-beer scene makes it attractive for both cultural tourism and outdoor day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the stunning Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Zapopan, a beautiful Baroque church that stands as a beacon of faith in the city. After soaking in the architectural splendor, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby Plaza de las Américas, where you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps grab a coffee at a local café. Don't forget to snap some photos of the traditional fountains and sculptures that adorn the square.
In the afternoon, visit the Zapopan Cultural Center to immerse yourself in local art and history. The center often hosts exhibitions showcasing both contemporary and traditional Mexican art, providing a perfect insight into Zapopan's rich culture. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the charming restaurants nearby, sampling local dishes such as birria or tortas ahogadas.
As the sun sets, head to the Plaza de Zapopan for live music and cultural performances that often take place in the evenings. The atmosphere is lively and inviting, perfect for mingling with locals and other travelers. End your day with a delightful dinner at a rooftop restaurant, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Begin your day with a visit to the Museo de Arte de Zapopan, where you can explore a diverse collection of contemporary art from both local and international artists. The museum’s architecture is as captivating as the art it houses, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. After your tour, take a moment to relax in the museum’s gardens, surrounded by sculptures and serene greenery.
For lunch, head to a nearby local market where you can sample authentic food from various vendors, experiencing the flavors of Zapopan firsthand. Post-lunch, visit the neighboring Parque Metropolitano, a sprawling green space perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride. Enjoy the fresh air and perhaps even spot some local wildlife as you take in the natural beauty of the park.
As evening approaches, consider attending a cultural event or workshop at the museum, often featuring local artists and musicians. This is a great opportunity to engage with the community and learn more about Zapopan’s artistic landscape. Wind down your day by enjoying dinner at a nearby restaurant, savoring more local specialties.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $2-4 |
| 🚌Local bus/metro fare | $0.30-0.75 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride-hailing trip | $3-8 |
| 🍺Domestic beer at a bar | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close mix of cultural landmarks and modern amenities (Basilica, Andares).
- Easy access to natural areas for hiking and outdoor activities (Bosque La Primavera, Huentitán).
- Strong regional cuisine and proximity to tequila country for day trips.
- Good transport connections to Guadalajara and the international airport.
- Afternoon rains in summer can disrupt outdoor plans.
- Traffic congestion during rush hours across the metro area.
- Petty crime occasionally affects tourists in busy areas.
- Some attractions require short drives; public transit not door-to-door for all sites.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Puede hablar más despacio?" - Can you speak more slowly?
Places to Visit in Zapopan
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic baroque church with ornate interior details, processions and a photogenic plaza — best in the soft morning or golden-hour light.
Modern architecture, shopping plazas and rooftop views capture the contemporary side of Zapopan, especially at sunset when building lights come on.
Expansive volcanic forest with trails, vistas and native flora — excellent for landscape and wildlife photography, especially early morning.
Dramatic canyon walls and sweeping views over the valley make for striking wide-angle shots and sunrise/sunset panoramas.
A tranquil garden setting with ponds, bridges and seasonal foliage — great for intimate nature and portrait photography.
Food in Zapopan
Zapopan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked, flavorful meat stew (traditionally goat or beef) often served with consomé and tortillas; available at specialized birrierías across Zapopan and nearby Guadalajara.
Must-Try!
A Guadalajara classic — a pork sandwich drenched in spicy tomato sauce — commonly found at local sandwich shops and street stalls.
A regional meat-and-bean broth with bacon and green onions; popular at traditional restaurants and family-run eateries.
While not food, tasting local distilled spirits is a must: tequila tours are available in the nearby town of Tequila, and raicilla is a traditional alternative spirit from the region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional market where you can find fresh produce, tortas, tamales, pozole, quesadillas and local sweets; ideal for sampling street-food specialties and buying ingredients.
Scattered around the basilica and main avenues, look for tacos al pastor, tacos de barbacoa and esquites (corn cups) — perfect for quick, authentic meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake and eye contact are common for first meetings; among friends a single cheek kiss (right-to-right) is sometimes used. Use formal 'usted' with elders and in formal situations unless invited to use 'tú'.
The Basilica is an active place of worship — dress modestly, speak quietly and avoid blocking services while photographing; ask permission before photographing people in devotional moments.
Bargaining is acceptable at street markets and with artisan vendors, but not in fixed-price stores; be polite and smile while negotiating.
Social events can start a bit late, but business meetings generally expect reasonable punctuality — clarify expectations ahead of time.
Safety
Tipping in Zapopan
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tipping 10–15% of the bill is customary for good service; leave small change for bar staff and 10–15% for taxi drivers if they assist with luggage (round up for short rides).
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at malls, mid-to-upscale restaurants and hotels (chip-and-PIN becoming standard); bring cash (Mexican pesos) for markets, street food and small vendors. ATMs are common, but use bank-affiliated machines when possible.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The rainy season brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms, lush green landscapes and occasional road slippage on rural routes; pack a rain jacket and plan outdoor activities for mornings.
Weather is usually dry and pleasant with comfortable temperatures, making it a great time for hiking and cultural festivals; crowds moderate after high-summer travel.
Winters are mild to cool with cool nights (sometimes dipping near freezing on cold fronts); layers are useful and this season has less rain and clearer skies for photography.
Warm, dry conditions with blooming landscapes and comfortable hiking temperatures; pollen and occasional dust can affect allergy sufferers.
Zapopan at Night
Hiking in Zapopan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A volcanic forest reserve with varied trails for hiking and mountain biking, scenic lookouts and opportunities to see native flora and birds; permits or guided hikes are recommended for some routes.
Canyon trails and viewpoints offering dramatic landscapes over the Santiago River; suitable for day hikes and photography — take care on steep sections.
Trails around the Tequila region provide hikes through agave fields, hills and small towns; combine with distillery visits for a cultural-natural day trip.
Airports
How to reach Zapopan by plane.
Main international gateway for the region, about 20–40 minutes from Zapopan depending on traffic; offers domestic and international flights and multiple ground-transport options (taxi, ride-hailing, shuttles).
Coastal international airport approximately 4 hours by car from Zapopan; useful for combined beach-and-city trips or international connections via the Pacific coast.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Zapopan contains many residential neighborhoods with middle-class families, schools, parks and suburban amenities.
The broader Guadalajara metro area hosts universities and businesses, creating a significant population of students and young professionals who contribute to the cultural and nightlife scenes.
Zapopan has strong Catholic traditions tied to the Basilica and religious festivals, with active parish communities and annual pilgrimages.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the dominant sport regionally — local fans support teams from Guadalajara such as Atlas and Chivas; matches are major social events and draw passionate crowds.
Traditional Mexican rodeo events are part of local cultural heritage, with demonstrations and competitions held at regional venues.
Basketball and baseball have active local followings, youth leagues and occasional professional games in the metro area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zapopan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available in Andares and modern cafés (salads, veggie tacos, quesadillas). In traditional eateries ask for 'sin carne' or request beans, cheese and vegetable preparations; be aware that broths and sauces may be meat-based unless specified.
Vegan choices exist but are less common in traditional spots; seek out specialty cafés and international restaurants, and always clarify cross-contamination with frying oil and broths.
Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free and common; explain your needs ('soy celíaco(a)') in restaurants and opt for simple preparations (grilled meats, salads) to reduce risk of hidden gluten.