Eating and Shopping Cheaply in Guadalajara

In the western state of Jalisco in Mexico, Guadalajara boasts some incredible Mexican culture, including historical landmarks, idyllic neighborhoods, fun shopping, dining and live mariachi music. Bring the family and paint the town read with very little green (or multicolored peso, in this case) and explorer Guadalajara cheaply.

Definitely start your day with breakfast at Café P’al Real. The swanky coffee shop meets greenhouse vibe isn’t the only Instagrammable aspect of this restaurant (maybe get an international plan for the teens, this is a tough one to resist) as even the food is stunning. The average cost of breakfast, coffee included, typically runs about $12 per person.

Explore the city on foot and check out its plethora of galleries, museums and green spaces. One neighborhood, Americana offers plenty of free activities and is easily walkable. Pop in different shops and explore this international corner of the city. One touristy part of town if you want some mariachi is Casa Bariachi, a fun stop for the kids offering affordable eats, but there is just so much you’ll be tempted to pop in and keep moving.

Tlaquepaque, Mexico. Photo: Carlos Araujo | Dreamstime.com

Save your pennies for a visit to Tlaquepaque, also known as San Pedro Tlaquepaque. This corner of the city is a stretch of cobblestone streets and colorful shops filled with stunning décor. Many locals spend a pretty penny on pottery, handmade goods and stunning home items. Shop around and haggle for jewelry prices on the street or grab a few souvenirs in the established shops — the prices are nothing compared to our shops in trendy U.S. cities. This avenue is worth the walking and sightseeing alone. The kids will love popping in the unique shops and attractions, or just take a break on the welcoming hanging basket chairs at the entrance.

Keep the budget tight with dining stops at El Patio Tlaquepaque, or visit street vendors at the center of the bustling neighborhood, offering a little bit of everything you’ve been meaning to try in Mexico.

For something with ambiance, Casa Luna is difficult to miss. Many visitors just pop in to look at the décor, it’s that beautiful.

This city is an affordable one, for sure, especially for families. The majority of your expenses will be getting from one place to another, as there’s a lot of space to cover.