Hostels in GUADALAJARA, MEXICO

City Guadalajara – City of Contrasts with Varying Architecture

Popularly known as the Silicon Valley of Mexico, Guadalajara is the second largest city of the country and capital of the state of Jalisco. Offering a mix of architectures like gothic, neoclassical and Palladian, the city is located in the west Pacific region of the country. 

History
Cristóbal de Oñate, the well-known Spanish explorer discovered the city of Guadalajara in the year 1531. The name of the city is borrowed from Nuño de Guzmán, the Spanish conqueror. The city was relocated a number of time, first by the Spanish warriors, and then by the Mexicans. During Colonial Era, the city was declared as the capital of Nueva Galicia. The Mexican War of Independence led to the control of Mexico over the city.

The city grew significantly in the 20th century. Commercial areas, shopping centres, companies and renovation of architecture led to the emergence of the city in the field of business and tourism.

Popular Places
Guadalajara is divided into a number of districts, like Sector Hidalgo, Sector Reforma, Zapopan, Tonala and many more. Each of these districts is known for offering various tourists sites. Guadalajara Cathedral, which offers a mixture of various architectures, is among the popular tourist spots of the city. St. Pleasant museum is another place to spend some great time.

Plaza of the Crosses is famous for accommodating four plazas in the shape of a cross. Plaza Guadalajara, Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Liberación and Rotonda de los Jalicienses Ilustres are the four plazas, each offering a wonderful environment for the visitors. Templo Expiatorio is the cathedral, famous for its mechanical bell tower clock and collection of stained glass windows. Barranca de Oblatos gorge and Guadalajara zoo are other places to visit. One can also visit Parque Agua Azul, known for butterfly enclosure and open air concerts.

Getting Around
Bus and taxi services are equally convenient ways to get around the city. If you decide to opt for the bus a good guide is to keep some small notes and coins handy for the correct bus fare.

Places for Entertainment
Estadio Jalisco can be visited to view soccer games, played by Atlas and Deportivo Guadalajara teams. An interesting place to visit is the Plaza de Toros, where one can enjoy a bullfight session. Various venues in the city can be visited to enjoy Mariachi music, tequila, rodeo in Mexican style and the famous hat dance. Casino Veracruz and a number of music clubs and dance bars can be visited to get entertained. There is no dearth of shopping places in the city, if you wish to buy various types of items.

Accommodation Options
Apart from luxurious hotels, one can also locate small budget hotels and mid-budget hotels for accommodation. Vacation rentals can also be located, but make sure that you have advance booking in them. Not forgetting bed and breakfast, guesthouse, motels, youth hostels accommodation, inns, motels and camp sites.

Currency
New Mexican Peso is the currency of Guadalajara. Banks and money exchange offices can be visited to exchange the foreign currency, to get the best rates check the news and internet for the latest exchange rates.

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