Jardin Hildalgo is the heartbeat of Tlaquepaque. The park has a lot of vendors, shops, of course a…read moregazebo but there's so much more. There are young couples sharing an ice cream, there are older couples sharing the latest gossip. There are young kids scaring away the pigeons. It's just full of life. We sent two nights here watching life go by and it what one of our favorite memories of our entire trip. There are plenty of benches in shade or in the sunlight depending on your preference. On the second night, I heard the familiar sounds of, "La Dame", "La Jara", and "El Borocho". There were several tables setup to play La Loteria. About 10-12 people were playing and if that isn't quintessential Mexican, then I don't know what is. Templo San Juan is nearby and while it is being remodeled, it is still a beautiful church. Pope John Paul II has a statue in front of Templo San Juan, and it welcomes visitors from all over the world. Some of favorite vendors were the coconut and tuna vendor, the churros of Tlaquepaque, and the bookseller near the Tempo of San Juan. When you're in Tlaquepaque, take some time to watch life go by a Jardin Hildalgo, just make sure to put away your phone first.

History on Plaza de la Liberacion: Plaza de la Liberación features two large cup-shaped fountains…read moreand a gigantic sculpture of Miguel Hidalgo, the man who signed the Mexican Declaration of Independence in the current Palacio de Gobierno. It also serves as an atrium for the oldest surviving theatre in the city: "Teatro Degollado", and it's the usual spot for massive free concerts

Beautiful plaza. They should have never built that awful Plaza Tapatia. I still remember, many…read moreyears later, sitting on a bench and enjoying this beautiful plaza.

A major art museum in Guadalajara, this is a must see. But don't get too excited. Although a world…read moreheritage site, this is not an awe-inspiring museum unless you're a fan of 1930s modernist murals. The main gallery is interesting and reveals a key part of Mexico's history and politics through art. The museum includes several lesser exhibits ranging from modern artists of Mexico to a history of the building. On Tuesdays the museum is free. Time budget: unless you're studying this period of art, budget about an hour for the museum. Misc: (1) If you have a purse or backpack, you will be asked to check it. (2) Normal price for entry is $80 pesos. (3) Restrooms are available without charge in the museum.

4 stars if you go on Tuesday when it is free. 3 stars if you go any other day and have to pay 80…read morepesos for entry. No bags are allowed inside this museum. Be prepared to check any bag you have no matter what size. I had small cross body bag and was told I needed to check it in. Bag check is free. This is a beautiful building with interesting artwork on the walls and ceilings. Some of the artwork has QR code for you to watch a video in Spanish or English that explains some of the artwork in the main hall. These were informative. Walk around and enjoy some of the smaller art galleries. Some are only in Spanish. Budget no more than 2 hours unless you want to watch every video and read every piece of artwork throughout the facility. Bathrooms: free and clean onsite If you need a snack, head to La Chispita for a great beef and chorizo taco.

Plaza de Armas is considered the center of the historic area and it's beautiful! With churches in…read morethe background, lots of people, there's a lot to take in. One fun thing is that free walking tours of the area are offered every day from the gazebo in the plaza at 10 a.m.

On our brief tour of the centro history got to hang out and just experience the vendors, locals…read moregoing back and forth and just the ambiance was very welcoming. It was early in the morning and not everyone was there selling and doing their daily business but still busy. Cool historic buildings, statues and lots of benches and nice areas to do some people watching.