In an earlier article we covered shopping in Guadalajara, with a focus on the city’s markets and tianguis (open-air street markets that set up on a given day of the week). This time we look at the best shopping malls in Guadalajara, including a few recently opened ones that did not make it into our first roundup.
Before we start the list, one thing worth knowing: unlike in many other cities, especially in the United States, malls in Guadalajara are still growing and remain the place where tapatíos (as Guadalajara locals are called) go not only to shop but also to eat, get ice cream, see a movie or spend time with friends and family. So even if you have no plans to buy anything, an afternoon at one of the best malls in Guadalajara is a good way to spend part of your day in the city.
1. Plaza Galerías
Since it opened, Plaza Galerías has been one of the most popular malls among Guadalajara residents. It has a wide range of fashion stores for women, men and children, carrying some of the best-known brands on the market. Beyond clothing, you will find jewelry, shoe and electronics stores, plus anchor department stores Liverpool and Sears. Some stores at Plaza Galerías that you will not find in other malls in the city are American Eagle, Forever 21 and Lego. Movie fans are covered too: Cinépolis runs one of its largest theaters in the Guadalajara metro area here. The mall also has a varied food court and a selection of sit-down restaurants such as PF Changs, Cheesecake Factory and Applebee’s, which makes it a good choice for lunch or dinner with family and friends.
Av Rafael Sanzio 150, Camichines Vallarta, 45020 Zapopan, Jal.
Pet friendly: Yes
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2. La Gran Plaza Fashion Mall
La Gran Plaza Fashion Mall is one of the best malls in Guadalajara and a long-standing local favorite. It sits where two of the city’s main avenues meet, Av. Vallarta and Lázaro Cárdenas, so it is easy to reach. Shoppers will find branches of some of the most sought-after fashion brands, including Zara, Stradivarius, Bershka and Massimo Dutti, among many others. For food, La Gran Plaza Fashion Mall has popular restaurants such as Italianni’s, Olive Garden, IHOP, La Gorda and Casa Dolores, so there is something for every taste.
Av. Ignacio L Vallarta 3959, Don Bosco Vallarta, 45049 Zapopan, Jal.
Pet friendly: Yes
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3. Andares
Ask locals to name the best mall in Guadalajara and most will say Andares. Since it opened in 2008, it has drawn a select group of international brands that you will not find anywhere else in the city. Its anchor stores are Liverpool and El Palacio de Hierro, which house boutiques from luxury labels such as Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Chanel and Zegna, among others. Beyond luxury fashion, Andares also has stores like BCBGMAXAZRIA, Sephora, Adolfo Domínguez, Hugo Boss, Bimba y Lola and Hackett, covering a wide range of tastes and styles.
What sets Andares apart even more is its restaurant lineup, which includes some of the most acclaimed places in the city, such as La Docena Oyster Bar and Grill and Asador La Vaca Argentina. Andares also has a Hyatt hotel on site, so visitors can stay right where they shop, eat and spend the evening.
Blvrd Puerta de Hierro 4965, Puerta de Hierro, 45116 Zapopan, Jal.
Pet friendly: Yes
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4. La Perla
La Perla is one of the newest malls in the city, a mixed-use development that combines retail, offices and residences. Despite its short time on the scene, it has already earned a place among the best malls in Guadalajara and quickly became a favorite with many locals for shopping, eating, going to the movies or simply walking its open-air corridors lined with plants. Part of its fast success comes from its location: it is easy to reach from many parts of the city and it filled the gap left by the decline of Plaza del Sol, a few blocks away.
For shopping, La Perla has a wide range of popular mid-range brands, including Zara, H&M, Banana Republic, Nike, Massimo Dutti, North Face and Gap, among others, with a Liverpool department store as its anchor. The food court has the usual fast-food options, such as Popeyes, KFC, Carl’s Jr and Qin Oriental. If you want something more refined, La Perla’s restaurants include Campomar, Saam, Cotidiano and La Vaka, Guadalajara’s new buffet.
Av. Mariano Otero 3000, Jardines del Sol, 45050 Zapopan, Jal.
Pet friendly: Yes
5. Midtown
Midtown is another of Guadalajara’s newer malls, built on the open-air concept with covered walkways that has caught on in recent years. The development includes the mall, offices and a Hilton hotel. Unlike most malls, Midtown has no anchor department store; instead it has a Fresko supermarket. Luxury brands here include Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, Saint Laurent and Balenciaga, alongside casual fashion brands such as Lacoste, Adolfo Dominguez, Aerie, Cuadra, Guess, Abercrombie & Fitch and Victoria’s Secret.
For food, Midtown covers every taste. The food court has fast-food options like McDonald’s, Fresh Salads, KFC and Carl’s Jr., and there are sit-down restaurants such as Caserol, Don Carbón, P.F. Chang’s, Chamuyo and Vicente Asador. For fine dining, the mall has Sylvestre, Negroni and Suntory.
With modern, comfortable facilities, a prime location on López Mateos Norte and a range of services that includes banks, coffee shops and entertainment, Midtown clearly ranks among the best malls in Guadalajara.
Av Adolfo López Mateos Nte 95, Italia Providencia, 44648 Guadalajara, Jal.
Pet friendly: Yes
6. The Landmark
The Landmark stands across the street from Andares and works as its smaller, quieter counterpart in one of the city’s most upscale areas, surrounded by high-end residential and office towers. It is compact compared with other malls, but its brand selection is carefully chosen, with names such as Acapella, Havoc, Max Mara, Lululemon, Pottery Barn and West Elm, plus a Bentley dealership for luxury car fans.
Its restaurant offering is just as polished. The Landmark is home to some of the city’s most respected restaurants, including L’Ostería, Mochomos and La Tequila, where diners can enjoy well-prepared food in an elegant, comfortable setting.
With its curated stores and high-quality restaurants, The Landmark is an exclusive option for anyone looking for top-tier shopping and dining in Guadalajara.
P.º de los Virreyes 45, Puerta de Hierro, 45116 Zapopan, Jal.
Pet friendly: Yes