No visit to Guadalajara is complete without some time for shopping. If you need a new pair of shoes, a tailor-made luxury suit, home decor or even Mexican spices, Guadalajara will almost certainly exceed your expectations. The options for shopping in Guadalajara are extensive, from footwear and handicrafts to jewelry, candy and souvenirs, and in this guide we have tried to include choices for every budget.
Tianguis, markets and shopping districts
A tianguis is a traditional Mexican street market where you can buy all kinds of goods for less than elsewhere. Guadalajara has several of them:
Tianguis del Sol
A favorite among locals and one of the largest in the city, it is known for its many stalls selling affordable clothing, shoes and accessories for the whole family. Beyond clothing, at Tianguis del Sol you can also buy electronics, toys and beauty products, and there is a large food section. It sets up on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays on Av. Copérnico between Av. Moctezuma and Av. Tepeyac.
Tianguis Santa Tere
This is without a doubt the most traditional tianguis in Guadalajara. Located in the Santa Tere neighborhood on Andrés Terán street, between Herrera y Cairo and Ramos Millán, it sets up on Sundays only. You will find everything you would expect from a tianguis and much more: clothing, shoes, food, electronics, handicrafts and costume jewelry, as well as pet supplies and plants. Arrive early and do not worry about eating beforehand, since the market has plenty of stalls selling regional dishes.
Tianguis El Baratillo
A huge Sunday market on Juan R. Zavala street (Calle 38), in the San Felipe de Jesús neighborhood northeast of downtown, stretching for more than 40 blocks. It sells everything from electronics, clothing, shoes, food and toys to antiques, furniture, books and many things you would never expect to find. To get there, take light rail Line 2 to Oblatos station and walk to Juan R. Zavala street. The market opens at 6:00 a.m. and packs up at 4:00 p.m.; arrive early, as there is a lot to see. Although the risk is low, stay alert, avoid flashy items and do not show large amounts of cash.
Antiques market (Tianguis de Antigüedades)
It sets up on Sundays only on Av. México, near its intersection with Av. Chapultepec. Also known as “El Trocadero,” it makes for a pleasant stroll and offers all kinds of antiques. Among the items visitors look for most are furniture, vases, books, electronics, toys, dinnerware and vinyl records. It is a place that will bring back memories for visitors of a certain age, and where younger ones will discover objects from other eras. The market packs up at 4:00 p.m., so arrive early, especially if you are feeling nostalgic. Before or after your visit, you can eat at one of the many restaurants in the nearby Chapultepec area.
Tianguis Cultural
The Tianguis Cultural runs every Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Plaza Benito Juárez, just southwest of Parque Agua Azul, at the corner of 16 de Septiembre and Av. Washington. Free concerts, open-air chess, artists at work and an outdoor market draw crowds of young people to this weekly celebration of alternative culture.
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Mercado San Juan de Dios
Mercado Libertad is known to everyone as Mercado San Juan de Dios. It is the kind of market you can find in any Mexican city, but on a much bigger scale. This temple of shopping in Guadalajara is the largest indoor market in Latin America, with more than 3,000 stalls on three levels. On the first level you will find groceries, regional candy and handicrafts; the second floor has fondas (small eateries) and food stalls, the ideal place for a plate of birria (slow-cooked spiced meat stew) or a traditional torta ahogada (a pork sandwich drowned in chile sauce); the third level offers souvenirs, clothing, shoes, electronics and all sorts of merchandise. Mercado Libertad is conveniently located in the heart of Guadalajara on Avenida Javier Mina. To get there from the Cathedral, walk east along Paseo Hospicio, cross Plaza Tapatía over Calzada Independencia, and on your right you will find a pedestrian bridge that leads to the market. From other parts of the city, take light rail Line 2 or Macrobús Line 1 and get off at “San Juan de Dios” station in either case.
📖 Related article: Mercado San Juan de Dios: a practical guide to how each level is organized, what to eat, what to buy and how to get there.
Plan your trip with hotels near Guadalajara Airport, a convenient choice for early-morning flights.
Shoe district (Zona Zapatera)
A great choice if you are looking for shoes at good prices. Guadalajara’s shoe district is on Esteban Alatorre street, between Mariano Jiménez and Prosperidad. Most businesses here offer special wholesale prices, so many people and shoe retailers stock up here. The area is not one of the most attractive in the city, but it is not dangerous.
Medrano clothing district (Zona del Vestir)
The clothing district is on Medrano street, on the east side of the city: block after block of clothing stores for men, women and children, although, as you might expect, women’s fashion stores are the most common. Most of the clothing sold here is imported, but there are also stores run by local manufacturers. This is where many people and clothing retailers from Guadalajara and nearby cities buy their stock. Stores in the district have two prices, retail and wholesale, but even retail prices are quite affordable. On Friday mornings a tianguis sets up, giving you even more to choose from.
Zapotlanejo
Although this article is about shopping in Guadalajara, we decided to include Zapotlanejo because it is only about 30 minutes from the metro area. Zapotlanejo is known nationwide as one of Mexico’s main clothing manufacturing centers. Along Guadalupe Victoria and Hidalgo streets, in the center of town, you will find hundreds of stores selling Mexican and imported clothing and accessories. Most of the clothing in Zapotlanejo is for women, but you will also find menswear and children’s clothing. Prices are quite reasonable, and stores offer discounts to wholesale buyers. On the outskirts of town, on the way to Guadalajara, is the “Macroplaza,” a shopping center with a wide variety of clothing stores.
Shopping malls in Guadalajara
Guadalajara has plenty of shopping malls, of all sizes and all over the city. Some even specialize in certain products, such as shoes or jewelry. Visiting one or more of them is a must on any shopping day in Guadalajara.
Plaza Galerías
Plaza Galerías, the largest mall in Guadalajara, is at the intersection of Avenida Vallarta and Avenida Rafael Sanzio. It has the city’s largest movie theater complex, with 20 THX screens and 4 VIP screens. It has multi-level parking garages as well as more than 1 square kilometer (0.4 square miles) of open-air parking. Fashion brands include Zara, Scappino, American Eagle, H&M, Forever 21 and Gap.
After your shopping day, find out what to see in Guadalajara in our guide to the top 10 attractions. See also our tips for enjoying Guadalajara with kids.
Plaza Andares
Plaza Andares, Guadalajara’s upscale mall, is at the intersection of Avenida Patria and Puerta de Hierro. Its stores include DKNY, Cartier, Hugo Boss, Mont Blanc, Helmut Lang, Fendi, Alexander McQueen, Versace, Armani, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Valentino, Cavalli, Calvin Klein, Chanel and Dior, as well as El Palacio de Hierro and Liverpool department stores, among others.
The Landmark
If Plaza Andares is Guadalajara’s upscale mall, The Landmark could be seen as an extension of it, not only because it is right across the street, but because of the quality of its stores. At The Landmark you will find boutiques of exclusive brands you will not see in other malls in the city: Longchamp, Hugo Boss, Harmont & Blaine and Salvatore Ferragamo, plus interior design stores such as Pottery Barn and West Elm. The Landmark is also known for its excellent restaurants, some of which appear in our list of the best restaurants in Guadalajara.
Plaza del Sol
Plaza del Sol is near the intersection of Avenida López Mateos and Avenida Mariano Otero. The second-largest mall in Guadalajara, it has a multi-level parking garage and an open-air layout, with large open spaces in the middle surrounded by walkways. Plaza del Sol has department stores such as Liverpool, Mundara and Suburbia, plus fashion stores including Gap, C&A, Zara, Cuadra, Julio and Scappino. There are also many shoe stores for women, men and children, as well as a supermarket, banks, pharmacies, bookstores and plenty of places to eat.
Plaza Patria
Plaza Patria is bounded by Avenida Patria, Avenida Ávila Camacho and Avenida Américas in the municipality of Zapopan. It is one of the city’s most traditional malls and a local favorite. Although it is not as big as other malls, Plaza Patria is being expanded and remodeled to give it a more upscale look and room for more stores. The mall stays open during the work. Stores here include MacStore, Bed Bath & Beyond, City Market, KidZania and Miniso, plus fashion brands for the whole family.
Centro Magno
Located between Avenida Vallarta and Avenida López Cotilla. It has a large central indoor space surrounded by restaurants, fashion stores, electronics stores, a casino, cafés and a movie theater complex on the top floor.
If you are in the area and want more places to eat, you will find many excellent restaurants between Centro Magno and Av. Chapultepec.
Plaza México
Plaza México is seven blocks west of Plaza Galerías del Calzado, at Av. México 3300. It is still a popular mall with locals and has about 120 stores, a supermarket, movie theaters and restaurants. It is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Midtown Jalisco
One of the newest and most modern malls in the city, with an open-air concept that combines shopping, corporate offices and a hotel. It also has a VIP movie theater, a food court and more than 200 stores, including fashion, accessories, opticians, pet stores, electronics, jewelry, toys, home goods, shoes, cosmetics, a supermarket and much more. Midtown Jalisco is at Av. López Mateos 1133.
Galería del Calzado
Located at Av. México 3225, this is an entire mall with more than 60 shoe stores, and a great option for anyone who loves shoes. Here you will find the widest selection of footwear in the city, from well-known international brands to high-quality local labels. Open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Plaza Outlet Guadalajara
A typical outlet mall on the southern edge of the Guadalajara metro area, in the municipality of Tlajomulco de Zúñiga. Here you will find stores from well-known brands such as Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Reebok, Guess, Shasa, Calvin Klein, Julio, Bershka and Lacoste. Since it is an outlet, there are always discounts and deals. If you get tired of shopping, the mall also has a Cinemex movie theater, a betting center and a large fast-food area. It is somewhat far out, so getting there by public transportation can take a while. Plan ahead so your visit to Plaza Outlet does not take up your whole day and you can keep shopping elsewhere in Guadalajara.
Plaza de la Tecnología
As the name suggests, this is a mall dedicated to technology; in fact, there are several very similar ones in the city. Not only can you buy cell phones, tablets, computers and accessories, but there are also repair shops for all of them. Each Plaza de la Tecnología has hundreds of small shops inside, where you can find what you need at the best price. One of the largest is in downtown Guadalajara, at 16 de Septiembre 140.
Centro Joyero (jewelry centers)
If jewelry is your thing, look no further than the Centro Joyero. This is the jewelry capital of western Mexico, with hundreds of shops selling gold, silver, gold-plated and stainless steel pieces, watches, pearls, precious stones, crystals and costume jewelry. There are also stores specializing in bridal jewelry for those about to tie the knot. If you want to start a jewelry business, you can stock up at the Centro Joyero at special wholesale prices. And if one jewelry center is not enough, Guadalajara has four. Three are quite close to each other downtown (Centro Joyero Guadalajara, Centro Joyero Metropolitano and Magno Centro Joyero). The fourth is Centro Joyero World Trade Center, on Avenida Mariano Otero near Expo Guadalajara, although it is the smallest of them all.
Learn more about the best shopping malls in Guadalajara for a great shopping experience, with exclusive brands, top dining, entertainment and more.
Pottery and home decor
The Guadalajara area has a rich pottery tradition. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived, local people learned the imported techniques and combined them with local designs, colors and folklore. The towns of Tlaquepaque and Tonalá, now part of the Guadalajara metro area, are living examples. Walking their streets, you can see their craft heritage, which today includes leather goods, jewelry, clothing and decorative pieces, as well as pottery. Add color, folklore and history to your shopping day in Guadalajara with a visit to Tlaquepaque and Tonalá.
📖 Related article: Guide to the Tonalá Tianguis: days and hours, what to buy, how to bargain and how to get there.
Shopping in Tlaquepaque
The historic center of Tlaquepaque offers a huge variety of Mexican handicrafts, as well as traditional furniture and contemporary decor. In this lovely Pueblo Mágico (a “Magic Town,” a designation Mexico gives to towns of special cultural value), you will find products of every quality, from the finest jewelry and ceramics to traditional pottery made by some of Mexico’s leading master artisans. If you like something, you can take it home, since every piece on display is for sale. Most of the craft galleries and boutiques are on Andador Independencia, a lively pedestrian street that also has a good selection of restaurants, bars and cafés.
Andador Independencia is home to three of Tlaquepaque’s most notable galleries, those of renowned artists Rodo Padilla, Sergio Bustamante and Agustín Parra. All three are in beautifully preserved old mansions that match the beauty of the works on display inside.
With so many crafts on offer, Tlaquepaque is where many homeowners and decorators come to furnish and decorate homes, restaurants and hotels. You will probably find something nice for your home or for yourself too.
Shopping in Tonalá
Like Tlaquepaque, Tonalá has a wide variety of furniture and handicrafts, but here prices are lower. Items include ceramics, dinnerware, wood carvings, leather goods, modern and traditional furniture, blown glass, paintings, flowerpots and much more. Rather than galleries or boutiques, in Tonalá you will find more modest shops selling products of varying quality for every budget.
On Thursdays and Sundays a craft tianguis sets up along Av. Tonaltecas, the main road into town, and it is well worth a visit for both the variety and the prices. The market sells the same kinds of products as the shops, but with more to choose from. Besides browsing and buying crafts, take the chance to eat at one of the stalls selling traditional food. As is usual at a tianguis, there is always room to negotiate, so if you bargain a little you may get an extra discount.
After your shopping day, find out what to see in Guadalajara in our guide to the top 10 attractions. See also our tips for enjoying Guadalajara with kids.
Tips for a great shopping day in Guadalajara
- Plan your day well: some places, like the tianguis, only set up on certain days and at certain hours. You can start the morning at a tianguis and save the rest of the day for malls, which are open all day.
- Start early, especially on weekends. You will avoid the crowds and enjoy your shopping day in Guadalajara more.
- Check each mall’s store directory online. Although many brands are in several malls, some can only be found in one or two places.
- Do not eat before you go: make your shopping day in Guadalajara a chance to try local dishes. At a market or tianguis we recommend birria or a traditional torta ahogada. At a mall, there is no shortage of food options either.
- A shopping day in Guadalajara does not have to mean overspending. Enjoy the outing, compare prices and buy what you need without breaking the bank.