North America is in the global spotlight this summer as cities across the continent serve as host destinations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Dedicated fans are anxiously waiting for the start of the Mundial as people from all over the world make their way to this corner of the globe to support their teams and let their passion for the game shine. 

While matches are taking place across multiple cities, today we’re putting the spotlight on Guadalajara, the capital city in the state of Jalisco. If you’re planning a trip to catch a match here, or if this city is already your home base, consider this your Next Gen Latina-approved guide to doing Guadalajara right during World Cup season. 

Guadalajara is known for its rich culture as the birth city of mariachi music, tequila, and charrería. A beautiful city where language, tradition, culture, and food all blend seamlessly together and leave visitors in awe and completely mesmerized with the authenticity that this city harbors.  

Read on to discover some must-see and must-do experiences while enjoying your summer travel in Guadalajara, Jalisco.  

Where the Matches Happen

If you’re headed to a match in Guadalajara, you’ll be making your way to the Estadio Akron, formerly Estadio Omnilife, located in Zapopan. This stadium mostly hosts fútbol matches for the city and is known for being home to the famous Chivas, a team in the Liga MX and Guadalajara’s pride. 

Traffic in the city can get hectic, especially during major events and rush hour. So, give yourself a little extra time and take a little stress off your plate to make sure you don’t miss a single moment of the action. 

Where to Grab a Bite 

Guadalajara is known for so many culinary specialities and there’s a handful that you definitely don’t want to miss out on during your visit. A few to get you started include: tortas ahogadas, birria, flautas, tacos de lengua and so much more. 

Here are a few places we can recommend for authentic flavors and cuisine:  

  • La Casa De Los Platos – a beautiful restaurant with a lively ambience serving traditional plates from Guadalajara. 
  • La Chata de Guadalajara – great food, great service, and great atmosphere. A great option for a quick stop if you’re doing some sightseeing in the centro histórico area. 
  • El Terrible Juan Café – a laidback cafe serving coffee, homemade bread, and brunch plates.   

If you’re looking for something more casual and very estilo Guadalajara, you might want to try: 

  • Garfiburger – serving street style hamburgers and baked potatoes loaded with cheese and your choice of meat, an absolute must-try!  
  • Tacos al Vapor – although we don’t have a specific place to try, stop by and try one of the many street taco stands that the city has to offer for some breakfast, lunch, or dinner tacos al vapor, delicious! 
  • Churros – another delicacy that you can find at many street-stands out in the evening. Watch how they impressively make fresh churros right in front of you and savor every second of it. 

What To Do Between Matches 

Guadalajara is filled with things to do and places to see to keep you busy as you explore the city and neighboring areas. 

  • Take a day trip to the Pueblo Mágico of Tequila to explore distilleries and the historic town center. 
  • Drive over to Tlaquepaque for shopping and delicious dining. This is the perfect place to take a stroll and get lost in the artisan shops. 
  • Visit El Centro for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Guadalajara’s Cathedral is in this area and you won’t want to miss it. 
  • Catch a Lucha Libre show and experience the high-energy Mexican wrestling, a staple on our itinerary. 

No matter what you choose, you truly can’t go wrong! 

Where to Stay 

Guadalajara is a big city with a variety of neighborhoods that each bring their own flair. Where you stay should reflect the type of experience you’re looking for during your visit.  

A few options to consider:  

  • Centro Histórico – The best option in our opinion for first time visitors to Guadalajara as you’ll be centrally located to different sightseeing experiences. 
  • Tlaquepaque – An artistic suburb filled with lots of restaurants and plenty of artisan shops to get lost in. 
  • Colonia Americana – A great, safe area for tourists to stay and explore. This area is very walkable and packed with cafes, restaurants, and bars if you’re looking for a cocktail.

Game Day Ready

Planning our outfit for game day might just be our favorite part. Here’s what we’re gravitating toward to match Guadalajara’s summer vibes: 

  • An oversized jersey paired with relaxed denim shorts or linen pants. 
  • A slick ponytail or bun to beat the heat (and keep glowing) the city can get hot in the summer months. 
  • Our favorite sneakers–comfort is key! 
  • A clear stadium-approved bag to meet security regulations. 
  • And most importantly, bringing all the good vibes and fanatic fútbol energy. 

We cannot wait to experience summer days in Guadalajara while the energy is high and the city is alive with the passion for fútbol!