City in Jalisco, Mexico
Guadalajara for solo travelers
Is Guadalajara good for solo travel?
Mexico's second city: a mariachi and tequila heartland with a strong tech and design scene, good food, and lower costs than Mexico City. Sprawling, with uneven safety and fewer visitors.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Limited |
| Safety | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Solo women | Many solo women live and travel here. Catcalling happens; avoid street taxis, watch drinks and use app rides at night. |
How to meet people in Guadalajara
Spanish classes, language exchanges, nomad and tech meetups, Sunday Vía RecreActiva cycling, cooking classes and bar nights in Americana.
Good things to do alone
- Cycle Vía RecreActiva on Sunday morning
- Eat tortas ahogadas at a local stand
- See Orozco murals in the Hospicio Cabañas
- Take a train to Tequila town
- Explore Tlaquepaque and Tonalá craft markets
Where to stay in Guadalajara
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Colonia Americana | Nomads and first-timers: cafés, bars, walkable |
| Lafayette | Upscale, tree-lined, restaurants; next to Americana |
| Providencia | Modern apartments, malls, quieter residential |
| Centro Histórico | Cathedral, markets, museums; empty at night |
| Zapopan Centro | Quieter, family-oriented, close to Chapalita |
Solo travel across Mexico
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| San Cristóbal de las Casas | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Guanajuato | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Mazunte | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Tulum | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Playa del Carmen | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Puerto Vallarta | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Oaxaca | 4/5 | Limited |
| Guadalajara | 4/5 | Limited |
| Mérida | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| San Miguel de Allende | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Puerto Escondido | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Cozumel | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Isla Mujeres | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Sayulita | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Holbox | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Bacalar | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Mazatlán | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Valladolid | 4/5 | Limited |
| La Paz | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Puebla | 4/5 | Limited |
| Querétaro | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Puerto Morelos | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Todos Santos | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Ajijic | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Cancún | 3/5 | Widely spoken |
| Cabo San Lucas | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Monterrey | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Tijuana | 3/5 | Widely spoken |
| Acapulco | 2/5 | Limited |
Quick answers
Is Guadalajara good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Mexico's second city: a mariachi and tequila heartland with a strong tech and design scene, good food, and lower costs than Mexico City.
How do you meet people in Guadalajara?
Spanish classes, language exchanges, nomad and tech meetups, Sunday Vía RecreActiva cycling, cooking classes and bar nights in Americana. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Guadalajara?
Limited.
Is Guadalajara safe for solo female travelers?
Many solo women live and travel here. Catcalling happens; avoid street taxis, watch drinks and use app rides at night.
More about Guadalajara
Going to Guadalajara solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Guadalajara meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.