Is Guadalajara safe and areas to avoid?
Located in the western state of Jalisco, the historic Guadalajara is known as Mexico’s second-biggest city, known for its historical sites such as Zona Centro and Colonia Americana and its nightlife scene.
Known for its tequila and mariachi music. This emblematic city is often overlooked when it comes to tourism but recently has had an influx of visitors looking to dig deeper into Mexican culture.
But what about the safety situation in Guadalajara? Many travellers passing through are quick to say it is safe, but what do we need to be aware of?
This post contains affiliate links. Urban Abroad is supported by you, and I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Learn more.
Is Guadalajara safe?
In this post, we’ll look at travel safety in Guadalajara so you can begin to learn about some of the most common crimes to ensure your trip here is a safe one.
Like anywhere we travel, making sure we know the immediate risks is key. In a country such as Mexico, there are many travel advisories, so I want to share some of my personal experiences, as well as take a close look at Guadalajara.
How safe is Guadalajara right now?
When compared to major cities in Mexico such as Mexico City, Guadalajara is considered a slightly safer city to visit. And yes, I am aware that there are some dangerous places in Mexico along the way, but you can easily avoid them.
This means to say, as long as you stick to the right areas, some of which I mention in this guide, you should have no trouble when it comes to safety.
Not only that, you can feel confident spending time in this city. Attractions such as the Guadalajara Cathedral, the MUSA and day trips to Tequila Trail are waiting to be explored and have welcomed thousands of tourists in the last year.
Those who tend to hang around bus terminals or continually put themselves in a position to be approached during the evenings are the ones that usually pose a greater risk of being a victim of petty crime while in Mexico.
This means that if you are frequenting more built-up urban areas of the city, you will want to take some kind of safety precautions (especially at night) to protect yourself and your belongings.
Carrying a money stash like this one with you is a great idea, as it allows you to conceal your belongings effectively while exploring the streets. I’ll give more tips on how you can reduce the risk of petty crime throughout this guide.
Is Guadalajara safe for tourists?
Yes! However, safety is never guaranteed in such a large city, but if you stick to the designated tourist areas in Guadalajara, such as the Historic Centre or Colonia Americana, you should be absolutely fine.
Mexico was ranked as the sixth most visited country for tourism, and Guadalajara is filled to the brim with history and traditions.
Whether it’s spending the morning around the cathedral and learning the stories behind its architecture or taking photos of the colourful colonial houses, there is always something to do in this city.
For those who want a more rural experience and to learn about the region’s emblematic product, head out to the Jose Cuervo Distillery to learn all about the production process of blue agave before trying some local tequila.
When it comes to safety, I have found that showing an interest in learning Spanish or a developing interest in learning about Mexican culture can lead you to a much safer trip overall. Also invaluable when using taxis when in larger cities. Have a look at this book on learning Spanish for some dedicated language help.
Got travel insurance for your trip?
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Crime Rate in Guadalajara
- I looked at statistics on numbeo.com and found that Guadalajara scored (62.29) on their crime index. When compared with Mexico’s capital (68.16), it strongly suggests that the crime rate in Guadalajara is lower, but only by a hair.
- Some moderate crimes I could see were those related to the worries of attacks, robbery, and theft. Things such as drug dealing and stolen cars, none of which are directly related to tourists, are high risk. Also, the increasing crime rate is directly correlated.
- Although safer by only a small score, compared with other dangerous cities in Mexico, Guadalajara is safe to walk around during the day, but you should exercise extra caution when exploring the city at night.
- When considering the cartel activity in the region, note that the inherent danger lies outside the city in the rural areas, so the historic quarters are popular as a result.
Is Guadalajara safe for solo travellers?
Since many of the main tourist attractions in Guadalajara are located near each other, it makes it safe for solo travellers.
For example, Guadalajara’s cathedral is located in the centre of the city, and from there you can walk to other neighbourhoods. However, moving around Guadalajara without a car may be more challenging.
I suggest talking to trusted locals to get more insight on what places to visit and suggest avoiding walking around the streets following Google Maps since there can be bad neighbourhoods in and around the downtown area.
I recommend you look to stay in the Plaza del Sol area for the best experience as a solo traveller, as you’ll have plenty of amenities close by including access to one of the largest shopping malls in Guadalajara.
From there you can get to the downtown area within 20 minutes and use Uber (or a licensed cab) to navigate back and forth during the evenings.
Is Guadalajara safe at night?
Yes, Guadalajara can be safe at night but only in certain areas. As you can imagine, major cities in Mexico come with many surprises, both good and bad.
You’ll find that the famous Avenida Chapultepec, which is located in the upscale Colonia Americana tourist neighbourhood, is lined with restaurants and bars, which makes it safe for exploring at night.
Events such as robbery and assault do happen in Guadalajara, but by sticking to the most frequented area, you can reduce the risk of being a victim of such crime.
Being weary of your current location along with concealing your valuables and not flaunting your wealth will help you deter the attention of most street dwellers.
If you decide to carry a money belt like this one along with you, be sure to only have it on display when you are in a private space.
Where to stay in Guadalajara
The places to stay in Guadalajara noted below allow you as a visitor to connect with the city’s main attractions without going too far out of your comfort zone.
- Colonia Americana
- Zapopan
- Financial District
- Chapalita
- Zona Chapultepec
There are many great hotels in Guadalajara, and two of the most popular neighbourhoods to stay in are Colonia Americana and Zona Chapultepec, as they offer much in the way of things to see and do.
If you prefer downtown, be sure to check out these budget hostels or even the Hotel Dali Plaza if you want a high-quality stay that will not break the bank.
Places to Avoid in Guadalajara
Like with many cities in Mexico, there are some bad neighbourhoods in Guadalajara that you will want to avoid during your stay here.
Calzada, Oblatos and Colonia Jalisco are some notorious places, but as a tourist, it is highly likely you will find yourself in any of them. However, it is important to be aware of the names in case you end up on the wrong bus or somebody asks you for directions or something regarding the areas.
Also, visitors must remember not to let their guard down in some of the most prominent neighbourhoods, such as Zona Chapultepec, where cell phone theft and pickpocketing do happen unexpectedly to some tourists.
While sightseeing, aim to always be aware of your surroundings and have a plan for what you are going to do in each part of the city you visit.
Guadalajara travel safety tips
As mentioned earlier, Guadalajara is considered a dangerous city in Mexico, but in fact, it is not when, as a visitor, you stick to the areas which are designed for tourists. Do your best not to venture into unknown residential areas.
See some of my Guadalajara safety tips below:
- Always keep a few pesos handy on you in person for when you decide to get an impromptu taxi or when you need to get out of a precarious situation where someone may be demanding money from you.
- Aim to use trusted accredited hotels in Guadalajara then once you’ve booked, you can get more detailed information about where to go to eat (the best street food) and places to avoid in the area.
- When ordering street food, make sure the food is heated all the way through and be sure to ask what you’re eating if you’re unsure.
- If you’ll be carrying expensive items such as smartphones, cameras, or laptops, aim to keep them hidden or locked away as you walk around the city. Especially when you’re out on the streets.
- If you love food, then this market food tour will give you the opportunity to learn about Guadalajara’s rich food heritage and try local specialities such as barbacoa, tortas ahogadas, tacos and birria.
- If you think you may be getting overcharged with taxis, always ask the price of the fare to get an idea before you get in the car. You can then compare this with Uber.
- Avoid fast talkers and beggars on the street, as persistence can often lead to physical or verbal harassment. If you’re sat down, simply move on.
- Avoid walking around areas where there are hardly any people in the vicinity. Look out for places where you can see families or romantic couples, as this is an indication of a tranquil spot to sit and take a break in between walking or exploring the city.
- Carry some sunscreen like this one with you, as dry, warm winters and hot summers can be enough to burn your skin, even as you walk around the urban areas that are typically shaded in some parts.
- Never accept drug offers. Not only is it illegal to buy drugs in Mexico, but it’s also dangerous, and you’re aiding the industry that the Mexican government is currently working to try to stop.
Best time to visit Guadalajara
In Guadalajara, the dry season runs from November until April, and the daily average temperature ranges from 57 to 57°F with highs of 87°F.
You will find that April is usually the driest month, and doing cultural day trips to places such as Chapala during this time of year is popular with tourists.
The wet season lasts from around May until early November, and daily temperatures range from 61 to 73°F with highs of 88. As you can see, during the wet season you can still expect warm temperatures. Note that July is historically the wettest month to visit Guadalajara.
Is Guadalajara safe?
With the tips shared in this guide, you get a clear idea of what to look out for in terms of safety when it comes to visiting Guadalajara.
The city of Guadalajara is not considered one of Mexico’s safest cities and is often compared with the lights of Mexico City when it comes to crime rates. However, sticking to the main tourist areas and being aware of your surroundings can be enough to avoid petty crime.
I believe that if you adopt the tips mentioned in this guide and follow the recommended travel precautions, just like you would in other Latin American cities, you should have a wonderful time with minimal complications here.
