I need information on Guadalajara, Mexico.?

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sparks_mex

>>>> Official language is Spanish but most people also speak English.

Well that person has obviously not been to Mexico. You will find a few that can help you ... but don't expect it. Very few that can hold a real conversation.

It's as safe as any big city in which you don't speak the language

Sarita

That's my city!!! Guadalajara is one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, as any city in the world there's good and bad. You have to go to El Centro (downtown) there you will see El Teatro Degollado, La Catedral, La Plaza Tapatia and El Hopicio CabaÃ±as. Don't forget and go to Tlaquepaque, listen to the mariachi and drink tequila. Check the artesania stores around Tlaquepaque, it's the best. Don't drink tap water, drink bottle water all the time. Good luck!!!

neutron4321

Official language is Spanish but most people also speak English.

Don't worry, it's safer than New York!. Now if you are worried because of what you see in news, I can tell you:
1.- Disturbs happened only in Oaxaca (very far), and they are over.
2.- Mexico City is not safe, but you won't go there!
3.- If you want to feel more safe don't wear expensive jewelry (that can attract thiefs), try to carry only the money that you need and in a safe place (not in your purse), and try to avoid public transportation (bus). Taxis are safe.

daisyyâ™¥

Combining an agreeable climate, varied leisure pursuits, historic sightseeing and assorted cultural attractions, Guadalajara (gwah-dah-lah-HAH-rah) is one of Mexico's most appealing destinations. Yet the city is often overlooked by vacationers scurrying to Mexico's beach resorts. This is a shame, since Guadalajara and surrounding State of Jalisco are two of Mexico's most beautiful and historic showpieces.
Mexico's second largest city (population 5 million), Guadalajara has grown significantly in the last ten years. Traffic congestion, some air pollution, and other urban inconveniences have somewhat tarnished the city's provincial charm. These annoyances aside, it still earns its distinction as one of Mexico's most pleasant cities, and best suits visitors wanting a taste of authentic Mexican culture together with modern comforts and attractions.
To many visitors, Guadalajara embodies the soul of Mexico. It is home to many traditions and products most identified with Mexico. Tequila comes from the State of Jalisco, as does Mariachi music and many classic Mexican dishes. The area is also known for the charro tradition: Mexico's ornately dressed horsemen who perform a Mexican-style rodeo known as charreadas. The city's friendly residents, referred to as Tapatios, are known for their civic pride and hospitality.
The city rests on a highland plateau in west central Mexico at an altitude of 5,200 feet. This mile-high plain is blessed with a splendid spring-like climate. Days are warm and sunny, humidity is low and evenings are cool and clear. Afternoon rainfall is common from June through September, when the areas countryside is carpeted with velvet green pastures.
Guadalajara is known as the "city of roses," and like its sister city (Portland, Oregon), it is green, sophisticated, and charming. Many sections of this large metropolis have the atmosphere and pace of a small town. Parks, fountains, plazas, and wide tree-lined boulevards are sprinkled about the city. As a major center for the arts and education (there are three major universities here), the city is filled with book stores, galleries and fine museums.
Unlike Mexico City, the area did not have a developed native population when the Spanish finally settled the area in 1542. It first developed as an outpost for exploration of Mexico's vast western region, and later became the capital of the province of Nueva Galicia. Through nearly 300 years of colonial rule, Guadalajara became an important regional center for trade. Lavish wealth from ranching and agriculture bestowed the city with handsome municipal buildings, ornate churches and colonial mansions.
Although straining to keep up with a recent growth explosion, Guadalajara has preserved numerous colonial treasures. The city's downtown core is a lovely chain of flowering, fountain-filled plazas. The lively Plaza Tapata, is a magnificent five-block long pedestrian mall brimming with stately municipal buildings, museums, department stores, cafes, and striking modern sculpture.
As for native crafts and shopping, Guadalajara is unsurpassed. The nearby suburbs of Tlaquepaque and Tonal are world famous for their exquisite folk and fine art traditions. The area is particularly famous for fine ceramics, pottery, blown glass, brass, copper and leather goods. Jalisco is also the birthplace of JosÂ Clemente Orozco, one of the world's greatest 20th century muralists. Much of his finest work is in Guadalajara, adorning several public buildings.
Excursions to villages surrounding Guadalajara showcase the State's rural flavor and diverse natural beauty. Of particular interest are the villages lining the shore of Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest freshwater lake. Tapalpa and Mazamitla are tranquil alpine villages, high in the states rugged Sierra Madre mountains. Distilleries around the city of Tequila offer fascinating tours. Lagos de Moreno and San Juan de los Lagos are colonial towns famous for their religious festivals, fine folk art and colorful markets.

CAB

I agree with some parts of the previous answers in that many people speak English and are willing to help with directions etc. It is a beautiful city and worth going to. Of course, it depends on where this person is going in the city; I lived there for a couple of years and never felt threatened or unsafe.

South of the border Keith

Any city is dangerous if you go to the wrong places and flaunt your wealth. You wouldn't hang around in the certain parts of your city with a bunch of jewelry and throwing your money around!

They speak Spanish and if you or somebody goes there, you should try to learn it! But there is a presence of English, and you can find native English speakers, and one could get by without Spanish, but just learn, it's really easy when you are submersed in it!

Do you like it when somebody that is in the US doesn't speak English?!?!

ALEX ROCKS

WWW.JALISCO.GOB.MX

GUADALAJADA IS THE BEST PLACE AND DESPITE THE OFFICAL LANGUAGE IS SPANISH,,,, THE 2nd IS ENGLISH AND IT IS A CLOSE 2nd CAUSE 7 OUT OF 10 KNOW ENGLISH AND SOME BETTER CAUSE THEY ARE FROM USA.
BEST WISHES

donpatocom

Downtown Guadalajara is very safe during the day usually you can find someone to speak English with sometimes they understand but may have hard time answering the question you will have to be patience. You can walk into almost any hotel lobby and will find many English speakers. Carry an English Spanish dictionary it will make things a lot easier.

Use caution at nigh just as you would at home. If you feel unsafe get in a taxi and leave the area.

I have found the taxi drivers to be a couple notches above others in Mexico and generally you do not have to worry about them they just want to make a days pay not kidnap you. As far as personal safety police are more likely safe to talk to and ask for help.

Always carry a card from your hotel to show them some do not speak fluent English and they always breath a sigh of relief when they see a pamphlet or card from the hotel you are staying at.

The weather in Guadalajara is almost always perfect year round spring which makes the city very pleasant for folks dropping in from the cold weather in the states.

You will find beautiful modern shopping centers and world class restaurants along with the great historical sights in the city you should keep busy for week or so.

DonPato
San Jose
http://www.donpato.com

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