El Parian is a popular square in Guadalajara with a spirited atmosphere. With restaurants, bars and live music, it is the ideal place for a fun night of entertainment or a traditional Mexican dining experience.
Have a meal or a drink at one of the many restaurants and bars located right on the plaza. Try regional dishes such as birria, a spicy Mexican meat stew served with onion, lime and tortillas. For dessert, try bionico, a fruit salad covered in sweet creamy topping, coconut and raisins. Top off your meal with a drink of genuine Mexican tequila to put you in a party mood. Enjoy the merry atmosphere as mariachis wander from table to table playing folk music.
Amble around the peaceful plaza by day and admire the pillared arcades and brightly colored colonial buildings. At night, watch El Parian come to life with live music and street vendors. Watch a diverse range of groups perform in the central bandstand. Performances mostly take place on the weekends from afternoon until late evening.
At the end of the 19th century, El Parian was a fashionable area with a high-end market for the elite. Take a guided tour of the area and learn more about its history or go shopping in one of the centers nearby. The square is close to a few large markets, such as the Mercado Libertad and the San Juan de Dios, where you can buy handcrafted souvenirs.
The square is located at the heart of Tlaquepaque, a suburb of Guadalajara known for its arts and crafts. Tour the ceramics museum and art galleries and visit antique shops and stores selling leather, pewter, copper, stonework and wrought iron.
Reach El Parian by bus or taxi from the centre of Guadalajara . The journey is about 6 miles (10 kilometres) and takes less than 20 minutes by car. Visit the gardens nearby at the Jardín Hidalgo.
