My experience in Guadalajara, Mexico by Walter

How was Guadalajara to live in? Would you recommend it? What's the city like?

Guadalajara is a very nice place to live in. There are lots of museums and places to go out.

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What's the student atmosphere like in Guadalajara?

It's a very artistic city with lots of rock groups, lots of well-known exhibitions of international artists, even if it is the capital of Mariachi.

What's the cost of living in Guadalajara?

The cost of living is very low like in all of Mexico, however the rent is a little more expensive than in other cities and it's a little complicated to rent somewhere when you don't know anyone there.

But you can eat cheaply, with tacos, hamburgers, pizzas, etc. All the big American and International brands are there, as well as the independent places.

Is it hard to find a place to stay in Guadalajara? Do you have any advice?

It's hard to find somewhere because they want a guarantor, but if you have one then there are lots of shared places because of the many big houses for rent, between 200 and 300 m2 for 500 euros a month.

What's the food like in the city? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is copious. The Mexicans prefer quantity over quality, you can eat throughout the whole day and everywhere. Tacos, hamburgers, pizzas, wings, sandwiches... lots of Chinese restaurants with the buffet costing 50 pesos (3 euros)... You can also find baguettes and bread very easily in general.

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There are cantines, taquerias, fondas, restaurants... you can also go to the outskirts of the city to taste the famous tequila that takes its name from a village on the edge of Guadalajara with its agave plants.

What places would you recommend at Guadalajara?

The most well-known places are the Cathedral of Guadalajara dating from the 16th century, the Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan, the Palacio del gobierno, an architectural monument from the 18th century. There are also lots of attraction parks in the city and on the outskirts, as well as lots of shopping centres (malls), with their own activities and things to do. Guadalajar also has a wax museum like the Grévin museum in Paris. You can also find lots of Art Galleries, antique stores and book shops selling Mexican and European works at very good prices.

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And to eat at Guadalajara? Where are your favourite places?

Go to the Sirloin Avenida Juarez with it's all-you-can-eat buffet.

If you like hamburgers, go to the chain Cuarto de kilo with it's large selection of hamburgers.

"Carnes garibaldi en su jugo"...not exhaustive.

You can also eat tacos, tortillas and tortas ahogadas (a speciality of Guadalajara) at all the markets, every day...

What places would you recommend to go out in Guadalajara?

There are too many pubs, night clubs and other Hard Rock Cafe style places to single out one to recommend.

There are lots of places that are a mix of cultural centres, concert halls, bars, galleries and clubs.

My favourite place was a bistro club gallery but it closed.

There's also the Café Andre Breton, and the alliance française also organises themed parties.

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What advice would you give to future Erasmus students in Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is pretty safe but still avoid walking around on your own at night in the less populated areas and avoid having too much money on you.

Also be careful if you're walking because people aren't that polite and lack respect. They drive really badly, don't give pedestrians priority in the designated zones, don't signal, make phone calls when they're driving, don't put their seat belt on....it's anarchy!