Guadalajara's historic centre is the most coherent colonial city core in western Mexico — a dense grid of plazas, churches, government buildings, and markets that rewards extended exploration on foot. The four plazas radiating from the Cathedral — de la Liberación, de Armas, de los Laureles, and de los Hombres Ilustres — give the centre an unusual, cross-shaped open structure that makes orientation easy and walking pleasant.
The area between the Cathedral and the Hospicio Cabañas is the core of the tourist circuit. North of the Cathedral toward the Panteón de Belén, the streets become more local and less visited. South of the historic centre, toward Parque Agua Azul, the barrio of Analco is one of the oldest residential neighbourhoods in Guadalajara — quieter and worth a 30-minute detour.