Zapopan is a neighbourhood of Guadalajara that is also kind of a Pueblo Mágico (magical town) right next to Guadalajara. It is part of the city, but at the same time not really. A bit like Xochimilco or Coyoacán in Mexico City. Both are quite far from the centre and famous for their own unique attractions. In the case of Zapopan, these are the cathedral, the sign and the market, which is truly immense and where there is an incredible amount to discover and buy. Apart from that, as in many Pueblos Mágicos, there is a street decorated with umbrellas hanging above it.
I went to Zapopan with a friend from Switzerland whom I had met in Puebla, and I honestly felt like I had travelled to a village near Guadalajara – knowing that we were still in Guadalajara. Nevertheless, the silence and tranquillity of the place is just so… you no longer feel like you’re in Guadalajara. And that makes Zapopan part of Guadalajara and yet not part of it.
Go or not? If you have time, yes, otherwise I think there are nicer neighbourhoods and Pueblos Mágicos elsewhere. Not because Zapopan isn’t really cute, but… there’s so much to see in Mexico that sometimes you have to make compromises.