one thing the guide doesn't mention is that andares is basically its own little bubble, feels more like a mall in miami than guadalajara. fine if you want that but you'll miss the actual city vibe. i'd pick a place in colonia americana or even lafayette over it any day, you can walk to everything and the food scene is way better

for a quiet morning, head to parque rojo in colonia americana around 8am, the vendors set up with fresh aguas frescas and tamales, and there's this older guy who plays guitar under the big tree. it's a nice way to start the day before the city gets loud. also the tren ligero is fine but if you're staying in americana, just walk or bike, everything's pretty close

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honestly the guide nails it on colonia americana for nightlife but i think it undersells lafayette for daytime hangs. there's a spot called el jardín del arte on saturdays, just off avenida la paz, where local painters set up their work in the park and it's super chill. grab a coffee from café madoka a block away and just wander, way more relaxed than the main tourist strips. also for getting around, the macrobús on calzada independencia is faster than the tren ligero if you're going north-south, costs the same 9.50 pesos and runs every few minutes

for food, the guide mentions birriería las 9 esquinas which is solid but i'd add that the birria there is best before noon when it's freshest. also in tlaquepaque, there's a little place called el abajeño on calle independencia that does these huge huaraches with nopales and cheese, like 40 pesos each and they'll fill you up for the whole afternoon. the area around the parroquia de san pedro has a ton of those little eateries that don't show up on maps

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if you're into architecture, stay in colonia americana but wander over to santa tere during the day. the houses there are insane, all these old mansions turned into cafes and galleries, way less crowded than the main drag. also, for tortas ahogadas, skip the big chains and find a spot called "las tortas de la churrería" near the centro, they do a version with a drier bread that holds up better to the sauce. oh and the tapatío tour bus is actually worth the 150 pesos, it's a solid way to get your bearings without walking yourself into a puddle in the heat

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This is a really well thought out plan, you've clearly put time into it. One thing I'd add for Day 1 is that after the Hospicio Cabañas, you're right next to the old Mercado Corona. It's a block east of the main market and has a few stands selling tortas ahogadas that are way less touristy than what you'll find at San Juan de Dios. I always grab one from Tortas Toño there, it's about 60 pesos and they drown it in that spicy tomato sauce.

For Day 3 in Colonia Americana, if you're walking from the Expiatorio to Lula Bistro, cut through the little side streets. There's a mural by a local artist named Curiot on Calle Libertad near the corner of Calle Galeana that's massive and colorful, way better than the random tags you see on the main avenues. It takes two minutes to find and gives you a good photo that's not the same cathedral shot everyone gets.

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honestly this is a solid itinerary, you've got the main spots down. one thing i'd add is that on day 1 when you're in centro, swing by the Teatro Degollado if you have an extra 20 minutes. it's right there off the plaza, and the interior is stunning with that big mural on the ceiling. they sometimes let you peek in for free if there's no show happening

for day 2 in chapultepec, i'd skip la santa and hit up La Churrería de Chapultepec instead. it's a block off the main drag on calle lopez cotilla, and they do churros with cajeta that are legit better than most dessert spots in the city. open til like 1am so it's good for a late night bite after a few drinks

also, if you're doing the andares mall on day 2, be ready for sticker shock. that place is fancy and prices reflect it. the food court has a decent sushi spot but you're paying 300+ for a roll. i'd rather eat at a taco stand in colonia americana for a fraction of the cost, tbh

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Solid plan, you really nailed the neighborhoods. One thing I'd throw in for Day 3 is to check out the rooftop at the Hotel Mateo in Colonia Americana if you're around for sunset, it's on Calle Libertad and you can just walk in for a drink and get a great view of the Expiatorio spire without the tourist crowd.

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