Solid guide, covers the main spots well. One thing I'd add is that the area around the Basilica gets packed on Sundays after mass, so if you're planning to hit La Fonda de la Plaza for breakfast that day, expect a 20-minute wait minimum.

For a different angle, I'd recommend the tortas de chilaquiles at a tiny place called El Rincon del Sabor on Calle Hidalgo, just two blocks east of the Basilica. They take a fresh birote, stuff it with chilaquiles in your choice of red or green salsa, and add a fried egg and crema. It's like a torta ahogada and breakfast had a baby, and it costs 55 pesos. They're only open until 1 PM though, so go early.

I've also had better luck finding parking around the Mercado del Mar if you go on a weekday afternoon rather than the weekend chaos. The lot on Avenida Patria charges 30 pesos for two hours, which is a steal compared to the 50 peso lots closer to the market entrance.

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The guide mentions the Mercado del Mar but doesn't say that the best time to hit it is Thursday through Saturday morning when the catch is freshest. I go there for the aguachile at Mariscos El Güero, which is spicier and more acidic than their ceviche, and it's the same 50 pesos. You'll want to bring cash and a wet napkin, because the tostada falls apart fast.

One evening spot worth adding is La Tequila on Avenida Vallarta, a no-frills cantina that's been around since the 1950s. The food is basic bar snacks like tacos dorados and sopes, but the atmosphere is pure Zapopan history with old photos on the walls and mariachi playing most nights. A beer and a plate of tacos runs about 100 pesos.

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I have to agree about La Fonda de la Plaza, the chilaquiles verde are a great call. One thing nobody's mentioned yet is the torta ahogada at El Original Torta Ahogada on Calle Pedro Moreno, about three blocks from the Basilica. They use a thicker birote that holds up better to the sauce, and the carnitas are crisped on the flat top before they stuff it. It's 65 pesos and they've been doing it since the 1960s.

For seafood, I'd skip the Mercado del Mar on weekends entirely and go to the small market on Avenida Lopez Mateos, just south of the Periferico. There's a stall called Mariscos El Paisa that does a cocktail de camaron with avocado and cucumber for 45 pesos, and the owner will mix in extra chiltepin if you ask. It's a smaller setup but the quality is consistent.

One spot that never makes these lists is Los Comales on Calle 5 de Febrero, a family-run place that does a pambazo for 40 pesos. It's a soft roll dipped in guajillo sauce, fried on the griddle, and stuffed with potato and chorizo. They're only open for breakfast and lunch, but the line moves fast.

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This is a great itinerary, really captures the city well. One thing I'd add for day one is that the Mercado del Mar is a solid pick, but if you want something a little less chaotic, walk a couple blocks to the small plaza on Calle Pedro Moreno. There's a lady there who sets up a grill in the evening and makes the best gorditas de chicharron I've ever had, maybe 25 pesos each.

Also for the Teatro Diana, it's worth checking if they have any ballet folklorico performances while you're there. The tickets are usually cheaper than a big concert and the show is genuinely impressive, even if you're not normally into that stuff. Just book ahead online because the good seats go fast.

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solid plan, really covers the main spots. for day 1, if you're at the basilica in the morning, walk a block east to calle ramon corona around 8am, there's a little bakery called Panaderia La Lupita that does these conchas with nata that are insane, like 12 pesos each, perfect with a coffee from the stall next door.

day 2 at bosque de la primavera, the sendero de los hongos is good but if you want something quieter, try the sendero del agua trail, it follows a small stream and has more shade, takes about an hour round trip. just bring bug spray, the mosquitos can be brutal near the water.

for day 3, instead of tacos el gordo, head to tortas ahogadas el sol on calle 20 de noviembre, same area, their torta ahogada is maybe 45 pesos and way more authentic than what tourists usually get, the bread holds up better. your itinerary is legit, you'll have a great time

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nice itinerary, you hit all the big ones. for day 1, if you're at the basilica and want a quick breakfast, there's a lady on the corner of eva briseno and 20 de noviembre who makes tortas de tamal from like 7am, 15 pesos each and they're perfect for walking. the basilica itself is gorgeous inside but the real vibe is sitting on the plaza benches watching the pigeons and old folks argue about politics.

day 2 at bosque de la primavera, the sendero de los hongos is fine but tbh the real magic is if you take the left fork about 15 minutes in, there's a hidden clearing with a fallen tree that makes a great picnic spot, no one ever goes there. bring water though, the hike back is uphill and there's no vendor past the entrance.

for the barranca on day 3, skip the main mirador and walk right along the fence line for like 5 minutes, there's a gap where locals go to sit on the edge, way better view and zero crowds. just don't go after dark, the path back is sketchy with no lights. overall solid plan, you'll have a good time

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