Guadalajara City City Guide

Local dishes include roasted lamb and suckling pig. Tapas are common. Some international and growing vegetarian/vegan options exist. Late-night tapas bars open later on weekends.

Nightlife centers on bars and pubs mainly in the city center. Some nightclubs open on weekends. It's lively but modest compared to big cities.

Growing coffee scene with traditional cafes and a few specialty shops. Not extensive but improving.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. Usually 5-10% in restaurants. Taxi tips by rounding up.

SIM cards sold at Vodafone, Orange, Movistar, and Yoigo shops. eSIMs are becoming available. ID or passport needed for registration.

Clean streets, well-maintained public spaces and functioning waste systems.

Limited 24/7 options; some late minimarts and rotating late-night pharmacy schedule. Food after hours mainly bars or fast food.

Main supermarkets include Mercadona, Carrefour, and Dia with international products. Local fresh markets like Mercado de Abastos offer produce and meats. Most supermarkets close Sundays and public holidays.

Card payments work in most shops and restaurants, but carry some cash for small markets or very small places.

ATMs are common at banks and shopping areas. Some banks charge fees for foreign cards, so check with your bank first.

Local public and private schools available. For international schooling, families often choose Madrid nearby which offers English-speaking options.

Small community with few dedicated nomad spaces. Meetups rare but some expat groups exist.

Good access to parks and river paths for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Good running paths along Henares River and city parks. Runners generally safe with occasional events.

Several gyms with various facilities and classes.

Courts available at courts and clubs with booking and some equipment rentals.

Padel courts and clubs exist; memberships common but drop-in play is often allowed.

Yoga studios offer various styles; English-speaking instructors may be limited.

Various dojos for judo, karate, taekwondo and some BJJ or Muay Thai. English-speaking instructors limited.

No ski resorts in the city; nearest are over an hour away near Madrid.

Limited water sports on nearby reservoirs, like kayaking and paddleboarding, depending on the season and operator availability.

Inland city; no surfing spots.

No coastal access, so no diving.

Public hospital Hospital Universitario de Guadalajara provides good care. Private clinics offer quicker appointments and some English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are easy to find, marked by green crosses.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Guadalajara.

Several playgrounds and parks like Parque de la Concordia are good for kids. Attractions like Palacio del Infantado suit families.

Generally accepting city aligning with Spain’s LGBTQ+ friendly culture. Local groups exist but no major events.

Pet-friendly city with parks, vets, and pet stores. Some restaurants allow pets on terraces.