Is Guadalajara Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Guadalajara is moderately safe for solo female travelers. As with any other city, the level of safety can greatly depend on the area. Some neighborhoods are much safer than others. General safety measures include avoiding deserted and poorly lit areas at night, not displaying valuables, and using known and reliable taxi services. Although locals are generally friendly and crime rates are lower compared to some other cities in Mexico, incidents of pickpocketing and bag snatching can happen, especially in crowded areas. Therefore, it is important to always remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

Safety rating

3.2 /5

Based on 1 experience

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Unsafe

Guadalajara, like many large cities, has areas that are safe and others that are not. It is particularly advised to avoid walking alone at night, regardless of the neighborhood, for personal safety reasons, especially for solo female travelers. It is always best to use a trusted taxi service or Uber when traveling at night. Do not showcase valuable items and always maintain vigilance of your surroundings.

Public transportation: Moderate

Public transportation in Guadalajara is generally reliable and provides access to many parts of the city. However, crowded buses and metros can be prone to pickpocketing incidents, especially during rush hour. Try to remain cautious and aware of your belongings at all times. It's also worthwhile to note that services can be understaffed and may not run on time. Thus, when traveling particularly late at night, it may be safer to opt for a cab or a reliable ride-hail service.

Street harassment: Moderate

While Guadalajara is generally considered safe, it's also not uncommon for solo female travelers to experience some forms of street harassment like catcalling or unsolicited attention from local men. However, this typically is not aggressive or threatening, and simply ignoring the behavior usually works. As always, staying alert and following general safety measures can help to circumnavigate these situations.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Guadalajara is generally safe, but like many large cities, a moderate degree of caution is advised due to instances of pickpocketing and purse-snatching, particularly in crowded places like markets and public transport. Always remain aware of your surroundings and secure your belongings.

Tap water:Unsafe

In general, tap water in Guadalajara, isn't considered safe to drink. The local population often relies on bottled water. The city's water treatment processes can vary drastically and tap water can contain pathogens and bacteria not safe for consumption. Even locals often choose to filter or treat their tap water before drinking. Risk of illness increases if consumed directly. However, it is perfectly fine to use for showering, brushing teeth, and cleaning.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

3.2 /5

based on 1 experience

Rating summary

Things to do

3.2/5

Safety

3.2/5

Food

3.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5

Solo travel experience

A fun and interesting place to visit, delicious food, a great variety of nightlife, beautiful views, the people are quite friendly, there are many affordable accommodation options, it is a big city.

Posted: June 7, 2023Experienced: June, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Guadalajara

Eugenia

Eugenia

Speaking

About Me

I am a young Mexican girl looking for ways of exploring the world. I like to travel slowly and visit more than just the capital of any country I go to. I really enjoy backpacking, traveling in a simple way.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇩 Andorra, 🇫🇷 France, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal

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Denisse

Denisse

Speaking

About Me

I'm from Costa Rica but I'm a mexican resident living in Guadalajara. I'm a Writer and a student about to finish my diploma in Voice Acting diploma. I have a golden retriever named Waffle. I love movies and all related to that art. I'm working on finishing my first novel and starting a podcast.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇨🇷 Costa Rica, 🇲🇽 Mexico

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Alejandra

Alejandra

Speaking

About Me

I’m a 29 years old digital nomad living my last six months in Mexico before going on an adventure again. I’ve been on South America and want to keep traveling more.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇲🇽 Mexico

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Stay with locals in Guadalajara

Alejandra

Alejandra

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

I’m a 29 years old digital nomad living my last six months in Mexico before going on an adventure again. I’ve been on South America and want to keep traveling more.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇲🇽 Mexico

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Eugenia

Eugenia

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

I am a young Mexican girl looking for ways of exploring the world. I like to travel slowly and visit more than just the capital of any country I go to. I really enjoy backpacking, traveling in a simple way.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇩 Andorra, 🇫🇷 France, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal

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Denisse

Denisse

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

I'm from Costa Rica but I'm a mexican resident living in Guadalajara. I'm a Writer and a student about to finish my diploma in Voice Acting diploma. I have a golden retriever named Waffle. I love movies and all related to that art. I'm working on finishing my first novel and starting a podcast.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇨🇷 Costa Rica, 🇲🇽 Mexico

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Upcoming visitors to Guadalajara

Necool

Necool

Speaking

About Me

I’m at that moment in my life that I want to see and feel all the versions of myself. I’ve traveled, I owned my own business. I’ve been a general manager for a very long time running hotels or or businesses. I’m social and love to meet people and chat it up. I’m a hopeless, romantic that falls deep in love and can’t unlove who matters but also I am so strong and independent and loves my alone time. Reset my energy and balance out my give and take. I love people who understands that my love language changes as the world changes as I change and how life is a journey filled with self growth, and you’ll never stop learning about yourself or figuring stuff out so just told myself to “Let it Be” & keep going cause life is always beginning another chapter. It’s never too late to try new things and go on adventures and it’s never a bad thing to take time for stability when you need it. Don’t worry so much. Asi la es vida

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇿 Belize, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇫🇷 France, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States

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Nk

Nk

Speaking

About Me

Hey!, My name is Nk and I'm interested in animals, art, books, boozing, culture, dancing, events & social, food & cuisine, games, health, languages, live music, sightseeing, solo travel, sunbathing and swimming

Countries I’ve Visited

🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇵🇹 Portugal

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Safety in Mexico