Sight guide · Guadalajara · Mexico
Visiting Palacio de Gobierno
The baroque state government palace on the Plaza de Armas is where Miguel Hidalgo decreed the abolition of slavery in 1810.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Isacdaavid, CC BY-SA 4.0
.jpg){kind=link}
Quick answer
Palacio de Gobierno is a palace in Centro Histórico, Guadalajara. Allow 30–45 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Palace
- Area
- Centro Histórico
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- art, history, free and rainy day
- Best months
- June–August
About Palacio de Gobierno
The baroque state government palace on the Plaza de Armas is where Miguel Hidalgo decreed the abolition of slavery in 1810. Orozco's mural of Hidalgo, torch raised over a scene of struggle, fills the main staircase, and a second Orozco mural decorates the former congress chamber upstairs.
Tip: Climb to the top of the staircase and look back down; the mural is designed to be seen from below and above.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 30–45 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Centro Histórico, cathedral plazas, murals and the big covered market.
Best time to visit Palacio de Gobierno
Palacio de Gobierno is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- July: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 21 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- August: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 19 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- June: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 14 rainy days, quiet crowds.
When to visit Guadalajara has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Guadalajara itinerary visits Palacio de Gobierno on day 2, together with Teatro Degollado, Plaza Tapatía and Tlaquepaque and El Parián.
- No. 5 of the 18 sights in our Guadalajara things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Guadalajara.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Guadalajara.
Near Palacio de Gobierno
Also in Centro Histórico, so you can walk between them:
- Hospicio Cabañas — 1.5–2 hours, low cost
- Teatro Degollado — 1–2 hours, mid-priced
- Guadalajara Cathedral — 45 minutes, free
If you like Palacio de Gobierno
- Tlaquepaque and El Parián — Tlaquepaque, Half a day
- Tonalá street market — Tonalá, Half a day
- Basílica de Zapopan — Zapopan and Andares, 1 hour
Staying near Palacio de Gobierno
Stay in Centro Histórico ($$) to walk here: cathedral plazas, murals and the big covered market. All areas to stay in Guadalajara.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Palacio de Gobierno?
Plan 30–45 minutes. With Hospicio Cabañas nearby, it fits a half-day in Centro Histórico.
+Is Palacio de Gobierno free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Palacio de Gobierno?
June–August, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Climb to the top of the staircase and look back down; the mural is designed to be seen from below and above.
+Do I need to book Palacio de Gobierno in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.