Once a separate town, the leafy colonial neighborhood known as Coyoacán has long been absorbed into the city at large, but retains a separate, old-fashioned air that’s impossible to resist. Restaurants and ice cream parlors (plus some venerable, divey cantinas) cluster around the quarter’s two central plazas that fill daily with strolling families, bootblacks, balloon sellers, and organ grinders. Feeling noshy? Locals swear by the esquites (stewed and seasoned corn kernels) on offer at a street stall next to the Sanborns store, right on Plaza del Centenario. A walk down Calle Francisco Sosa takes you past some of the city’s most valuable (often colonial-era) residences and ends at adorable Plaza Santa Catarina, with its petite parish church and a handful of friendly watering holes when it’s time for a drink or a snack.
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Coyoacán
When in Mexico City, Coyoacán is a must-see: a magical and bohemian neighborhood filled with colorful facades, great restaurants, markets, cultural performances, museums, and amazing people. Some of its famous residents were Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Go to the main square, Plaza Hidalgo. You can wander around the streets, go inside the mercado de artesanías and the food markets, or just sit around the plaza, relax, and enjoy the view. You could swear you’re not in a big city!
The Streets of Coyoacan in Mexico City
After I told a friend about wanting to travel to Mexico City, he said I had to check out this place called Coyoacan. This residential neighborhood is where the Frida Kahlo museum is located (look for a blue house) and many present artists live. I hired a taxi driver for the afternoon (for only $12/hour) and had him drop me off right in front of the museum. I then walked the streets photographing all the colorful residential architecture. This was the major highlight of my entire Mexico City trip! It takes about 20 minutes by car from historic Mexico City, so I would advise hiring a driver and then taking your time strolling the streets. You will find many great boutique stores and cafes in Coyoacan.
