Coyoacán Mexico City: 18 Must-Do Experiences for Slow Travelers
Most tourists who visit Mexico City for just a few days explore the historic center and spend a few hours getting to know one iconic neighborhood: Coyoacán.
After four stays in the Mexican capital, I’ve already lost count of how many times I’ve visited this unique neighborhood. I even had the chance to stay there for a while.
Although I’m not a local, I’ve had the opportunity to explore it far beyond the typical tourist attractions, so in this article, I’ll share with you a slightly different way to experience Coyoacán Mexico City.
From must-see spots to hidden gems, here are 18 experiences you can’t miss.
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Plan Your Visit to Coyoacán in Just a Few Seconds!
In a rush to plan your trip? This mini-guide has all the essentials you need!
WHERE TO SLEEP?
- Living (very affordable rooms)
- La Casa del Naranjo (an apartment in the heart of the neighborhood)
WHERE TO EAT?
- Coyoacán Market (famous for its shrimp cocktails)
- Los Danzantes (perfect for a romantic dinner)
- Churrería General República (delicious stuffed churros)
THINGS TO DO:
- Join a free walking tour
- Visit Frida Kahlo’s Blue House
- Relax in Jardín del Centenario
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VISIT COYOACÁN MEXICO CITY
- Visit the Church of San Juan Bautista
- Admire Plaza Jardín Hidalgo
- Relax in Jardín del Centenario
- Visit the Blue House – Frida Kahlo Museum
- Shop at Coyoacán Market
- Explore the Museo León Trotsky
- Walk through the neighborhood streets
- Stroll through Jardín Allende
- Admire the Chapel of San Antonio de Padua
- Visit the Fonoteca Nacional
- Walk along Avenida Francisco Sosa
- Take a break at Plaza Santa Catarina
- Relax in Plaza de la Conchita
- Breathe in Parque Los Viveros
- Discover the Museo Anahuacalli
- Stroll through Parque Frida Kahlo
- Wander around Los Reyes area
- Get a chill at Callejón del Aguacate
Coyoacán in a nutshell
Located in the south of the city, about 10 km from the historic center, Coyoacán is a neighborhood that is impossible to miss during a stay in the capital.
It covers an area of approximately 54 km² and delights visitors with its cobblestone streets, lively squares, and bohemian atmosphere.
Historically, Coyoacán was a pre-Hispanic town, giving it a rich cultural heritage that blends indigenous traditions with colonial influences.
Today, travelers from all over the world come to admire its colorful houses and artisanal markets.
The neighborhood is especially known for having been a vibrant artistic, political, and intellectual center. In fact, it was home to figures such as Frida Kahlo, Léon Trotski and Diego Rivera.
Are you planning a trip to Mexico? Don’t miss my articles on 25 things to do in Oaxaca, the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Escondido, or what to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Visit Coyoacán Mexico City
Coyoacán is a neighborhood much loved by tourists and is undoubtedly full of treasures to discover. If you’re a traveler with limited time, the first seven places on this list will give you a good sense of its atmosphere.
On the other hand, if you’re a slow traveler, take your time to wander through the neighborhood and explore these places at your own pace.
1) Visit the Church of San Juan Bautista
It’s impossible to miss this church, located in the heart of Coyoacán Mexico City. Its colonial architecture, understated yet majestic, houses ancient frescoes that offer a glimpse into Mexico’s religious heritage.
Built from the 16th century by the Franciscans and Dominicans, it has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries. Inside, the Baroque style is evident, with altars covered in gold leaf, creating a serene atmosphere that invites contemplation.
📍 Parque Centenario 8
🕒 Monday to Sunday, 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
2) Admire Plaza Jardín Hidalgo
Right next to the church, this garden square is surrounded by cafés and historic buildings. It’s the perfect place to sit and watch the comings and goings of people.
In the center, the letters spelling Coyoacán catch everyone’s eye, stealing the spotlight from the beautiful music kiosk. It’s one of the main meeting points for both tourists and locals.
3) Relax in Jardín del Centenario
From the plaza, you just need to cross the street to reach Jardín del Centenario. This green oasis is perfect for relaxing, but also for buying handcrafted jewelry from local artisans, getting a tarot reading, or experiencing a limpia, a traditional purification ritual.
In the center of the garden is the famous fountain created by Gabriel Ponzanelli, where two bronze coyotes serve as a reminder that the word Coyoacán means “the place of the coyotes” in Nahuatl.
4) Visit the Blue House – Frida Kahlo Museum
This is probably the most visited spot in the neighborhood and a must-see for all admirers of Frida Kahlo.
Here, visitors can explore every room of the Blue House, where the artist was born, lived, and passed away.
You’ll find a collection of her artwork, as well as personal items that belonged to Frida and some of her creations, before reaching the lush garden.
Remember to plan your visit, as tickets sell out quickly!
📍 Calle Londres 247
🕒 Tuesday and Thursday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
5) Shop at Coyoacán Market
Located in the heart of the neighborhood, the fresh produce stalls are becoming increasingly rare, making way for restaurants, although locals still go there to shop.
For tourists, it’s the perfect place to discover local crafts and cuisine. I also recommend having lunch here. The specialty is the shrimp cocktail, although personally, I prefer the quesadillas.
📍 Ignacio Allende
🕒 Every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
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6) Explore the Museo León Trotsky
Another must-visit spot in the neighborhood is the León Trotsky House-Museum, which reconstructs the life of the exiled political figure and his role in world history. He lived there from 1939 until his death.
Visitors can discover various personal belongings while learning more about his life as a revolutionary.
📍 Av. Río Churubusco 410
🕒 Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
7) Walk through the neighborhood streets
Finally, with its tranquility and beautiful colorful façades, Coyoacán invites visitors to wander and discover true wonders along its streets.
Take advantage of this, as it’s a safe area where it’s practically impossible to get lost if you stay near the main tourist spots. If you decide to venture a bit further, keep in mind that the neighborhood is quite large, so don’t hesitate to consult Google Maps.
8) Stroll through Jardín Allende
In front of the market, there is a small square that fills every day with local artists selling their paintings.
9) Admire the Chapel of San Antonio de Padua
This 17th-century chapel, in Baroque style, was for a long time the main entrance to the neighborhood.
It is located right next to a charming stone bridge in Altillo that crosses the Río Magdalena. A truly picturesque spot!
📍 Av. Universidad 1686
ALSO READ: How to Visit the Basílica de Guadalupe?
10) Visit the Fonoteca Nacional
The historic building that hosted Nobel Prize in Literature winner Octavio Paz houses the center dedicated to Mexican sound archives and music. The Fonoteca features numerous documents: official speeches, radio dramas, interviews, and more.
It also has a small park with several trees and an audio system that allows visitors to enjoy the space with music. A sound garden to experience the neighborhood in a different way!
📍 Av. Francisco Sosa 383
🕒 Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
11) Walk along Avenida Francisco Sosa
This picturesque street, which connects several small historic areas, is perfect for a stroll.
Slow travelers can admire colonial-era houses, meet artisans in art galleries, and stop by local cafés.
12) Take a break at Plaza Santa Catarina
Surely one of my favorite spots in Coyoacán! This quiet square stands out with its completely yellow church.
The church was looted during the Reform War and the Cristero War, but its exterior remains well-preserved. Inside, there aren’t many valuable objects left, except for a 17th-century painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe and a 16th-century statue of Saint Catherine of Siena, among others.
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13) Relax in Plaza de la Conchita
This square, little known to tourists, is a haven for locals who come to sit and rest under the shade of the trees or chat with friends.
Here stands the oldest Christian building in New Spain, making it a place of great historical significance.
Built in the 16th century on a Toltec ceremonial site, this small church hosted one of the first masses in the region. With a tequitqui style, it showcases a combination of Baroque architecture and Indigenous elements.
14) Breathe in Parque Los Viveros
A 39-hectare green space perfect for connecting with nature in the very heart of the city. Slow travelers can take a break here to admire the local flora or watch the fearless squirrels darting around in the shade of the trees.
Around twenty tree species are cultivated in this nursery for afforestation and reforestation projects across different parts of the capital.
📍 Viveros de Coyoacán
🕒 Monday to Sunday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
15) Discover the Museo Anahuacalli
This unique museum is also worth a visit if you want to learn more about the country. Designed by Diego Rivera, this building, made of black volcanic stone, stands out for its striking appearance.
Inside, visitors can explore his collection of pre-Hispanic art, featuring numerous artifacts from civilizations such as the Teotihuacan, Olmec, and Toltec cultures.
Approximately 2,500 pieces of folk art from different regions of the country, as well as 16 Diego Rivera mural sketches, are also on display.
📍 Museo 150
🕒 Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM
16) Stroll through Parque Frida Kahlo
This public park, opened in 1984, is a small, peaceful green space where locals come to recharge.
As its name suggests, it pays tribute to the famous Mexican artist, featuring two sculptures: one with her husband Diego Rivera and another of her sitting on a teocalli.
They were created by artist Gabriel Ponzanelli, who lived for a month in Kahlo’s house when he was 8 years old.
📍 Fernández Leal
🕒 Monday to Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
17) Wander around Los Reyes area
I was lucky enough to stay in this traditional and authentic neighborhood that almost no tourist knows about. I recommend wandering aimlessly through its charming streets and simply enjoying the present moment, admiring its cobblestone roads, façades, and monuments.
Los Reyes is one of the oldest communities in Coyoacán, and its parish dedicated to the Three Wise Men is the area’s undisputed gem.
18) Get a chill at Callejón del Aguacate
El Callejón del Aguacate is a picturesque alley in Coyoacán Mexico City that also draws tourists in search of thrills.
In fact, behind its peaceful charm, it has quite a chilling reputation. It’s said that supernatural phenomena are rather common there.
READ NEXT: How to Visit Chapultepec Castle?
How to get to Coyoacán?
Wherever you are in Mexico City, it’s very easy to get to Coyoacán, whether by public transportation or more private options. Here’s everything you need to know:
🚌 By public transportation
- From Miguel Ángel de Quevedo metro station, walk along Avenida Universidad until you reach Francisco Sosa Street.
- From Viveros metro station, take Progreso Street toward Avenida Universidad to catch bus 34 toward General Anaya. This bus stops in the center of Coyoacán.
- The Coyoacán metro station is quite far from the historic center. From there, you’ll need to walk or take one of the purple-and-white buses that run along Avenida Universidad.
🚕 By taxi or Uber
The travel time will depend on your starting point, but keep in mind that traffic can make the trip significantly longer.
If you choose a taxi, look for white cars with pink stripes: like in many other cities, you just need to raise your hand to hail one.
From a bus terminal, follow the signs for “taxis seguros” (secure taxis), pay for your trip at the ticket counter, and then head to your vehicle as directed.
Uber is also available and works very well—it’s an option I highly recommend for its convenience!
🚶♀️By guided tour
If you’d rather not go on your own, either because you’re afraid of getting lost or you don’t feel confident with your Spanish, a guided tour is a great option.
In fact, some tours, like this one, include transportation and let you discover the main attractions.
Where to stay in Coyoacán?
The neighborhood of Coyoacán is actually much larger than most tourists think.
If, like me, you have time to travel and enjoy immersing yourself in local daily life, I recommend venturing away from the more touristy area and, why not, staying with a Mexican family!
For everyone else, the best option is to stay close to the main tourist attractions, which will also save you a lot of time—perfect if you only have a few days in the neighborhood.
Here’s my brief selection of places to stay in Coyoacán:
Where to eat in Coyoacán?
As in the rest of Mexico City, the food in Coyoacán is also delicious. From upscale restaurants to markets where you can grab a quick bite, there’s something for everyone. Here are my favorite spots to eat or have a coffee:
- Quesadillas Lucha: To eat among locals, I recommend this small stall located in the Coyoacán Market. Their fried quesadillas are delicious.
- Los Danzantes: This is a very well-known restaurant located in the heart of the neighborhood. It’s ideal for a romantic dinner, but be aware that prices are high.
- Coyotaco: I have a passion for tacos, and this small restaurant, far from the tourist area, is a hidden gem in my opinion.
- Churros General de la República: All the blogs will tell you to go to Churrería El Moro for churros. I recommend this very well-located, tasty, and less touristy churro shop instead.
Do you want to discover Coyoacán through its local cuisine? This tour lets you try traditional aguas frescas, tlacoyos, quesadillas, and the iconic taco al pastor. Book here!
Where to have coffee in Coyoacán?
More than anywhere else, coffee is a small institution in Coyoacán, ranging from traditional local cafés frequented by residents to trendy modern spots. Here are my top picks:
- Café La Victoria: My favorite! For coffee lovers, La Victoria is the perfect spot. Plus, since it’s quite far from the main tourist areas, few tourists venture there.
- Café El Jarocho: More than a classic, it’s an institution in the neighborhood. There are several locations in the area, all frequented by locals and tourists alike. This one is my favorite!
- Ocote café (y) cosas: If you want the atmosphere of the cafés you usually visit in your own city, this place is perfect, offering everything from matcha to flat whites. Go upstairs—there’s space to draw.
- El Café de los Sentidos: If you want to try a typically Mexican drink that’s hard to find elsewhere, I recommend this café, which serves excellent tascalate.
1-day itinerary in Coyoacán
I truly recommend staying in the neighborhood to feel its essence, but I understand that sometimes time is limited and you need to make the most of your visit.
Here’s a one-day itinerary in Coyoacán to see the essentials!
10:00 – Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to visit the different rooms and enjoy the garden. Don’t forget to book in advance so you don’t miss out!
12:00 – Plaza Jardín Hidalgo & Jardín del Centenario
Stroll through these always lively green spaces. Watch the street performers and sit on a bench to take in local life.
12:30 – Church of San Juan Bautista
It’s impossible not to visit this charming historic church. Take a moment to admire its frescoes and peaceful atmosphere.
13:00 – Lunch at the market
Choose one of the many market stalls to enjoy local delicacies surrounded by neighborhood residents.
14:30 – León Trotsky Museum
Discover the house where Leon Trotsky spent his final years. A true dive into 20th-century political history!
15:30 – Churro break
Sit down at a local churrería to enjoy crispy churros with a good coffee.
16:00 – Walk along Avenida Francisco Sosa
Stroll along this charming street lined with colorful houses, art galleries, and small cafés.
17:00 – Walk through Los Viveros
Slow down in this large park. Ideal for ending the day calmly, surrounded by greenery and watching the squirrels that won’t hesitate to approach you.
19:00 – Dinner at a restaurant
I recommend ending your day at one of the many lively restaurants in the neighborhood center, such as Los Danzantes.
Traveling responsibly in Coyoacán
If you’ve already visited my blog, you know that I always encourage exploring your destinations responsibly.
And this is even more true in a destination like Mexico City, which receives a growing number of tourists and is increasingly affected by gentrification.
So, to take the time to enjoy this bohemian neighborhood without disturbing its balance:
- Prioritize walking.
- Use public transportation instead of a car to limit your environmental impact.
- Support the local economy by buying souvenirs directly from artisans and choosing independent cafés instead of chains.
- Respect residents by avoiding loud noise late at night.
- Always ask before taking photos of people.
- Carry a reusable water bottle.
- Refuse single-use plastics.
- Dispose of your waste in the designated bins.
These are just a few examples of good practices!
What else to do in Mexico City?
Mexico City is one of my favorite cities, and I can only recommend exploring it slowly if possible. In fact, it’s an ideal destination for slow travelers.
It offers numerous fascinating attractions, from incredibly rich museums and breathtaking monuments to parks where you’ll never get bored.
But you have to make choices, so if you’re wondering what else to do in Mexico City, here’s a short list for a first visit:
- Discover the historic center.
- Try everything, from tacos al pastor to pozole, and of course, quesadillas.
- Visit the National History Museum and enjoy Chapultepec Park.
- Explore the Anthropology Museum.
- Be amazed at Teotihuacán.
FAQ
It’s a big yes from me!
- You’ll be able to learn more about Mexico’s cultural and political life.
- The neighborhood itself is beautiful, with charming churches and colorful houses!
Spend at least one day visiting the neighborhood, especially if you want to include a museum. If you really don’t have much time, half a day will give you a superficial but enjoyable glimpse.
In any case, I recommend spending two days here. And to truly learn more about the city, support local businesses, and simply enjoy this unique atmosphere, you can stay as long as you like.
In fact, the more you explore, the more hidden gems you’ll discover that only locals know about.
The neighborhood is very safe, even late at night. However, as everywhere, there is no such thing as zero risk, so always stay cautious!
I hope this article has helped you plan your visit to the Coyoacán neighborhood so you can explore it as a tourist while also discovering places mostly known to locals.
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