Exploring Coyoacán and Chapultepec: A Self-Guided Tour with Tips for Getting Around
Get ready to discover the vibrant and artistic side of Mexico City with this DIY walking tour. From the colorful and bustling Mercado de Coyoacan to the artistic haven of Museo Frida Kahlo, this itinerary will take you through some of the city’s most inspiring and iconic spots. Take in the local street art scene, relax at the charming Plaza Jardin Hidalgo, and stroll through the lush greenery of Bosque de Chapultepec. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this walking tour will show you a new side of Mexico City.
Due to the longer walking distances, we recommend using either the metro or Uber for this tour.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Mercado de Coyoacan
We begin our exploration of Mexico City by visiting the bustling Coyoacan market. The Mercado de Coyoacan is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a wide variety of handmade products and food items. Housed in a large hall, the market’s interior is a veritable labyrinth of stalls and shops, where one can easily get lost while browsing through the small lanes and discovering a plethora of products ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to spices, different varieties of chili, and other handicrafts and trinkets.
Whether you start your day here or visit this place around any other time of the day: the number of restaurants and food stalls offers something cheap to eat at every time of the day.
This is also a good place to get the national dish “Chile en Nogada”, if you visit around August/September.
Chile en Nogada is a traditional Mexican dish that is typically served during the months of August and September. It consists of a roasted poblano pepper filled with a mixture of ground meat, fruits, and spices, topped with a creamy walnut sauce (nogada) and garnished with pomegranate seeds and parsley. The dish is known for its patriotic colors of green, white, and red, which are said to represent the Mexican flag. It’s a delicious and unique dish that is well worth trying if you have the opportunity.
Opening hours Mercado de Coyoacan: Monday – Sundays, 10 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.
Museo Frida Kahlo
The Museo Frida Kahlo is a must-visit destination in Mexico City and is in the Coyoacán neighborhood. The museum, also known as The Casa Azul, displays various paintings, photographs, art objects, and personal items of the famous Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The Casa Azul, painted in a bright blue color, is easily recognizable and can be found by following the long lines of visitors waiting to enter. The museum’s colorful and beautifully planted courtyard is a highlight of the visit. You don’t have to be an avid fan of Frida and Diego’s art to enjoy the museum, as it also offers a glimpse into Mexican architecture and life in the mid-20th century.
Admission Fee Museo Frida Kahlo: 250 Pesos (12€)
Opening hours Museo Frida Kahlo: Tuesday – Sundays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday closed.
Plaza Jardin Hidalgo
When visiting the Museo Frida Kahlo, make sure to also explore the surrounding neighborhood a little bit. About 750 meters south from the museum, you will find the Plaza Jardin Hidalgo.
It is one of the typical Mexican central places (=Zócalo), which functions as place for gathering and celebrating. Those plazas usually have a so called “kiosk” in the middle of it, which serves as a stage for musicians and dancers – especially in the evenings you will usually find small shows displayed there. When wandering through the park you will find many sculptures, nicely planted flowerbeds and fountains. One of those fountains is the Fountain of the Coyotes, which is located in the middle of the park.
The fountain features two bronze coyotes, which are referring to the origin of the neighborhoods name (Aztec = “Land of the Coyotes”).
Street Art
Coyoacán is also known for its vibrant street art scene. Many walls and buildings in the neighborhood are adorned with colorful murals and graffiti, created by local and international artists. Some of the artworks reflect social and political issues, while others are simply beautiful and playful. Walking around the streets of Coyoacán, you are sure to stumble upon some amazing street art.
Bosque de Chapultepec
Our next destination is the Bosque de Chapultepec, which can be reached by taking the metro or an Uber to the Chapultepec station. From there, we will head to the east gate of the park, where the visitor center is located. Take some time to wander through the park and enjoy the green oasis it offers in the heart of the city. As the largest park in Mexico City, the Bosque de Chapultepec is a popular destination for locals seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
There are many things to discover in the park, but a must-see is the Castillo de Chapultepec, situated in the middle of the eastern part of the park. Sitting atop a small hill, the castle offers stunning views of the park and the adjacent lake.
Besides that, don’t miss the view of Paseo Reforma from Castillo de Chapultepec – the way the high-rising buildings form a corridor for the street is a great photo opportunity.
All over the park, you will find different museums, such as the
- Museo Nacional de Historia (Castillo de Chapultepec)
- Museo Nacional de Antropología
- Museo de Arte Moderno and
- Museo de Historia Natural
If the weather is good, I would recommend strolling through the park, having a little picnic, and enjoying the environment.
Find inspiration for a more extensive visit to Mexico City, including day trips to the surrounding areas, by reading the last part of the MXS series: Day Trips from Mexico City .
