In the south side of Mexico City, west of the trendy area of Coyoacan, lies the artsy neighbourhood of San Angel. A popular hangout for artisans and painters where a walk along its art-filled streets will inspire you. The same inspiration that led Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo to open their studios and residence right here to create many of their masterpieces.
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These are the best things to do in San Angel, Mexico City
Table of Contents
Walk the Cobblestone Streets of San Angel and See Amazing Art and Crafts
“Walk all over me!” scream the cobblestone streets of San Angel, flanked by burnt red and mustard yellow walls that are pierced by big windows. Some, in colonial style, almost reach the floor, with beautiful arched doors to match.
Give yourself some time to explore San Angel on foot and discover lovely cafes, squares, and a never ending array of galleries with traditional arts and crafts where you’ll find high quality handicrafts from different regions of Mexico.
Visit the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo House-Studio Museum
Calling all fans of Diego Rivera’s work! Like me, you’ll be thinking “I’m in Diego’s studio, pinch me!” as you walk around the place where he created around 3,000 pieces of artwork while seeing some paintings he completed under this same roof.
Juan O’Gorman -the same architect who created the mural for the UNAM Central Library in Coyoacan– designed the two-storey structures completed in 1932, adding later a residential space.
Frida and Diego moved here in 1934, when they returned to Mexico after spending three years in the United States. Frida moved out in 1941, and Diego later died here in 1957.
Following the principles of functionalism, the design has simple forms that include an angled fenestration on the second level (on Diego’s side -painted red), with an orientation that lets in plenty of natural light.
The high ceilings allowed Rivera to work on his murals and the foldable windows facilitated its transportation.
Inside the double-height studio you’ll see the easels, brushes, and palettes he used to create his art. You’ll be surrounded by some of his work, such as the pencil sketches for the mural in the National Palace, mosaics, and many objects that tell you about his interests.
Some include a collection of traditional toys, popular art, furniture, arts and crafts from all over Mexico, lots of colourful skeletons, and huge cardboard and papier maché figures called Judas.
See where Diego counted sheep and where he took care of business, surrounded by his beloved pre-Hispanic pottery. You can find exhibits of Rivera’s work in other rooms of the house.
A bridge connects Diego’s studio with Frida’s studio, painted in blue.
Unfortunately, there’s barely any of Frida’s left here. The space is used for additional exhibits.
If you come here with the hope of seeing Frida’s stuff and you’re not into Diego’s, you’ll be disappointed. Frida’s fans will be happier at Casa Azul in Coyoacan.
I spent around 30 minutes here.
How to Get to Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo House-Studio Museum
From the Insurgentes Sur subway station (Line 12 (Beige)) walk one block north to the Felix Cuevas Metrobus stop where you’ll hop on Metrobus Line 1 (Red), heading south towards El Caminero.
This bus runs along Av. Insurgentes Sur. You’ll get off at La Bombilla stop and walk west for about 15 minutes
Diego Rivera, Colonia San Angel Inn; Open Tue. to Sun.: 10AM-6PM; General admission: MXN$45 (Free admission on Sunday)
Eat at San Angel Inn
Right across the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo House-Studio Museum you’ll find San Angel Inn, an upscale restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner under the roof of what used to be a hacienda in the 18th century.
In addition to the beautiful interiors with tall ceilings, wood beams, and iron chandeliers, you can enjoy the lush garden in the inner patio.
Diego Rivera 50, San Angel
Go to Plaza San Jacinto (and Enjoy the San Angel Saturday Bazaar)
Plaza San Jacinto is the main square in the heart of San Angel, with a fountain in the middle of tree-lined paths that radiate from the centre, and a second fountain in one corner.
You’ll find many galleries surrounding the place (I loved the Maria Bonita Gallery and all the lovely things they sell).
Wondering what San Angel is known for? Other than the Diego & Frida Studio, it’s known for the Saturday artisan market at Plaza San Jacinto, when the place is at its liveliest. Artisans take over the square and its vicinity offering their beautiful, hand-made pieces next to food stalls with local delicacies. You can spend half a day here browsing and having a bite to eat while walking up and down the cobblestone streets.
Madero 263, San Angel
Bonus tip: a stone throw away from Plaza San Jacinto you’ll find Plaza del Carmen, a smaller square with a cute fountain covered in what looks like talavera tiles and gardens with big trees where you can find artists working on their paintings. Right across the square you can grab something to eat at Mercado del Carmen.
You can take a half-day guided tour to walk around San Angel and learn about its history as you explore the famous Saturday market, El Carmen museum, and the beautiful surroundings.
Book this tour here, with 100% (4) 5-star reviews
Relax at La Bombilla Park
La Bombilla Park is a great choice to take a break between visits to museums, churches, and all the attractions in the south side of Mexico City.
The main feature of this small (but not that small) urban park is the big fountain in front of the big stone and marble monument with two big statues at the front: “Work” and “Fertility”. It’s dedicated to former Mexican president and revolutionary hero Alvaro Obregón, who was assassinated on this same spot in 1928.
Back then the place was full of tables and chairs as this was the site of a popular restaurant, where Obregon enjoyed his last meal.
La Bombilla Park has several paths surrounding manicured gardens with benches under the shade of many tall trees and a big CDMX sign where you can strike a pose.
You may run into some sort of festival during your visit as this is a common venue for events.
Closest subway station: Miguel Angel de Quevedo
Visit the San Jacinto Church and ex-Monastery
San Jacinto Church is one of the oldest churches in the country going back to the mid-16th century with the foundation of the San Jacinto monastery. The shining star is the ornate main altar in Churrigueresque style (a late Spanish Baroque).
The other star of the show is the church’s courtyard, a peaceful space with manicured gardens and sculptures.
Visit the El Carmen Church and Museum
El Carmen Church is another temple in San Angel that dates back to the 16th century, with an elaborate golden main altar in Churrigueresque style that has a niche on each side topped with a ghostly figure that seems to emerge from the wall ready to take off.
I loved the special details, such as the talavera tiles covering the lower walls, the hand painted ceiling dome, and the beautiful rail carving.
There is a museum next door, where a Carmelite convent used to be, with mummies, a great collection of sacred art, and gorgeous architecture from another era.
With cobblestone streets that take you through lovely squares and gardens and historic buildings, a visit to San Angel in Mexico City deserves a spot on your list. Save this post to plan your trip to this fascinating city.
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I am into arts so I really enjoyed this article. I feel like this would be an area I would like to visit and be very comfortable in. You have been very informative and your photos are great. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reading! If possible, go on a Saturday so you can catch the San Angel Bazaar. 🙂