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    7 Things to Do in Artsy-Craftsy San Angel, Mexico City

    By Mayra Carvajal

    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.

    Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through those links I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you (zero, nada). To check the full disclaimer, click here.

    These are the best things to do in San Angel, Mexico City

    A circular fountain from the 16th-17th century with glazed tiles, in a park with trees, with the text: "A guide to San Angel in Mexico City"
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    Table of Contents

    • Walk the Cobblestone Streets of San Angel and See Amazing Art and Crafts
    • Visit the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo House-Studio Museum
      • How to Get to Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo House-Studio Museum
    • Eat at San Angel Inn
    • Go to Plaza San Jacinto (and Enjoy the San Angel Saturday Bazaar)
    • Relax at La Bombilla Park
    • Visit the San Jacinto Church and ex-Monastery
    • Visit the El Carmen Church and Museum
      • 7 Unusual Things to Do in Mexico City: Off the Beaten Path
      • 15 Top Relaxing Things to Do in Mexico City: Gardens, Parks and Walks
      • 15 Best Things to Do in Coyoacan, Mexico City

    Walk the Cobblestone Streets of San Angel and See Amazing Art and Crafts

    A cobblestone street in San Angel with yellow and burnt red two-storey houses in colonial style
    The streets of San Angel in Mexico City

    “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

    A 2-storey house with angled large windows on the 2nd floor on the right and a blue house in the shape of a box on the left, painted in bright blue.
    The Diego Rivera & 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.

    An artist's studio (Diego Rivera) with a double height ceiling, large windows, skeletons on the walls, easels, paintings, and large figures made of papier maché.
    Diego’s studio, with large windows, tall ceilings (and skeletons!)

    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.

    A collection of big papier mache fantastical figures and traditional toys hanging from the ceiling, skeletons on chairs, in front of a giant window
    “Judas”, toys, skeletons, and more

    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 single bed with a blue cover in a bedroom with short curtains and high windows and a green night table on the side
    Diego Rivera’s bedroom
    An old metal and wood office desk with a green shelving unit at the back with pottery
    Diego Rivera’s office desk

    A bridge connects Diego’s studio with Frida’s studio, painted in blue.

    A rectangular 2-storey house painted in electric blue with red window mullions and rails
    Frida’s studio

    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)

    A round fountain in a square inside a park with mature trees
    Plaza San Jacinto

    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 a rating of 5/5 based on 5 reviews


    Relax at La Bombilla Park

    A long fountain in a park ending in a tall marble and stone monument
    The monument to Alvaro Obregon 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.

    A paved curved path in an urban park with tall trees and manicured gardens
    The beautiful paths
    Mayra posing inside a sign with the letters CDMX
    The CDMX sign was calling me!

    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

    The main altar of a church at the end of a row of tall arches
    San Jacinto Church

    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.

    A manicured formal garden with topiaries, a green wall, and a sculpture and stone floor.
    The peaceful gardens of the church

    Visit the El Carmen Church and Museum

    A golden ornate main altar in a church with a decorated painted ceiling
    El Carmen Church

    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.

    A painted dome in El Carmen Church, decorated with ribbon like motifs
    Hand painted details on the dome and around the windows
    A detailed railing in an upper level inside a church with a decorated ceiling
    The pretty railings

    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.


    YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO READ

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    7 Unusual Things to Do in Mexico City: Off the Beaten Path

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    15 Top Relaxing Things to Do in Mexico City: Gardens, Parks and Walks

    A garden in an urban park with the letters "Coyoacan"

    15 Best Things to Do in Coyoacan, Mexico City


    BOOKING FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS

    Book your flight without losing your shirt

    We check Momondo to find great deals to book our flights. Also, check Great Escape: it combines the listings from Expedia, Kiwi, Kayak, (and Skyscanner on the premium service) to find the best airfares.

    To find a place to stay for less

    Booking.com: you’ll find any type of property you can think of in their massive listing, with one of the most comprehensive filters. We’ve found great deals on boutique hotels, apartments, and private rooms in hostels.

    Hotwire: the first site I check when we plan to stay at a hotel for a few nights. You can save anything from 20% to 60%.  Use the search filter to find what you want and you’ll end up with three listings that match your criteria. You’ll know which one you’ll get after you book. If you can handle a little bit of uncertainty you can score big savings.

    House Sitting: you take care of people’s pets and house for free while staying for free. It’s the closest thing to experiencing a place “like a local”. But it comes with responsibilities… Are you an animal lover? It may become your new way to travel.

    To get travel insurance

    SafetyWing: travel medical insurance that gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re covered in case of emergency. It’s convenient, affordable, and suitable for digital nomads who spend a long time outside their home country.

    Check the full list of travel resources on my Resource Page for more options and savings

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    About Mayra Carvajal

    Hi, I’m Mayra. A full-time nomad with an appetite for travelling. Art and design are my salt and pepper, with a side order of nature and outdoors. When I’m not gazing at architecture or any other form of art, you’ll see me on a hiking trail, at the top of an ancient ruin, or under a beach umbrella. Here you’ll find practical tips for independent trips, travel stories, and images that may inspire you to explore a new place or high-five your creative muse. Read my About page if you want to learn more about how this site can help you travel more.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Maryanne

      August 6, 2023 at 7:58 AM

      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!

      • Mayra Carvajal

        August 8, 2023 at 12:50 PM

        Thanks for reading! If possible, go on a Saturday so you can catch the San Angel Bazaar. 🙂

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