One of my favorite neighborhoods in Mexico City is Coyoacán. With its leafy parks and laid-back vibe, this area feels like a world of its own within the hustle and bustle of the capital. Coyoacán has always had a creative, bohemian spirit, attracting artists, writers, and political figures, including the iconic Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Their famous Casa Azul remains one of the neighborhood’s must-visits. Coyoacán is perfect for a slow stroll, discovering great restaurants, exploring the local market, and capturing the charm on camera. Curious? In this article, I’ll share the best things to do and see in Coyoacán, including highlights, tours and restaurants. .
Planning to visit Coyoacán, or already there and curious about what to see and do? In this Coyoacán guide, I’ll take you along to some of the neighborhood’s most interesting sights, things to do, as well as favorite spots to eat, drink, and shop. Head out early, and you’ll be able to experience most highlights in just one day.
One of the most famous things to do in Coyoacán, Mexico City, is to visit La Casa Azul, the blue house and former home of Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera. Today, it’s a museum dedicated to Frida’s life and work. Not only is it a beautiful property with lush gardens, fountains, and deep blue walls, you’ll also get to explore her preserved living and working spaces. You can see the mirror above her bed from which she painted, and admire personal items and original artworks throughout the house.
La Casa Azul is one of Mexico City’s most visited museums, so tickets often sell out well in advance. Make sure to book your entry and timeslot beforehand.
One of the best things to do in Coyoacán is explore the local market. At El Mercado de Coyoacán, you’ll be surrounded by colors, scents, and the bustle of everyday Mexican life. Expect a vibrant mix of locals and visitors, and be sure to try typical snacks like tostadas, tacos, and churros. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, sample tarantulas, scorpions or ant-flavored spices.
Plaza Jardín Hidalgo and Jardín Centenario are two central squares that are always buzzing with life. Just like the locals, find a bench and soak in the atmosphere as daily life unfolds around you. On weekends, these plazas come alive with street food stalls, balloon sellers and live music.
For incredible cuisine from the Oaxaca region, head to Corazón de Maguey or Los Danzantes, both located near Parque Centenario. You’ll want to try everything on the menu here. Be sure not to miss the mole, the rich and complex sauce that Oaxaca is famous for.
Want to dive deeper into Coyoacán and discover some hidden spots and things to do? There are great guided tours. It is als possible to combine a neighbourhood tour with a visit to Xochimilco, a great way to experience a different side of Mexico City.
Street art is everywhere in Coyoacán, and you’ll spot several tributes to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera throughout the neighborhood. Be sure to wander into the side streets as well, that’s where some of the best hidden murals are found. For more info and exact locations, check the Street Art Cities website.
In the mood for a great cup of coffee? Café El Jarocho has been a favorite with locals since the 1950s. It often gets busy, but that’s all part of the charm.
One of my favorite spots in Coyoacán is the Museo Nacional de las Culturas Populares. This small museum gives insight into Mexican identity through music, clothing, textiles, contemporary art and traditional crafts. It’s not huge, expect one main exhibition space and a few smaller galleries, but it’s a lovely place to drop in for a quick cultural break.
You’ll come across plenty of lovely plazas in Coyoacán. Two of the prettiest are Plaza de la Conchita and Parque Santa Catarina, known for their yellow churches and trees. Stop by for a photo, or take a break on one of the shaded benches.
Coyoacán is easy to explore on foot, but one of the fun things to do if you’re looking for a different way to see the neighborhood’s main sights, is to hop aboard the bright red tourist tram. Tours depart daily from the San Juan Bautista Church and, for around 150 pesos, you’ll get a 45-minute introduction to this charming district.
No visit to Coyoacán is complete without seeing the San Juan Bautista Church, one of the neighborhood’s most iconic landmarks. Located right on Plaza Hidalgo, this baroque church is one of the oldest in all of Latin America.
Just outside Coyoacán lies the Anahuacalli Museum, a temple-like building designed by Diego Rivera himself. Inside, you’ll find his vast collection of pre-Columbian art, alongside murals, sculptures and rotating exhibitions. The museum is set in a lush ecological zone, often called the lungs of southern Mexico City, and offers a peaceful contrast to the busier Frida Kahlo Museum. It’s just a 15-minute drive south of Coyoacán and reserving ahead is still a good idea.
A lovely spot to wander is the Mercado Artesanal Mexicano, where you’ll find hand-crafted goods like clothing, scarves, bags and rugs. It’s a great place to pick up a nice souvenir while supporting local artisans.
A 15-minute walk from central Coyoacán brings you to Cineteca Nacional, a sleek cultural complex that’s worth a visit for its architecture alone. Inside, you’ll find film history exhibitions and a rotating schedule of independent films and documentaries. Entry to the building is free, and the vibe is creative and laid-back.
One of the prettiest streets in this part of Mexico City is Avenida Francisco Sosa, lined with beautiful homes. For crafts and local delicacies, pop into Fuerza Mitica Bazar at number 171, a tiny market full of flavor and creativity.
One of the things to do if you are interested in history is to visit the Leon Trotsky Museum, the former home of the Russian revolutionary who fled the Soviet Union and lived here under increasing threat, until his assassination. The rooms remain as they were, including the study where the fatal attack took place. With its preserved interiors and tranquil garden, it’s a fascinating and personal look into early 20th-century Mexico. During this tour you’ll visit the Museo Leon Trotsky.
Just outside the heart of Coyoacán you’ll find Ciudad Universitaria, the vast campus of UNAM, one of the largest universities and interesting things to do in Latin America, with over 1,000 buildings and countless libraries. The highlight is the Central Library, whose entire façade is covered in murals that tell the story of Mexico’s culture and history.
The campus also houses galleries, a concert hall, theatre, stadium, and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MUAC), built on volcanic rock from the Xitle eruption. The botanical garden is well worth a visit too, though it’s best reached by Uber as it lies further out. Ciudad Universitaria is a 15-minute drive from Coyoacán, and the nearest metro station is Copilco. You can book a great tour where you’ll learn everything about art and murals here.
Have extra time after exploring Coyoacán? Head over to San Ángel, a neighbouring district known for its bohemian charm, cobblestone streets, leafy plazas, and a handful of stylish shops, cafés, and restaurants. It’s especially lively on weekends, when the famous design market takes over the square. Coyoacán and San Ángel make a great day-trip combo. Curious about what to do in San Ángel? You’ll find all my tips in the next article.
Personally, I just love spending a day in Coyoacan, wandering the streets, grabbing a drink, and soaking up the laid-back vibe. If you decide to stay overnight in Coyoacán, just keep in mind that you’ll be a bit farther from the city center.
Coyoacán is located in the southern part of Mexico City and is easily accessible by metro just get off at Coyoacán station. You can also hop in a taxi or Uber for a more direct route. A visit to Coyoacán is easy to combine with the sights of the nearby San Ángel neighborhood. You can walk there in just under half an hour.
Mexico City is a fascinating metropolis where ancient traditions meet modern culture. You can spend days exploring its Its neighbourhoods, each with its own unique atmosphere. Want to get the most out of your visit? Don’t miss my full article with all my tips for what to do and see in Mexico City.
Did you enjoy reading this guide about things to do and see in Coyacan in Mexico City? Have a look in the next Mexico travel guides as well.
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Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
