Dead Simple Mexico City (Day 2)

So by now I’ve covered some basics and an itinerary for day one in Mexico City. If you have not read those articles, let me catch you up a bit:

This series is about visiting the most important sites in Mexico City in an easy itinerary, designed for the busy professional who may have a weekend or a few days off after business meetings.

I covered the basics in the first article, transportation, food, weather and how to navigate it.

In the second article I covered the gorgeous Chapultepec area.

And in this one I will be speaking of the traditional borough of Coyoacán.

Day 2 in Mexico City: Coyoacán

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Coyoacán is a very traditional area of Mexico City, incorporated into Mexico City in the 19^th century. It retains some of its 16^th and onward architecture which makes it a really beautiful place to visit.

Additionally, some pretty important figures have lived in this borough, from Hernán Cortés to David Alfaro Siqueiros and Luis Buñuel.

To get to Coyoacán, just take a taxi and ask the driver to take you to Casa Museo Leon Trotsky.

Museo Casa de León Trotsky

Leon Trotsky was a Russian politician and a revolutionary, born in 1880 and founder and leader of the Red Army.

In 1917 he joined the Bolsheviks and organized the October Revolution. He later on opposed Joseph Stalin for power in the Soviet Union, and was exiled in 1929 when he went to Mexico City.

He was then assassinated in his house in Coyoacán on August of 1940. The house is now the Museo Casa de León Trotsky, Institute of the Right to Asylum.

This is the actual place where he was murdered by a Lenin agent and his grave is on the grounds.

You can see Trotsky memorabilia and the places he inhabited, as well as temporary art exhibits.

Here’s the official website of the Museo Casa de León Trotsky. Entrance fee is $3,50.

Now, you can walk about two blocks south and then two and a half blocks west and arrive at the Casa Azul on Londres Street.

Museo Frida Kahlo, La Casa Azul

As I told you in the last article, I am fascinated by the life and work of Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera who were married.

At some point I’m going to have to write an article about them, so that we can go more in depth into the complexity of their relationship, their artistic contribution to the world and their controversial views.

La Casa Azul in Coyoacán is one of the houses they inhabited and it is dedicated especially to Frida. The exterior of the house is actually painted blue, hence the name.

This amazing museum is a peak into the private life of this enigmatic couple, their intimate spaces, their studios, their kitchen, their bedroom. It also houses an incredible collection of paintings and memorabilia.

It is incredible to imagine what life in the 30s and 40s would have been here, with the bohemian ambiance, and the fabulous garden and animals.

The house was preserved by request of Diego to his patron Dolores Olmedo, so that it would remain in private hands.

The house is a very emotional and real space to connect with this couple, who affected Mexican culture so, and it almost feels and is they have just walked out the door. It’s kind of magical.

More documents and artifacts of the couple were discovered in the past decade and they exhibit expanded to the house next door, in order to accommodate the new findings.

Right now the museum is offering a temporary exhibit of some of Frida’s colorful Mexican dresses, definitely not-to-be-missed! (Ends on January 2014).

The museum’s official website is www.museofridakahlo.org.mx No pictures allowed inside. Entrance fee is $7.

Here’s a fantastic video of the house, so you can start planning your visit!

Now, walk about one block west and then 5 blocks south (or ask for directions) to find the Plaza Jardín Centenario.

Plaza Jardín Centenario

This square is a fantastic place to enjoy a fabulous Mexican lunch in one of the many restaurants and cafés that overlook the square.

You may encounter a small flea market here, so check out the interesting crafts! Then relax and take a pause before your next stop.

From here, take a taxi (or ask your driver) to take you to Plaza San Jacinto in San Ángel.

Bazar del Sábado in Plaza San Jacinto

The Saturday Bazaar in Plaza San Jacinto is a very famous art and flea market that happens only on Saturdays from 11 am.

If you want to buy some art or crafts that will be a beautiful memento of your visit to Mexico City, this is THE place!

Plus, wonder the nearby streets to see the gorgeous old houses that have been converted into art galleries, restaurants and cafés.

Take the time to enjoy the ambiance and wonder the different stalls, talk to people and immerse yourself in this amazing cultural experience. Definitely not a place to just rush by.

Official website: www.elbazaarsabado.com

I personally love Coyoacán, I feel like I’ve traveled a bit past in time, like I’m living a very unique Mexican experience that speaks of this complex and diverse culture.

How about you? Have you been to Cooyoacán before?
Did you know it had so much to offer?
Share your comments in the field below or join us in Facebook!

Continue reading, Dead Simple Mexico City Day 3: Cuauhtémoc, the historical center.

Tags: architecture, art, history, Latin America, Mexico