22 Things To Do In Coyoacan, Mexico City – More Than Frida’s House!

Things to do in Coyocan Mexico City

You probably want to know what to do in Coyoacan, whether you’re considering visiting or already in town. In this Coyoacan guide, I’ll run through the top attractions in Coyoacan and move onto where to eat and stay.

All these things to do are suitable for those travelling alone to Mexico City as well as pairs and groups!

3. Ride a Coyoacan tram

Getting around Coyoacan is easy on foot; you don’t necessarily need to use the tramway but it’s a fun way to explore the main attractions in Coyoacan. These bright red carriages trundle off from San Juan Bautista church regularly.

They offer a few different tours including a myths & legends one as well as a ‘canteen to canteen tour’ (my kinda tour) and a pet-friendly tour. Check with the steward if there are English-speaking tours.

You won’t find a Coyoacan guide that doesn’t mention Frida Kahlo. This is what has traditionally put the region on the map. While it’s definitely not the only reason to visit, a trip to the Blue House should be high on your Mexico bucket list.

Frida lived out most of her days at the Blue House which is now open to the public as the Frida Kahlo Museum. To be honest, I was a bit underwhelmed: the museum is always packed out and you have to queue to look at individual paintings.

I would highly recommend visiting on a weekday and booking your tickets a couple of days in advance on the website.

5. San Juan Bautista Church

This enormous church is at the heart of Coyoacan and worth a visit as you wander the central square.

This baroque building was one of the first churches in the Americas and, while it’s a reminder of the cruel and brutal colonial period, it’s a key feature of the area.

To buy some souvenirs and support local artisans, or simply have a wander, visit Mercado Artesanal Mexicano. Inside, you can find all kinds of local goods from clothing to bags, rugs and scarfs. Remember to haggle to get the best price.

There’s lots of street art to be found while wandering Coyoacan. Take the side streets and you’re bound to find some impressive murals dotted around. Use the Street Art Cities website to find pieces.

I hope you like leafy parks and squares because there are plenty. One of the prettiest is Plaza de la Conchita where you’ll find this crumbling yellow church.

This square is well known because Spanish colonialist, Herman Cortes, lived there for years. Again, not really a reason to celebrate but a charming, atmospheric part of Coyoacan anyway.

14. Anahuacalli Museum

If you’re interested in Frida Kahlo and Diego Riveria, pay a visit to Anahuacalli Museum to explore Diego’s murals in the form of permanent exhibits, temporary exhibits, sculptures and a large ecological space known as the ‘lungs of southern CDMX’.

This majestic complex can be found just south of Coyoacan, a 15-minute Uber ride or, if you’re feeling confident, a 35-minute bus journey. It’s never as busy as the Frida Kahlo Museum but it doesn’t hurt to book your tickets ahead on the website. Entrance is 100 pesos or 80 for Mexican residents.

Bored of churches yet?

Hold out your patience for this sunny yellow church a 10-15 minute walk from the centre. Not only is it a free thing to do in Coyoacan, but the surrounding streets are full of charming, colonial buildings.

This small sunny residence was once inhabited by Leon Trotsky, a Russian Revolutionary, friend of Frida & Diego, and mortal enemy of Stalin.

After fleeing the Soviet Union, Trotsky and his wife lived in Coyoacan in this residence that became increasingly like a fortress (and in Trotsky’s own words, a jail) as Stalin’s men upped their attacks. Finally, he was assassinated here. 

The Leon Trotsky House is a lovely complex worth visiting with sunny grounds and well-preserved rooms. My only complaint was that the information boards could have been more captivating since Trotsky’s story is a fascinating one, interlinked with the history and politics of early 1900s Mexico.

Entry is 70 pesos.