human settlement in Mexico City
San Ángel is an area in the south of Mexico City. It is an upscale neighborhood with wooded hills and an appreciation for the arts (the area was once home to Diego Rivera). This area includes the Lomas neighborhoods between San Angel and the southwestern parts of Chapultepec Park.
Get in
editSee
edit- 1 Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, Calle Diego Rivera 2, ☏ +52 55 8647 5470. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. Diego Rivera's studio, where he also lived for some time with Frida Kahlo. It is a very interesting structure by famous Mexican architect Juan O'Gorman, consisting of two buildings connected by an aerial walkway. M$13 (general admission); M$30 (camera permit, no flash).
- 2 Museo de Arte Carrillo Gil, Revolucion 1608, ☏ +52 55 8647 5450. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. One of Mexico City's finest modern art museums, based on the private collection of Carrillo Gil which includes well-known works by Diego Rivera, David Siqueiros, Rufino Tamayo, and Francisco Toledo. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits of contemporary Mexican and international artists. M$19, free admission on Sundays.
- 3 Convento del Carmen (Museo de El Carmen), Avenida Revolución 4, ☏ +52 55 5616 1504, difusion.cdifus@inah.gob.mx. Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00. An ancient convent where you can see the uncomfortable stone slabs where nuns slept, religious artwork, and, most importantly, a creepy underground crypt filled with mummified nuns. It is a truly enchanting old building, and connected to the Colegio de San Ángel. M$41 (adults), free (students/professors/children under 12); free admission on Sundays.
Do
edit- 1 Teatro de los Insurgentes (Theater of the Insurgents), Insurgentes Sur 1587, ☏ +52 55 5598 6894, fax: +52 55 5598 3084, teatroinsurgentes@prodigy.net.mx. Built in 1953 by José María Dávila, this is one of the main venues for dramas and plays in Mexico City. On the façade of the building is a mosaic created by Diego Rivera Rivera, illustrating the history of theater and depicting the Mexican comedian Cantinflas as Robin Hood.
- 2 Teatro Helenico, Av. Revolucion 1500, ☏ +52 55 4155 0900. Theatre in a historic gothic chapel. Stages various plays and multi-disciplinary performing arts shows. Library on site. Small, intimate space.
Buy
edit- 1 Bazar Sabado, Plaza de San Jacinto (Calle Plaza San Jacinto and Calle Frontera). Sa 10:00-19:00. While always scenic, Bazar Sabado is the reason to head to the square, in front of a 16th-century church. It is one of the best crafts markets in town, where you can find original and high-quality art of all different regional styles, both traditional and more modern, and in all different price ranges. This is the best place to shop, people-watch, and just be happy.
- 2 Mercado de las Flores, Av Revolución (near Av de la Paz). A popular street market specializing in fresh flowers.
Eat
edit- 1 La Buena Fe, Av. Altavista 43, ☏ +52 55 3095 4508. Daily 07:30 - 01:00. Comfortably upscale restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine. Good place for a business lunch or to meet a date for drinks. M$350.
- 2 Mallorquina, Av Altavista 207, ☏ +52 55 8663 5649. F-Su 09:00 - 00:00, M-Th 13:00 - 00:00. Comfortably rustic dining room serving classic Spanish cuisine (the paella is recommended). Flamenco show on Thursday and Saturday.
- 3 Carlotta, Del Carmen 4, ☏ +52 55 5550 0072. Nouveau Mexican cuisine in an outdoor terrace garden overlooking the Carmen church.
- 4 El Tizoncito, Calz. de las Águilas 184, ☏ +52 55 5651 6387. Daily 12:00 - 02:30. Street tacos with wood-fired trompo that makes for some of the best tacos al pastor in the city. Good place for late night munchies. The Sherezada Tizoncito is recommended. M$150.
Drink
edit- Mama Rumba, near Av. de La Paz. One of the most popular dance clubs/bars in the city, usually very full, plays salsa, merengue, and other Cuban music. Can be hard to get into.
- La Bipo San Ángel, Av. de la Paz 33-A (across from El Cardenal), ☏ +52 55 7030 9612. Specializing in mezcal and live music.
Sleep
edit- 1 Hotel Casa San Jacinto, Plaza San Jacinto 20BIS, ☏ +52 55 5088 2138. An upscale colonial type of lodging with very rustic furniture and decor.
- 2 San Angel Inn, Desierto de los Leones 4058, San Angel, ☏ +52 55 6266 6900. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Business oriented long-term extended stay apartments. M$4000.
- 3 Krystal Grand Suites Insurgentes, Av. de los Insurgentes Sur 1991, Álvaro Obregón, ☏ +52 55 5322 1580. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Clean, modern corporate style hotel with spacious rooms, on-site restaurant, Metrobus route in front of hotel. M$5000.
Connect
editAll of Mexico City, including San Angel, has 5G coverage. Most hotels and restaurants offer free WiFi connections. The CDMX governement provides free WiFi connectivity in public parks.