Highlights of San Ángel

 

In 18^th century, San Ángel became very popular, within the wealthiest families of Mexico City, as a retreat from all the bustling. Nowadays, although the chaos has grown around it, its ambience remains calm and quiet… Almost everyone in the southern part of the city dreams of having their house here –us included!

Imagine narrow cobblestone streets, big beautiful colonial houses with balconies, ancient trees, tons of restaurants and art galleries, and a very popular market filled with traditional Mexican crafts and pieces from emerging designers.

If you are seeking a place with vibrant cultural expression, this is it. Take a look!

 

El Bazaar Sábado

The main attraction. Every Saturday (as the name suggests), a two-storey colonial house in front of Plaza San Jacinto opens its doors to show the work of many emerging Mexican designers and entrepreneurs; from beautiful jewelry, accessories, homeware and clothing –most incorporating local patterns–, to 100% organic coffee, liqueurs, mezcal, chocolate and bath & body products.

Keep in mind it’s an upscale bazaar in a posh neighborhood, therefore items may be pricy.

Also, outside these doors (on the right side of the building), exclusively on Saturdays, there’s a street market with lots of Mexican crafts and more hippie-looking jewelry. It can get a little bit crowded, but if you get past that, you’ll want to buy everything. Here, you can practice your bargaining skills, especially if you’re getting many items from the same seller.

 

 

 

Art galore!

On weekends, independent artists assemble around Plaza San Jacinto and Jardín del Arte to exhibit their latest paintings, drawings or photographs. Take a look around and engage with the creators, they love explaining their technique and creative process. You’ll definitely find original pieces for your home or friends.

Tip: if you are looking for a good handmade wool rug, spot the sellers standing on the sidewalk of Plaza San Jacinto. You can get a 1.70m x 2.20m rug for only $2,500 mxn.

 

 

Hip gastronomy

San Ángel is filled with restaurants, most of them highly raved. But, to go along this trendier outing, it only makes sense to suggest the most IN place at the moment. Plus, an “oldie” but a goodie that’s our go-to casual spot.

 

• El Mercado del Carmen

This type of upscale food market is expanding around Mexico City (Roma, Coyoacán, Condesa, Polanco, Juárez, Santa Fe, Alameda, etc.), and San Ángel couldn’t be left out.

The concept is simple: shared tables in the middle, surrounded by many gourmet food stalls. Here you’ll find dishes and drinks from around the world, so take your pick! And on your way out, stop at the stall that serves waffle crisps filled with nutella. You won’t regret it…

 

 

• L’encanto de Lola

This has been around for quite a while; it’s one of our favorites! “Fancy tortas” sounds very pretentious (and in tone with the high price tag), but they are truly delicious. Especially, if you end your meal with a mouth-watering Kinder milkshake! Our favorite ones are: Benito Juárez and Cochinita Pibil.

 

 

 

Museo Casa del Risco

The ‘Fuente del Risco’ is what attracts many people into this museum –a fountain built around 18^th century with plates, cups and broken pieces of European and Oriental porcelain sets (some belonging to the Ming Dynasty), plus some touches of Mexican talavera, mother of pearl and mirrors. This perfectly symmetric piece of art is one of the few ultra-Baroque architectural examples remaining in Mexico.

 

 

But, aside from the fountain, the museum has a beautiful collection of artwork and 16^th century furniture; pay special attention to the incredible ‘Bargueños’ around the house.

Don’t forget to climb up the spiral staircase in the second floor that will lead you first to a lithograph of what San Ángel looked like in 1846, and then to the ‘mirador’ from where the US troops were seen entering the neighborhood during the same year.

 

 

 

Ex-Convento del Carmen

Next to the church, which is worth seeing, there’s an entrance to the convent’s museum (Museo del Carmen). A huge labyrinth-like building dating back to 1616 that has a few highlights you can’t miss: the talavera sinks, the domestic Chapel in the second floor and the catacombs –covered in tiles and gold leaf– with 12 perfectly preserved mummies.

 

 

 

Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo

One of the first modern buildings in Latin America, oriented 100% to functionality. A space that served as a house/studio for Frida and Diego; three buildings, two of them connected by a bridge –the red one belonging to Diego and the blue one to Frida.

They shared this property for six years, before Frida’s dad passed away and she returned to her childhood home in Coyoacán. What remains intact is Diego’s studio, where you can see his brushes, pigments, easel paintings and collection of pre-Hispanic figurines, Mexican crafts and paper mache skeletons and Judas.

 

 

 

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Useful information

• In this map we’ve pinpointed all the places mentioned above, plus some cool shops.
• Both bazaars are open every Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
• Although many stalls have credit card payment, we suggest you also carry cash.
• San Ángel’s cobblestone streets demand comfortable shoes.
• Don’t bring a car. Parking is always a nightmare around here, but especially on Saturdays.
• Carry a foldable large bag with you, in case you end up buying many items.