Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul in Coyoacán: A Captivating Snapshot from Mexico City

Last week, I planned a trip to San Miguel de Allende—a town I've long wanted to explore—and my longtime favorite, Oaxaca. Yet, unexpectedly, I never left Mexico City. With pressing projects demanding my attention, I chose not to rush these destinations, preferring to savor each one fully.

In retrospect, staying in Mexico City proved to be the highlight. Despite weeks immersed here, I only scratched the surface of this sprawling capital's vibrant life. This visit allowed me to experience it like a local: staying with friends, uncovering hidden gems, settling into a favorite daily coffee shop for work, revisiting beloved bakeries, sourcing tapas, fresh produce, and vegetables from a local market, delving into neighborhoods like Doctores, Roma, and La Condesa. Friends introduced me to their top Cuban bar with phenomenal live music, a trendy pulquería popular with young locals during our bar-hopping nights, flea markets, an indoor climbing gym, and Mexico's booming craft beer scene (an endless pursuit!).

I balanced this with classic sightseeing: showcasing the stunning murals at Palacio de Bellas Artes to my friend, enjoying mariachi performances in Plaza Garibaldi, sipping coffee and cake with panoramic views from Café de la Gran Ciudad's balcony, and museum-hopping amid a month rich in culture. Finally, we ventured to Coyoacán in southern Mexico City, where I revisited Frida Kahlo's enchanting Casa Azul for the second time. As a devoted admirer of her art and life, I was thrilled to once again admire her vibrant kitchen, dresses, paintings, and studio.

We leisurely explored more of Coyoacán—one of my favorite Mexico City neighborhoods—with its cobblestone, tree-lined streets, charming plazas and parks, bustling market, and array of restaurants and bars. Discovering hipster haunts, a cinema screening intriguing documentaries (including outdoor screenings), delectable vegetarian spots, and streets lined with colorful houses deepened my affection. I even daydreamed about relocating here for an extended stay.

While future plans remain uncertain, including a potential longer return to Mexico, one thing is clear: I'll be back to Mexico City. This dynamic metropolis brims with undiscovered wonders.

¡Hasta pronto, Mexico City!

Also check out: 33 Things I Love About Mexico