The town of Coyoacan Mexico City was absorbed during the city sprawl of the 1940s and is now one of the designated neighborhoods of the city. Its name comes from the Nahuatl word Coyohuacan, which means a place that has coyotes. The neighborhood gained popularity with tourists both for its famous residents and for being a smaller, less crowded version of Mexico City’s downtown. Hotels in Coyoacan grant access to the neighborhood’s elegant restaurants, cantinas, and beautiful squares and churches. Parks and museums complete the cultural atmosphere in this neighborhood of the city, and as a result, more and more tourists are putting Coyoacan Mexico City on their itinerary.

Fountains, parks, and architecture all represent a colonial flavor in this neighborhood of Mexico City. Many tourists are drawn to the area because of its famous historical residents including Leon Trotsky, Frida Kahlo, and Diego Rivera. The houses in which they lived have been converted into museums, including the Museo Frida Kahlo. Although the work of the Mexican artist wasn’t recognized until decades after her death, today, this museum in Mexico City and her distinctive artwork are among the largest attractions in this neighborhood.

Another popular museum in Mexico City is the Leon Trotsky museum. When the Soviet political thinker was running from rival Joseph Stalin’s regime, he settled in the neighborhood of Coyoacan Mexico City. He befriended the artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, but eventually, was killed by an agent of Stalin in his home with an ice axe. Trotsky’s home was preserved in much of the same condition as it was left after his assassination in August 1940. Today, visitors with historical and political interest can visit this museum in Mexico City to see Trotsky’s former home and grave.

Mexico City Map

After learning about the history of Coyoacan Mexico City and its famous residents, there are plenty of places to relax. Cobbled streets and stately mansions make the neighborhood a pleasant place for a stroll. The center of activity of the neighborhood takes place around St John the Baptist Church, where bookstores, cafés, and bars attract both locals and visitors alike. Culture can be found beyond the museums at the galleries, theaters, and cinema. Hotels in Coyoacan all grant access to this cultural neighborhood of Mexico City.

Each year on September 16, which celebrates Mexico’s gaining independence from Spain, a festival takes over this Mexico City neighborhood. Be sure to make reservations for hotels in Coyoacan far in advance, as the independence day celebrations on this day are a sight to be seen. While some residents may complain that the last decade has seen a slight deterioration of arts and culture in the neighborhood, festivals such as this one prove this to be false. While there may be more traffic now than there used to be, the neighborhood has retained its cultural charms. Whether you arrive to see the museums or just to stop to drink a cold beer or a coffee, you’ll be glad you ventured out of the Centro Historico to see another side to Mexico City.