Mexico City's Hidden Neighborhoods
One of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City is a place with awe-inspiring history, cultural wealth and international status as a commercial capital. It's also a little intimidating, with reports of poverty and crime. But what major city is exempt from such things? The truth is, while the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City overwhelms, its hidden neighborhoods will surprise you with their charming locals, pedestrian-friendly streets and welcoming atmosphere.
Coyoacan
The relaxed feel of this historic neighborhood, with its old Colonial buildings and charming plazas, makes for a nice decelerated change of pace from elsewhere in the city. Its best-known landmark is the Frida Kahlo museum--actually it's the same gorgeous house where she used to live with Diego Rivera. Walking up, the first thing you notice is the huge outdoor terrace with a colorful profusion of flowers, plants. Walk around the house and see this fascinating artist's studio, plus all her home accents and original furniture-even the bed where she was bedridden after her crippling accident. Original works by Frida and her husband are around the house-not in formal museum displays, but closer to the original way their owner/creator might have placed them.
