San Ángel: The Beverly Hills of Old Mexico
Mexico City Guide: San Angel, Luxury, Cobblestones, and a Whole Lot of History
Forget the glass skyscrapers for a second. If you want to feel like you’ve traveled back to a 17th-century hacienda without leaving the city, San Ángel is your spot. It’s quiet, it’s bougie, and it’s dripping with bougainvillea. It’s basically where the cool art crowd meets old-money Mexico.
Quick Facts: The Glam List
Vibe: Sophisticated, colonial, and artistic.
Best Day to Visit: Saturday (for the Bazar Sábado).
Must-See: Ex-Convento del Carmen and the Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo Studio Museum.
Pro Tip: Wear flats. Those cobblestones are not friendly to your designer sneakers.
The Saturday Ritual The Bazar Sábado in Plaza San Jacinto is legendary. It’s not your average flea market; we’re talking high-end jewelry, textiles, and art. After shopping, grab a margarita at the San Ángel Inn—it’s an old monastery turned restaurant, and the patio is 10/10 for people-watching.
Survival Spanish: The Art Scene
“¿Cuánto cuesta esta pieza?”
Pronunciation: (Kwan-toh kwes-tah es-tah pyeh-sah)
Meaning: How much for this piece?
“¿Es de plata ley?”
Pronunciation: (Es deh plah-tah ley)
Meaning: Is it sterling silver?
“Me encanta el estilo colonial.”
Pronunciation: (Meh en-kan-tah el es-tee-loh koh-loh-nyal)
Meaning: I love the colonial style.