San Jacinto Plaza

Pretty churches, a lively Saturday bazaar and several relaxing parks highlight a peaceful stroll through one of the loveliest areas of Mexico City.

The pretty neighbourhood of San Jacinto is nestled inside San Ángel in southwestern Mexico City. Plan to spend a day here shopping, sightseeing, dining and browsing handicrafts.

One of the oldest churches in Mexico City is the 16th-century temple in San Jacinto Plaza. This site held the pre-Hispanic village of Tenanitla and was replaced with a place of worship for Dominican friars. The hermitage became a church in 1580. Note both Christian and pagan artifacts as you walk through the peaceful gardens of the Iglesia de San Jacinto, including one of the earliest remaining stone crosses built in Mexico. The church’s distinctive exterior is made of ancient rounded stones and red Churrigueresque stucco. Inside, appreciate the contrast of the stark nave with a beautifully carved wooden altar covered in gold.

On Saturdays San Jacinto Plaza becomes very lively. Come to the bazaar that is a combination of craft show, flea market and outdoor art gallery. With the popularity of the Saturday market, stalls often spread into the more spacious Jardín del Arte.

Several nearby public spaces offer spots to relax. Under colourful bougainvillea, view the hidden fountain of Plaza de Los Arcángeles as you sit on one of the large benches designated for the archangels. Near the Plaza del Carmen explore the convent of El Carmen, with its three domes covered in tiles.

Complete your walk with a visit to Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, where two of Mexico’s most famous artists lived and worked for several years. Have a great meal and relaxing drinks at one of many restaurants in the area.

San Angel and San Jacinto are about 9 miles (15 kilometres) from the historical centre of Mexico City. Reach the area with a combination of the metrobus and walking to La Bombilla station. Visit the nearby neighbourhood of Coyoacán for more cultural sites, including Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s main home and place of work.