The Top 10 Things To Do And See In Mexico City's San Miguel Chapultepec

San Miguel Chapultepec is bursting with tourist attractions. Having had a reputation of being quite a rough neighborhood in Mexico City, in recent years it has fought back to become an artistic area, packed with art galleries and cultural points of interest. The only problem is, where should you start? With the help of this guide, discover which are the top attractions in San Miguel Chapultepec.

Galería de Arte Mexicano

In 1940, Carolina and Inés Amor founded the Galería de Arte Mexicano (GAM), the very first gallery which exhibited only Mexicanart. The GAM not only displays the works of national figures, such as Rufino Tamayo and Frida Kahlo, but is keen to support and promote young artists in the aim of showing the importance of art. The art gallery is held inside a building which was designed by Mexican architect, Andrés Casillas de Alba and it also happens to be his first building.

Opening times: Mon-Fri 10 am – 6 pm Façade of Galeria de Arte Mexicano | © mxartdb/Flickr

Kurimanzutto

One of Mexico’s most famous and relevant art galleries is the Kurimanzuttogallery. Originally a small collection which was not even contained in one set place, the works of contemporary artists has been gathered over the years, eventually to be exhibited in this gallery. 31 artists, both on a national and international level, are represented at the Kurimanzutto gallery, which displays their paintings, drawings, sculptures and more. The gallery urges visitors to be part of a deeper criticism and investigation surrounding this art.

Opening times: Tue-Thu 11 am – 6 pm; Fri-Sat 11 am – 4 pm Gabriel Orozco at Kurimanzutto | © Bridget Lewis/Flickr

El Mirador de Chapultepec

Restaurant

As far as restaurants in San Miguel Chapultepec go, it is difficult to find a more popular one than El Mirador de Chapultepec. The restaurant, with a saloon-style cantina next door, offers excellent Mexican cuisine for any occasion. The use of fresh ingredients only improves the deliciously prepared dishes, especially the seafoodoptions. Drinks range from fresh orange juice to tequilashots with a little tomato juice on the side. Whether you stop by before or after visiting the Chapultepec Castle which is very nearby, or comes exclusively to try the restaurant, it is an excellent choice and will not disappoint.

Opening times: Wed-Thurs 4 pm – 10 pm; Fri – Sat 2 pm – 10 pm

Amor Casero

Amor Casero is a wonderful ice cream parlor and one of the best in Mexico City. It brings customers novelty ice creams, using 100% natural Mexican ingredients. Milk is a key component in their ice creams, which ensures that they have a glossy texture to enhance enjoyment when eating their wonderfully flavored creations, some of which are rather exciting. The parlor even has its own garden, the perfect place to relax and enjoy an ice-cream in the afternoon sun.

Opening times: Mon – Sun 11 am–7 pm Ice Cream | © Demianpop/Flickr

Sal y Dulce

Sal y Dulce is a pretty caféand a favorite among locals. Making products using the most advanced cooking techniques alongside the most traditional of ingredients and recipes, Sal y Dulce offers wonderful gastronomic creations. They offer a wonderful breakfast menu, including typical eggs, fresh fruits, and authentic sweet bread. For lunch, again there are many options, from light snacks to more filling dishes such as lasagne or a chicken curry. It is a café in which the chefsare not afraid to explore and experiment, always aiming for perfection in their results.

Opening times: Mon-Sat 7 am – 9 pm

Mercado El Chorrito

Market

Mercado El Chorrito, easily accessed from the metro stop Constituyentes, is a market much like every other, where you can see and experience everyday Mexican life. It is a popular market, bustling with life and activity, mostly selling groceries, although it does sell flowers among other things as well. It is also a great place to grab a snack since there are many stalls and street vendors selling tacos, atole, enchiladas, tortillas and other traditional Mexicanfoods.

Galería de História Museo del Caracol

Museum

For over 50 years, the Museo del Caracolhas taught the historyof the country in an entertaining and interactive way. The Museo del Caracol aims to contribute to the strengthening of Mexico’s cultural identity while keeping the past in Mexicans’ memory. Miniature models of structures and attractive displays depict everything from the highest victories of the country to the most tragic failures and losses, with the aim of showing all aspects of history. Occasionally even workshops, concerts, and speeches are hosted in this museum, to maximize interest and understanding of the topics.

Opening times: Tues – Sun 9 am – 4:15 pm Museo del Caracol | © Bettipelusa/Flickr

Castillo de Chapultepec

Building, Museum, Park

San Miguel Chapultepec is partly located in the Bosque de Chapultepec, one of the largest city parksin the world. There are a huge number of attractions within this part of the park, but the most famous are the Chapultepec Castle. Its rich history and stunning architecture make this palace a must-see building. Inside is the National History Museum which partly contains collections of the former National Museum of Archaeology, History and Ethnography in addition to its own pieces.

Opening times: Tues-Sun 9 am – 5 pm Chapultepec Castle | © Cvmontuy/WikiCommons

Santuario Parroquial de Nuestra Señora del Carmen 'La Sabatina'

Building, Church

The Sanctuary ‘La Sabatina’, which dates back to 1910 when the doctorJosé María Soriano began its construction, only recently became a parish in 1972. Its dome sits proudly up this holy building, which itself has a somber atmosphere and an impressive presence. The works of art inside add to the parish’s magnificence, whilst the rays pour through the beautiful stained-glass windows, brightening the room with an almost angelic light. Still fully functioning, unlike much older churchesin the city, this parish makes for a peaceful resting place whilst discovering San Miguel Chapultepec. ‘La Sabatina’ | © Enrique López-Tamayo Biosca/Flickr

La Casa del Tiempo

La Casa del Tiempo is another addition to San Miguel Chapultepec’s collection of galleries. At La Casa del Tiempo, which is part of the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, culture and art have been preserved for sixteen years. Humanities, literature, and art are what thrive within this gallery, which offers free activities to explore them. Monthly screenings from the great classics to smaller independent films are shown. La Casa del Tiempo truly houses and welcomes creativity and imagination.

Opening times: Daily 10 am – 6 pm

About the author

Paula Zamorano Osorio

Born to Chilean parents in London, but brought up in Buckinghamshire, Paula has benefitted from a multicultural lifestyle. An inexplicable love for even the most complicated grammar motivated her to study French and Russian at the University of Oxford. She had the opportunity of spending most of her year abroad in Yaroslavl’, Russia, but also of travelling around Belgium and France. Although devoted to world literature, there isn’t a moment where you won’t find Paula either listening to or playing music, whether it is rock, metal, classical, South American folk or Latin. This little addiction however does allow time for Paula to enjoy other passions, including fencing and chain-watching detective TV series.