Exploring Coyoacan’s Suburbs | A Hidden Gem and Quiet Haven for Long-Term (slow) Travelers

📸 All photos in this post are original and taken during my travels - Alan

Looking for a peaceful, cost-effective spot to settle in for a while? If you’re into slow travel and want to escape the usual tourist traps, the suburbs of Coyoacan in Mexico City might just be your perfect match. Nestled on the edge of the city, these suburbs offer a serene environment that's ideal for those who want a slower, more relaxed pace of life, away from the tourist hustle.

Walking past the Kitchen’s Market in the suburbs of Coyoacan

Why the Suburbs of Coyoacan?

The suburbs of Coyoacan have this awesome mix of safety, comfort, and convenience. Everything you need is close by, making it a great spot for focusing on personal projects or just enjoying a more laid-back lifestyle.

Here’s Walmart, just a 15-minute walk from where I’m staying

Here’s a park at the National Museum of Interventions (Museo Nacional de las Intervencions), just a 15-minute walk from where I’m staying

For example, a quick 15-minute walk from my Airbnb gets you to Walmart, a gym, and two beautiful parks. It’s super handy for slow living and self-improvement. And, being in these suburbs means you’re fully immersed in local life—I was often the only foreigner around, making the experience even more authentic and removed from typical tourist areas.

Exploring the Neighborhood (walking tour)

As I take my regular walk from the suburbs to downtown Coyoacan, a few places stand out:

In front of El Rey Del Taco, eagerly waiting for my Alambre tacos

El Rey Del Taco is just down the road and serves up affordable and delicious tacos.

Here’s me, about to devour my delicious Alambre tacos!

I’m hooked on the Alambre, thanks to my Airbnb host’s recommendation.

Here's a comic book store called Tienda Panini Coyoacan, perfect for comic enthusiasts visiting the suburbs

There’s a local market for quick snacks, a comic book store called Tienda Panini Coyoacan for enthusiasts,

Here's La Contra Coyoacan, a wine store specializing in Mexican wines in the suburbs

a wine store called La Contra Coyoacan with fantastic Mexican wines,

Here's Toys in the Box, a charming toy store in the suburbs of Coyoacan

and a charming toy store called Toys in the Box.

Another view of the charming toy store in the suburbs of Coyoacan

The vibe here reminds me of downtown Pasadena or Claremont in Southern California.

Here's a beautiful cobblestone street in the suburbs of Coyoacan

A picturesque cobblestone street nearby adds to the charm and makes the area feel super serene.

Across the street, The Kitchen Market has several small restaurants.

Here’s the front of The Kitchen's Market, featuring several restaurants in a shaded area in the suburbs of Coyoacan

A closer look inside The Kitchen's Market, where you can find several shaded restaurants in the suburbs of Coyoacan

Delicious homemade pasta from my favorite spot, Selenzio Bruno, in The Kitchen's Market

The logo of Selenzio Bruno, my favorite Italian restaurant in The Kitchen's Market

My top pick is Selenzio Bruno, an Italian spot with fantastic homemade pasta. The owner speaks good English, so ordering is a breeze even if your Spanish isn’t perfect.

Fonda restaurant in front of The Kitchen's Market, offering a variety of delicious local dishes

There’s also a cozy Fonda restaurant with shaded seating and various small restaurant stands.

Chez Vous, a co-working space, a great spot for digital nomads looking for a productive environment

For digital nomads, there’s a co-working space called Chez Vous nearby where you can stay productive.

Charming bakery in the suburbs of Coyoacan, which I haven't tried yet but looks inviting

There’s a bakery I haven’t tried yet,

This Chilaquiles restaurant is on my list of spots to check out soon in the suburbs of Coyoacan

and a place known for its Chilaquiles called Mestizo Chilaqueria, which is on my list of spots to check out soon.

ECOBICI station in the suburbs of Coyoacan, making it easy to get around the area

Plus, the ECOBICI stations around make getting around a breeze.

The Vibrant Heart of Coyoacan (downtown)

Coyoacan sign just ahead as you approach the downtown area

As you get closer to downtown Coyoacan, the area starts to buzz with energy. The famous Coyoacan sign is a must-see.

Popular coffee shop Cafe El Jarocho, a go-to spot that gets packed on weekends and evenings

There’s also a popular coffee shop that’s often busy especially on weekends and in the evenings.

In front of the Mercado in downtown Coyoacan

The Mercado

Eating my favorite chilaquiles at madre concina mexicana

In front of Madre Cocina Mexicana

The Mercado in downtown Coyoacan is where you’ll find my favorite Chilaquiles dumplings at madre concina mexicana. It’s the perfect place to dive into the local scene and enjoy some seriously good food.

Conclusion

The suburbs of Coyoacan offer a perfect mix of tranquility and vibrancy, making them ideal for long-term travelers who want a productive and enjoyable stay. If you’re considering a slow travel lifestyle, these suburbs of Mexico City might just be the perfect spot for you.

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You might enjoy these posts👇:

• Ultimate Guide to the Suburbs of Coyoacán | Parks, Markets, and Hidden Gems

• Ultimate Slow Travel Guide to Las Américas, Mérida: Hidden Gems, Insider Tips on Food, Fitness, and Local Living

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