San Ángel Walk (Self Guided), Mexico City

The San Ángel neighborhood is where you will get to experience the city's colonial past. It is evident in the cobblestone streets, elegant mansions, beautifully tended public gardens and plazas. A walk through the area is truly a treat. The winding roads with their shady trees are tranquil at most times of the day and are more reminiscent of a rural locale than a city suburb. In fact, San Ángel started out as a rural community based around a cathedral, and where many members of the upper class had homes. There are many wonderful sights to see while you are in the area.

Go to San Jacinto Church, near Plaza San Jacinto and step inside for the fantastic Baroque altarpiece. Tour the Museo Ex-Convento del Carmen, one of the neighborhood's most famous attractions. This triple-domed church is a former monastery that now houses a museum that displays 17th-century mummies in wooden coffins.

Art lovers won't want to miss out on a visit to the House-Studio Museum of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. This is where the famous muralist and his wife lived. She is best known for her self-portraits. If you want to do a spot of shopping, browse the stores on Altavista Avenue. This is considered to be the best shopping corridor on the city's south side, featuring numerous exclusive shops.