Condesa is endlessly walkable, with pretty, tree-lined streets, cafes and restaurants for breaks, and an incredible array of quirky shops of all kinds. You almost can’t go wrong strolling through Condesa.
Two obvious walks present themselves in Avenida México, which encircles Parque México in the center of Condesa, and Avenida Ámsterdam, which circles both one block further out and features an iconic pedestrian walkway in its center.
But our walk hits on most of the must-see sights in the area. As with any walk, you can start at either end or anywhere along its length.
The Fideicomiso Archivos Plutarco Elías Calles y Fernando Torreblanca is a historic mansion one block northwest of 🌳Parque España that often hosts private and public events, so it’s worth a peek if the gates are open.
Head southeast, cross the road, and enter 🌳Parque España. Immediately to the right, you will find the entrance to Audiorama Parque España, an oasis of calm where you can relax and listen to the softly playing music. Make your way southwest through the park while enjoying the fountains, the dogs, the play areas for children, and the hand-shaped monument to former Mexican president Lázaro Cárdenas.
Exit 🌳Parque España and take in the dramatic Jorge Marín sculpture Balanza Monumental in the triangular space between Eje 2 Sur and Avenida Nuevo León before continuing southeast on Calle Laredo for one block and then taking a left onto 🚶Avenida Ámsterdam.
Stroll along the pedestrian pathway in the center of 🚶Avenida Ámsterdam (or on the sidewalk on either side) for three blocks, crossing Avenida Parras and Avenida Sonora.
Turn right on Calle Huichapan and head to the southeast.
Enter the serene Plaza Popocatepetl and try to enjoy the Art Deco monument that was once set in a series of fountains but is now marred by graffiti and a lack of care.
Exit the plaza to the south, walk down a beautiful stretch of Avenida México past several local restaurants, and across Avenida Sonora.
Enter 🌳Parque México and meander through its intersecting paths.
As you move through the center of the park, you will find Lago de los Patos, a duck pond, and the less obvious Audiorama Parque México, a quiet space similar to the one in Parque España, but better hidden.
Make your way along the side of (or into) Foro Lindbergh, an open space that’s a hive of activity at all hours, with group dance lessons, smaller group sports, and more. You will find the Fuente de los Cántaros, a popular meeting spot for tour groups and locals, at its far south.
Cross Avenida Michoacán and head into the southern half of 🌳Parque México, which features a large dog park, the Fuente El Reloj with its long-incorrect clocks, and the striking Escultura Albert Einstein.
Exit the park to its southeast and head down Iztaccíhuatl.
Turn to right at the non-functioning Plaza Iztaccíhuatl and pick up the tree-lined pedestrian walkway in the center of 🚶Avenida Ámsterdam again, this time heading to the west.
The walk concludes after two blocks at Plaza Citlaltépetl, another fountain that’s seen better days. Be sure to check out the purple mansion at Citlaltépetl 166 to the north and the purple 🚶Avenida Ámsterdam street signs.
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Very interesting! I'm hoping to take my first trip to CDMX around next June.