Frida Kahlo Museum: How To Plan The Perfect Visit to the Blue House
Even if you’re not a major art fan, you’ve probably heard of Frida Kahlo. Maybe it’s her famous artistic style, the drama of her personal life, or honestly just her unibrow. But if you’re planning a visit to CDMX, the Frida Kahlo Museum should be on your list.
Also known as Casa Azul, the Frida Kahlo Blue House Museum in Coyoacán is one of the best things to do in Mexico City (there’s a reason tickets are always sold out).
It offers way more than a collection of famous paintings. It’s a portal into her world—complete with the garden she loved, the bed where she painted post-accident, and even her wardrobe (this was actually my favorite part).
I visit Mexico City every year for a few months, and it took me a while to make it to Casa Azul because I could never get tickets. This year I made it down for a bike tour of the lovely Coyoacán and a visit to the Blue House, and it was worth the wait.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit to the wonderful home of Frida Kahlo.
Frida Kahlo Museum: A Bit of History on the Famous Painter (And Some Gossip)
Before we step inside the house, let’s talk about the woman herself.
Frida Kahlo was born in 1907 in the blue house itself in Coyoacán. It was her childhood home and later became the place she returned to after a devastating bus accident at the age of 18. The crash left her with a broken spine, shattered pelvis, and lifelong pain.
During her recovery, Frida began painting on her cast— using a mirror mounted to her bed that you can see during your visit — and developed a deeply personal, often surreal style.
She was self-taught, unflinchingly honest, and years ahead of her time. Themes of identity, disability, heartbreak, and Mexican heritage appear again and again in her work. She didn’t just document her life — she transformed it into art.
Frida’s relationship with Diego Rivera, the famed Mexican muralist who was quite a bit older than her, also began shortly after her accident. He mentored her, promoted her work, and later became her husband. Their relationship was intense (to say the least) — full of love, betrayal, separation, and reconnection.
In addition to their art, they’re famous for their open marriage…and also the divorce that occurred when he took that just a step too far and slept with her sister (I think we can all agree that crosses a line).
Despite health complications, numerous surgeries, and relentless pain, Frida continued to paint. Her art became her outlet, her identity, and her way of processing the world. When she died in 1954, her ashes were placed in an urn in her bedroom — which you can still see on your visit (it’s shaped like a frog).
What It’s Like Inside the Frida Kahlo Blue House
The Frida Kahlo Museum is one of the most visited attractions in Mexico City, and there’s a reason. Walking into the Frida Kahlo Blue House feels like walking into Frida’s life. It’s not just about seeing art on walls — it’s about being surrounded by the environment that shaped her. I was really blown away at how large and open the property is. The house is just a small subset of what you get to see.
Here’s what stood out most to me:
The Garden
Before you even enter the house itself, you’re welcomed into a peaceful courtyard filled with native plants, pathways, and sculptures.
The walls are that unmistakable shade of cobalt blue, which Frida and Diego chose deliberately to reflect traditional Mexican aesthetics. It’s visually stunning — a place you’ll want to sit and soak in the sun for a minute.
Frida’s Bedroom and the Mirror Above Her Bed
In the room where Frida spent so much time recovering, you’ll see the bed she painted from — complete with the famous mirror mounted above it.
I can’t imagine what it would feel like to be bedridden for so long, and to transform that into an incredible creative outlet is pretty inspiring.
There’s also an urn containing her ashes, placed on a pre-Columbian toad sculpture and her “death mask” that was shaped from her face moments after she passed.
Her Art Studio
The light in this room is beautiful. You’ll find her easel, brushes, paints, and unfinished canvases exactly as she left them as well as tons of books. It’s easy to imagine her here, working in the natural light, trying to channel her experiences into art we still appreciate today.
The Kitchen
I actually think this was my favorite room in the whole house. I was struck by how much art extends to every aspect of her life, even the kitchen.
It was bright, colorful, and filled with traditional Mexican ceramics. There’s even a display of tiny coffee cups on the wall that spell out “Frida y Diego.” It feels joyful, lived-in, and distinctly Frida.
The Dresses
One of the most powerful and interesting sections of the house is the wardrobe exhibit. You’ll see her traditional Tehuana dresses, along with her painted medical corsets — a reminder that fashion was also part of her identity and artistry.
Her clothing choices weren’t random; she actually dressed very intentionally to hide her disability and express herself at the same time. It’s both beautiful and impressive.
What Frida Kahlo Paintings Are In The Museum?
A lot of people ask this, so let’s address it: You’re not going to see Frida’s most famous paintings here. Many of them are held in private collections (Madonna owns Self-Portrait with Monkey) or at other museums like Museo Dolores Olmedo (which you can visit with your same Blue House ticket).
That said, the art you do see at Casa Azul includes sketches, personal pieces, and unfinished work — which I actually loved. Seeing the works in progress offered such a unique view into the creative process and it was pretty cool to see it in her house. It definitely made the experience feel more tangible to me.
So no, this isn’t a traditional art museum. It’s much more experiential and that’s kind of the point.
Exploring Coyoacán: The Neighborhood Around the Museum
One of the biggest surprises from my visit was how much I loved Coyoacán (the neighborhood where the Blue House is). This part of town is a total gem — historic, relaxed, and filled with restaurants, bars, and life. It’s also far less touristy. I will definitely be adding this to my list of the best neighborhoods in Mexico City.
If you’ve only been to Roma Norte or Condesa, Coyoacán feels like a much more local view of Mexico City. Think cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, leafy plazas, and colonial architecture. The main square is home to one of the oldest churches in Mexico City, and there’s always something happening — from art markets to street performers.
Why You Need to Book Frida Kahlo Museum Tickets in Advance
Frida Kahlo Museum tickets sell out fast. I’ve tried to go for the past couple years and always planned it too late and couldn’t get tickets. If you want to go, you need to book ahead (and it’s worth it!). This is one of the most visited spots in all of Mexico City, and they do timed entry to manage crowds. Here’s what to know:
- Buy online only: You cannot buy tickets at the door because they sell out.
- Book at least 2–4 weeks in advance: Especially if you’re visiting during high season (Dec–April or summer).
How To Visit the Frida Kahlo Blue House
You can absolutely visit on your own here or do a tour like I did:
Self-guided Admission Ticket
You can buy admission tickets here for about $30 and a self-guided visit is completely do-able. Everything is bilingual, and signage is strong.
Coyoacán Combo Tours:
However, I think it’s worth it to book a tour that includes a visit to Coyoacán. If you’re going to head all the way down there, you might as well get to know the city, right? I loved exploring Coyoacán as much as the Blue House itself.
Bike Tour
I took this bike tour that included visiting historic churches, the city center, a stop for churros and tostadas in a food market. It was a great way to see more of Coyoacán than you would have been able to on foot, but to be honest we didn’t bike that much. The farthest stretch we went was about 5 minutes.
Walking Tour:
If you’re not into biking, you can also do the same tour on foot which has basically the same stops. I don’t think you miss anything by opting for the walking version instead!
Whether you do a self-guided or guided Frida Kahlo house tour, you’ll come away with a much deeper understanding of her life.
Frida Kahlo Museum FAQs
The Frida Kahlo Blue House (Casa Azul) is located in the Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City (about 30-60 minutes south, depending on traffic, so give yourself time). The official address is Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 CDMX. It’s walkable from the Coyoacán main square, and you’ll see signs pointing you there once you’re close.
The easiest way is by Uber — it’s affordable, safe, and straightforward from anywhere in central Mexico City (Roma, Condesa, Polanco). If you’re on a tour, transportation is usually included.
She’s not! Frida was cremated, and her ashes are actually inside the Blue House. They’re kept in a pre-Columbian urn in her bedroom — yes, the same one with the mirror above the bed.
Yes! I honestly loved my trip and I’m a total novice when it comes to art. The Frida Kahlo Blue House is one of the most unique and personal cultural sites in Mexico City. The house, gardens, and exhibits offer a rare window into the life of one of the most iconic artists of all time.
Plan on 60-90 minutes to explore the house and gardens at a relaxed pace. If you’re pairing it with a Coyoacán tour or stopping for lunch or coffee in the area (you should), block out half a day.
Tickets cost about $30. A tour including a guide or a visit to Coyoacán will run you about $75. Personally, I felt the tour was incredibly worth it from both an information perspective and showing me a side of a beautiful neighborhood I never would’ve gotten to know otherwise.
If you’re on a group tour, 10–15% is standard and appreciated. For private tours or guides who went above and beyond, closer to 20% is a nice gesture. In pesos, tipping 100–200 MXN per person is typical for half-day tours.
My Other Favorite Activities in Mexico City
If you’re planning a trip to the Frida Kahlo Blue House, you’ll want to fill the rest of your itinerary with some of the other amazing experiences Mexico City has to offer. Here are three that I never skip — and always recommend:
1. Visit the Pyramids at Teotihuacan
About an hour outside of Mexico City are the ancient Pyramids of Teotihuacan, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Americas. The Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon are absolutely massive, and the whole place has an incredible energy. I recommend going with a guide to get the full context (or in a hot air balloon!)— there’s so much history here, and it’s way more interesting when someone’s explaining what you’re looking at.
2. See a Lucha Libre Match
Okay, hear me out. I was skeptical the first time I went to a Lucha Libre match, but it ended up being one of the most fun nights I’ve had in CDMX (I’ve since been three times). Think Mexican wrestling meets performance art, with masked heroes, over-the-top villains, and a crowd that is very into it. Grab a beer, get ready to yell, and lean into the chaos — it’s an experience.
You can buy tickets at the arena, but if it’s your first time, I recommend going with a small tour so you know where to sit and what’s happening (and they can even take you on a taco and mezcal tour before the match).
3. Take a Food Tour
The food in Mexico City is reason enough to visit — but a food tour will take your trip to the next level. I’ve done everything from street taco tours to high-end mezcal tastings, and every one has taught me something new (and delicious). You’ll try things you might not order on your own, and most tours also share a lot about local history and neighborhoods.
Frida Kahlo Museum: Is It Worth It?
I honestly think this is worth the hype. Is it a huge museum? No. Is it an incredibly unique way to experience art and history in Mexico? Yes.
The Frida Kahlo Blue House isn’t just one of the best activities in Mexico City — it’s one of the most unique, interesting and immersive places you can visit. From the lush gardens to the hand-painted corsets, every detail tells a story. You’re not just looking at Frida’s art — you’re walking through her life.
If you’re planning a trip to CDMX, don’t wait to book your Frida Kahlo Museum tickets. Combine it with a Coyoacán tour, take your time, and prepare to leave loving Mexico City even more.
Cheers to your next adventure 🥂 🎨
