Mexico City was once a colourful collecting point for artists and dissident communists. As a city break it's a must for both art fans and history buffs. However, some of the landmarks to the are busier than others, writes Christopher Elliot - If you hoping to visit the house of Frida Kahlo expect a squeese, while Leon Trotsky's stomping grounds leave space for contemplating the two revoloutionaries tempestuous romance.
Expect long lines and wait to pack into Kahlo's Blue House
Tell anyone you're headed to Mexico City and the reaction is inevitable: "Are you going to Frida's house? It's a must." And for many travelers, it's true: Nothing will keep them away from La Casa Azul (the Blue House), the home shared by artists Frida Kahlo and husband, Diego Rivera. They yearn to inhabit the intimate spaces where she spent hours spinning the details of her anguished life into art that has captivated millions. They imagine visiting the sunlit studio where her wheelchair still sits next to her easel and seeing the mirror she hung from the canopy of her bed so she could paint even while bedridden. These details animate the painter's daily life in a way no museum exhibition ever could.
So, no true Frida fan is likely to skip a visit to Casa Azul entirely. But I'm here to tell you to ratchet down your expectations. As much as the museum tries to keep the experience as intimate as possible, lines are long, and the weekend crowds can be a nightmare for anyone with a hint of agoraphobia. To make the most of your visit, plan to go midweek (except Mondays, when the museum is closed), and be sure to buy your timed-entry tickets online in advance, to cut down on waiting.
