Casa Jacaranda Credit: Jennifer Young Studio
As winter becomes spring, jacaranda trees start to blossom throughout Mexico City. The already vibrant metropolis blooms with a violet hue, the shade offset against the blue spring skies and colorful walls and facades.
As the buds fall, the sidewalks and roads become works of art with fallen flowers paving a purple path for pedestrians strolling through the streets.
Here are some of our favorite spots to find jacarandas in full bloom.
Casa Jacaranda
Foodies shouldn’t miss a cooking class at the aptly named Casa Jacaranda. Following a market tour, you’ll learn to cook your favorite Mexican dishes alongside local chefs Beto Estúa and Jorge Fritz.
Once everything is ready, you will head up to the terrace to savor the spoils under an abundantly blooming jacaranda tree from which this beautiful house takes its name — a picture-perfect setting for a photo-worthy meal.
Paseo de la Reforma
A trip to Mexico City isn’t complete without a visit to this iconic street that runs through the heart of the city.
Stroll along the tree-lined walkways, taking in some of the city’s mesmerizing skyscrapers all surrounded by the jacaranda trees’ violet blooms. The golden Angel of Independence monument, which stands some 311 feet high, looks especially fetching as it glimmers among the purple flowers.
Every Sunday until 2 p.m., the entire street is shut down to cars, so you can rent a bike and cycle along to appreciate the view.
Palace Bellas Artes. Credit: istock Stock
Palacio de Bellas Artes and Alameda Central
The Fine Arts Palace, or Palacio de Bellas Artes, is one of the most beautiful buildings in Mexico’s capital, and certainly one of the most photographed. A spring visit adds extra flair to your Instagram feed with the orange and yellow domes of the museum’s art nouveau exterior combined with the vivid violet of the jacarandas.
While you’re here, walk through the adjacent Alameda Central park area to enjoy the tranquil trees and water features. At the other end of the green space on Calle Dr. Mora, you will find another array of lavender blooms and the Diego Rivera Mural Museum.
Make time to linger over the artist’s beautiful mural Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park, and look out for a hidden purple tree in the background that may well be a jacaranda.
National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) Campus
Head south of the city to check out UNAM’s expansive grounds. Amble along the green space and admire Irish-Mexican architect Juan O’Gorman’s Mesoamerican-inspired mosaic mural on the facade of the university library flanked by blossoming jacarandas in the springtime.
Las Alcobas, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Mexico City. Credit: Las Alcobas, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Mexico City
Polanco
Home to sublime shopping, acclaimed restaurants and Spanish colonial-style mansions, this ritzy Mexico City neighborhood is also rich in jacarandas.
Roam along the tree-lined central walkway of Avenida Horacio and through American Park to see those famous blossoms. Grab a meal to go at a nearby restaurant and savor a picnic lunch among the flowers.
If your allergies start to act up, head to Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Las Alcobas, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Mexico City (just a five-minute stroll from the park) for Italian-influenced small plates and cocktails at the casually chic Anatol.
Chapultepec Park
The lungs of the city, Chapultepec Park stretches over nearly 1,700 acres and is a great place to take in the lavender blooms.
Grab a paddleboat and head out on to the jacaranda-encircled central lake or walk up to Chapultepec Castle (the only castle in the Americas to have been inhabited by royals) to tour the museum and soak up the vista over the park and city to see the panorama awash with purple.
Casa Gilardi
Design lovers should make a beeline for this iconic residence, designed by one of Mexico’s most famous architects, Luis Barragán.
Pro tip: The house is privately owned, so make an appointment via Casa Gilardi’s Facebook page before visiting.
In addition to its bold palette and minimalist design, the structure’s central patio is home to a large jacaranda that blooms in front of a Mexican pink wall, creating just the kind of color display and light play for which Barragán is famous. Snap a few enviable selfies in front of this unique backdrop.
