Jardín Juárez

What it is. A small square in central Xochimilco built around the classic red-tiled kiosk, the kind of place where families spend an afternoon and children buy traditional sweets from the vendors who set up around the edges. It sits right beside the Plaza de San Juan Bautista, so the two work as one open space.

Why stop here. This is the civic centre of Xochimilco, away from the boat landings: the San Bernardino de Siena parish church and former convent, the Xochimilco market with its arcades, and the municipal buildings are all within a couple of blocks. If you are coming for the canals, half an hour here gives you the town that the trajineras rarely show.

Getting there. It is on Calle Santa Crucita, in Xochimilco Centro. Take the Tren Ligero from Tasqueña to the Xochimilco terminus; the square is a short walk from there, and the embarcaderos are a few minutes further on.