House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos)

The basics

The House is a sight from the outside, with ornate decorative columns interspersed with colorful tiles. The cafe inside is equally gorgeous, with wrought-iron lanterns and a beautiful fountain feature. Visit one of the many walking tours of historic parts of Mexico City, or stop by alone for coffee and a pastry.

Things to know before you go

• House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos) is a must-see for photographers and fans of art and architecture.
• You can pop inside without ordering anything, but it’s worth sticking around for a while.
• Visiting the building is free, and reservations aren’t required.

How to get there

The House of Tiles is located in the heart of Mexico City, within easy walking distance of area hotels and attractions. It’s right by the Palacio des Bella Artes and the Palacio de Cultura. Most taxi drivers will know where to take you if you give them the Spanish name of the building, and the area is well-connected to public transportation. Bellas Artes, Allende, and San Juan de Letrán are the nearest metro stations.

When to get there

House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos) is open daily from early morning until late night. It's busier on weekends than on weekdays, so try to visit on a weekday if you can. Mornings are particularly good for beating crowds, but even if you come on a weekday afternoon, you should be able to secure a seat at the café.

Mexico City's Architectural Marvels

Mexico City is full of beautiful buildings, and if you're a fan of architecture, you'll find plenty of spots to visit. Among the most impressive are now museums, including the Museo Nacional de Artes, which is housed in a glorious neoclassical building; the Museo Banco de Mexico; the Palacio Postal; and the Palacio de Bellas Artes, which mixes neoclassical and art nouveau elements.