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Photo: ProtoplasmaKid, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This neighborhood was established in the late 19th century as one of the first formal neighborhoods outside of the city center and initially catered to the wealthy of the Porfirio Díaz era. These early residents built large mansions, many with French influence, and many still remain. This neighborhood has now a large number of movie theatres, museums and galleries.
Colonia San Rafael is a colonia of the Cuauhtémoc borough of Mexico City, just west of the historic city center. It was established in the late 19th century as one of the first formal neighborhoods outside of the city center and initially catered to the wealthy of the Porfirio Díaz era. These early residents built large mansions, many with French influence, and many still remain. Middle class residents moved in soon afterwards, and building and rebuilding over the 20th century has introduced a number of architectural styles. These buildings include some of the first works by Luis Barragán and today 383 are classified as having historic value.
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Unveiled in 1938, this striking monument honors the heroes of the Mexican Revolution, including Pancho Villa, Francisco Madero, and Lázaro Cárdenas, whose tombs are housed within. Originally intended as a legislative chamber, construction was halted by the Revolution itself and later repurposed as a symbol of Mexican independence and resilience. Visitors can take a glass elevator to the 65m-high Paseo Linternilla, a lookout platform with a spiral staircase offering panoramic city views (not suitable for young children). A 360-degree observation deck is accessible without an all-access pass.
Monument to Cuauhtémoc
Bust of Cuauhtémoc, the Aztec ruler of Tenochtitlan from 1520 to 1521 is displayed proudly.
Are you familiar with the sport of jai alai? It's sometimes called the fastest sport in the world, and it does look fast (and hard). It's a traditional handball game from the Basque region of Spain. A "fronton" is a place where jai alai is played, and it's an unusual game that's worth seeking out for the experience. If you're not into sports as cultural experiences, then you might come here for a concert, or to sample the Spanish cuisine and innovative cocktails at the Zesta Punta restaurant, housed in the Fronton.
Museo de la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores
Mexico's stock exchange, like its peers in other countries, is mostly electronic today, so the trading floor is mostly quiet and sparsely populated, but visiting Mexico's home of the Bolsa is a must for anyone interested in the wheeling and dealing of big business. The view inside is remarkable with walls of screens flashing stock prices and trading activity while looking straight up gives you a spectacular vista of the inside of the exchange's iconic glass dome. The museum has a number of exhibits describing the stock exchange's history and changes over time.
Chocolate Museum
Explore the world of chocolate, from growing the beans through tasting candies or hot chocolate. A favorite of kids!
Wax Museum
Fun wax museum full of historical figures and pop culture icons, both Mexican and international.