Casa de los Azulejos, Mexico City - CDMX | Centro Histórico | Abril 21, 2024
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Casa de los Azulejos Mexico City

4.5
·50k reviews·Ciudad de México, Mexico

An 18th-century palace in Mexico City, famed for its facade entirely covered in blue and white Talavera tiles.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mid-morning

Fewer crowds, peaceful ambiance

CrowdLow
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Casa de los Azulejos, Mexico City - CDMX | Centro Histórico | Abril 21, 2024

Casa de los Azulejos Mexico City

Best Time

Weekdays, mid-morning

Fewer crowds, peaceful ambiance

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An 18th-century palace in Mexico City, famed for its facade entirely covered in blue and white Talavera tiles.

4.5
(50k reviews)

"The exterior alone makes it worth a visit, with its facade covered in striking blue and white tiles from Puebla."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶 Free Entry to Admire

You can often enter the building to see the courtyard and architecture without dining. A quick visit is worthwhile!

🎶 Courtyard Dining

Dine in the beautiful interior courtyard for a unique atmosphere, often with a violinist.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Blue Tile Facade

Blue Tile Facade

An 18th-century palace exterior completely covered in striking blue and white Talavera tiles from Puebla. A true visual feast.

Interior Courtyard

Interior Courtyard

A breathtaking tiled courtyard with arches and staircases, now housing the Sanborns restaurant. Enjoy the ambiance and architecture.

Orozco Murals

Orozco Murals

Discover murals by the renowned Mexican artist José Clemente Orozco, adding significant cultural depth to the space.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Tilework

The Casa de los Azulejos is a stunning architectural gem, famous for its facade covered in Talavera tiles. While it's now a Sanborns restaurant, you can often enter freely to admire the interior courtyard and tilework, even without dining. Plan for a quick visit to soak in the beauty.

Dining Experience

The interior courtyard of Sanborns at Casa de los Azulejos offers a unique dining atmosphere, often with live music. While some find the food traditional and hearty, others recommend it for the ambiance. Consider it for a memorable meal or a coffee break.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mid-morning
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful ambiance
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, live music
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Mi itinerario recomendado para conocer Ciudad de México y alrededores en 1 semana ♥️🇲🇽 (puse un día libre extra) 🏩Un buen lugar para hospedarse es la sede del centro de @Viajero Hostels CDMX, porque está muy cerca de importantes sitios turísticos, tiene opciones de hospedaje privadas y compartidas, y precios desde $90.000 COP la noche ($23 USD). Además tiene un súper ambiente 🎉 #laagendademile #c...
@laagendademile
105.2K likes • 2.4M views

🚶 Free Entry to Admire

You can often enter the building to see the courtyard and architecture without dining. A quick visit is worthwhile! Reddit

🎶 Courtyard Dining

Dine in the beautiful interior courtyard for a unique atmosphere, often with a violinist. Reddit

✨ En pleno corazón del Centro Histórico se encuentra uno de los edificios más emblemáticos: la Casa de los Azulejos, hoy conocida como Sanborns. Construida en el siglo XVIII por la familia del Conde del Valle de Orizaba, su fachada cubierta de azulejos de Talavera es un símbolo de elegancia y tradición que ha resistido el paso de los siglos. Este lugar ha sido escenario de historias, encuentros y ...
@raquel_guizar
69.2K likes • 267.6K views
Casa de los Azulejos La Casa de los Azulejos o palacio de los condes del Valle de Orizaba, como también se le conoce, es un palacio ubicado en el centro histórico de la Ciudad de México, más precisamente entre las actuales calles de peatonal de Madero y la calle Cinco de Mayo. El inmueble fue construido durante la época virreinal, y se le conoce comúnmente por este nombre más que por el título no...
sirams10
71 likes • 0 views

📸 Photo Opportunities

The exterior tilework and interior courtyard are incredibly photogenic. Capture the stunning details. TikTok

☕ Coffee Break Spot

Consider the exterior balcony for coffee while people-watching in the historic center. Reddit

LA CASA DE LOS AZULEJOS. El edificio fue originalmente un palacio del siglo XVIII construido para la familia de los Condes del Valle de Orizaba. Su fachada está recubierta por miles de azulejos de talavera poblana, lo que le valió el sobrenombre popular de “Palacio Azul”. La Casa de los Azulejos no solo es barroco y talavera: es memoria indígena transformada, manos artesanas que dejaron su huella...
layetlanezi
44 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶 Free Entry to Admire

You can often enter the building to see the courtyard and architecture without dining. A quick visit is worthwhile! Reddit

🎶 Courtyard Dining

Dine in the beautiful interior courtyard for a unique atmosphere, often with a violinist. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

The exterior tilework and interior courtyard are incredibly photogenic. Capture the stunning details. TikTok

☕ Coffee Break Spot

Consider the exterior balcony for coffee while people-watching in the historic center. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(50k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Casa de los Azulejos is widely praised for its breathtaking blue tile facade and stunning interior courtyard, offering a unique dining experience at Sanborns. Visitors appreciate the historical ambiance, often enhanced by live music, and the ability to explore the architecture freely. While the food is considered traditional, the overall experience is highly recommended for its visual splendor and cultural significance.

"After a brief wait (10-15 min), we had lunch for four at 3pm on a Saturday with no reservation. The interior patio has beautiful light, and the atmosphere is so peaceful. A violinist played throughout our meal. Service was efficient, the food was good, and the kids loved it."

Maggie Mason (Mighty Girl)

"What a great atmosphere to dine in! It feels like fine dining without the stuffiness. We each had a cocktail and they were very good. For food we ordered tortilla soups to start and the Enchiladas Mexicanas platter to share. It came with bread and tortilla chips as well as garlic bread. Our son got a hamburger and fries. The flavor in the soup and enchiladas were amazing! Our waiter was very friendly and helpful and we got full value for the money here."

Jamie Vogan

"We had breakfast at the restaurant inside (Sanborns Madero), and I’d only recommend doing that if you’re really into a traditional, heavier Mexican breakfast. If you do go for it, make sure to ask the host for a table in the indoor courtyard, that’s the most beautiful part of the space.

That said, you don’t need to eat there to enjoy the building. You can walk in freely and explore on your own. The architecture is stunning, and the mix of tile work and interior details is worth seeing even if you’re just passing by. Be sure to check out the upper levels and the little balconies on the first floor. It’s a quick visit, but one of those places that really captures a bit of the city’s charm."

Paulina Gomez

What People Like

Stunning tile facade
Beautiful interior courtyard
Historic ambiance

What People Dislike

Food can be traditional

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Casa de los Azulejos is centrally located in the Historic Center of Mexico City, easily accessible by Metro. The nearest stations are Zócalo and Bellas Artes. Many visitors also walk from other attractions in the Centro Histórico. TikTok

Yes, it's a very prominent landmark. You'll find it on the pedestrian street between Madero and Cinco de Mayo streets. Its distinctive blue tile facade makes it hard to miss. TikTok

Walking is the best way to explore the Historic Center. You can easily combine a visit to Casa de los Azulejos with other nearby sites like the Zócalo and Palacio de Bellas Artes. TikTok

Parking in the Historic Center can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or ride-sharing services to reach the area. TikTok

Absolutely! Many guided tours of Mexico City's Historic Center include a stop at Casa de los Azulejos, offering historical context and insights. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, you typically do not need a ticket to enter the main areas of Casa de los Azulejos, as it houses a Sanborns restaurant. You can walk in to admire the architecture. Reddit

Since it's a Sanborns, it generally follows their operating hours, which are usually quite extensive, often from early morning until late evening. It's best to check Sanborns' specific hours for the Madero location. TikTok

There is no admission fee to enter the courtyard and admire the building's interior architecture. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside for personal use. However, professional photography or filming might require special permits. TikTok

There is no strict dress code for entering to admire the building. However, if you plan to dine at Sanborns, smart casual attire is recommended. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Sanborns offers a mix of traditional Mexican dishes and international comfort food. Popular choices include tortilla soup, enchiladas, and burgers. Reddit

Prices are generally considered moderate, offering good value for the unique dining experience in such a historic setting. Reddit

Many recommend sitting in the interior courtyard for the best atmosphere, especially if there's live music. The exterior balcony is also a nice spot for people-watching. Reddit

Reservations are not always necessary, especially during off-peak hours or weekdays. However, on busy weekends, it might be advisable to book ahead or expect a short wait. Reddit

Sanborns typically has a diverse menu, and you can usually find vegetarian options. It's always a good idea to ask your server about vegan choices. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire blue tile facade is a must-photograph. Inside, the tiled courtyard, grand staircases, and interior balconies offer stunning photographic opportunities. TikTok

Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the facade, while late afternoon might offer softer light. Consider the angle to get the full effect of the tiles. TikTok

Drone usage is generally restricted in Mexico City's historic center due to regulations and the density of buildings. It's best to avoid bringing a drone. TikTok

Look for the intricate patterns in the Talavera tiles, the ornate ironwork on balconies, and the grand arches within the courtyard. Instagram

For the facade, a wide-angle lens can capture its grandeur. Inside, consider lower ISO settings for better detail in the courtyard's lighting. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Casa de los Azulejos is a fantastic stop for families. The stunning blue tile facade is visually captivating for children, and the interior courtyard offers a sense of wonder. While the food at Sanborns is traditional, it generally includes familiar options like hamburgers and fries that kids tend to enjoy. Reddit The lively atmosphere, sometimes with music, can also keep younger visitors engaged. It's a relatively quick visit, making it ideal for shorter attention spans, and the ability to enter freely without a ticket is a big plus for families on the go. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Casa de los Azulejos is a dream. The entire exterior facade, covered in intricate blue and white Talavera tiles, is a masterpiece. Inside, the courtyard's architecture, with its arches, staircases, and tilework, provides endless framing opportunities. TikTokInstagram Look for details in the tile patterns, the ornate ironwork, and the play of light and shadow. The interior balconies offer unique perspectives of the dining area below. Reddit While professional shoots might require permits, personal photography is usually welcomed, allowing you to capture the essence of this historic gem. TikTok

🏛️ History Buffs

History enthusiasts will be captivated by the rich past of Casa de los Azulejos. Built in the 18th century, it represents the opulence of the viceregal era. The Talavera tilework itself tells a story of craftsmanship and trade. TikTokInstagram Inside, the murals by José Clemente Orozco add another layer of historical and artistic significance. Reddit Exploring the building allows you to connect with Mexico's colonial heritage and artistic legacy. It's a tangible link to the city's past, offering a glimpse into the lives of its former inhabitants. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Architecture of Casa de los Azulejos

The Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles) is an iconic 18th-century palace in Mexico City's Historic Center. Originally built for the wealthy Count of the Valley of Orizaba, its most striking feature is its facade, entirely covered in Talavera tiles from Puebla. This opulent design was a statement of wealth and status during the viceregal era. The building's architecture is a magnificent example of Baroque style, blending European influences with Mexican craftsmanship. TikTokInstagram

Today, the building is famously home to a Sanborns department store and restaurant. While it has been adapted for commercial use, the historical integrity and architectural splendor are largely preserved. Visitors can still marvel at the intricate tilework, the grand interior courtyard, and the historical murals by José Clemente Orozco, which adorn the walls of the former dining room. Reddit The combination of its historical significance, stunning visual appeal, and current function makes it a unique cultural landmark. TikTok

Stepping inside feels like stepping back in time. The interior courtyard, bathed in natural light, features beautiful arches and a grand staircase. The Sanborns restaurant occupies this central space, allowing diners to experience the palace's grandeur firsthand. Many visitors note that even if you don't plan to eat, you can often walk through to appreciate the architecture, making it an accessible piece of Mexico City's rich history. Reddit

Experiencing Sanborns at Casa de los Azulejos

Dining at the Sanborns located within the Casa de los Azulejos offers a unique blend of culinary experience and historical immersion. The restaurant's main dining area is set within the building's magnificent tiled courtyard, creating an unforgettable ambiance. Many reviewers highlight the peaceful atmosphere, often enhanced by live music, such as a violinist, making it feel like fine dining without the pretentiousness. Reddit

The menu at Sanborns offers a range of traditional Mexican dishes alongside international comfort food. Popular choices include hearty tortilla soups, flavorful enchiladas, and classic burgers. While some describe the food as traditional and perhaps a bit heavy, others praise the amazing flavors and good value for money. It's a place where the setting often elevates the dining experience. Reddit

Beyond a full meal, Sanborns is also a great spot for a coffee break or a light snack. The exterior balcony provides a charming vantage point to observe the bustling activity of the Historic Center. Whether you're seeking a memorable breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or just a coffee with a view, Sanborns at Casa de los Azulejos provides a distinctive way to engage with this historic landmark. Reddit

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