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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful ambiance
Casa de los Azulejos Mexico City
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful ambiance

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An 18th-century palace in Mexico City, famed for its facade entirely covered in blue and white Talavera tiles.
"The exterior alone makes it worth a visit, with its facade covered in striking blue and white tiles from Puebla."
🚶 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Orozco Murals
Discover murals by the renowned Mexican artist José Clemente Orozco, adding significant cultural depth to the space.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tilework
Dining Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 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.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The exterior tilework and interior courtyard are incredibly photogenic. Capture the stunning details.
☕ Coffee Break Spot
Consider the exterior balcony for coffee while people-watching in the historic center.
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!
🎶 Courtyard Dining
Dine in the beautiful interior courtyard for a unique atmosphere, often with a violinist.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The exterior tilework and interior courtyard are incredibly photogenic. Capture the stunning details.
☕ Coffee Break Spot
Consider the exterior balcony for coffee while people-watching in the historic center.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! Many guided tours of Mexico City's Historic Center include a stop at Casa de los Azulejos, offering historical context and insights.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
There is no admission fee to enter the courtyard and admire the building's interior architecture.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside for personal use. However, professional photography or filming might require special permits.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Sanborns offers a mix of traditional Mexican dishes and international comfort food. Popular choices include tortilla soup, enchiladas, and burgers.
Prices are generally considered moderate, offering good value for the unique dining experience in such a historic setting.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire blue tile facade is a must-photograph. Inside, the tiled courtyard, grand staircases, and interior balconies offer stunning photographic opportunities.
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.
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.
Look for the intricate patterns in the Talavera tiles, the ornate ironwork on balconies, and the grand arches within the courtyard.
For the facade, a wide-angle lens can capture its grandeur. Inside, consider lower ISO settings for better detail in the courtyard's lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of Casa de los Azulejos
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. The combination of its historical significance, stunning visual appeal, and current function makes it a unique cultural landmark.
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.
Experiencing Sanborns at Casa de los Azulejos
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.
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.
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