Colonia San Rafael selected by TimeOut as one of the world’s best neighborhoods to visit on 2024
“‘San Rafa’ has long been an important cultural hub. Renowned architects and artists like Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo once called this colonia home, and today cutting-edge galleries showcase the work of a new generation of young Mexican artists. You’ll find some of the city’s most iconic theatres here, such as San Rafael and Fernando Soler, along with the legendary, long-abandoned Cine Ópera. As one of Mexico City’s first neighbourhoods, San Rafael is renowned for its mix of architectural styles: strolling its avenues you’ll spot everything from French-style mansions to colourful art deco facades and modernist buildings. Classic cantinas, cosy cafés and neighbourhood taquerías make up a standout dining scene….
https://www.timeout.com/travel/coolest-neighbourhoods-in-the-world
La Privada Roja
Amid the many grand houses and buildings that showcase the eclectic Porfirian style, you’ll find La Privada Roja, a historic Mexico City property that has held onto its charm and essence for over a century.
Within this space, there’s something for everyone: local and international cuisine, great coffee and traditional bakery, art exhibitions, music, and even a charming boutique hotel. All of this unfolds against a backdrop of red brick walls and Catalan-style arches, creating an atmosphere where history and modern culture blend seamlessly.
https://www.instagram.com/privadaroja/?hl=en
Monumento a la Revolución
Unveiled in 1938, this monument contains the tombs of the revolutionary and post-revolutionary heroes Pancho Villa, Francisco Madero, Venustiano Carranza, Plutarco Elías Calles and Lázaro Cárdenas. The star today is the 65m-high summit paseo linternilla accessed by glass elevator and opening to a spiraling staircase that ascends to a round terrace with a panoramic view of the city. Below it is the equally impressive, though not as tall, 360 observation deck, which is as high as you can go without the all-access pass.
There is an amazing roof top space across the monument, a restaurant called ARANGO, beautiful at any time but specially perfect for sunsets looking over the monument. Fantastic food and the view and the place us just unbelievable.
The first and only taqueria in the world with a Michelin Star
Taquería El Califa de León, in Colonia San Rafael in Mexico City, became the first Mexican taco stand to win a Michelin star. Since then, it has been deluged with customers and fame.Over a week ago, Taquería El Califa de León was simply one of Mexico City’s nearly 11,000 registered taco shops, though there are undoubtedly many more that aren’t. Sure, it had been around nearly 60 years and was popular, especially among politicians who worked nearby. But it was mostly a locally known taco stand.
Then, on May 14, life changed completely for the cash-only taquería that has barely enough room to stand, sells four kinds of tacos — three beef, one pork — and whose grill radiates intense heat. That day, the Michelin Guide, the world’s most widely recognized arbiter of fine dining, released its first Mexican edition.
Of the 18 establishments in Mexico awarded at least one Michelin star, many of them fancy restaurants, El Califa de León was the only street-food stand. (Outdoor food stands in other parts of the world have been awarded Michelin stars.)
