Museums, terraces, emblematic buildings and more. This time we will take a tour to see options of what to do in the Tabacalera neighborhood, located in the Cuauhtemoc district.
This neighborhood was officially established in 1899. It owes its name to Tabacalera Mexicana Besagoiti Zaldo y Compañía, a factory that was located in the area and whose facilities are now occupied by the Museo Nacional de San Carlos.
Although the neighborhood has changed drastically over the years, it retains some emblematic buildings and a lot of history.
What to do in the Tabacalera neighborhood
San Carlos National Museum
This museum houses an extensive collection of European paintings, sculptures and engravings from the 14th century to the early 20th century. During your visit you will find exhibitions, lectures and various activities related to art.
In addition to everything you will see inside, the building itself is a work of art created by Manuel Tolsá. From its origin to date the site has had several uses. According to the museum’s official website, the place was used as a cigar factory, offices of the National Lottery and was once the headquarters of the National High School 4 of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
You can visit the museum from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 hours. The entrance fee is $65, while on Sundays access is free.
📍Mexico-Tenochtitlan 50, Tabacalera neighborhood.
Cha Cha Cha Terrace
This place offers Mexican food. On the menu you will find tacos, quesabirrias, tostadas, empanadas, aguachile, duck carnitas, cochinita pibil, fish, octopus, shrimp and more. One of its main attractions is its view of the Monumento a la Revolución.
📍Avenida de la República 157, 6th floor, Tabacalera neighborhood.
Doncella Café
Feel like you are in a fairy tale in this coffee shop. Both the decoration and the dishes are allusive to your favorite characters. In addition to enjoying the food, you will be able to take lots of pictures.
We recommend you to make a reservation. You can do it in this page.
📍Ezequiel Montes 73, colonia Tabacalera
Salón de los Ferrocarrileros
This is a place where different events and conventions are occasionally held, such as Hello Kitty, Anime and other themes. The activities are for fans.
Stay tuned so you don’t miss the next event.
📍Ponciano Arriaga 20, colonia Tabacalera
Museum and Monument to the Revolution
This monument is the most emblematic of the colony and one of the most representative of Mexico City. Initially this was planned to become a Legislative Palace; however, construction was suspended in 1912.
The unfinished work was rescued in 1933. Three years later it was designated as a mausoleum. Today you can access the viewpoint and visit its different spaces, including those under the monument.
There you will find the National Museum of the Revolution, a precinct that exhibits articles about the Mexican Revolution and part of the history of our country. The entrance fee is $38 per person.
📍Plaza de la República S/N, Tabacalera neighborhood.
Mexico Fronton
During your visit to the Tabacalera neighborhood, don’t forget to stop by and see this art deco style building. It opened its doors in 1929. It was the venue for different sports and cultural events; however, it was closed for a long time.
After 21 years with the doors closed, it officially returned on March 21, 2017. Currently you can enjoy different events at the venue, as well as enjoy the architecture of the place, whose design is kept to its origins.
📍Plaza de la República 17, Tabacalera neighborhood.
Pulqueria Spíritu Santo
We can’t leave this neighborhood without enjoying a good drink. In this pulqueria you will enjoy drinks, snacks, good atmosphere and lots of fun. From Sunday to Thursday they are open from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm, while on Fridays and Saturdays the hours are extended until 1:30 am.
📍Eje 1 Poniente, Rosales 5BC, Tabacalera
Tour the most emblematic buildings
Finally, we recommend you to walk through the streets of this neighborhood while admiring some of its most iconic buildings, such as the National Lottery, also known as El Moro. For a time this was considered the tallest building in Mexico City.
It was also the first to have an electric neon sign.
📍Paseo de la Reforma Avenue 1, Tabacalera neighborhood.