4 Best Sights in San Rafael and Santa María la Ribera, Mexico City

Built by Mexican architect José Ramón Ibarrola, the Moorish Kiosk was meant to serve as the Mexico Pavilion at the 1884 World’s Fair in New Orleans. It was relocated to Mexico in 1910 and placed where it now stands, as a proud symbol of Santa María la Ribera. Designed in the Moorish Revival architectural style known as neo-Mudejar, which was popular at the time in Spain, it is made of wrought iron and wood painted in blue, red, and gold, and is topped with a glass cupola dome. It sits in the principal plaza of the colonia, and draws photographers and lovers (it’s not uncommon to see a modeling shoot going on or a couple in a deep embrace) as well as families. Its sheer size is enough to accommodate even occasional dance classes and events.

A classic Mexican market with labyrinth-like aisles, you'll find everything you could possible want for sale, from fresh produce to clothing and kitchenwares. Vendors are set up outside in front of the market, too. It’s a great place to stop for a quick comida corrida, an affordable three-course midday meal, at any one of the market’s stalls in the prepared food sections. This market is a little less hectic than others around the city, so it’s worth checking out if crowds are not exactly your thing.