Fodor's Expert Review Paseo de Montejo

North of downtown, this 10-block-long street was the place to reside in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, when wealthy hacienda owners sought to outdo each other with the opulence of their city mansions. They typically opted for the decorative styles popular in New Orleans, Cuba, and Paris (imported Carrara marble, European antiques). Many mansions are now used as office buildings, but four are open to the public: the Palacio Cantón, which houses a museum focused on Maya culture; Casas Gemelas and Quinta Montes Molina, both of which are house museums; and El Minaret, home to the Yerba Santa restaurant. Although the broad boulevard has lost some of its panache, lined as it is with breadfruit, tamarind, and laurel trees, it's still a lovely place to explore—on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage—and enjoy a drink or meal at a restaurant with outdoor seating.