In one of the oldest parts of the city, Olvera Street is flanked by 27 historic buildings. Some have been converted to shops and others are available to walk through as museums; note the Avila Adobe, the Sepulveda House and, the oldest, 1855’s Pelanconi House. In 1930, the narrow thoroughfare became a pedestrian-only Mexican marketplace that’s been going strong ever since. This is a tourist trap if there ever was one – buyer beware – and these vendors do not have your best interest at heart; many of the items for sale are actually made in China. Good luck getting a refund if you end up with something defective or faulty. Avoid anything in a package; your best bets are clothing, clay pots, or huarache sandals. Likewise, don’t look for authentic Mexican food in any of the restaurants. Snack on taquitos from one of the stalls, or take a siesta with some margaritas and chips and then move on. Check out the Altar of the Iraq War and David Alfaro Siquieros’ 1932 mural, La America Tropical. All in all, Olvera Street does have a kitschy, one-of-a-kind value, and the best part is the large plaza where mariachi bands and Aztec Indian dancers perform for tips. Union Station, an architectural gem, is across the street.