A Masterpiece of a House--Acapulco is as well known for its exclusive villas as its nightlife, but one house in particular stands out. Though not as impressive as the villas of Las Brisas, the home of Dolores Olmedo, Calle Cerro de la Pinzona 6, downtown, is a work of art. In 1956, the renowned Mexican artist Diego Rivera covered its outside wall with a mural of colorful mosaic tiles, shells, and stones. The unique work is one of his last.

Rivera, considered one of Mexico's greatest artists, was one of the founders of the 20th-century Mexican muralist movement. The Olmeda mural, which took him 18 months to complete, features Aztec deities such as Quetzalcoatl and Tepezcuincle, the Aztec dog. Rivera and Olmeda were lifelong friends; Rivera -- twice married to Frida Kahlo -- later asked Olmeda to marry him, but she refused. He lived in this house for the last 2 years of his life, during which time he also covered the interior with murals. The home is not a museum, however; you'll have to settle for enjoying the exterior.

The house is a few blocks behind the Casablanca Hotel, a short cab ride from the central plaza. Have the driver wait while you look around -- there's not much traffic, and it's a steep climb back to the plaza.