Reforma Avenue has a long history and is perhaps the most famous and beautiful avenue in Mexico. It was ordered to be built by Maximilian of Habsburg and Charlotte Amalia of Belgium, who were emperors of Mexico at the time. It was originally called Paseo de la Emperatriz, because it was created due to the poor conditions of the road that led to the emperors’ home: Chapultepec Castle. At first this avenue was for the exclusive use of the imperial court, but this came to an end a few years later. It was not until the period of President Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada that it culminated in what we know today as Paseo de la Reforma, giving birth to this emblematic area, which radiates modernity, contemporaneity and urbanity.
In this area you can appreciate Mexico City as a huge metropolis, with a great offer and variety of things to do. Being one of the areas with the highest business and commercial concentration, Reforma highlights one of the largest green areas of the city: Chapultepec. This place is one of the oldest, with a huge offer of museums, parks and historical spaces. Reforma is one of the must-see places for anyone visiting the capital. Here are 5 places you have to visit along Reforma.
Chapultepec
The main lung of this city. The forest is a huge natural park, and is considered the largest urban park in America. It has a great diversity of flora and fauna, as well as a great gastronomic and recreational offer. If you want to rest, walk, have a picnic, visit museums or the zoo, you can do it here, Oh, and it has a castle. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the Mexican capital.
National Museum of Anthropology
Through 23 exhibition halls, this museum houses archaeological pieces belonging to the ancient peoples of Mesoamerica. It is an extremely large place, where our culture is reflected on a collective memory of our ancestors. If you are in Reforma, you must visit one of the most beautiful museums and one of the most visited places in the country.
Location: Paseo de la Reforma Av. s/n.
Angel of Independence
Perhaps the most emblematic monument in Mexico. It was inaugurated in 1910 by then President Porfirio Diaz, to commemorate the Centennial of Mexico’s Independence. Years later it became a mausoleum for the most important heroes of that war. Today it is a cultural icon of the capital and the site of celebrations and demonstrations.
Location: Crossing between Paseo de la Reforma and Eje 2 PTE.
Monument to the Revolution
Although it is not located on Reforma, this architectural work, designed by architect Carlos Obregón Santacilia to commemorate the Mexican Revolution, is just a few steps away. It is currently one of the most symbolic buildings in Mexico City. In addition to the monument (you can also go up to its viewpoint), there is the Plaza de la República and the National Museum of the Revolution.
Location: Av. de la República S/N.
Museum hours and costs: Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 hours. Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 to 19:00 hours. Admission: general admission $38. Students, teachers and seniors $19.
Hours and costs of the viewpoint: Monday to Thursday from 12:00 to 20:00 hours (access limit 19:30). Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m. (access limit 8:30 p.m.). Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (access limited to 7:30 p.m.). General admission: $120. Children under 13, students, teachers and INAPAM with valid ID, $100.
Tamayo Museum of Contemporary Art
Mexican artist and painter Rufino Tamayo began acquiring works for his collection of international contemporary art. After many decades of growth, he decided to donate this collection to the public, creating this wonderful museum. With its permanent and temporary exhibitions, you will be able to appreciate an exquisite art collection that you will surely fall in love with.
Location: Paseo de la Reforma 51. Hours and cost: Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. General admission: $85. Free admission for children under 12 and students, teachers and seniors with valid ID. Sunday: free admission to the public.
