Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City (must see)
Inspired by the grandeur of the Champs-Élysées in Paris, Paseo de la Reforma (Promenade of the Reform) serves as the principal thoroughfare in Mexico City, passing through the Historic district, as well as hosting Embassies and upscale residential buildings. Originally known as the Paseo de la Emperatriz or the road of the Empress, this splendid avenue was envisioned by Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico. Its purpose was to connect his residence at the Chapultepec Castle to the National Palace, which stands adjacent to the Zocalo. However, during President Benito Juarez's reformist era, the avenue underwent a transformation, becoming the Paseo de la Reforma we know today. The avenue's layout, crafted in 1860 by Ferdinand Von Rosenzweig, stands as a testament to its timeless elegance.
Stretching 15 kilometers in length and boasting a width of 60 meters, Paseo de la Reforma encompasses 6 to 8 traffic lanes, along with a prominent green strip running through its center, distinguished by a unique design. At the intersections, one can find grand roundabouts adorned with striking monuments. These monuments feature busts of revered figures who have played instrumental roles in shaping the history of Mexico.
In the present day, Paseo de la Reforma has evolved into a bustling hub, home to prominent office buildings, museums, impressive monuments, luxurious hotels, and vibrant cinemas. Moreover, it proudly hosts the embassies of notable nations such as the United States, the European Union, and the Mexican Stock Exchange.
With its rich historical legacy and modern-day significance, Paseo de la Reforma stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of Mexico's past and present, attracting visitors and locals alike to partake in its grandeur and cultural significance.
Tip:
On Sundays, the avenue closes down to cars so that multitudes of people can ride bikes, walk, jog, rollerblade or stroll down the street from the park all the way up to the historic center.
You can pay for bike rental or get one for free (first come, first served) if you bring your ID/passport and arrive early.
Stretching 15 kilometers in length and boasting a width of 60 meters, Paseo de la Reforma encompasses 6 to 8 traffic lanes, along with a prominent green strip running through its center, distinguished by a unique design. At the intersections, one can find grand roundabouts adorned with striking monuments. These monuments feature busts of revered figures who have played instrumental roles in shaping the history of Mexico.
In the present day, Paseo de la Reforma has evolved into a bustling hub, home to prominent office buildings, museums, impressive monuments, luxurious hotels, and vibrant cinemas. Moreover, it proudly hosts the embassies of notable nations such as the United States, the European Union, and the Mexican Stock Exchange.
With its rich historical legacy and modern-day significance, Paseo de la Reforma stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of Mexico's past and present, attracting visitors and locals alike to partake in its grandeur and cultural significance.
Tip:
On Sundays, the avenue closes down to cars so that multitudes of people can ride bikes, walk, jog, rollerblade or stroll down the street from the park all the way up to the historic center.
You can pay for bike rental or get one for free (first come, first served) if you bring your ID/passport and arrive early.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Mexico City. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Paseo de la Reforma on Map
Sight Name: Paseo de la Reforma
Sight Location: Mexico City, Mexico (See walking tours in Mexico City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Mexico City, Mexico (See walking tours in Mexico City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Mexico City, Mexico
Create Your Own Walk in Mexico City
Creating your own self-guided walk in Mexico City is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Zona Rosa Walking Tour
Zona Rosa, or "Pink Zone" in English, is a vibrant neighborhood near the historic center of the Mexican capital which is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse cultural scene. The neighborhood's name comes from the pink-colored tiles abundantly used to pave the local streets.
The area rose to prominence in the early 20th century as a residential district for the wealthy... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The area rose to prominence in the early 20th century as a residential district for the wealthy... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Chapultepec Park Walking Tour
Nicknamed "the Lungs of Mexico City", Chapultepec Park is a vast oasis of lush greenery in the heart of the Mexican capital, sprawling over 686 hectares of land, providing a vital source of oxygen for the city. Rich in natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere, throughout centuries, this park has inspired various works of literature, poetry, and visual art, further... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Historic Center Walking Tour
Mexico City is the oldest capital in the Americas and is one of the two founded by indigenous people. Originally known as Mexico Tenochtitlan, the city was built by the Mexicas (aka Aztecs) in 1325. According to a legend, the Mexicas' principal god, Huitzilopochtli, pointed out the site of the future settlement with an image of a golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus, devouring a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Historic Center Food Tour
A combination of history and tradition in Mexico City permeates all aspects of life, including food. For centuries, food and drink have been an inseparable part of the city's culture. Within Mexico City's bustling historic center, you can find a variety of culinary gems that offer a taste of what we call diverse Mexican cuisine.
One of the must-visit spots here is the San Juan Market.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
One of the must-visit spots here is the San Juan Market.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Coyoacan District Walking Tour
Translated from the Nahuatle language as “The Land of Coyotes”, Coyoacán is a relatively quiet neighborhood in the southern part of Mexico City. Formerly a rural village, over the years Coyoacán has become a rich pocket of art and history in the capital, closely associated with some iconic figures of the 20th century and the tumultuous times in which they lived.
One of its most famous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
One of its most famous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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