Where to Stay in Mexico City

1. La Condesa
2. Centro Histórico or Historic Centre
3. Zona Rosa / Colonia Juárez
4. San Rafael
5. Reforma / Juarez
6. Colonia Roma / La Roma
7. Coyoacan
8. Polanco
9. Areas to Avoid

Quick Reference Guide

La Condesa – Best neighbourhood for Cafes and Green Spaces
Historic Centre – Best neighbourhood for History Buffs
Zona Rosa – Best neighbourhood for Nightlife
San Rafael – Best neighbourhood for Theatre Lovers
La Reforma – Best neighbourhood for Modern Architecture
La Roma – Best neighbourhood for Foodies
Coyoacan – Best neighbourhood for a Community Atmosphere
Polanco – Best neighbourhood for High-End Shops and Luxury Goods

La Condesa

La Condesa is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Mexico City, and it is my absolute favourite place to stay. Condesa is located just southeast of Chapultepec Park. This hip neighbourhood is where you can find some of the best cafes and restaurants. But the real draw for me of this neighbourhood is the green spaces. The area is also known as the “lungs of the city,” with lush parks and tree-lined avenues around every corner. Parque México and Parque España both have beautifully landscaped gardens and fountains. They make for the best little escape from the rest of the world.

The architecture around here is phenomenal, with the largest collections of Art Deco buildings after Miami. On Sundays, the streets of Condesa come alive with live music and street vendors. A large portion of Condesa is residential with many beautiful apartment buildings and single-family homes. This allows the neighbourhood to feel like a little community and not just as a touristy area. The family atmosphere also means it is a safe place to stay. Important for first-time visitors to feel comfortable.

Sights Nearby: Parque España, Parque México, Chapultepec Castle, Museo Nacional de Antropología
Cafes/Restaurants: Cardinal Coffee House, El Moro, Lardo, Condesa Tianguis

Top Hotel for Great Amenities: Maria Condesa Hotel $$

Maria Condesa is a great mid-range option in La Condesa. The location is great, right in the heart of the La Condesa art deco area. The rooms are super stylish, and the suites come with a street view and walk-in saunas. A huge perk to staying here would be the restaurant on the terrace.

Top Hotel for a Home Away from Home: Casa Dovela $$$

Casa Dovela is a Boutique-House featuring contemporary duplexes and a beautiful one-bedroom suite. It’s a cross between a luxury home and a boutique hotel located along the art-deco streets of Condesa. The original building was left abandoned after the 1985 earthquake-like so many other residences in Condesa. But seeing its developmental potential, the hotel owners snapped it up.

They nabbed it just as the revitalization of Condesa was starting to take place. Aspects of the original architecture were preserved, but many parts of the building were modernized for aesthetics and comfort. Staying here in the heart of the neighbourhood, with a playground you can see from your window, you feel embedded into the community. Just outside your front door, a market pops up on Tuesdays where you can buy fresh produce and cook it up right at home.

Centro Histórico or Historic Centre

The historic center of Mexico City is located in the city’s heart. It is home to many of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. The historic centre was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. It covered an area of about 450 hectares. Inside you’ll find the main plaza or Zocalo, along with all of its historical buildings. You can spend days exploring this neighbourhood without getting bored! The main downside to staying inside the historic centre is also the reason it’s such a wonderful place to stay. And that’s all the attractions, and therefore all the toursits.

Although being located close to all the historical sights gives you lots to do, it does feel like staying inside an amusement park. And when the sun goes down, the side streets are dead quiet as no locals live in the area. It is mainly a shopping and tourist district. Getting in and out of the area is also slightly problematic as many streets are closed to vehicle traffic. Which again is a huge plus when you are walking around but a downside when you arrive in a taxi with your luggage. So just be prepared to be dropped off a few streets away from your hotel and walk over to your destination.

Sights Nearby: Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, Templo Mayor, Alameda Central, Torre Latinoamericana
Cafes/Restaurants: Pastelería Ideal, Azul Histórico, LA OPERA, Dulcería de Celaya 

Best Hotel for History Lovers: Gran Hotel Ciudad De Mexico $$$

The Gran Hotel Ciudad De Mexico is a 5-star hotel with elegant rooms and a great location bordering Zocalo square. Some of the rooms even have a view of the large square. The highlight of the hotel is the grandiose Tiffany stained glass ceiling. It looms over you as you enter framed by the art deco wrought irons balconies that surround the lobby. You can soak in the splendour while sipping a coffee inside the lobby cafe. This is the perfect luxury option in a prime location. The hotel also offers a fabulous terrace restaurant overlooking the square if you didn’t get a room with a view.

Best Hotel for a Budget: Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City $

If you’re looking for a budget version of the Gran Hotel, look no further than the Hampton Inn & Suites. The hotel is located inside a beautifully restored historic building complete with architectural styling dating back to the 1800s. Inside you’ll find simple yet comfortable and spacious rooms with modern conveniences. Like the Gran Hotel Ciudad, this hotel also features a six-storey atrium with a stained glass ceiling. Albeit not as impressive, it is nevertheless a stunning addition to welcome you inside.

Zona Rosa / Colonia Juárez

The Zona Rosa (Pink Zone) is located on the south side of Paseo de la Reforma Avenue. Found between Insurgentes Avenue and Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas. The area saw great expansion during the rise of Porfiriato. The Porfiriato is the time period between the late 19th and early 20th centuries when General Porfirio Díaz ruled. The previously poor neighbourhood was transformed into an elegant community.

Today, the Zona Rosa is renowned for its nightlife. It’s a favourite place for tourists due to the wide variety of venues in just a few blocks. It is a place where one can find many bars, dance clubs and restaurants. This area has also become important for the gay community of the city. Found in this part of town are many gay-friendly bars and discos. This is definitely the place to stay for those who enjoy the nightlife!

Sights Nearby: Mercado de Artesanías, The Angel of Independence, Glorieta de La Palma, Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela
Cafes/Restaurants: Chiquitito Café, Café Nin, La Casa de Toño, Tacos de Canasta de La Abuela

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Best Hotel to Feel Safe Cozy and Safe: Hotel Casa González $

Hotel Casa González has been operating inside the Zona Rosa for almost 100 years! The current owner’s grandfather built the two original homes in the mid-1920s. They were later joined together to create this unique hotel. As the hotel is located in front of the English Embassy, and just one block from the American Embassy, the area is frequented by local police officers. This is a great place to stay if you want to feel very safe. When you step through the tall gates entering the hotel, you are met with a secret garden oasis. A courtyard filled with trees and climbing vines where you’ll feel like you never want to leave. The rooms are very simple, yet each one has its own charming decor, making you feel right at home. The breakfast room is the best part where you feel like dining inside abuelas kitchen.

Best Hotel for Swimmers: Hotel Carlota $$

Hotel Carlota is an affordable boutique hotel was built inside an old house. It transformed the interior space to honour Mexico City. A city filled with culture, design, art, memories and modernity. The rooms are stylish, and the entire hotel has an indoor/outdoor open-air floor plan. Stepping out of your room, you can look down at the amazing pool below. Perfect for those hot, humid days.

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San Rafael

Just north of the Zona Rosa is the San Rafael neighbourhood. The area features beautiful colonial architecture, 19th-century mansions and art deco apartment buildings. San Rafael was once known as the “Broadway of Mexico,” where you’d find live music and performances. Today you can still see various mid-century theatres and art galleries popping up all over the place. This area is a great place to stay if you want to remain close to the Historic Centre while not being overwhelmed by the tourists. Here you can still feel that local sense of community.

Sights Nearby: Teatro Aldama, Teatro Mexico, Museo Nacional de la Revolución, The National Museum of San Carlos, Skulls & Art Exhibition
Cafes/Restaurants: LA TALAVERA, Tacos de Canasta de La Abuela, Pakaá, Restaurante y Banquetes El Sol

Best Hotel for Environmentalists: El Patio 77 $

El patio 77 is the first eco-friendly B&B in Mexico City! The hotel is located inside a 19th-century house that has been converted into eight unique suites. Each suite has its own design, inspired by Mexico City’s cultural and artistic heritage. The heart of the house is the courtyard, where you can dine on Mexican cuisine with other hotel guests. Since the boutique hotel is so small, book in advance, as the rooms book up quick!

Reforma / Juarez

Mexico City’s Reforma neighbourhood is located in the Benito Juarez borough. It is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Mexico City, and yet it is also one of the most modern. It is considered almost like the Times Square of Mexico City. The streets in this area are straight and wide, which gives this area an air of sophistication. On either side of the road, you’ll stare up, up and up. Looking in awe at the amazing glass works of modern architecture. The beauty of staying in the Reforma / Juarez district is you have easy access to all the most popular neighbourhoods like; Centro Historico, Polanco, Roma, and Condesa.

The grand Paseo de La Reforma, which dominates the area, is lined with monuments and some of the most unbelievable modern architecture found anywhere in the city. On Sundays, the entire street is closed to motorists and is used by pedestrians and cyclists. Street vendors come out along with artisans selling arts and crafts on blankets on the sidewalk. It feels like a bustling festival that explodes onto the street every week!

Sights Nearby: Cafetería El Péndulo Zona Rosa, Mercado de Artesanías, Museo del Chocolate
Cafes/Restaurants: Churrería El Moro, Café Nin, Helena, La Casa de Toño

Best Hotel for a View: Sofitel Mexico City Reforma $$$

The new Sofitel Mexico City Reforma is the perfect place to indulge in a decidedly chic experience. This hotel combines the essence of Mexican culture with the spirit of French Art de Vivre. Ideally located on Paseo De La Reforma, it was one of this city’s first luxury hotels. Inside their contemporary and stylish suites, you get breathtaking views of the city and the famous Angel of Independence monument.

Best Hotel for the Breakfast Buffet: NH Collection Mexico City Reforma $

NH Collection Mexico City Reforma is a wonderful hotel at a great price in the centre of the Reforma neighbourhood. Even the largest and most prestigious rooms, come at a reasonable price! The Family suites and Terrace rooms all have their own private balconies, which look out onto the city below. If you are looking for the best start to your day, there is no better thing than their breakfast buffet. There are so many options your eyes might think to deceive you. Freshly made eggs, Mexican pastries, all kinds of fresh-made juices, sweets and meats and more!

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Colonia Roma / La Roma

Colonia Roma also called La Roma, (or simply Roma), is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Mexico City. The Colonia was designed as an upper-class neighbourhood in the early twentieth century. But after the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, the district quickly became a lower-class slum. No one seemed to want to take on its redevelopment right after the quake.

In the early 2000s, restaurant owners moved into the cheap rental units in the area. And slowly they began to revitalize the district. What these entrepreneurs found were some of the most architecturally stunning buildings in the city. Over the last 20 years, it has become once more one of the most upscale areas of the city. And with the best food found anywhere! If you’re a foodie, this needs to be your home base!

Walking around the neighbourhood in the daytime, you can admire the tranquil, ivy-draped historic homes. Browse the eclectic shops and art galleries. But with the setting of the sun, you’ll find the most unique nightlife. Be sure not to miss the traditional food vendors which pop up all over the streets at night. Their brightly painted signs and delicious-smelling food wafting all along the streets.

Sights Nearby: Goodbye Folk Vintage Boutique, Pushkin Garden, Cine Tonalá
Cafes/Restaurants: Lalo!, Taquería Álvaro Obregón, Mercado Roma, Panadería Rosetta

Best Hotel for the Avant Guard: Brick Hotel $$$

Brick Hotel is a fantastic example of how the Roma combines the Old World enchantment of Mexico city with fresh, contemporary energy. The Brick Hotel was originally a 20th-century mansion designed in the classic Belle Époque style. They transformed the rooms into an authentic and avant-garde boutique hotel with 17 ultra-stylish and modern rooms.

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Best Hotel for Oasis Living: Ignacia Guest House $$$

Ignacia Guest House is truly one of the best secrets hidden in Roma Norte. Under the purple blossoms of the Jacaranda tree lining the streets, you will be welcomed home. The house was originally an old 20th-century mansion that has been transformed into just six elegant suites. Since there are so few rooms, everyone who stays here feels like family.

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Each suite is designed in a different colour, blending history and Mexican artisan tradition with contemporary design. In fact, Ignacia Guest House has been internationally acclaimed for its interior design, architecture, and restoration. During the day, guests can abandon their daily routine and enjoy the historical details, gardens, and spaces. In the morning, they can have breakfast at the communal tables or in the garden under an orange tree. Book well in advance as the rooms are highly coveted by anyone in the know who visits Mexico City.

Coyoacan

Coyoacan is a southern suburb of Mexico City. It is known for its colourful historic center, which has preserved much of its colonial-era architecture. The district was an independent Aztec town before the Spanish conquest in 1521. And being located away from the centre the neighbourhood remained largely undeveloped until the 20th century. There is a slowness to this part of town which I love. A restful atmosphere that contrasts the explosive energy of Mexico City’s business district. This is where I always come to relax. To make my way to their various parks and gardens to read or paint. Whiling away the sunny days under the umbrellas of chic cafes and fantastic restaurants.

This was also the neighbourhood where Frida Kahlo was born and died. It was also where she lived with her husband, Diego Rivera. Frida’s fingerprint is embedded into the essence of this part of town. And her colourful and creative personality is reflected on every street corner and plaza you visit.

Sights Nearby: Plaza Jardin Hidalgo, Coyoacan Market, Frida Kahlo Museum, Museo Casa de León Trotsky
Cafes/Restaurants: LOS AMANTES Café & Bistro, Cafe El Jarocho, Café Avellaneda, Mesón Antigua

Best Hotel for a Peaceful Getaway: Casa Jacinta Guest House $$

One of my favourite parts about staying in Coyaocan is that there aren’t any large hotels. Instead, you have a wide selection of fantastical Guest Houses to choose from. Steps away from the famous Café El Jarocho coffee shop is the Casa Jacinta Guest House. This old traditional house has 11 rooms of different sizes, a haven of serenity and beautiful traditional Mexican decoration. The ivy-covered balconies, brightly tiled bathrooms and peaceful gardens transport you to a bygone time. Book a room that opens up on the ground floor into the lush, green garden for an extra special treat. Stepping out to that view every morning is the best way to start your day.

Best Hotel for a Home away from Home: H21 Hospedaje Boutique $$

Just off of the central Plaza Jardin Hidalgo is the H21 Hospedaje Boutique Hotel. The house, now a hotel, was originally built in 1928. It was remodelled into a Mexican-contemporary style that will delight all those that pass through the doors. Their suites also feature a living room, sofa and kitchen. Making it the best place to stay for a longer vacation where you can truly feel at home. Venture out to the colourful Coyoacan Market and bring home some fresh fruits, veggies and meat. Try and test your hand at a home-cooked meal! If you don’t want to do any cooking on your vacation, book one of their terrace rooms. Here you can sit outside in your own private outdoor space sipping on michelada and mescals.

Polanco

Located in the northwest and above the Bosque de Chapultepec, Polanco is an upscale residential and business district. The leafy side streets are dotted with Spanish Colonial Revival mansions and luxe apartments. At the same time, the main drags are filled with luxury brands and upscale international restaurants. As it is one of the most expensive areas in the city, Polanco is also very safe. So this neighbourhood would be ideal for families planning to visit Mexico City. Be prepared to spend a pretty penny in this area! But for those looking for extravagance, you’ve come to the right place!

Sights Nearby: Xinú Perfumes, Parque Lincoln, Bosque de Chapultepec, Museo Nacional de Antropología
Cafes/Restaurants: Pujol, Dulce Patria, Rosa Negra, ENO, Boicot Café Polanco,

Best Hotel for Architecture Buffs: Camino Real Polanco Mexico $$

The Camino Real Polanco is a beautiful hotel/museum designed by renowned architect Ricardo Legorreta. The space opened its doors to the public on July 25th, 1968. When it opened it was famous for combining modern features with shapes clearly reminiscent of prehispanic pyramids. Elements from these merge together to create an architectural masterpiece! There is something so nostalgic about the 60’s decor, which is so atmospheric. Plus, as it is not a high-end luxury hotel, the rooms come at a reasonable price for the area! If you have a little more cash to spend, book one of the suites as the retro decor is incredible. The view out towards the best architectural features of the hotel is wonderfully highlighted.

Bets Hotel for Interior Design: Orchid House Polanco $$$

Nothing feels more like Mexican royalty than a stay at the Orchid House Polanco. The Orchid House provides visitors with the exquisite feeling of being at home with the comforts of a hotel. Hidden away inside a 100-year-old mansion, the hotel is filled with blue and coloured stained glass, antique barro floors hand-painted with images of Don Quijote and Shakespeare. There are also neoclassic mouldings and rich, traditional antique pink cantera stone. Each room is exquisitely designed and features textiles and handmade decorations from local artisan communities.

Areas to Avoid

Just as it’s important to discuss where to stay, it’s also important to know where to avoid. Remember, it’s never worth saving a bit of money if it puts you at any risk.

I hope this guide helps you find the perfect place to stay to make the most of your trip to Mexico City!

Happy Travels, Adventurer!

The post The Best Places to Stay in Mexico City, Neighbourhood Guide first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Paseo de Reforma Guide

1. Paseo de la Reforma History
2. Free Bikes
3. ECOBICI
4. Scooter Rentals
5. Sidewalk Fun!
6. Shopping
7. Street Food
8. Self-Guided Tour of Paseo de la Reforma

Paseo de la Reforma History

Paseo de la Reforma is one of the most extensive avenues in the city. The street connects many different neighbourhoods together and feels like the veins which keep the heart of the city beating. It was designed in the 1860s after the grande avenues in Europe. It was built to connect Emperor Maximilian’s new imperial residence, Chapultepec Castle, to the rest of the city. Today, the Paseo de la Reforma is where you can still see some of the most magnificent architectural masterpieces in town. It is also one area of the city with the most exciting landscape architecture and flower arrangements.

Care-Free Sundays

Most of the time, this broad avenue is one of the busiest streets in the city, with that iconic sound of honking horns and the rumble of idling cars. But on Sundays, between 8:00 am, and 2:00 pm, all cars are banned from the street and the entire roadway is dedicated to bikes, scooters, runners, and pedestrians. The whole avenue transforms, suddenly it feels almost quiet (at least in comparison to during the week.) Children can be heard laughing as they cruise down the road, perhaps learning how to ride a bike for the first time. This is definitely not a touristy event, although tourists are more than welcome. This is a community-driven initiative to bring people outside to enjoy their city together without vehicles – which in a city as busy as Mexico City, is a real treat!

I couldn’t believe this when I first saw it. This isn’t a small street, it’s enormous! I couldn’t imagine Toronto agreeing to shut down its major roadway once a week just for the community to enjoy. It would be chaos. But everything seemed to run as usual here, and thousands of people come out every week to enjoy the event! The idea for this was dreamt up by Muevete en Bici.

Organization

After their initial proposal, the government-backed the campaign to help improve the lifestyles and health of the residents of Mexico City. The volunteers who help out every week, bring these huge signs, which they spread across the streets, when they need to stop the bikers and pedestrians for through traffic. The signs announce upcoming events or give advice and tips on bike and scooter safety. Some of the volunteers are extra enthusiastic and love to sing and dance when it’s time to get going once more. They were definitely a huge part of making this event so much fun!

Free Bikes

If you’re looking to rent a bike and aren’t too fussy about its condition, then head to the Glorieta de la Palma roundabout. Get there early in the day for the best selection. At this intersection, you’ll find a large white tent where you can rent a bike for free. This is part of the campaign, and the government offers free bike rental for a maximum of two hours. All you need is ID, which they keep until you return the bike. I would bring a driver’s licenses to hand over since I know that turning over your passport can feel a bit scary, but trust me, it’s okay.

Cost of Bike Rental

You’ll fill out a form with a phone number where you can be reached. After you’ve filled out the form, you’ll be given a ticket that corresponds with your ID to get when you return the bike. Then you can head off, just be sure to return before the two hours is up, or face a 50 peso fine (albeit, that’s a very cheap fine and might be worth it for that extra bit of time experiencing the streets). Just be sure to return before 2 pm since that’s when they close down.

ECOBICI

ECOBICI is Mexico’s City public bike-sharing system. The service allows registered users to take a bike at any bike station with unlimited 45 minutes trips. This means that as long as you return your bike after 45 minutes, you’ll only have to pay the one-time registration fee. This is great since there are many stations along the route, so you can bike for a bit, return your bike, have some street food and then continue on your way with another bike, starting up a new 45-minute session. The system just requires you to register online. As a tourist, I would recommend the 1 or 3-day subscription. A 3-day subscription will cost you $208 (pesos), and a 1-day is $104 (pesos).

One day is perfect if you only think you’ll want the bike on Sunday, but if you want to do a little bit more biking, the 3-day pass is the choice for you. If you happen to go over your 45-minute session, you’ll be charged a small fee, but nothing to freak out over. These bikes are in much better condition than the free bikes and you also have the freedom to cruise around all day, instead of being restricted to 2 hours.

Scooter Rentals

Since we had rented bikes in the city before, we wanted to try out their new scooter rental systems. We loved renting scooters in Calgary when we visited in the Fall and so sought out some scooters for the ride along Reforma. Multiple companies rent out scooters in the city. The one we found to be the easiest to use, the most tourist-friendly and with the one with the most scooters available, was Bird Scooters. Bird is a worldwide company, so if you happen to have used the app anywhere else in the world, you’ll be fine to use it here. And you won’t need to do anything special to your account or payment settings. If you don’t have an account, you’ll just need to download the app and register with a credit card.

Cost of Scooter Rental

You will need a roaming cellular phone for these apps to work properly. I’ve tried just being on wifi to unlock and re-lock the bikes and find that too often something goes wrong, and you don’t want to be unduly charged. Use the app to find scooters near you, there are always tons, fully charged around Paseo de la Reforma on Sundays. To unlock the scooter it costs $20 pesos ($1 USD), and each minute of your ride is $2 pesos. If you choose to ride for an hour, the cost is a fixed $140 pesos ($7 USD), including the unlock fee. Use the Bird Scooter Promo Code: M3J31Y to get your first ride free!

While I love biking, cruising around on the scooter felt like such a different experience, perhaps just because it was new to me. It was indescribably fun! And because the road was smooth and car-free, it felt totally safe. It was such a wonderful opportunity to try out a new mode of transportation. We loved it so we got brave enough to ride them around the rest of the city over the course of our trip, albeit on the sidewalks.

Sidewalk Fun!

On either side of the sidewalk along Paseo de la Reforma, you’ll find a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. We were lucky enough to be there at the tail end of the Dias de los Muertos celebrations. Everywhere we walked there were bright and colourful skeletons lounging on benches, peeking out of the bushes or just watching over the streets. I can only imaging how amazing it was during the actual festival!

Day of the Dead

On either side of the sidewalk were enormous sculptures of the Day of the Dead skulls. Each one was the made from the same mould, but the way they were painted or decorated were entirely different, depending on each individual artist’s style. My husband’s favourite was definitely the Lucha Libre themed one, but mine, of course, were the ones embellished with jewels!

Also along the sidewalks were the papier-mache sculptures of super-sized Alebrijes. These brightly coloured folk art sculptures depict fantastical, mythical creatures. These larger than life sculptures were actually a part of the Day of the Dead parade but were put back on display here for the public to admire even if they didn’t get to attend the ceremonies. It was awesome to get up close to these works of art and study the incredible patterns which cover the creatures.

Shopping

Since there is such an influx of pedestrian traffic on Sundays, this is seen as a great opportunity for vendors to come out as well. If you’re looking for handicrafts, I was shocked to see how many sellers came out with their goods along the sidewalk. I thought perhaps that the prices might be a little inflated since it was a makeshift marketplace but after a week of shopping, I realized everything I bought here (even without haggling) was much cheaper than anywhere else in the city! And there were so many items I saw here that I never saw anywhere else, even the Artisan Market!

I always go with the motto that if you see something you like and can afford it, just buy it when you see it. Since you don’t know if you’ll ever find it again. I’ve passed on so many things I’ve found on the street, thinking I’ll either buy it later or find a better price, only to be disappointed later when neither of those things happen. And trust me, the regret was REAL!

Street Food

In addition to souvenirs and handcrafted items, you’ll also find a ton of street food! All that activity can work up an appetite, so the food vendors are sure to be there to satisfy all your cravings. The fruits were my favourite choice since they were so cool after a hot ride out in the sun. I honestly think fresh cut fruit, covered in lime, chili and salt might be my favourite snack of all time!

The candy, nuts and dried fruit sellers were also another one of our favourite stands. You could get an entire bag of candy or nuts for 30 pesos! And the ones which were out here allowed you to mix and match so you could get a little bit of anything you wanted.

Self-Guided Tour of Paseo de la Reforma

While you can have such a great time just cruising down the avenue, enjoying the peaceful ride and beautiful environment, below is a little guide to the various monuments and buildings which are worth a quick stop beside to admire. I would recommend starting the day at the intersection of Río Ródano and the Avenue de la Reforma. Unless you’re picking up a free bike at the Glorieta de la Palma roundabout, Río Ródano is a great starting location as you have a gorgeous view all down the avenue as you begin your journey. If you do need to pick up a free bike at Glorieta de la Palma, just make a loop down to Río Ródano from Glorieta de la Palma to begin this tour.

Estela de Luz

At the start of Paseo de la Reforma, you’ll find the giant shining edifice, which is the Estela de Luz or Light Trail. This was a monument that was built in 2011 to commemorate the bicentenary of Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule. The steel structure is covered in quartz panels with aluminum frames. These are lit with electric LEDs, which create a spectacular light show at night. In the daytime, though, the quartz still reflects the sunlight creating an almost sparkling effect. This building was an incredibly contentious structure as it went massively over budget. Also, despite being designed for the bicentenary, construction delays resulted in it not being unveiled until well after the anniversary it was built for.

Torre Mayor

On the north side of the street as you set off is the Torre Mayor. The Torre Mayor (or Major Tower) is the third tallest building in Mexico, standing 225 meters tall with 55 stories going up! As someone who lives in Toronto, I found it interesting to learn that the building was designed and built by Canadians at architectural firms in Toronto, my home town! Although the building is astonishingly tall, it was built with a complex design to ensure it is earthquake resistant! It is designed to withstand earthquakes measuring 8.5 on the Richter Scale. The devastating earthquake which hit Mexico City in the 1980s hit 8.1 on the Richter Scale, so their hope was to ensure it could withstand an even stronger quake.

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Diana the Huntress Fountain

At the intersection of Reforma and Sevilla, you’ll find the great fountain of Diana the Huntress. The fountain was built in 1942 when President Manuel Avila Camacho decided to start an initiative of beautification along the Paseo de la Reforma. Juan Francisco Olaguíbel sculpted the piece, and it was revealed to the public on October 10th, 1942. Despite its fantastical artistry, the sculpture was met with outrage by an ultra-conservative group called the “Decency League.” They were angered by the fact that the goddess was presented in the nude and insisted the artist create bronze underwear to cover her up. With much public pressure, he obliged, and the statue wore awkward and unbecoming bronze underwear for 25 years.

In 1968, Mexico City won the bid for the Olympics, and the committee thought it was time to do away with the ugly undergarment in favour of the original design. So finally, just before the Olympics, she was revealed to the world as the artist first intended. Today you can still see her holding her bow and arrow up towards the sky.

The Angel of Independence

One of the largest roundabouts along the street is marked by the golden Angel of Independence or Ángel de la Independencia. As someone who spent some time in Berlin, I thought upon first glance, I was back in Germany. And this is not just my age getting to me, the statue was designed to resemble the Berlin Victory Column located along their great promenade. President Porfirio Díaz requested its construction as a tribute for the centennial of Mexico’s War of Independence against the Spanish. Designed by architect Antonio Rivas Mercado, it was inaugurated in 1910. For years it became a meeting point for celebrations and protests, and throughout the years, it was also used as a mausoleum for heroes of the war of independence.

Antiques Center Plaza del Angel

If you’re looking to take a quick break, park your bike and head down to the Antiques Center Plaza del Angel. On Saturdays and Sundays, this complex houses antique vendors selling vintage stuff. There are plenty of super unique treasures you can uncover here spread out across this square.

Beatricita

If you’re hungry for more than just street food, check out Beatricita, just off the Paseo de la Reforma. Some people call this place the best tacos in the city! The restaurant was established by Beatriz Muciño Reyes, in 1887 when she immigrant to Mexico City with her brother Claudio. Together they opened this restaurant and have been serving up some of the best traditional Mexican cuisine at amazing prices, right in the heart of the city. If you’re there before lunch, try the chilaquiles with eggs, pork rinds in green salsa!

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Miguel Ramos Arizpe

Along either side of the street, on the sidewalks, you’ll find various bronze statues on marble pillars, representing various important people from Mexico’s history. Just ahead of Angel of Independence on the south side of the street is the statue of Miguel Ramos Arizpe. Miguel Ramos Arizpe was a Mexican priest and politician and also known as the father of Mexican federalism.

Glorieta de La Palma

The next roundabout you’ll come to is the Glorieta de La Palma. While the center of the roundabout doesn’t feature a statue or fountain, it does hold pride of place to the great palm tree, which gave the area its name. Palm trees are one of Mexico’s greatest exports, and today they can be found all over the world. They truly do deserve to be lauded just as much as the other historical personalities. One of the most impressive things to see at this roundabout while you’re waiting for the lights to change is the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores. The Bolsa Mexicana de Valores is where you can find the Mexican Stock Exchange. It was built inside this futuristic, disco ball-inspired building, which almost everyone ponders at as they pass by.

Monument to the Emperor Cuauhtémoc

Intersecting the Avenue des Insurgentes and Reforma is the monument dedicated to Emperor Cuauhtémoc. These two avenues are two of the largest and most important in the city and standing in the centre is, by no coincidence, one of the most critical figures in Mexico City’s history. Emperor Cuauhtémoc was the last Aztec ruler of Tenochtitlan (the Aztec name for Mexico City). He ruled only for a year, from 1520 to 1521, but his impact was enormous.

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The name Cuauhtemōc means “one who has descended like an eagle.” Eagles attacked their prey, first by scoping them out from above, and then quickly plummeting, straight down, to attack and devour. This is a name that implies aggressiveness and determination. When Cuauhtémoc became emperor, he was an energetic 25-year old, whose beloved country was being attacked by the Spanish. They had brought not only the war but also a plague of smallpox, which was devastating his country.

Battle of 1519

Cuauhtémoc led the last battle of the Mexican people against the Spaniards in 1519. The Mexican army was defeated, and Cuauhtémoc was captured. He was subject to torture by fire to give up his people but never lamented. Scenes from this great torture can be found on a bas relief on the monument he stands upon. After months of pain, he was eventually executed by the Spanish, but his heroic memory lives on today.

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Jardín del Arte

Take a little detour northwest, towards the Jardín del Arte. On Sundays, along the Rio Nevada, you can find the green gardens covered in the paintings and artworks from over 100 artists. If you’re looking for high quality artworks from Mexican artists, this is definitely the place to go!

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Monument to Christopher Columbus

In complete opposition to the previous statue, the next roundabout is marked by the Monument to Christopher Columbus. It was made in 1877 by French sculptor Charles Cordier. Usually, when you pass this one by, you’ll see that it is covered in graffiti and protest signs since many locals would like it to be removed. The monument presents Columbus on top of a large pink pedestal. His arm stretched out, with his foot resting atop a globe beneath his feet. It presents Columbus as both the discoverer of the new world and the founder of the catholic church in Mexico.

Around the base of the pedestal are four other men, seated around Columbus, who represent the catholic missionaries who converted the native people of the Americas to Catholicism. Many Mexicans oppose this statue as it presents Columbus as the hero when many indigenous people see him as the man who took their great land and culture away from them. Over the years, there has been almost constant vandalization of the statue as a means of protest.

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Plaza de la República

Take a short detour from here, up along Ignacio Ramírez towards the Plaza de la República. This enormous square is dominated by the imposing copper-domed Monumento a la Revolución (Monument of the Revolution). Designed by Mexican architect Carlos Obregón Santacilia, it is still today considered the tallest triumphal arch in the world. The project took over 27 years to complete due to multiple revolutions and changes in government. It originally was started as a project by French architect Émile Bénard who wanted the entire piece to be designed in French renaissance style. He even imported iron and marble from Italy rather than just using local materials.

But after the Mexican Revolution and a new, more nationalistic president, the project was handed over to Mexican architect Carlos Obregón Santacilia who dedicated the structure to the heroes of the Mexican Revolution. Santacilia removed the renaissance appearance from the facade and replaced it with the art deco style which was more prevalent in Mexico City. He also added his own unique socialist realism style to the designs as well. Surrounding the dome, Mexican sculptor Oliverio Martínez created four stone sculptural groups that represent Independence, the Reform Laws, Agrarian Laws, and Labor Laws. They stand facing the square, perhaps overseeing the people to ensure they are obeying those very laws. Today you can ride the glass elevator in the centre, 65 meters up into the observation deck where you have a great view all across the city.

Edificio El Moro

Head back down the Avenue de la República until you get to the intersection of Avenue Juarez and Reforma. Here stands the Edificio El Moro and the Loteria Nacional or National Lottery offices. These are located inside the fantastical art deco masterpiece Edificio El Moro. The building was designed in 1945 as one of the first skyscrapers in Mexico City and for a time, was the tallest building in the city.

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The King of Spain Sculpture

In front of the building is a huge yellow, modernist sculpture designed by sculptor Sebastián. Sebastián is a world-renown sculptor who works primarily in steel to create fantastical abstract sculptures. This one he calls, King Carlos of Spain, as it is thought to mimic the shape of a king on horseback.

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You can keep biking or scooting to your leisure from here, but I find that this extent of the roadway provides the most exciting things to see. Past this point, there is also little entertainment or food vendors. Sunday mornings in Reforma are honestly just the best thing you can do with your time. It allows you to explore the city in a relaxing and freeing way. See it from a unique perspective. Discover new foods along the sidewalks. Buy local handicrafts and more! It’s everything you want from Mexico City, all in one place! Hopefully, you can see it for yourself on your next trip to Mexico.

What is your favourite way of exploring a new city? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post The Best Way to Spend a Sunday Morning in Mexico City, a Wonderful Bike Ride Along Paseo de la Reforma first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.