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Reforma Avenue
 One of Mexico City's most outstanding avenues is Paseo de la Reforma. Along its central extension stand fine examples of architecture, numerous banks and offices, ancient residential areas now transformed into fashionable venues, embassies, luxury hotels, exclusive art galleries and spectacular monuments.
During the mid-19th Century, Mexico City experienced painful encounters with the outside world as it suffered invasions by both North American and French forces. During the latter intervention, a new urban model was proposed by the administration of emperor Maximilian of Hapsburg: the construction of an avenue which would communicate Mexico City, starting from the Bucareli roundabout, with Chapultepec Castle. Laid out diagonally and originally named The Emperor's Avenue, it was conceived as an ample, 12-kilometer long boulevard.
Diana Fountain
Landmarks
Some time later, its name was changed to the more republican designation of La Reforma, and its aristocratic character was taken over by the city's high society. Taking advantage of this tree-lined expanse, a series of monuments honoring key episodes in Mexico's history were erected during the Porfiriato. These include the monument to Christopher Columbus in 1876, statues of the Republic's heroes, the interesting monument to Cuauhtemoc in 1887, and the Independence Monument, which was inaugurated in 1910. A new landmark and symbol for the city, the victorious winged statue that crowns the column of this monument was adopted by the city's inhabitants as their guardian angel. It is perhaps fitting that so many of the city's demonstrations, both for rejoicing and in protest, take place under its protective wings.
Perhaps evoking the influence of Columbus, the new residential areas of Mexico City are named colonias. Typical examples of these are the Cuauhtemoc and Juarez areas, with their Porfirian origins and which today form part of the heart of the city. The Cuauhtemoc colonia brings together French, art deco, neocolonial, functionalist and post-modern architectural styles. Although this is still a residential area, a pleasant tour can be had through its streets where the Carranza House, the French Institute for Latin America (IFAL), the Japanese embassy and several exclusive restaurants can be found.
The Pink Zone and Polanco
Towards the southern limits of the Paseo de la Reforma lies the Juarez colonia, the most central area of which is occupied by the
Pink Zone (Zona Rosa). The tranquility formerly enjoyed by the families and foreign diplomats who inhabited its stately Parisian-style mansions has slowly succumbed, starting in the 50's, to busy streets lined with hotels, businesses, restaurants, bars, offices and movie theaters that make up this area today. This commercial emphasis does not detract from its charm, and it is a convenient area to stay in. Here can be found the main art galleries in the city, as well as well-known nightclubs, and although many of these have now relocated to other parts of the city, the Pink Zone is still an attractive area.
Polanco is located just in front of Chapultepec Forest and it is one of the most dynamic areas in the city. In this neighbourhood you'll be able fo find the most sophisticated hotels, restaurants and the best shopping district. The main attraction of Polanco is being residential and commercial at the same time. Elegant flats and boutiques turn the area into a strategic business hub. Nevertheless it still has its original trendy atmosphere, great dinner options and at night it offers some of the best clubs in the city.
Reforma extends even further being, as it is, one of the longest avenues in the city. To the northeast it leads to Tlatelolco and La Villa, while to the southwest it crosses
Chapultepec, to eventually climb into the Las Lomas neighborhood from where it finally leads into Santa Fe and Cuajimalpa as described in
the city map.
| Interesting spots | Churches, monuments, museums | Major Hotels | 1. Chapultepec Park
2. Ministry for Health
5. Aqueduct Arches remains
6. Embassy of Japan
7. Braniff House
9. Stock Exchange
11. Artists' Gardens
13. University Club
16. Ministry of Interior
17. Reloj Chino
20. Frontón México
21. National Lotery Bd. | 3. Diana Fountain
4. Santo Niño Church
8. Independence Column
10.Carranza Museum
12.Cuauhtemoc Monument
14. Sagrado Corazón Church
15. Wax and Ripley's Museum
18. Columbus Monument
19 . 1910 Revolution Memorial | A. Meliá Reforma
B. Imperial
C. Cancún
D.Fiesta Americana
E.Sevilla Palace
F. Plaza Madrid
G. Emporio
H. Plaza Refroma
I. Doral
J. María Cristina
K. Aristos
L. Del Angel
M. María Isabel Sheraton
N.San Marino
O.Westin Galleria Plaza
P. Days Inn
Q. Marquis Reforma
R. Four Seasons | 
[Guided tours] |
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