Things To Do
in Reforma
Reforma (Paseo de la Reforma) is Mexico City’s grand boulevard—an avenue of monuments, museums and corporate towers that slices through the heart of the capital. Lined with iconic landmarks like the Angel of Independence, Monumento a la Revolución and modern skyscrapers such as Torre Reforma, it blends history, culture and contemporary urban life. The corridor connects cultural hubs (Chapultepec Park, Zona Rosa, Polanco) and is a frequent site for parades, protests and the popular Sunday open-street paseo.
Expect an energetic, densely urban experience with easy access to museums, parks, restaurants and public transit.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely walk down the iconic Paseo de la Reforma, enjoying the fresh morning air as the city awakens. Take in the sights of impressive monuments such as the Angel of Independence and the Mexican Embassy, capturing stunning photographs along the way. Stop for breakfast at a local café, indulging in traditional Mexican pastries and freshly brewed coffee.
In the afternoon, visit Chapultepec Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world, where you can explore its beautiful gardens and numerous museums. Spend some time at the National Museum of Anthropology to appreciate its extensive collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts, deepening your understanding of Mexico's rich history. As the sun starts to set, find a scenic spot in the park to relax and soak in the natural surroundings.
As night falls, head back to Reforma and dine at a rooftop restaurant, savoring delicious Mexican cuisine paired with stunning views of the city lights. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely stroll down Reforma, where you can bask in the vibrant nightlife and lively atmosphere. End your day with a visit to a local bar for a nightcap, soaking in the energy of this bustling metropolis.
Begin your morning at the Museo del Chocolate, where you can learn about the history of chocolate production in Mexico and even participate in a tasting workshop. After indulging your sweet tooth, make your way to the nearby Palacio de Bellas Artes, marveling at its stunning architecture and vibrant murals. Grab a light brunch at a nearby café, enjoying delicious Mexican dishes infused with local flavors.
In the afternoon, explore the surrounding Alameda Central, a beautiful park ideal for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing break among the greenery. Visit the Museo Franz Mayer, which showcases decorative arts and design, allowing you to appreciate both contemporary and historical works. If time permits, enjoy the bustling street market that pops up nearby for a taste of local snacks.
As evening approaches, reserve tickets for a performance at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, experiencing the richness of Mexican culture through ballet or opera. Post-show, dine at a nearby restaurant, where you can enjoy fusion dishes that blend traditional and modern Mexican cuisine. Wrap up your night at a local jazz lounge, immersing yourself in the city's thriving music scene.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $35-60 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2-4 |
| 🚌Single metro/Metrobús ride | $0.25-0.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi / rideshare trip | $3-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Central location with easy access to major museums, parks and attractions
- Excellent dining scene from street food to world-class restaurants
- Good public transit connections (metro, metrobus, Ecobici) and walkable promenades
- Photogenic monuments and skyline views for photography enthusiasts
- Can be crowded and noisy, especially during events and rush hours
- Air pollution and occasional smog alerts affect comfort on some days
- Frequent demonstrations and road closures may disrupt plans
- Pickpocketing and petty theft are risks in busy tourist areas
- "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Reforma
Visit one of these nice places.
The iconic golden angel monument on Reforma—dramatic for sunrise/sunset shots and long-exposure night photography of the boulevard.
Grand, neoclassical monument with a rooftop viewpoint (museum and elevator) offering panoramic city photos, especially at golden hour.
Historic castle on a hill inside Chapultepec Park with commanding views of the park and Reforma skyline—great for landscapes and architectural details.
Observation deck provides classic downtown skyline shots including Palace of Fine Arts and surrounding historic center.
Capture modern skyline perspectives and twilight cityscapes—best from hotel or restaurant rooftops with permission.
Food in Reforma
Reforma Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Spit-roasted pork with pineapple, cilantro and onion—available at taquerías and street carts around Reforma and in nearby neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma.
Must-Try!
Fried tortilla pieces simmered in salsa and topped with crema, cheese and often egg or shredded chicken—common at breakfast spots and cafés near Chapultepec.
Corn masa parcels with savory or sweet fillings sold at markets and street stalls in the mornings—perfect grab-and-go while exploring.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A colorful market in Roma known for Latin American products and prepared foods—try regional tacos, arepas and fresh juices.
Trendy food hall with gourmet stalls and street-food style vendors offering everything from tacos to artisanal desserts—good for groups with varied tastes.
Look for taco stands, elote (grilled corn) and quesadillas near park entrances and transit stops—cash is handy and queues usually indicate quality.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite 'Hola' and a brief handshake or nod is common. Use 'usted' for formal interactions with elders or officials until invited to use 'tú.'
Mexican culture values courtesy—say 'por favor' and 'gracias.' Be patient in service settings and avoid loud or aggressive behavior in public spaces.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially vendors and indigenous artisans. Some museums and sites restrict flash photography.
Reforma is a frequent site of demonstrations—respect protesters, avoid confrontations and follow police directions if a protest blocks your route.
Safety
Tipping in Reforma
Ensure a smooth experience
Tip 10–15% in sit-down restaurants if service is not already included; 10% is common for good service in casual places. For bar service, round up or leave small bills; tip hotel bell staff $1–2 per bag and housekeeping $2–5 per night. Taxi drivers and rideshare drivers don’t expect large tips—round up or add a few pesos/dollars for convenience.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops; always ask before assuming. Carry some cash (pesos) for street food, small markets and some taxis. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
June–August bring warm temperatures and frequent afternoon or evening thunderstorms. Expect lush park foliage and higher humidity; carry a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes. Afternoon showers often pass quickly, leaving cooler evenings.
September–November offers pleasant, mild days and lower humidity; September 16th Independence Day parades and celebrations take place near Reforma. Watch for occasional protests and civic events around national holidays.
December–February are cooler and dry with daytime temperatures in the high teens (°C) and chilly nights; fog or light frosts are rare but possible. Air quality can worsen on still winter days—check local alerts.
March–May brings mild to warm temperatures and flowering trees; pollen and occasional dust can affect sensitive visitors. This is a pleasant time for walking and outdoor dining.
Reforma at Night
Hiking in Reforma
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short drive west of the city, this national park offers forested trails, historic convent ruins and cooler mountain air—good for half-day hikes and picnics.
South of the city, Ajusco has volcanic peaks and trails with panoramic views of the Valley of Mexico; trails range from moderate to challenging.
A mountainous park west of Mexico City popular for hiking, horse riding and mountain biking—family-friendly with several marked trails.
A modest hill east of the city offering panoramas and a local cultural site; accessible for a quick hike without leaving the metro area.
Airports
How to reach Reforma by plane.
Primary airport serving Reforma and central Mexico City—about 20–40 minutes by car depending on traffic. Accessible by authorized taxis, rideshare apps and the Metro (line connections).
Newer airport north of the city; travel time to Reforma can be 40–90 minutes depending on traffic and transfer options. Some low-cost carriers use this airport—plan extra time for transfers.
Secondary option west of the city—useful for some domestic or low-cost flights but transfers to Reforma can be 1–1.5 hours by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Reforma and nearby neighborhoods attract professionals working in finance, tech and cultural sectors, along with a growing expatriate community.
Areas like Polanco host wealthier households, upscale shops and international businesses; families frequent parks and museums.
Roma and Condesa neighborhoods house many artists, students and small-business owners, contributing to a vibrant café and gallery scene.
Mexico City’s population includes people from across the country, bringing diverse regional cultures, languages and culinary traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is Mexico’s most popular sport—Liga MX clubs and passionate local fans are ubiquitous; big matches and championships are major social events.
Boxing has a strong following with notable Mexican champions; fights and events draw local crowds and are broadcast widely.
Traditional Mexican rodeo (charrería) is an important cultural sport—events celebrate horsemanship and heritage, more common outside the immediate Reforma corridor but part of national identity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Reforma.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian options; markets and cafés serve veggie chilaquiles, quesadillas and salads. Tell servers 'soy vegetariano/vegetariana' and they'll point out dishes—Mexico City has a strong vegetarian/vegan scene especially in Roma and Condesa.
Vegan cafés and dedicated restaurants exist nearby; ask for 'sin queso ni crema' for dairy-free versions. Supermarkets and markets sell fresh produce and plant-based alternatives.
Corn-based staples (tortillas, tamales) are naturally gluten-free—inform staff about cross-contamination in fried foods. Upscale restaurants usually accommodate gluten-free requests if notified.