Colonia Cuauhtémoc, is a portrait of architectural styles from all eras. It is a neighborhood that concentrates the most modern skyscrapers and buildings in the city, with the grandeur of Art Deco and Colonial Californian styles.
Colonia Cuauhtémoc shares with Juárez the most important corridor in Mexico City: Paseo de la Reforma. Here, a large number of the city’s modern skyscrapers and buildings are concentrated, showcasing the majesty of modern architecture and the architectural beauty of Art Deco and Colonial Californian-style apartments and houses. Its undeniably peaceful atmosphere allows for the best late-night walks in the city.
Colonia Cuauhtémoc: history
Like its sister neighborhoods (Juárez, Roma, and Condesa), colonia Cuauhtémoc was one of the modernized and completed neighborhoods during the Porfiriato era. Originally, the intention was to transform the large green area of this zone into beautiful gardens that would adorn the modest Paseo de la Reforma, along with a succession of mansions and palaces to complete the project. However, it wasn’t until the governments of Juárez and Lerdo de Tejada that this immense passage started to take shape. The four roundabouts between La Palma and Juárez Avenue were built. The construction and completion of Paseo de la Reforma paved the way for the urbanization of the Americana neighborhood, which would later be divided between Juárez and Cuauhtémoc.
General Porfirio Díaz was responsible for adding the corresponding sculptures and monuments in this area to honor national heroes. Later, in the 20th century, the mansions and chalets started to be forgotten, making way for the first majestic skyscrapers in the city, mainly intended to function as corporate offices and luxury hotels.
Illustrious Inhabitants
Pita Amor
Guadalupe Amor (Pita Amor), a Mexican poet, writer, and muse to many intellectuals and politicians of the time, lived in this neighborhood, precisely at the intersection of Pánuco and Duero streets. She was the aunt of Elena Poniatowska and a model for many photographers and prominent painters such as Diego Rivera. Some of the personalities who visited her home during her bohemian nights included Frida Kahlo, María Félix, Pablo Picasso, Juan Rulfo, Alfonso Reyes, and Elena Garro.
Colonia Cuauhtémoc: location and mobility
Located north of the delegation that bears its name, the distinguished Cuauhtémoc is surrounded by some of the most important and convenient avenues in the city: Circuito Interior and Calzada Melchor Ocampo to the east, Paseo de la Reforma to the south, and Avenida de los Insurgentes to the east. It also enjoys the proximity of two metro stations on Line 1 (pink): Chapultepec and Insurgentes. The Public Transport Network (RTP) runs through it with routes 19, 19A, 59, 59A, 76, and 76A.
Present Time
Today, the cultural activity that Paseo de la Reforma hosts is innumerable, with its main attractions being marathons, the weekly “Ciclotón” for bicycle enthusiasts, monthly exhibitions, and Mexican crafts bazaars. Colonia Cuauhtémoc is also home to five embassies.
Colonia Cuauhtémoc: recommendations
For Walking:
Its streets, named after some of Mexico’s most famous rivers, discreetly lead to Paseo de la Reforma, undoubtedly the most enjoyable avenue for walking in the city. It is adorned with monuments that immortalize the city’s heroes, such as the Diana Cazadora,
the monument to Cuauhtémoc, and perhaps the most important and iconic monument in the city, the Monument to the Heroes of Independence, better known as the Angel of Independence.
On Reforma Avenue, you can frequently enjoy exhibitions, including the Feria de las Culturas Amigas (Fair of Friendly Cultures). The Mexican Stock Exchange and the Glorieta de La Palma in front of it represent significant architectural developments. Finally, you can admire the Torre Mayor, one of the tallest skyscrapers in Latin America, and stroll through the amazing Jardín del Arte and its exhibition market.
Shopping:
Adjacent to this area are Plaza Reforma 222 and Plaza Galerías, both renowned for their variety of services and avant-garde design.
Dining:
Rokai
There are many restaurants in the Cuauhtémoc area that offer incredible menus and service. Here are some of the best:
Rokai (Japanese – Río Ebro 87)
Quebracho (Argentinian – Río Lerma 175)
Bistrot Arlequín (French – Rio Nilo 42)
Les Moustaches Restaurant (International – Río Sena 88)
Restaurante Río (Brazilian-style steakhouse – Tíber 113)
The Hot Baking Company (International – Río Lerma 162)
Nologo (Vegetarian – Rio Amazonas 85)
Café Neva (Río Neva 30 B)
Nightlife:
Despite having countless culinary establishments to enjoy national and international dishes, Cuauhtémoc does not yet host the best clubs and bars unless they are incorporated into restaurants or hotels. However, by simply crossing an avenue, you can reach the Juárez and Roma neighborhoods, which concentrate the active nightlife of the capital. Here are some of the closest options:
Tándem Pub (Río Nazas 73-A)
El Bar (Hotel Four Seasons, Paseo de la Reforma 500)
And just a few steps away, in Juárez:
Bar Milán (Milán 18)
La Destilería (Reforma 222 Shopping Center)
La Botica (Amberes 1)
Bukowski Bar (Hamburgo 126)
Havre Cancino (Havre 64)