The Monument to Independence, known to everyone as El Ángel, is Mexico City’s best-known symbol. Porfirio Díaz inaugurated it on September 16, 1910, the centennial of Independence, and it rises from a roundabout on Paseo de la Reforma. Fans gather here to celebrate national team wins, and many marches end at its base. It’s 900 m from Hotel Emma Boutique.
Practical information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from the hotel | 900 m |
| Getting there | About an 11-minute walk |
| Hours | Monument in public space, visible at any time |
| Cost | Free |
| Suggested time | 20 to 30 minutes |
What to see
- The column, designed by architect Antonio Rivas Mercado, with sculptures by Italian artist Enrique Alciati.
- The Winged Victory on top: a gold-covered bronze figure that fell in the 1957 earthquake and returned, restored, in 1958.
- The mausoleum at the base, where since 1925 rest the remains of independence heroes such as Hidalgo, Morelos, Allende, Guerrero and Leona Vicario.
- The sculpture groups on the pedestal, representing Law, Justice, War and Peace.
- The view down Paseo de la Reforma in both directions, with its office towers and tree-lined medians.
Getting there from Hotel Emma Boutique
On foot: about 900 m, roughly 11 minutes. Cross Avenida Chapultepec and walk north through Colonia Juárez to Paseo de la Reforma; the Angel stands at the roundabout with Calle Florencia and Río Tíber.
By Metrobús: if you’re already on Reforma, Line 7 has a station called El Ángel, next to the monument.
Can you go up the Angel?
For years, the Cuauhtémoc borough, which looks after the monument, let small groups climb the roughly 200 steps to the upper balcony with a free advance permit. We found no official information confirming that these visits are still offered in 2026, so if you’re interested, ask the borough directly before planning around it.
Tips for your visit
- Go early in the morning for photos with light traffic and soft light.
- On Sunday mornings Reforma opens to cyclists and walkers with the Muévete en Bici ride.
- After a Mexico match or a march, the roundabout fills up and streets may close.
- Pair it with Estela de Luz and Torre Mayor by walking west along Reforma.
Nearby
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit the Angel of Independence?
Nothing. The monument stands on a public roundabout, and you can see and photograph it for free at any time.
Can you climb the Angel of Independence?
Historically yes, with an advance permit from the Cuauhtémoc borough. There’s no official confirmation that visits continue in 2026: check with the borough before you go.
How do I get to the Angel of Independence from Roma Norte?
Walk about 11 minutes north through Colonia Juárez to Paseo de la Reforma. On Reforma, Metrobús Line 7 has an El Ángel station.
Where to stay near the Angel of Independence?
In Roma Norte, Hotel Emma Boutique is 900 m from the Angel, about an 11-minute walk, and 200 m from Sevilla Metro.