Ángel de la Independencia, Mexico City - El Monumento a la Independencia o Columna de la Independencia1​ (coloquialmente, El Ángel o El Ángel de la Independencia).
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Ángel de la Independencia Mexico City

4.7
·160k reviews·Ciudad de México, Mexico

Mexico City's iconic monument to independence, topped by the Winged Victory, a symbol of triumph.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Magical lights, vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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Ángel de la Independencia, Mexico City - El Monumento a la Independencia o Columna de la Independencia1​ (coloquialmente, El Ángel o El Ángel de la Independencia).

Ángel de la Independencia Mexico City

Best Time

Evenings

Magical lights, vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Mexico City's iconic monument to independence, topped by the Winged Victory, a symbol of triumph.

4.7
(160k reviews)

"A spectacular destination on Avenida de la Reforma in Mexico City. GO AT NIGHT!!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Night Glow

Visit at night for stunning photos with the monument illuminated and city lights.

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Perimeter Safely

Be very careful of traffic when walking around the roundabout.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Angel of Victory

The Angel of Victory

Paseo de la Reforma

Goddess of Victory atop a towering column, a symbol of Mexican independence.

Paseo de la Reforma Views

Paseo de la Reforma Views

Surrounding area

Iconic avenue lined with skyscrapers, offering a vibrant cityscape backdrop.

Nighttime Illumination

Nighttime Illumination

The monument

The Angel glows beautifully at night, creating a magical and photogenic scene.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Roundabout

The Angel of Independence is a stunning monument, but it sits in a busy roundabout. While you can get close, be extremely cautious of traffic, which doesn't always flow in a single direction. Stick to designated pedestrian areas and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Reddit

Best Photo Ops & Access

While you can't typically go inside the monument, the surrounding area offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially at night with the city lights. Construction can sometimes affect access, so check for any temporary closures before your visit. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Magical lights, vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Slightly fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Guarda este video si vas a viajar a la Ciudad de México 🇲🇽, aquí te damos 8 imperdibles para tu viaje, conoce los lugares y costos de entrada. #mexico #mexicotiktok #ciudaddemexico #viajestiktok #viajes
@travelreportmx
32.9K likes • 1.1M views

📸 Capture the Night Glow

Visit at night for stunning photos with the monument illuminated and city lights. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Perimeter Safely

Be very careful of traffic when walking around the roundabout. Reddit

Bellísima CDMX🇲🇽 #ciudaddemexico #turibus #cdmx #angeldelaindependencia #bellasartes #torrelatinoamericana #tournocturno
@jaquelinevelazqueez
32.5K likes • 241.3K views
Conocías estos datos de El Ángel de la Independencia de la Ciudad de México? #mexico #mexicocity #CDMX #elangeldelaindependencia #paseodelareforma #CiudadDeMéxico
argentinoenmexicooficial
0 likes • 327 views

⏳ Quick Visit is Fine

5-15 minutes is enough to admire and photograph this iconic landmark. Reddit

👮‍♀️ Stay Aware of Surroundings

Be mindful of your belongings and surroundings, especially in busy areas. Reddit

🇲🇽 C I U D A D D E M É X I C O ❤️ #cdmx #bienvenidoamexico #mexico🇲🇽 #viajemexico #angeldelaindependencia #monumentoalarevolucion #dianacazadoracdmx #dondeircdmx #turibusnocturno #turibuscdmx
@aramtzsl
17.2K likes • 143.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Night Glow

Visit at night for stunning photos with the monument illuminated and city lights. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Perimeter Safely

Be very careful of traffic when walking around the roundabout. Reddit

⏳ Quick Visit is Fine

5-15 minutes is enough to admire and photograph this iconic landmark. Reddit

👮‍♀️ Stay Aware of Surroundings

Be mindful of your belongings and surroundings, especially in busy areas. Reddit

📍 Iconic Photo Spot

A must-see landmark for any Mexico City itinerary. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(160k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Angel of Independence to be an iconic and visually impressive landmark, particularly stunning when illuminated at night. While it's a quick visit, its historical significance and prominent location on Paseo de la Reforma make it a must-see. Some caution is advised regarding traffic and potential construction. InstagramReddit

"Worth the trip but it's not a huge undertaking. You can go and spend between 5-15 minutes walking around the roundabout taking pictures or grab a coffee or drink and enjoy the area. Be mindful, it's incredibly busy so be careful with children and pets."

Amy Nina

"Built in 1910, it's an ode to the heroes of the war of independence.
It resembles the July Column in Paris, Nelson's Column in London, the Victory Column in Berlin and the Columbus Monument in New York City.
You can walk across the square to go up close BUT be aware that traffic isn't circular but goes both ways!!!!"

A Pap

"A spectacular destination on Avenida de la Reforma in Mexico City. GO AT NIGHT!!! Be careful of traffic and sketchy people. There is typically a Policia presence there during the evenings. GREAT photography location. Smack dab in the midst of tremendous high rises. Plenty of indoor restaurants within the hotels and street front restaurants, In June 2025 - there is construction going on around the plaza where the statue resides. Some of the monument around the bottom is inaccessible. A MUST see in Mexico City!!!"

Bill Dahl

What People Like

Iconic landmark
Beautiful at night
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Busy traffic
Limited interior access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Angel of Independence is located on Paseo de la Reforma. You can easily reach it via the Metro (stations like Insurgentes or Sevilla are nearby, followed by a walk) or by using ride-sharing apps. Many Turibus routes also stop here, making it a convenient stop on a city tour. TikTok+1

The area is generally considered safe, especially during the day and early evening, with a police presence often noted. However, as with any busy urban area, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. Reddit

You can walk around the base of the roundabout to get close to the monument. However, be extremely cautious of traffic, as it's a very active roundabout. Access to the monument's interior is not typically open to the public. Reddit

For the best views and photos, consider visiting during the day to appreciate the details and at night when it's beautifully illuminated. Walking around the perimeter and taking photos is a popular way to experience it. InstagramReddit

While the surrounding sidewalks are generally accessible, navigating the busy roundabout can be challenging. The monument itself is not accessible from the inside. It's best to view it from the pedestrian areas. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, visiting the Angel of Independence and its surrounding plaza is free. It's an outdoor monument and public space. Reddit

The monument is visible 24/7 as it's an outdoor landmark. The surrounding area is also accessible at all times, though it's most vibrant and safest to visit during daylight hours and early evenings. Reddit

The interior of the Angel of Independence monument is generally not open to the public for visits. Its primary purpose is commemorative and symbolic. Reddit

Yes, many city tours, including hop-on-hop-off buses like Turibus, include the Angel of Independence as a key stop. These tours offer a convenient way to see it along with other major Mexico City attractions. TikTok+1

There is no fee to take photos of or around the Angel of Independence. It's a public monument and space. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

For stunning photos, visit during the 'golden hour' just before sunset or at night when the monument is beautifully illuminated. The surrounding skyscrapers also add to the urban backdrop. InstagramReddit

The edges of the roundabout offer good vantage points, but always prioritize safety and traffic awareness. The sidewalks along Paseo de la Reforma provide excellent perspectives with the city skyline. Reddit

You can get quite close to the base of the monument by carefully navigating the pedestrian areas around the roundabout. Be mindful of traffic and any temporary construction barriers. Reddit

Drone usage is generally restricted in major urban areas and around monuments in Mexico City. It's best to check local regulations or avoid using drones to prevent issues. Reddit

A camera with good low-light capabilities is ideal for nighttime shots. A wide-angle lens can help capture the monument with its surrounding cityscape. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the area around the Angel of Independence is bustling with dining options. You'll find numerous restaurants within the nearby hotels and street-front eateries along Paseo de la Reforma. Reddit

You can find a wide variety of cuisine, from traditional Mexican dishes to international fare. Many cafes and restaurants cater to tourists and locals alike. Reddit

Absolutely! Several cafes are located around the roundabout and along Paseo de la Reforma, perfect for grabbing a coffee and enjoying the view. Reddit

Street food can be a delicious experience in Mexico City, but it's always advisable to choose stalls that look clean and busy with locals. Exercise caution and be mindful of hygiene. Reddit

Many hotels in the vicinity have bars or restaurants with rooftop or terrace seating that offer excellent views of the illuminated Angel, especially in the evenings. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Angel of Independence is a visually striking landmark that can capture children's imaginations. While the monument itself isn't interactive, the open space around it allows for some movement. However, parents must be extra vigilant due to the busy roundabout and traffic. Keep children close and within designated safe areas. Reddit

Visiting during daylight hours might be more manageable with younger children. Consider combining your visit with a ride on the Turibus, which can be an exciting experience for kids, offering a guided tour of the city's highlights, including the Angel. TikTok+1 Pack snacks and water, as amenities directly at the monument are limited. The nearby parks and wider avenues offer more space for children to explore safely.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Angel of Independence is a photographer's dream, especially at night. The monument's golden glow against the backdrop of Mexico City's modern skyscrapers creates a dramatic and iconic shot. InstagramReddit Aim for the 'golden hour' before sunset for warm, soft light, or visit after dark to capture the full effect of the illumination. Reddit

Experiment with different angles from the surrounding sidewalks and pedestrian areas. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the monument in its entirety along with the urban landscape. Be patient and mindful of the traffic when seeking the perfect shot. Reddit While you can't go inside, the exterior details and the surrounding Paseo de la Reforma offer plenty of photographic opportunities.

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The Angel of Independence is a fantastic free attraction for budget travelers. You can admire its grandeur and take photos without spending a peso. Reddit Getting there via public transport like the Metro is also very affordable. TikTok+1

To save money on food, explore local eateries and street food vendors in the vicinity, but always prioritize hygiene. Reddit Consider walking along Paseo de la Reforma to discover more of the city's free sights and soak in the local atmosphere. This monument is a perfect example of experiencing Mexico City's rich history and culture without a hefty price tag.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

History and Symbolism

The Angel of Independence (El Ángel de la Independencia) is more than just a monument; it's a powerful symbol of Mexico's struggle for independence. Inaugurated on September 16, 1910, to commemorate the centennial of Mexico's independence, it was designed by architect Antonio Rivas Mercado and sculpted by Enrique Alciati. The monument stands 45 meters (148 feet) tall and is adorned with the Winged Victory of Samothrace, a Greek goddess of victory, symbolizing triumph and freedom. Instagram

Beneath the towering column lies a mausoleum containing the remains of key figures from Mexico's War of Independence, including Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and José María Morelos. This adds a profound layer of historical significance to the monument, making it a place of remembrance and national pride. The structure itself draws inspiration from classical Roman victory columns, a common architectural style for such commemorative landmarks. Instagram

Its location on the prominent Paseo de la Reforma, a grand avenue inspired by Parisian boulevards, further solidifies its importance as a central point in the city's cultural and historical landscape. The monument has witnessed numerous national celebrations, protests, and gatherings, cementing its role as a living symbol of the nation's spirit. TikTok

Experiencing the Monument

Visiting the Angel of Independence is a quintessential Mexico City experience. While you can't typically ascend the monument itself, the surrounding area offers ample opportunities for appreciation and photography. The most popular advice from travelers is to visit during the evening when the monument is beautifully illuminated, creating a magical ambiance against the city skyline. InstagramReddit

Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, as the roundabout is a hub of activity. While you can get close to the base, extreme caution is advised due to the busy traffic. Stick to the designated pedestrian walkways and be aware of your surroundings. Many visitors find that a short visit of 5-15 minutes is sufficient to take in the sights and capture memorable photos. Reddit

For those interested in a broader perspective, consider taking a Turibus tour, which often includes a stop at the Angel. This allows you to see it as part of a larger city exploration, with guides providing historical context. TikTok+1 Remember that construction can sometimes impact access, so it's always a good idea to check for any temporary disruptions before your visit. Reddit

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