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Neighborhood in Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, Mexico
Photo: poison orange https://www.flickr.com/photos/poisonorange/with/428231300/, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Zona Rosa ("Pink Zone") is a business and entertainment district near the center of Mexico City. It is one of the city's most touristy areas, filled with hotels, dance clubs, restaurants, bars and live bands. It boasts a healthy gay population as well as a relatively high concentration of Korean immigrants. Mexico City's financial heart is also here, with the Mexican Stock Exchange building and the 35-story HSBC building next to the Angel de la Independencía, amongst other banks with offices in this area.
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A long avenue with fine examples of architecture, numerous banks and offices, and spectacular monuments. Modeled after the great boulevards of Europe, it was to link the National Palace with the imperial residence, Chapultepec Castle. It is now lined with luxury restaurants and hotels, office buildings and public art exhibitions.
Monument to Cuauhtémoc
Bust of Cuauhtémoc, the Aztec ruler of Tenochtitlan from 1520 to 1521 is displayed proudly.
Museo de la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores
Mexico's stock exchange, like its peers in other countries, is mostly electronic today, so the trading floor is mostly quiet and sparsely populated, but visiting Mexico's home of the Bolsa is a must for anyone interested in the wheeling and dealing of big business. The view inside is remarkable with walls of screens flashing stock prices and trading activity while looking straight up gives you a spectacular vista of the inside of the exchange's iconic glass dome. The museum has a number of exhibits describing the stock exchange's history and changes over time.
Ángel de la Independencia / Angel of Independence
A victory column on a roundabout over Paseo de la Reforma in downtown Mexico City. El Ángel was built to commemorate the centennial of the beginning of Mexico's War of Independence, celebrated in 1910.
Diana the Huntress Fountain
This fountain by Fernando Olaquibel was originally known as 'The Archer'. It depicts the beautiful Diana Cazadora aiming her arrow at infinity.
The Torre Mayor stands on Paseo de la Reforma and soars 225 meters above the ground with 29 high-speed elevators.
Unveiled in 1938, this striking monument honors the heroes of the Mexican Revolution, including Pancho Villa, Francisco Madero, and Lázaro Cárdenas, whose tombs are housed within. Originally intended as a legislative chamber, construction was halted by the Revolution itself and later repurposed as a symbol of Mexican independence and resilience. Visitors can take a glass elevator to the 65m-high Paseo Linternilla, a lookout platform with a spiral staircase offering panoramic city views (not suitable for young children). A 360-degree observation deck is accessible without an all-access pass.
An underground art gallery beneath the Monumento a la Revolución, showcasing temporary modern art exhibitions amid the monument’s massive steel beams. This unique space blends contemporary art with industrial architecture.
Located beneath the Monumento a la Revolución, this museum chronicles Mexico’s revolutionary history from 1857 to 1920, covering the struggle for human rights and the establishment of the post-revolutionary government. Exhibits include artifacts, documents, and multimedia displays, though all explanatory text is in Spanish. Housed in the monument’s basement, it offers a compelling look at the era’s key figures and events.
Wax Museum
Fun wax museum full of historical figures and pop culture icons, both Mexican and international.
Chocolate Museum
Explore the world of chocolate, from growing the beans through tasting candies or hot chocolate. A favorite of kids!
This neighborhood was established in the late 19th century as one of the first formal neighborhoods outside of the city center and initially catered to the wealthy of the Porfirio Díaz era. These early residents built large mansions, many with French influence, and many still remain. This neighborhood has now a large number of movie theatres, museums and galleries.
A contemporary art gallery, designed by sculptor Mathias Goeritz.
This U.S. military cemetery is the final resting place for 750 unknown American soldiers lost during the Mexican-American War between 1846 and 1848. Another 813 Americans are also interred here.
It's often thought that the Spanish brought the skills necessary to build aqueducts to Mexico, but that theory is turned on its head by the Aqueduct of Chapultepec, which was built by the Aztecs (Mexica) in 1425....about a century before the first Spaniards would arrive. The aqueducts once brought water to the park for its botanical gardens and baths of the Aztec nobility.
The most famous venue for lucha libre (Mexican wrestling).
Are you familiar with the sport of jai alai? It's sometimes called the fastest sport in the world, and it does look fast (and hard). It's a traditional handball game from the Basque region of Spain. A "fronton" is a place where jai alai is played, and it's an unusual game that's worth seeking out for the experience. If you're not into sports as cultural experiences, then you might come here for a concert, or to sample the Spanish cuisine and innovative cocktails at the Zesta Punta restaurant, housed in the Fronton.
Tacos, burgers, pizza, sushi, fries. Five food vendors with a shared table area where you can sit and eat.
This restaurant is a lot bigger than it looks, but on this crowded sidewalk of Avenida Chapultepec just west of the station you might almost miss it. They tape a photocopy of their menu above every table, but don't let that fool you--the staff are professional and the food is great, especially at these prices. It's Mexican cuisine with a creative streak. The house tortilla chips and salsa are excellent, and can fill you right up before your meal even arrives! On the cheap end, quesadillas are M$14, flautas (chicken or beef) are $10, and you can get a very large and very satisfying torta (there are a few varieties) with fries for $30; most other meals start with soup and rice before getting to the main dish and go for an average $50, though there are a few dishes that are as high as $180.
A nice place to have breakfast or lunch. You can sit inside or on the patio. They have great meal specials for about M$50. For breakfast try the chicken chilaquiles, or you can just get pancakes.
Na De Fo
Korean barbecue restaurant where diners gather around big tables, each with its own grill. Many cuts of meat to choose from including ribs and tongue. The clientele leans heavily towards Korean businessmen, attesting to the authenticity of the cooking.
Mid-priced Peking style Chinese food, semi-formal atmosphere. The Peking duck is the specialty, also try the beef in orange peel sauce.
The best tacos in the city. Established by Beatriz Muciño Reyes, who decided to immigrate into the city in 1887 alongside her brother Claudio, hoping for a better life. In the morning, you may enjoy a complete breakfast for $42, which includes: juice, coffee and the pastry of your choice; 2 tacos or eggs in any way you may think of, chilaquiles with eggs or chicken or pork rinds in green salsa. For lunch, there's a menu which includes: soup, rice, and the plate of your choice among 9 typical Mexican dishes, a soda and dessert for just $47. Don't forget to drop by on Viernes Pozolero(Fridays). On weekends, you cannot miss the Pancita en Cascabel (cow guts cooked in cascabel chili sauce) or a mushroom soup.
Cicciolina
La Cicciolina, is a Bistro, Café and Gourmet Shop just one block from "El Angel" at the heart of México opened by a German/Argentinien couple, they make personalized Pizza, they way you tell them and have everyday a special menu. Also nice place to have a coffee and little talk, don't miss their Illy coffee and offers gourmet.
Traditional restaurant serving regional dishes of Jalisco including birria, carne en su jugo and more. Fun atmosphere and fast, friendly service.
French cuisine with hospitable Mexican service. Delicious crepes and coffee in the morning.
Authentic family-run Argentinian restaurant with wonderful meat, and good Italian pizza. Try the arrachera, and the four cheeses pizza. The Economist magazine calls it the place where carnivores with good karma meet their destiny.
Breathtaking views of the Mexico City skyline from the 56th floor of Mexico City's 3rd tallest skyscraper. The food is mostly Asian with a large selection of sushi available. Creative drinks. Reservations are a must.
Popular with a bohemian crowd, Bar Milan has a very relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. It has a tendency to get overcrowded however. Plays electronic music and rock W Th, more Spanish language rock and Latin music F Sa. The mojito is the specialty cocktail. Note: Cash needs to be changed into milagros, the in-bar currency, before use, bartenders and waiters don't accept cash. Larger-denomination milagro bills can be changed back when leaving.
Cocktail bar with an enormous collection of music on vinyl. DJ keeps the tunes spinning while you keep sipping some of the tastiest but most expensive drinks in Zona Rosa. Fun atmosphere. Food available.
Classy traditional bar with a 1900s look and feel. Innovative and amazingly prepares cocktails. Named by 50 Best as the number 1 best bar in the world. (Go there and you'll see why they may be right about that). Reservations are highly recommended, but be aware that if you're not there within a few minutes of your reserved time, you lose your table.
Traditional pulqueria with a young, Bohemian crowd. Serves natural and cured pulques with a variety of innovative flavors including several fruit flavored pulques such as apple and mango. Come in when they're not too busy and the servers will be happy to offer samples of different flavors so you can see which ones you like best.
Awesome location, very nice staff, within walking distance to the Metro at Insugentes.
Moderate hotel that can be hit or miss depending on whether your room is on a recently renovated floor or not. Rooftop terrace with excellent city panoramas. 10-meter walk to Glorieta de los Insurgentes, which has a Metro station and Metrobus BRT stop.
A bit pricey if booked direct. Two in-house restaurants, as well as penthouse poolside bar. Standard room sizes, very clean, with TV, desk, and minibar (fee for minibar use). Free wi-fi throughout the hotel. Since the hotel is a 17-story tower, and the rooms are on floors 5 and up (ground-4th fl.: parking garage), street noise is not an issue.
Excellent value for US$50 – must book on the website for this deal. It will cost over US$100 if you walk up. Just print your receipt and present it at the front desk. Rooms and restaurant are clean and in new condition. Bell hop (Mauricio) is very helpful with anything you need.
This top end hotel is in the heart of Zona Rosa, making it a prestigious address to stay in. While the hotel has been around since 1907, constant renovations maintain its luxurious interior with dark wood paneling and corkscrew Solomonic columns.
Inexpensive but surprisingly good value with clean rooms, friendly staff and a great location, just across the street from the WTC. Price includes a free continental breakfast.
Modern hotel with a great location. First rate service and the staff are very professional. Hotel has an outdoor heated swimming pool, fitness center and wireless internet access.
1970s Sheik Hotel. Free wi-fi in the lobby. Excellent breakfast buffet and full bar until 23:00.
An elegant hotel that's a bit past its prime, but well maintained and at moderate prices, it can be a bargain. Rooftop pool, onsite restaurants. Short walk to Paseo de Reforma.
Decent, but not impressive 4 star hotel located in the heart of Zona Rosa, next to the HSBC tower and facing "El Ángel" (Monumento a la Independencia) in the heart of the banking district. The bedrooms are of a good size and it has a good gym and pool.
Older hotel in a quiet location a few blocks off Reforma. Some facilities are dated and cry out for renovation or maintenance, but large rooms, good location, and low prices compensate for any shortcomings.
Upscale hotel with spacious, well-appointed rooms. On-site restaurant. Swimming pool with sauna and a small gym.
The suites are larger than average, with 2 large flat panel TVs in each room, and a spectacular view from the 17th floor. The building contains an indoor pool and the free breakfast is mouthwatering and delicious, with the cook preparing fresh and local treats. Price also includes 2 hours of free cocktails with light snacks every night.
Venerable luxury hotel set around a lushly landscaped courtyard. Full spa services, elegant dining rooms.
El patio 77 is the first eco-friendly B&B in Mexico City. This only 8 rooms' eco-friendly B&B is a huge French style mansion from the 19th century.
This 5-star hotel is one of Mexico City's finest. Built in the Art Deco style, it has an exclusive feel through its high standards of fittings and furnishings. Ice sculptures are frequently used as decorations in this area. There are excellent views to be had of the woods and castle of Chapultepec, as well as the Glorietta de Diana Cazadora.
High-end luxury hotel in a modern high-rise tower 2 blocks from the Angel de Independencia monument.
This complex houses several antique shops and on Saturdays and Sundays, there are more informal dealers selling vintage stuff. Arrive early as dealers close around 16:00.
Shopping precinct that has over 72 prestigious shops and boutiques, including Mango, Furor, Iker and others.
Colorful market on Sundays with more than 100 artists exhibiting and selling their paintings and sculptures.
This shopping complex designed by Mexican architect Teodoro González de León has a number of international chain stores, restaurants, and a cinema.
Marketplace specializing in Mexican artesanias with a few vendors selling regional Mexican cuisine. Good place to shop for meaningful souvenirs.
By metro
You can hop off at Insurgentes Station (Line 1, pink). The station exits in the plaza at the center of Glorieta de Insurgentes, where good people-watching opportunities abound.
By bus
If you are riding on Chapultepec Avenue, ask the driver to drop you at Florencia Avenue. Keep in mind though, that the MetroBus is usually packed.
By car
You can access the area using Avenida Niza, Avenida Reforma or Avenida Insurgentes.
By turibus
The double-decker hop-on and hop-off tourist bus that runs along Paseo de la Reforma, and throughout many other areas of the city.
By bike
Bicycles are a good way to get around Zona Rosa and to get to places in adjacent districts.
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