(continuer en français) – Last updated: September 8, 2023
During my stay in Mexico City, I found the Zona Rosa district to be the friendliest place in the city, especially for foreigners looking for an international atmosphere, either as residents or visitors.
Zona Rosa district covers part of Colonia Juárez, an official subdivision of Mexico City. In its most restrictive geography it extends between Avenues Paseo de la Reforma, Chapultepec and Insurgentes, with Varsovia Street forming the last side. In reality, however, Zona Rosa covers a wider area, from the large Chapultepec urban park to the edge of the historic centre.
Located close to the centre of Mexico City, it was first an affluent residential area from the middle of the 20th century. Then the big companies built prestigious buildings there, especially along the Avenida Paseo de la Reforma. Although the residential vocation has faded somewhat, the business district remains very dynamic, notably with the Stock Exchange building.
In the streets between the main avenues, more modest buildings have numerous cafés and restaurants, around which the intellectual and bohemian life of the Mexican capital took place. Over time, the artistic scene has evolved into a nightlife where bars and cabarets complement the nightclubs.
The authorities have tried to keep evolution under control to avoid a harmful drift, today cultural initiatives are raising the level of the neighbourhood. Thus, the Centro Cultural Minero has moved into a large century-old mansion and presents exhibitions of contemporary art.
Numerous sculptures are arranged along Paseo de la Reforma or Calle Genova.
The sculpture Diana La Cazadora, Diana the Huntress, caused a controversy when it was created in 1942 at the top of a fountain on Paseo de la Reforma, to the point that the sculptor had to add a loincloth, which was finally removed in 1966. In 2001 a replica was installed in the pedestrian street Calle Génova, without causing the same commotion. It illustrates the changes that have taken place in Mexican society in the meantime.
With its lively and pleasant atmosphere, Zona Rosa is appreciated by foreigners living in the Mexican capital. Thus, it is possible to find a poster for a French film or even a French bookstore in the streets, reinforcing its cosmopolitan aspect.
There are several hotels in the area such as the very stylish Ibis Styles from the Accor group.
It is also in the Zona Rosa district that the Reforma 222 complex is located. Built at the beginning of the 21st century, it combines several of the city’s tallest office towers with a shopping mall. The temperature remains pleasant all year round, allowing to escape for a while from the extreme weather that Mexico City can experience.
Seen from the rooftops, it gives the impression of a futuristic city, the highest tower even has a heliport.
On the surrounding pavements, street food is still very popular, not only for its price but also for its diversity.
Friday evening queue in front of the ATMs.
On Sundays, as in many large cities, several major thoroughfares, such as the Paseo de la Reforma, are reserved for bicycles and pedestrians, and a variety of activities are organised.
And always those colourful displays of street vendors.
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During my stay in Mexico City, I found the Zona Rosa district to be the friendliest place in the city, especially for foreigners looking for an international atmosphere, either as residents or visitors.
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Lookoom 
Wonderful pictures and very useful information ! 🙂
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Thank you, it is indeed a place where you feel good and it may interest other visitors.
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Looks like a great place to visit.
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It is in the centre of several other interesting neighbourhoods to visit, such as Chapultepec Park or the Historic Centre, but they are less lively in the evenings. Zona Rosa is always animated.
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Nice pics of my home since 1994 love the place each time there.
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It’s made for international people like you. It reminds me of Soho in BA or Miraflores in Lima.
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Yes I know wow those not been in years since living in FL.
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and it’s not the right time to get back 😦
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Now it’s history…I have posted on zona Rosa as with family more chances of visiting.
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Great pictures. I always get a kick that no matter where you go in the world, there always seems to be a McDonalds and Starbucks near by!
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Haha, that’s right. In this case I deliberately chose this angle to accentuate the international vibe of the area, but there are also many local brands, and that’s good. Thanks for commenting.
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Beautiful post. Mexico is very much in my bucket list too
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When you have the chance to go there consider staying at Zona Rosa, it’s the ideal place to make the most of your stay in Mexico City. Thanks for reading.
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Oh yes saw those beautiful pics and your notes 🌹🌹
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Many thanks for your kind words.
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so much in one ‘zone’! looks awesome!
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Sure it is. It’s a good place to stay and visit Mexico City from.
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Wow – that Ibis hotel corridor – very psychedelic 😊
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Yes, it’s true, they dared to make a rather extreme decoration that goes out of the usual impersonal hotel style. Thanks for passing by.
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Can’t wait to explore Mexico City someday! Great info to know before we go. Thanks Lookoom!
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I guess you’ll like it, there’s enough culture and history to make it interesting, and it’s a Latin city, that is to say it happens in the street, you just have to keep your eyes open. Thank you for reading on your catch up.
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I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Mexico City! I have only been once, but your pics make me want to go back again as soon as possible 🙂
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I share your enthusiasm, in my opinion, Buenos Aires and Mexico City are the two cities in Latin America with the most diversity, historical and cultural depth, where there is most interest.
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