Zona Rosa Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Zona Rosa in Mexico City with this comprehensive travel guide featuring local attractions, food scene, safety tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Zona Rosa

Zona Rosa, located in the center of Mexico City, is a vibrant and colorful neighborhood that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and modernity. Its streets are lined with colonial and modern buildings, that house shops, cafes, restaurants, museums, and art galleries.

The neighborhood has a reputation for being LGBTQ-friendly, with rainbow flags and drag shows being a common sight. It is also known for its active nightlife, with bars and nightclubs staying open until the early hours of the morning.

List of Places to Visit in Zona Rosa

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • (1) National Museum of Anthropology: One of the most important museums in Mexico, it showcases the country’s pre-Columbian history and culture.
  • (2) Frida Kahlo Museum: Also known as the Blue House, it was the birthplace and residence of the famous painter Frida Kahlo.
  • (3) National Palace: The official residence of the President of Mexico since the Aztec Empire, it houses murals by Diego Rivera.
  • (4) Palace of Fine Arts: A stunning building with exhibitions and performances of dance, music, and theater.
  • (5) Templo Mayor: The ruins of an Aztec temple that was discovered in the heart of Mexico City.

Natural Attractions of Zona Rosa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • (1) Chapultepec Park: One of the largest urban parks in the world, it offers visitors a chance to escape the city and relax in nature.
  • (2) Paseo de la Reforma: A wide avenue lined with statues and landmarks, it is a popular spot for jogging and cycling.
  • (3) Torre Latinoamericana: An iconic skyscraper with a viewing deck that offers panoramic views of Mexico City.
  • (4) Alameda Central: A historic park that is home to fountains, sculptures, and gardens.
  • (5) Xochimilco: A network of canals on the southern edge of Mexico City that offer a unique way to explore the city by boat.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Zona Rosa

  • (1) Chapultepec Park Loop: A 5 km loop around Chapultepec Park, it offers a scenic route for running, cycling or walking.
  • (2) Reforma Loop: A circular route that takes you past some of the most iconic landmarks of Mexico City, including the Angel of Independence.
  • (3) Ecobici: A bike-sharing program in the city that lets visitors rent bikes and explore the city on two wheels.

Best Things to Do in Zona Rosa: Activities and Tours

  • (1) Street Art Tour: Zona Rosa is home to some of the best street art in Mexico City, and a tour is a great way to explore the area.
  • (2) Food Tour: Taste the best of Mexico City’s cuisine with a food tour that takes you through the neighborhood’s best restaurants and street food vendors.
  • (3) Teotihuacan Tour: Take a day trip from Zona Rosa to the ancient city of Teotihuacan, home to some of Mexico’s most impressive ruins.
  • (4) Mexican Wrestling: Watch the famous Lucha Libre wrestling at Arena Mexico and experience the lively atmosphere.
  • (5) Mezcal Tasting: Discover Mexico’s national drink, Mezcal in a tasting tour that takes you to some of the best Mezcal bars in the neighborhood.

Week-Long Itinerary for Zona Rosa

Day Activity
Day 1 National Museum of Anthropology, Chapultepec Park
Day 2 Frida Kahlo Museum, Alameda Central
Day 3 Palace of Fine Arts, Torre Latinoamericana
Day 4 Paseo de la Reforma, Xochimilco
Day 5 Templo Mayor, Street Art Tour
Day 6 Mexican Wrestling, Mezcal Tasting
Day 7 Teotihuacan Tour

Food and Drink Scene of Zona Rosa

Must-Try Dishes

  • (1) Tacos al pastor: Marinated pork served on a tortilla with pineapple and cilantro.
  • (2) Churros: Fried dough covered in cinnamon and sugar, usually served with hot chocolate.
  • (3) Chilaquiles: Fried tortilla chips served with a spicy sauce, cheese, and eggs.
  • (4) Pozole: A hearty soup made with hominy, meat and chili peppers.
  • (5) Mole: A rich sauce made with chili peppers, chocolate, and spices, often served with chicken or pork.

Local Beverages

  • (1) Mezcal: A distilled alcoholic drink made from the maguey plant that has a smoky flavor.
  • (2) Horchata: A sweet, creamy drink made from rice, almonds, and cinnamon.
  • (3) Tequila: A distilled alcoholic drink made from the blue agave plant that has a distinctive flavor.
  • (4) Michelada: A refreshing beer cocktail made with lime juice, hot sauce, and spices.
  • (5) Agua fresca: A refreshing drink made from fresh fruit, water, and sugar.

Where to Stay in Zona Rosa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • (1) Geneve Ciudad de México: A landmark hotel with a rich history located in the heart of Zona Rosa.
  • (2) Hostel Home: A cozy hostel with a friendly atmosphere and a rooftop terrace.
  • (3) Hotel NH Collection Mexico City Reforma: A modern hotel that offers great views of the city.
  • (4) Casa Gonzalez: A boutique hotel with a beautiful courtyard and unique style.
  • (5) Posada VeeYu: A budget guesthouse that offers clean and comfortable rooms in the heart of Zona Rosa.

What to Buy in Zona Rosa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • (1) Talavera pottery: Colorful pottery that is handmade in Puebla.
  • (2) Tlaxcalteca blankets: Handwoven wool blankets made in Tlaxcala.
  • (3) Alebrijes: Hand-carved wooden animals that are brightly painted.
  • (4) Mezcal: Bottles of Mezcal can be purchased in many bars and stores in the neighborhood.
  • (5) Artisanal Chocolate: Delicious chocolates made from Mexican cocoa beans.

Local Culture and Customs of Zona Rosa

Zona Rosa is a diverse neighborhood that celebrates Mexican culture, LGBTQ rights, and individual expression. Visitors should respect the area’s vibrant culture and customs and be open to new experiences and ways of thinking.

Best Time to Visit Zona Rosa

The best time to visit Zona Rosa is from December to February when the temperatures are mild and the crowds are thinner. It is also a great time to experience Mexico’s holiday and winter festivities, which make the neighborhood even more lively and colorful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Zona Rosa

Do:

  • (1) Try local cuisine and drinks.
  • (2) Respect LGBTQ rights and culture.
  • (3) Learn some basic Spanish phrases.
  • (4) Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • (5) Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of the area.

Don’t:

  • (1) Carry large sums of cash.
  • (2) Walk alone in isolated or poorly lit areas at night.
  • (3) Hail unlicensed taxis on the street.
  • (4) Engage in illegal activities, such as purchasing drugs or partaking in prostitution.
  • (5) Wear flashy jewelry or accessories.

Safety and Health

Safety in Zona Rosa

Zona Rosa is an overall safe area, but visitors should take precautions to avoid pickpocketing and other minor crimes. It is best to keep valuables hidden and avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night.

Health in Zona Rosa

Zona Rosa is located at a high altitude, which can cause some visitors to experience altitude sickness. It is important to stay hydrated, rest frequently, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, especially during the first few days of your trip.

Getting to Zona Rosa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Zona Rosa

The Benito Juarez International Airport is the main airport serving Mexico City and is located approximately 10 km from Zona Rosa. Visitors can take a taxi, Uber, or the Metrobus to the neighborhood.

Bus Stations Near Zona Rosa

The Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente (TAPO) is located approximately 5 km from Zona Rosa and offers bus services to many destinations in Mexico and Central America.

Other Options

Visitors can also take the Mexico City Metro to Zona Rosa, which has several stations located in the neighborhood. Taxis and Ubers are also readily available.

How to Get Around in Zona Rosa

Walking is the best way to explore the neighborhood, but visitors can also take the Mexico City Metro, taxis, Ubers or rent bicycles through the Ecobici program.

Where to Go Next from Zona Rosa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • (1) Coyoacan: A charming neighborhood located south of Mexico City that is home to the Frida Kahlo Museum.
  • (2) Cuernavaca: A city located approximately 90 km from Mexico City that is known for its colonial architecture and beautiful gardens.
  • (3) Puebla: A historic city located approximately 130 km from Mexico City that is known for its Talavera pottery.
  • (4) Teotihuacan: An ancient city located approximately 40 km from Mexico City that is home to some of Mexico’s most impressive ruins.

Conclusion

Zona Rosa is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and modernity. From its colorful streets to its iconic landmarks, there is something for everyone in this bustling part of Mexico City. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or a vibrant nightlife, Zona Rosa is sure to captivate and inspire you.

Angel de la Independencia Angel de la Independencia Glorieta de Insurgentes Glorieta de Insurgentes Metrobus on Avenida de los Insurgentes Metrobus on Avenida de los Insurgentes Torre Mayor Torre Mayor Fuente de la Diana Cazadora Fuente de la Diana Cazadora National Museum of the Revolution National Museum of the Revolution Jardín del Arte Jardín del Arte