Zona Rosa, Mexico City: Is It Worth Moving To?

Zona Rosa, Mexico City: Is It Worth Moving To?

Whether you’re a freelancer or your job allows you to move around freely, you’ve probably considered moving somewhere more affordable than your hometown. We’re here to give you all the reasons you should consider moving to Zona Rosa, Mexico City. 

Many digital nomads out of the US choose Mexico City as their destination for a variety of reasons. If you ask around, you’re bound to hear about Zona Rosa. It’s a lively part of CDMX, and we don’t blame you for being curious. 

Looking for travel and health insurance before your next trip? 

Click here for a FREE quote from our favorite provider; SafetyWing

A Little Bit Of History: The Beginnings Of Zona Rosa, Mexico City

The first question that should be on your mind is: What does Zona Rosa mean? Well, it translates to Pink Zone, and it’s a neighborhood within a neighborhood. We’ve listed it as a part of the best places to live when you’re in Mexico City, so you know we’re fond of this area.

Zona Rosa is part of the Colonia Juárez neighborhood, and the name comes from a quote from well-renowned painter José Luis Cuevas. He was commenting on how the area mixed Bohemian styles and large wealthy European-style mansions. 

historical building zona roas
Photo by Javier Cruz on Pexels

The origins of Zona Rosa began in the mid-19th century. Foreigners with money had flocked to this area that was close to the city but far enough to escape the hustle and bustle, and it soon started developing a European feel to it.

The cafes, streets, and even the large mansions gave the atmosphere of Europe, and the area was advertised as such. In fact, to this day many of the streets in Zona Rosa, Mexico City are named after European cities. 

How Zona Rosa Changed From Elegant To Bohemian

Nowadays, a stroll down Zona Rosa will show you an abundance of bohemian-styled bars and restaurants. This is a stark difference from the glamorous origins of the neighborhood.

Following the Mexican Revolution, construction in the area was completely halted. In fact, it only picked up around forty years later. Artists and other creatives started flocking to the area, which consequently attracted clubs, bars, discotheques, and other trendy establishments to open up in Zona Rosa

What Else Is Zona Rosa Known For? The prominent gay community. As you’d expect, as more open-minded creatives populated the neighborhood, it became more and more tolerant towards the LGBTQ+ community. This also shows in the nightlife in the area.

rainbow flag in the Zona Rosa, ​​Mexico City.

What Kind of Nightlife Can You Expect in Zona Rosa?

Note: This blog has been updated August 23, 2022. Several of the restaurants on our list have been negatively affected by Covid-19 and may either be temporarily or permanently closed. If you have any information to the contrary, please let us know in the comments below!

Out of all the neighborhoods in Mexico City, Zona Rosa is the place to go if you’re looking for nightlife. The party scene in Zona Rosa is not just for the gay community. It’s a great place for all to have fun and party all night long. 

Our favorite spot for partying in Zona Rosa is, without a doubt, the Primer Nivel Night Club. Go there for great foam parties, excellent music, and an exciting night out dancing.

If you’re looking for something more laid back, you might want to consider visiting Wine Bar By Concours Mondial De Bruxelles. It’s more suited for a romantic night out, rather than joining the local party scene.

Is Zona Rosa Safe for Expats?

Because Zona Rosa is an edgy part of town, we won’t claim that it’s the safest neighborhood to stay in. However, it’s safe during the day, and there are many expats from the US staying there.

is it safe in Mexico

For women, it’s better if you avoid walking around Zona Rosa alone at night. If possible, try your best to take a cab and head straight to your destination if you’re alone. Even better if you can drive your own vehicle. 

What we mean to say is that it’s not a particularly unsafe part of the city. There isn’t any gun violence or anything of the sort to worry about. But, it doesn’t hurt to be safe at night in a red-light district.

Art and Culture In Zona Rosa

Moving to another country as a digital nomad isn’t all about having fun. Many move to experience other cultures and explore interesting places. Even though Zona Rosa leans towards the hip and edgy side, there is still a lot of art and culture to experience. 

Although there aren’t many art galleries in Zona Rosa, you see aspiring artists showcasing their work on the streets. You’ll also find an abundance of antiques to buy, and other crafts. If you’re looking for these, visit Londres Street or the Plaza del Angel.

By Carlos Valenzuela – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

You can also walk around the neighborhood and explore the European mansions and the beautiful architecture. While you’re at it, you can go shopping, which is another thing that Zona Rosa is well known for.

Restaurants, Food, And More

It wouldn’t be fair to live anywhere in Latin America without exploring the great cuisine. As you’d expect, there are many world-class restaurants, local eateries, and cafes where you can sample authentic Mexican food.

Chicken with mole negro at Sabor Antiguo
Chicken with Mole Negro

If you’re looking for something that will blast your taste buds (but not your wallet), you can try your luck at Plaza del Angel on a Saturday. Alongside the antiques, local vendors set up stalls over the weekend offering cheap, satisfying, and delicious food. For international cuisine, we especially liked Casa Bell, which is worth going to for a laid-back lunch.

More Things To See In Zona Rosa

Despite its small size (a mere 24 blocks), there is a lot to see in and around Zona Rosa, Mexico City. Here are a few places that might pique your interest:

  1. The Monument Of Independence, colloquially known as El Ángel
  2. Mexico City National Cathedral
  3. Chapultepec Castle

Go Ahead And Move To Zona Rosa, Mexico City

It gets a bad reputation sometimes because of the prominent nightlife, but that isn’t always a bad thing. For expats looking to work all day and party all night, this is a perfect fit. 

We believe many expats would enjoy moving to Zona Rosa, Mexico City. It’s a lively neighborhood, with a lot of great things to do. Just make sure you steer clear of any tourist traps and don’t walk alone at night and you’ll be fine.

5 Replies to “Zona Rosa, Mexico City: Is It Worth Moving To?”

  1. hola,estaremos en la ciudad el fin de semana del 12 de agosto,nos gustaría nos recomienden restaurants de la zona rosa y que tipo de espectaculos nos aconsejan ver,muchas graciasss

    1. Para comida:

      Comida internacional – Restaurante Condimento

      Comida Corean – Bi Won

      Comida de lar mar – Pescadito

      Comida Mexicana – Fonda El Refugio

      Para los espectáculos, lo siento, no sé.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *