Zona Rosa has been a lot of things in its time. Most recently, though, it's known as an entertainment and nightlife district. It's also known for being a hub for Mexico City's gay community, and more recently, a Korean community. If you're in Mexico City to party, this is where you do it. The neighborhood has had ups and down in terms of crime and safety over the years, but today it's one of the hippest places to go, though Condesa may be on the way to claiming that title. Of all the neighborhoods in Mexico City, this is the one that doesn't go to bed.
Dance Clubs
The main hub of the gay scene (and the dance club scene) is Amberes Street, though Zona Rosa's section of Paseo de la Reforma is also pretty busy. In addition to being a shopping hub across lots of neighborhoods, Paseo de la Reforma is where the city's annual pride parade takes place. Zona Rosa has been gay-friendly since the 1990s, so the scene is well established. What it isn't, is subtle. Clubs have names like Lollipop, Lipstick, and TOM'S Leather Bar.
Bars
We did mention this was the party district, right? The bars are also a big part of what there is to do in Zona Rosa. Frida's bar is upscale, located in an old mansion and full of the moneyed youth of the city. Kinky Bar is...well, you can probably figure that out, right? There's a location of the La Botica mezcaleria here, as well as Botas Bar, which has different floors for men and women. Be ready to see some table dancers. They're not mandatory, but they're common.
Pequeño Seúl
Mexico City isn't particularly known for being diverse in terms of nationality. Whereas in cities like New York or Boston, you can generally find enclaves of people who have moved from different countries, Mexico City doesn't quite have the reputation for that kind of melting-pot or mosaic effect. That's part of what makes Little Seoul, Mexico City's Koreatown, so unique. The neighborhood might not be as openly inviting as, say, San Francisco's Chinatown, but if you find yourself wanting kimchi, you're in luck.
Angel de la Independencia
We covered this enormous monument to Mexican independence in-depth in our article on things to do in Colonia Cuauhtemoc, but the statue actually sits square in the middle of Paseo de la Reforma, which separates the two neighborhoods. While you're close, it's worth checking out.
Shopping
Shopping is a lot of what makes Zona Rosa so unique. Plaza del Angel houses several antique shops and even more dealers in vintage goods show up on the weekend. There's the Mercado Insurgentes de Artesanias for a great Mexico City market, and of course, the city doesn't just put on its party hat at night. In daylight, there are plenty of stores catering to adult crowds with adult interests.
(featured image via Flickr)
