Zona Rosa Walking Tour, Mexico City

Zona Rosa Walking Tour (Self Guided), Mexico City

Zona Rosa, or the Pink Zone, is one of Mexico City's popular neighborhoods. It is located near the historic center of the city, and was called Pink Zone because of the pink tiles that are prevalent here. The area is noted particularly for its splendid Beaux-Art architecture, the city's best handicraft markets and antique shops. Take this self guided tour to discover the beauties that Zona Rosa has to offer!
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Zona Rosa Walking Tour Map

Guide Name: Zona Rosa Walking Tour
Guide Location: Mexico » Mexico City (See other walking tours in Mexico City)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Author: doris
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Fountain of Diana
  • Paseo de la Reforma
  • Angel of Independence
  • Monument to Christopher Columbus
  • La Ciudadela Market
  • San Juan Craft Market / Mexican Curiosities
1
Fountain of Diana

1) Fountain of Diana

The fountain of Diana stands on a roundabout near the Paseo de Reforma in Mexico City. The statue of Diana the Huntress is depicted by the sculptor as aiming her bow and shooting the arrow to the skies.

In 1942, architect Vincente Mendiola and Sculptor Juan Olaguibel were commissioned to build a fountain in a roundabout near the entrance of Chapultepec Park on the Reforma Avenue. The commission was the result of a beautification drive of Mexico City by the then President, Manuel Avila Camacho. A 16 year old secretary, Helvia Martinez was chosen as a model for the fountain. She posed for the sculptor for free knowing that her body would be immortalized in a landmark of Mexico City. On October 10th 1942, the statue was inaugurated. Some sections of the population appreciated the sculpture while ultra conservative sections of society called the Decency League protested against the nude depiction of Diana and forced the artist to put underwear on the statue. Before the 1968 Olympics, it was decided to remove the underwear but the attempt damaged the statue. The statue was removed to Ixmiquilpan, the home town of Juan Olaguibel. By popular demand by artists and citizens, the statue was restored in 1992.

The roundabout at the entrance to Chapultepec Park is decorated by a beautiful fountain and a sculpture that remains a fitting tribute to artistic freedom that survives despite setbacks.
2
Paseo de la Reforma

2) Paseo de la Reforma (must see)

Modeled after the Champs-Élysées in Paris, the Paseo de la Reforma is the main road in Mexico City that runs through the Historic district as well as Embassies and upscale residential buildings. The Paseo de la Reforma was formerly the Paseo de la Emperatriz or the road of the Empress. It was commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico to link his residence at the Chapultepec Castle to the National Palace that flanks the Zocalo. During the reformist reign of President Benito Juarez, the avenue became the Paseo de la Reforma. It was designed in 1860 by Ferdinand Von Rosenzweig.

The Paseo de la Reforma is 15 kilometers long and 60 meters wide. The road has 6 to 8 lanes and a green strip at the center with a unique design. There is a monument at most of the large roundabouts located at the intersections. Busts of famous personalities who shaped the history of Mexico flank the avenue.

Today, major office blocks, museums, monuments, hotels and cinemas are located on the Paseo de la Reforma. The avenue is also the location of the embassies of the United States, the European Union, and the Mexican Stock Exchange.

Tip:
On Sundays, the avenue closes down to cars so that multitudes of people can ride bikes, walk, jog, rollerblade or stroll down the street from the park all the way up to the historic center.
You can pay for bike rental or get one for free (first come, first served) if you bring your ID/passport and arrive early.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
3
Angel of Independence

3) Angel of Independence

The focal point for both celebrations and protests, the Angel of Independence serves as a monument of the 100th year of Mexican Independence and as a memorial for its heroes. The statue is located in a roundabout over the Paseo Reforma in Mexico City. The official name of the statue is the Columna de la Independencia.

President Porfirio Diaz commissioned the sculpture in 1902. Italian sculptor Aciati made the figures that adorned the structure and architect Antonio Rivas Mercado designed the monument. The first purpose of the Angel was to commemorate the 100th year of Mexico's Independence. In 1925, the monument was also made a mausoleum for heroes. Miguel Hidalgo, the father of the nation, Juan Aldama and Nicolas Bravo are interred beneath the foundations. The angel fell from the pillar in the earthquake of 1957 but was restored to its former glory by sculptor Jose Fernandez Urbina. An eternal flame to honor the interred heroes was added in 1929.

The column is made of steel surrounded by quarried stone. The 36-meter high column is covered with carved garlands, palms and rings. The carved figures contain names of the important personalities who helped to shape Mexico's independence. The angel on top is 6.7 meters high and is made of bronze coated with 24-carat gold. A hidden staircase within the column takes visitors to the Corinthian style Capital and the angel is lit beautifully for the benefit of those who drive by at night.

Tip:
Tours to the Angel normally include only a walk around inside the statue's base and its mini-museum; however, with advance notice and a special permit, groups can ascend the statue's inner staircase and go all the way to the top for a glimpse at the city below – a breathtaking site!
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
4
Monument to Christopher Columbus

4) Monument to Christopher Columbus

Located in one of the many rotundas intersecting the Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City, is a statue dedicated to Christopher Columbus and the Christianization of the Americas.

The plan for installing a statue in honor of Christopher Columbus was conceived during the rule of Emperor Maximilian I. The emperor’s father in law King Leopold I of Belgium expressed his desire to donate a statue of Columbus commemorating the discovery of America. At the time, the Emperor commissioned the architect Ramon Rodriguez Aragoity to design the monument and sculptor Manuel Vilar was to fabricate the figures that would adorn the edifice. The statue was not erected because the Emperor was deposed and executed during the reign of the liberals in Mexico. Later, Antonio Escandon, a loyalist of the emperor and the pioneer of railways in Mexico commissioned a sculpture of Christopher Columbus while in exile in Paris. The sculptor to whom the work was entrusted was Frenchman Henri Joseph Cardier. Escandon later donated the sculpture to Mexico City and it was erected at the location originally planned by Emperor Maximilian.

The statue is placed on a pink pedestal with renaissance art and two stone carvings called the Landing of Christopher Columbus and the Founding of the Church. Four other sculptures are those of the first catholic missionaries who began the task of conversion of the native people of the Americas.
5
La Ciudadela Market

5) La Ciudadela Market

La Ciudadela is a Mexico City experience: an exposure to its color, the variety of its crafts and the charm of its people. Go even if just to browse a bit; you will likely come away with a woven wallet, table runner or purse, small pottery boxes for friends or a serving piece for your table, toys for the children in your life, or one of the many other offerings. Prices are good, but it it best to start with "Cuánto cuesta?" (Spanish for "How much?") and it helps to know a few numbers so that you can bargain (which most vendors will) a price. If you can not master the numbers, take a small pad, point to it when you ask "Cuánto cuesta?" and then write your offer and haggle that way (but remember that many of the items are not that expensive to begin with). Fairness gets you a long way.

The market is made up of many different stalls, so if you have time, be sure to work your way to the center, comparing prices and quality, before you buy. Also, many of the vendors selling smaller items only take cash while others accept credit cards as well (though, in case of the latter, there will be far less negotiating on price).

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am–7pm; Sun: 10am–6pm
6
San Juan Craft Market / Mexican Curiosities

6) San Juan Craft Market / Mexican Curiosities

The San Juan market features many original and traditional handicrafts like pottery, fabric, pewter, wood, silver, precious and semi-precious stones, and leather. There are also t-shirts, masks, table cloth, traditional bags, etc. The market has over 100 stores that focus on Mexican hand-made crafts and souvenirs, stocking everything you can image. Vendors are polite and friendly, and the price listed is always a starting point, meaning you can get some great deals.

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 9am–7pm

Walking Tours in Mexico City, Mexico

Create Your Own Walk in Mexico City

Create Your Own Walk in Mexico City

Creating your own self-guided walk in Mexico City is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historic Center Food Tour

Historic Center Food Tour

A combination of history and tradition in Mexico City permeates all aspects of life, and the food scene is no exception. For centuries, food and drink have been an inseparable part of the city's culture manifested in notable markets and eateries, and some truly amazing recipes making up what we call the Mexican cuisine. This self-guided tour allows you to explore some of the top food-related...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Souvenir Shopping

Souvenir Shopping

Mesoamerican civilizations established open-air marketplaces for trade and commerce, and after the Spanish conquest, many important pre-Colombian markets continued to operate throughout the New World. Often atmospheric and interesting, neighborhood markets are hands down the best places to shop for fruits and vegetables, but also for crafts, antiques, paintings, art objects, jewelry, and more....  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historic Center Walking Tour

Historic Center Walking Tour

Mexico City is the oldest capital in the Americas and is one of the two founded by indigenous people. Originally known as Mexico Tenochtitlan, the city was built by the Mexicas (aka Aztecs) in 1325. According to a legend, the Mexicas' principal god, Huitzilopochtli, pointed out the site of the future settlement with an image of a golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus, devouring a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Chapultepec Park Walking Tour

Chapultepec Park Walking Tour

Chapultepec Park is one of the most famous parks in Mexico City. It is located on the Chapultepec Hill, that has a major historic importance for Mexicans. This park features some of the best known tourist attractions in Mexico city, like the Chapultepec Castle and National Museum of Anthropology. Take this self guided walking tour to explore Chapultepec Park.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Coyoacan District Walking Tour

Coyoacan District Walking Tour

Coyoacán, or “The Land of Coyotes” in Nahuatle, is a relatively quiet neighborhood in the heart of Mexico City, one of its 16 boroughs. Formerly a rural village, over the years Coyoacán has become a rich pocket of art and history in the Mexican capital. Iconic figures like Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky, great artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera sought refuge and inspiration in this...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Famous Religious Edifices Walking Tour

Famous Religious Edifices Walking Tour

After Hernán Cortés conquered the city of Tenochtitlán in the early 16th century, the Spanish razed the Mexica temples and built Catholic churches atop their remains. Coming from a deeply religious atmosphere in Spain, colonial missionaries were active throughout the land, establishing an abundance of Catholic churches, schools, and hospitals. Every religious building in this city is now a part...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles

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