Region: Cuauhtemoc
Founded: 1906
Location: 850 m east of the Angel of Independence
Pre-Columbian inhabitants: Mexico
Who lives here?
La Juárez has come a long way since its founding in the early 1900s, when only the wealthy lived on its streets. Today, you’ll find a mix of young professionals, artists, and families, most of whom are between the ages of 25 and 45.
La Juárez's unique blend of urban living, historic charm and modern amenities attracts locals and, more recently, expats. close to La Roma and the Historic Center are an added bonus, as is the generally relaxed atmosphere.
A brief history of La Juárez
By the turn of the 19th century, Mexico City's Historic Center was losing its residential charm. As the Zócalo and its surrounding streets became more crowded, wealthy families began to seek quieter alternatives. Colonia Juárez, officially designated as the residential center in honor of the 19th century Mexican president in 1906, was an attractive choice. The area was green, quiet, and ready to be built.
Almost overnight, new Art Nouveau houses sprang up on streets named after European cities. Embassies and businesses moved in, and La Juárez quickly became one of the most prosperous areas of the capital—but not for long. In 1910, the Mexican Revolution swept through the city, and the Porfirian elite abandoned their new community in search of safer ground.
Over the years, Juarez abandoned. It was not until the 1940s that the town revived. Shops, cafes, restaurants and bookstores replaced the ground floors of the buildings that were once residential. Antique shop and jewelry stores occupied the section above Avenida Insurgentes, now known as Zona Rosa. It became a place to see and be seen, with visitors coming from nearby towns to buy collectibles or view local art. The arrival of Korean immigrants in the 1970s and 1980s added another layer to the increasingly eclectic community.
The bustling commercial district was badly damaged by the 1985 earthquake. But its spirit remained, and by the early 1990s La Juárez was thriving again — this time with a new look.
Guide to La Juárez today
On the map, La Juárez is shaped like a triangle, flanked by Paseo de la Reforma, Avenida Chapultepec, and Avenida Bucareli. The city is divided by Avenida Insurgentes into two contrasting areas: to the west is the Zona Rosa, a place dominated by night activities for the LGBTQ+ community. Sandwiched between Korean Restaurant is a lively rooftop bar and dance club. To the east of Insurgentes is a boutique shopper's paradise with a roster of trendy restaurants, art galleries and architecture reminiscent of the Parisian suburbs.
If what you are looking for is entertainment, You will definitely find it here. From small theaters to jazz clubs and antique bookstores, there’s plenty to catch your eye when it’s crowded. For the stylish crowd, the ultra-chic Soho House is tucked away on Calle Versalles and Hanky Panky Cocktail Bar is tucked away on Calle Turin. Surprisingly, the neighborhood remains largely local, although you’ll certainly run into plenty of expats on Calle Havre and Calle Dinamarca.
La Juárez is perfect if you like: Europe. Beyond the architecture and street names like Londres and Hamburgo, there’s an undeniable blend of Italy and Istanbul and Mexico here, and it’s quite charming.
What to do in La Juarez
Coffee Postcard: Condesa's Favorites just opened its third and — in my opinion — prettiest branch on the bright corner of Calle Napolés and Calle Marsella. Come for strong coffee and great people-watching.
Jorge Cuesta Bookstore: Warning! This is interesting antique bookstore will give you surreal flashbacks to your hoarding grandmother's living room – assuming it was filled with antiques, knickknacks and the occasional cat.
Mexican utility vehicles: A great choice for a gift, this small shop made in mexico has all the cool kitchen appliances you could possibly want, as well as a selection of paper products and toiletries.
question: It is at an affordable price, quality plant shop which also sells things you never knew you needed, like handmade soy candles and imitation gold jewelry.
Fusion Design Marketplace: Where Local craftsmen and designers showcase handmade goods, including clothing, accessories and home decor, all with sustainability in mind.
Geneva Hotels: If you don't stay here, you should at least stop by the lobby. this historic hotela favorite among tourists since it opened in 1907.
Warsaw Theatre: Find local talent here intimate theaterwhich hosts a variety of performances including plays, concerts and cultural events.
Parker and Lenox: Stylish and sexy, this NYC style jazz club is a great place for a date with your cute Spanish teacher or as a group outing with your music-loving friends.
Xaman Bar: Hardly a speakeasy to find, you will be greatly appreciated by underground barGreat cocktail menu and inviting atmosphere.
Casa Manuel Mexico: Visit the elegant residence of the great Mexican designer Manuel Méndezwhich doubles as a great tea house, hotel and event space.
Wax Museum: To be more precise, this is wax museum. If it’s not your cup of tea, who am I to judge? It’s not mine either. However, a stroll around the magnificent home that houses him is well worth the effort.
Social Factory: You may be surprised by the price when you first see it. However, it is amazing, colorful textiles sustainable, durable, and handcrafted by artisans throughout Mexico.
Places to eat in La Juarez
Crazy Pizza Restaurant: This place is a gem for anyone who appreciates authentic italian foodI'm talking about al dente pasta, pizza made in Naples stylefocaccia baked before your eyes and the chance to eavesdrop on your neighbors' conversations… in Italian.
Higher Xilotl: My fingers are shaking as I type this. Do I want to share? my favorite restaurant across the country with hundreds of thousands of readers? With only about six tables and a tiny open kitchen? Yes, I do, because I do. Find me a better fish taco in Mexico City. I dare you.
Seafood Bar: If you want fresh coastal cuisine in a relaxed atmosphereThis is your place. Customers line the sidewalks in the most inviting way, making you feel like you're at a casual, no-nonsense house party.
Sushi Kyo: This is one of the most highly rated sushi place in a city that boasts a plethora of highly acclaimed sushi restaurants, Edo Kobayashi rarely disappoints, and this 13-seat eatery is no different.
Coffee shop: Don't come on weekends, or there will be a queue. Elena Reygadas, the mind and chef behind Rome's favorite restaurant Rosetta, knows the ambiance. Add some of the best pan dulce in CDMX and you've got yourself a beautiful breakfast nook.
Havre-77: Anyone up for some escargot? When you're feeling French, chef Eduardo García's latest work provides everything you need. The food and the place are works of art and will effectively transport you to La Marais, one bite at a time.
Restaurant: That Mediterranean inspired menu and an extensive wine list best enjoyed in a dynamic, artistic setting. The bar has a lively atmosphere, but get there early, as the place fills up quickly.
Bagel Lepu:They claim to be the closest thing to New York Bagel in Mexicowhich is probably why this place is always packed. Their menu is simple: classic bagels and toppings like lox, whitefish, cream cheese, and eggs. There's also a bakery, but… bagels.
A hidden gem
I stumbled Tannin Artbar by chance and was blown away by the concept. Art gallery, wine bar, tasting room, and oasis garden, all in one? Sold. Plus, there’s a wide selection of Mediterranean dishes, perfect for enjoying under Mexico City’s not-so-starry skies.
Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine rush that comes immediately after booking a flight, exploring a local market, practicing yoga, and munching on a fresh tortilla. Sign up to receive her posts Sunday Love Letter to your inbox, read it blogor follow him on Instagram.