Monterrey, Mexico: travel guide
Northern Mexican city framed by the dramatic Sierra Madre
A modern industrial powerhouse in northern Mexico surrounded by dramatic Sierra Madre mountains, with excellent cuisine and growing tourism.
About Monterrey
Monterrey sits in northern Mexico beneath a crown of jagged Sierra Madre peaks, with the saddle-shaped Cerro de la Silla as its emblem. It is a modern, businesslike city, and its setting gives it a character that is quite different from the colonial towns of the centre and south.
The Macroplaza is a long sequence of public squares and fountains, with the Faro del Comercio beacon standing over it. Nearby you can stroll the Paseo Santa Lucía canal, visit the MARCO contemporary art museum, and spend an evening in the bars and restaurants of Barrio Antiguo. For fresh air, Parque Ecológico Chipinque offers walking and mountain views in the hills above town.
Monterrey suits food lovers, city-break travellers and outdoor fans. Summers are very hot, so the spring and autumn months are the most comfortable.
- Country
- Mexico
- Currency
- MXN
- Time zone
- America/Monterrey
- Nearest airport
- MTY
Last updated
Top places to visit in Monterrey
Parque Fundidora
Nature · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Vast urban park in a former steelworks with lakes, museums and the Paseo Santa Lucía.
Paseo Santa Lucía
Activity · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
2.5 km artificial riverwalk linking the Macroplaza to Parque Fundidora, with boat rides.
Macroplaza & Faro del Comercio
Heritage · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the world's largest plazas, anchored by Barragán's bright-red laser beacon.
Museo del Acero Horno³
Museum · about 2 h · entry $180 (≈ ₹930)
Interactive steel-and-science museum inside a preserved blast furnace at Fundidora.
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MARCO)
Museum · about 1.3 h · entry $110 (≈ ₹570)
Ricardo Legorreta-designed contemporary art museum on the Macroplaza.
Barrio Antiguo
Nightlife · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Cobblestone historic quarter that is the city's nightlife and cultural heart.
Parque Ecológico Chipinque
Nature · about 3 h · entry $90 (≈ ₹470)
Mountain nature park in the Sierra Madre with hiking trails and city panoramas.
Grutas de García
Nature · about 3 h · entry $120 (≈ ₹620)
Vast cavern system reached by cable car, 40 km northwest of the city.
Cerro de la Silla (viewpoint)
Viewpoint · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
The saddle-shaped mountain that is Monterrey's emblem; trailheads for hikers.
Things to do
- Grutas de García & Cola de Caballo Day Trip Day Trip · 8 h · from MXN 950 per person
- Santa Lucía Riverwalk Boat Ride Activity · 0.8 h · from MXN 120 per person
- Chipinque Hiking Half-Day Day Trip · 5 h · from MXN 650 per person
- Cabrito & Norteño Food Tour Food Tour · 3 h · from MXN 650 per person
Where to stay in Monterrey
- San Pedro Garza García about MXN 3,000 per night
Safest, most upscale area with malls, dining and easy access to the sierra.
Hotels
- Habita Monterrey 5-star · MXN 3,200 to MXN 6,000 per night
- Gran Hotel Ancira 4-star · MXN 1,900 to MXN 3,400 per night
- Holiday Inn Express Monterrey Centro 3-star · MXN 1,300 to MXN 2,100 per night
- Hostal Barrio Antiguo 2-star · MXN 320 to MXN 900 per night
Where to eat
- Pangea Contemporary, International · about MXN 1,600 per person
- El Rey del Cabrito Norteño, Mexican · about MXN 550 per person
- La Nacional Mexican, Norteño · about MXN 480 per person
- Koli Cocina Contemporary, Mexican · about MXN 1,800 per person
- Las Monjitas Mexican, Norteño · about MXN 220 per person
- Tacos El Charrúa Tacos, Street Food · about MXN 150 per person
Getting to Monterrey
Airport: Monterrey (MTY)
Getting around
- Bus
- Metro
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Mexico
Frequently asked questions about Monterrey
- What are the main places to visit in Monterrey?
- Places covered in our Monterrey guide include Parque Fundidora, Paseo Santa Lucía, Macroplaza & Faro del Comercio, Museo del Acero Horno³, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MARCO).
- Where should I stay in Monterrey?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Monterrey: San Pedro Garza García.
- How do I get around Monterrey?
- Ways to get around Monterrey covered in our guide: City bus, Metro, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Monterrey?
- The nearest airport to Monterrey has the code MTY.