Better known as the economic powerhouse of Mexico, Monterrey is the second-largest industrial centre with the highest per-capita income in the country. The industrial city is often dismissed as a worthwhile destination for travelers to check out. However, you don’t know what you are missing if you pass Monterrey off as another boring city! If you’re wondering where to stay in Monterrey, plenty of amazing hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals are available here. With your lodging sorted, you can now go out and explore the city. Read on to discover the 15 best things to do in Monterrey, Mexico.
1. Appreciate the best of Latin American art at Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey (from USD 102.0)
Regardless of whether you are into art or not, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey, or MARCO for short, is certainly one of Monterrey’s top attractions that you should not miss. Standing on Gran Plaza, MARCO is a stunning piece of art boasting an extensive collection of modern art from across the country. Numerous fine paintings, sculptures and installations from prominent Latin American artists are housed in the 11 galleries in the museum. Many temporary exhibitions featuring renowned artists from all over the world are often found at MARCO, so there is always something interesting for the curious visitor. Highlights of MARCO include the giant bronze dove that guards the door, and the gorgeous courtyard with fascinating views of the Cerro de la Silla.
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey (MARCO)
Address: Calle Juan Zuazua s/n, Centro, 64000 Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
Price: refer to official website
Opening Hours: refer to official website
Contact: +52 8182624500
City Tour From Monterrey
Duration: 5 hours
2. Visit the fascinating ancient palace - Palacio del Obispado
The Palacio del Obispado, commonly known as the Bishop, is one of the most popular Monterrey attractions. It is a building of great historical and architectural value built in the late 18th-century. It is one of the rare colonial architectures constructed in ashlar stone still preserved in northeastern Mexico. The beautiful yellow building has undertaken several significant roles in the country since Independence, including as a prominent military fortress and quarantine hospital. Now, it is home to the Regional Museum, where you can check out interesting exhibits showcasing Monterrey’s history.
Palacio del Obispado
Address: José Verger s/n Obispado, Teorema de Nuevo León, Rafael Buelna, 64010 Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
Price: free admission
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Closed on Sunday
Contact: +52 8183460404
Website: Palacio del Obispado
3. Enjoy nature, tradition and culture in the heart of the city at Parque Fundidora
Parque Fundidora, or Fundidora Park, is a large public park in east Monterrey. Located inside the former Monterrey Foundry Property, the park is known as the top Archeological Industrial Site in Mexico, with its industrial buildings from the Old Foundry. Take a walk, jog or cycle along one of the extensive walking tracks. Children can have fun in one of the playgrounds or the Sesame Street theme park. Or keep yourself entertained at the mixed-use development Cintermex, where the convention centre, museum, ice rink and other cultural sites can be found. Immerse yourself in nature, tradition and culture all at the one place right in the heart of town.
Parque Fundidora
Address: Avenida Fundidora y Adolfo Prieto S/N, Obrera, 64010 Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
Price: free admission
Opening Hours: 6 am to 10 pm daily
Contact: +52 8181268500
Website: Parque Fundidora
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4. Soak in the idyllic air along Paseo Santa Lucia
Nestled within the vast Parque Fundidora is an artificial lake called Paseo Santa Lucia, also known as the Santa Lucia Riverwalk, which is one of the most beautiful places in Monterrey. Take a romantic stroll with your loved one down the gorgeous teal colored river that meanders through the pleasant park space. Soak in the fresh air along Paseo Santa Lucia with beautiful fountains and astonishing sculptures. Tired of walking the entire 3.1 kilometer (1.9 mile) stretch? Take a ride on the boat and relish in the idyllic views of the enchanting landscape.
Paseo Santa Lucia
Address: Santa Lucia, Centro, 64000 Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
Price: free admission
Opening Hours: 6 am to 10 pm daily
Website: Paseo Santa Lucia
5. Pay tribute to an integral part of Monterrey's economy with a visit to Horno3
Also located within Parque Fundidora is Museo del Acero Horno3, commonly called Horno3 in short. Horno3 is an outstanding structure that was once part of the Monterrey steel industry. It is now turned into a steel museum that pays tribute to an integral part of Monterrey’s industrial economy. Installed in 1965, Horno3 had the most advanced technologies back then and was Mexico’s most important steel mill. Monterrey’s industrial pride has become one of the largest museums in the country. Take the lift to the viewing platform where you can soak in views of the city and enjoy the breeze.
Museo del Acero Horno3
Address: Av. Fundidora y Adolfo Prieto, Parque Fundidora, Monterrey, N.L., 64010 Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
Price: refer to official website
Opening Hours: refer to official website
Contact: +52 8181261100
Website: Museo del Acero Horno3
6. There's something for everyone in Monterrey's centre at Macroplaza
Marcoplaza is one of the best and most popular Monterrey, Mexico points of interest. Right smack in the centre of Monterrey, the Macroplaza is the world’s fourth largest public square. One of its most striking features has to be the 70-meter (229.7 foot) tall orange Faro del Comercio (Lighthouse of Commerce), a slim orange structure designed by Luis Barragán. Other notable highlights include the famous MARCO modern art museum, Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), and the enormous Fuente de la Vida (Neptune Fountain). The expansive public square is home to many historical plazas and monuments, with lovely gardens offering some respite from the urban landscape. There is certainly an attraction or two that will catch your attention at Macroplaza.
Macroplaza
Address: Zona Centro, Centro, 64000 Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
Price: free admission
Opening Hours: always open
7. Have fun with your family at Planetario Alfa
Planetario Alfa is a fun attraction suitable for all ages, doubling up both as a science centre and a planetarium. Located a short bus journey away from central Monterrey, the futuristic looking building is uniquely designed like a huge thimble to match its ultra-modern theme. This is a very popular attraction for Mexican families who will get there early in the day to enjoy interactive exhibitions and astounding film projections inside the planetarium. You can also head to the observatory for a night of stargazing, or have an educational yet fun time at the hands-on science exhibit area.
Planetario Alfa
Address: Avenida Roberto Garza Sada 1000, Carrizalejo, 66254 San Pedro Garza García, N.L., Mexico
Price: refer to official website
Opening Hours: 1.30 pm to 8 pm on weekdays, and 10.30 am to 8 pm on weekends
Access: free shuttle service available between the Centro and the Alameda
Contact: +52 8183030001
Website: Planetario Alfa
8. Take a nostalgic old town tour at Barrio Antiguo
If you’re wondering what to do in Monterrey, make your way to Barrio Antiguo for a nostalgic tour of the old town. The historical but well preserved buildings lining the small town add to its laid-back charm, a perfect backdrop for some atmospheric shots. With numerous cafes serving hearty meals here, Barrio Antiguo is a great spot to cure your hunger pangs. At night, the quiet old town comes to life with awesome live music at the popular Cafe Iguana. Chill over a drink or two with some tasty pizza and finger food as you relish in the vibrant nightlife.
Barrio Antiguo
Address: Prol José María Morelos 837, Barrio Antiguo, Centro, 64000 Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
9. Join the locals for a climb at Parque La Huasteca (from USD 79.0)
Only 20 minutes from the city centre, you will find the first established climbing area, Parque La Huasteca in Monterrey. There are close to 300 climbing routes in the municipal park, and most of them do not require any entrance fees. Within the park, marvel at the jagged limestone landscape and majestic valley of the Sierra Madre Oriental as you embark on the climb. The magnificent natural landscape at Parque La Huasteca is the ideal playground for adventurous travelers. It is little wonder why Parque La Huasteca is the favorite place for weekend climbers who cannot afford the time to go too far out of the city.
Parque La Huasteca
Address: Doctor Ignacio Morones Prieto 327, Sin Nombre de Colonia 22, Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
Website: Parque La Huasteca
Parque de la Huasteca Canyon Small-Group Tour
Duration: 4 hours
10. Marvel at the wonders of nature at Parque Ecologico Chipinque
Not an adventurous traveller but still yearn to check out the picturesque landscapes at Sierra Madre Oriental? The Parque Ecologico Chipinque is another stunning mountainous national park located close to the city centre like Parque La Huasteca. The vast park is 730 to 2,200 metres (2,395 to 7.218 feet) above sea level, home to an amazing collection of flora and fauna from the xerophilous thicket to the Pine-oak forest. It is also a natural habitat for native species of birds and butterflies, which you can observe along guided trails through the forest. Furthermore, there are various viewpoints located in the park where you can marvel at the majestic mountains. Being one of the most significant natural passages in the region, Chipinque is definitely a spot not to be missed in Monterrey.
Parque Ecologico Chipinque
Address: Carretera a Chipinque Km. 2.5, 66261 San Pedro Garza García, N.L., Mexico
Price: free admission
Opening Hours: 6 am to 7.30 pm daily
Access: 15-minute drive from the city centre
Contact: +52 8183030000
Website: Parque Ecologico Chipinque)
11. Be awed by the amazingly huge Garcia Caves (from USD 102.0)
Garcia Caves, known locally as Grutas de García, is situated in the small town of Garcia, a short drive northeast of Monterrey. The enthralling network of caves is one of the biggest cave systems in Mexico, making it a great day trip away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Ascend up the 1,080-meter (3,543 foot) tall El Fraile Mountain with a cable car ride, to reach the Garcia Caves. Along the way, you can admire the stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as marvelous views over the surrounding countryside.
Grutas de García (Garcia Caves)
Address: Carretera a Villa de García S/N, Parque Grutas de García, García, N.L., Mexico
Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily, except Monday
Contact: +52 8120332626
Website: Grutas de García
Small-Group Garcia Caves Tour from Monterrey
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
12. Conquer the highest peak in Monterrey at Cerro de la Silla
Last but not least, your trip to Monterrey would seem incomplete if you did not visit Cerro de la Silla. The industrial city is famous for its superb mountainous views, and the most famous peak is none other than Cerro de la Silla. It is so named because of the saddle like shape of its double peaks, Pico Norte and Pico la Virgen. Instead of admiring its beauty from afar at various spots in the city, why not climb to the peak to get a rewarding bird’s eye view of the ultra-modern city? Nothing beats the sense of achievement that awaits you as you conquer the iconic landmark of Monterrey!
Cerro de la Silla
Address: Guadalupe and Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
13. Explore the trails of Cumbres de Monterrey National Park
Declared as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, Cumbres de Monterrey National Park has varied ecosystems and is home a wide variety of endangered animal species. Located in Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range of Mexico, this national park has plenty of walking trails to explore. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as spot birds and animals during your walks.
Cumbres de Monterrey National Park
Address: Av, 20 de Noviembre 100-4, Trabajadores, 66149 Santa Catarina, N.L., Mexico
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 6:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
14. Take your kids to Parque Plaza Sesamo
Located in Fundidora Park, Parque Plaza Sesamo is a Sesame Street themed park that is a fun family-friendly destination. It features a variety of rides, shows and games, and characters from the hit children’s show can also be seen roaming the grounds of the park. Kids will love meeting Elmo and the gang, watching puppet shows, playing in the water park or enjoying one of the many rides.
Parque Plaza Sesamo
Address: Calle Agrícola 3700-1, Agrícola, 64590 Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
15. Bosque Magico Coca Cola
For a fun day out with your family or friends, head over to Bosque Magico Coca Cola. This amusement park has a range of rides, roller coasters and children’s attractions. Thrill-seekers will love the extreme rides like Kamikaze, Zombie Ride, The King, and more. Families can enjoy go-karts, Carnival, and Barnstomer while children can have fun in Baja Bugy, Alpine Chairs, Kite Flyer, and more such rides.
Bosque Magico Coca Cola
Address: Av Eloy Cavazos s / n, La Pastora, 67140 Guadalupe, NL, Mexico
Website: Bosque Magico Coca Cola
Price: 90 USD onwards
Monterrey is not just another boring city
As you can see from the list of things to do above, Monterrey is certainly not another boring industrialized city. Its strategic location surrounded by the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountain range makes it a unique destination to explore. Appreciate nature, fine museums and galleries, enjoy the modern conveniences of an attractive large city, and soak in the old-Spanish ambience all in one single location. Monterrey is definitely an exciting city you must visit soon!
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