Monterrey, the capital of the state of Nuevo Leon, is one of the most dynamic and modern cities in Mexico, surrounded by imposing mountains and with a vibrant mix of culture, gastronomy and nightlife. This city has a great offer of activities for both locals and tourists.
1. Enjoy a day at Fundidora Park
Fundidora Park is one of the most iconic places in Monterrey. This urban park, located in the city center, used to be an old steel factory, and has been transformed into a 142-hectare public space with museums, green areas and recreational activities. Inside the park you can find the Museo del Acero, an impressive interactive museum that tells the story of the steel industry in Monterrey.
The park also offers activities such as cycling, skating, and boat tours along the Paseo Santa Lucía, an artificial canal that connects the park to the city centre. It is also the setting for numerous events and concerts throughout the year, so you will always find something interesting to do.
2. Paseo Santa Lucía: a tourist canal
The Paseo Santa Lucía is an artificial canal that stretches for 2.5 kilometers from Fundidora Park to the Museum of Mexican History in downtown Monterrey. Inspired by the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas, this walkway is one of the most popular attractions in the city.
You can explore the canal on foot or by boat, enjoying beautiful views of the mountains and various sculptures and fountains along the way. Along the way, you will find cafes, restaurants and craft shops, making this place a very complete experience.
3. Explore the impressive Cerro de la Silla
Cerro de la Silla is a natural icon of Monterrey and a favorite spot for hiking and adventure lovers. At 1,820 meters above sea level, it offers a challenging experience, but with unparalleled panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The hike to the top takes between 4 and 5 hours and requires good physical condition.
This hill is ideal for those looking for a nature experience and want to enjoy an incredible view upon reaching the summit. In addition, Cerro de la Silla is a great option for capturing panoramic photographs of Monterrey.
4. Visit the Museum of Mexican History
Monterrey has an impressive Museum of Mexican History that houses an extensive collection of pieces that tell the story of Mexico from pre-Hispanic times to contemporary times. This museum, located in the city center, is ideal for those who want to learn more about the history and culture of the country.
The museum features interactive exhibits and a temporary exhibition hall, meaning there's always something new to discover. There are also activities and workshops for children, making it a perfect choice for families.
5. Macroplaza: the heart of Monterrey
The Macroplaza is one of the largest public squares in Mexico and the second largest public space in the world. This large esplanade is the meeting point for locals and tourists, surrounded by historic buildings, museums, fountains, and gardens. Here you can admire the Faro del Comercio, a green obelisk that lights up at night with a laser beam visible throughout much of the city.
The Macroplaza is also the perfect place to explore some of the city's museums, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art (MARCO) and the Government Palace. Various events and festivals are also held here throughout the year.
6. Relax in Chipinque
Chipinque Ecological Park is a protected natural area located just 15 minutes from downtown Monterrey. This park is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying a picnic in the middle of nature. Chipinque offers multiple trails with different levels of difficulty, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
From the higher areas of the park, you can enjoy spectacular views of Monterrey and the mountainous landscapes of the Sierra Madre Oriental. It is also common to see animals such as deer, squirrels and birds.
7. Experience the adrenaline in the Huasteca
La Huasteca Park is one of the favorite destinations for adventurers in Monterrey. Located in the municipality of Santa Catarina, this place offers impressive rock formations and a variety of outdoor activities, such as climbing, rappelling, and mountain biking. It is the perfect place for those looking for an experience full of adrenaline and contact with nature.
La Huasteca is especially popular among climbers, as it has routes of all difficulty levels. In addition, the views of the cliffs and mountains are impressive and make this place one of the most beautiful landscapes in Nuevo León.
8. Taste the gastronomy of Monterrey
Monterrey is known for its rich culinary tradition. Here, grilled meat is one of the main specialties, and you can find a wide variety of restaurants serving high-quality cuts of meat. Some of the most recommended places to enjoy a good barbecue are El Gran Pastor and La Nacional, where you can try dishes such as cabrito and machacado.
You can't miss trying the famous glorias, a typical sweet from Monterrey made from burnt milk and nuts. This sweet is sold in local stores and markets, and is the perfect souvenir to take back home.
9. Explore the Old Quarter
The Barrio Antiguo is one of the most picturesque places in Monterrey. It is characterized by its colorful colonial houses, cobblestone streets, and a lively nightlife. During the day, you can explore art shops, galleries, and small cafes, while at night, the neighborhood transforms into a meeting point for those looking to enjoy bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Every Sunday, the Old Quarter hosts a flea market where you can find antiques, vintage clothing, and local crafts. Cultural events and music festivals are also held in this area, so it's a place that always has something interesting to offer.
10. Attend a football match
Soccer is a passion in Monterrey, and the city is home to two of Mexico's most popular teams: Tigres de la UANL and Rayados del Monterrey. The atmosphere at the Estadio Universitario and the Estadio BBVA is electric during matches, and attending one of these games is an experience you can't miss, even if you're not a big soccer fan.
The matches between Tigres and Rayados, known as the “Clásico Regio”, are especially exciting and reflect the intense rivalry and passion of the fans of both teams. Without a doubt, it is a unique experience that will allow you to immerse yourself in the culture of Monterrey.
11. Immerse yourself in nature in the Matacanes Canyon
The Matacanes Canyon is one of the most impressive ecotourism destinations in the Monterrey area. This place is ideal for those looking for an adventure experience, as here you can practice canyoning, rappelling and jumping into natural pools of crystal-clear water.
The Matacanes tour includes descending waterfalls and exploring caves. This activity requires good physical condition and an experienced guide, but the experience of exploring this natural paradise is well worth the effort.
12. Visit MARCO (Monterrey Museum of Contemporary Art)
The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey, or MARCO, is one of the most important art museums in Latin America. Its impressive building, designed by Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta, is a work of art in itself. The museum hosts exhibitions by national and international artists and offers a varied cultural program that includes workshops, talks, and events. MARCO is a must-see for contemporary art lovers and those looking to explore the cultural side of Monterrey.