Heading to Monterrey (Mexico)? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
QUICK FACTS
- Capital city of the state of Nuevo León, Monterrey has a population of ~1.14 million.
- Monterrey has one of Mexico’s highest standards of living and its population are considered the most educated and cultured of any Mexican city. Has the highest per capita GDP of any Mexican city.
- Widely known as the most Americanized city in Mexico.
- Nickname: Sultana del Norte (“Sultan of the North”)
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN).
- Spoken languages: Spanish. The more Spanish you learn prior to your trip, the better the experience you’ll have.
- If your Spanish isn’t great, consider downloading a translation app to your phone (e.g. Google Translate).
- Best time to visit: autumn and spring are preferred by most visitors to avoid summer heat.
- Arriving from the airport (Monterrey International Airport): a taxi from the airport to downtown will cost around 200 pesos, while a bus service (SKYBUS) can get you downtown for 130 pesos.
WHERE TO STAY
- Best hostel for solo travelers: My Family in Monterrey (no, not my family – that’s the name of the place!)
– Clean, with very friendly hosts.
– In the heart of Barrio Antigua, close to restaurants and all the nightlife you may want.
– Book ahead, as there are very few hostel options in town! - San Pedro Garza Garcia (the safest upscale area of the city) and Zona Rosa have good lodging options from mid-range to upscale hotels.
GETTING AROUND
- Taxis are arguably the fastest way to get around – an inner city trip costs around Base fare is 30 MXN with 20 MXN per kilometer.
- Uber is a great (and safe) alternative to taxis.
- Buses are available at varying prices and are common, but the system can be difficult to understand for visitors.
- There is a good subway system, though its coverage is minimal. It is great for traveling from one downtown area to another.
MONTERREY NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18, and last call is 4 AM.
- The majority of Monterrey’s nightlife is in San Pedro.
- Current popular venues:
– Strana: Major nightclub in San Pedro
– MAVERICK MTY: Trendy cocktail bar
– TOPAZdeluxe: Electronic dance club - Casual / low-key bars to check out:
– Cafe Belmonte Bar
– La Divina (food and drinks)
– Bar Beto’s
– The British Pub
– Principia Monterrey Taproom
– Almacén 42 (can get busy).
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- Cerro de la Silla, the mountain around which Monterrey is built, dominates the skyline.
- The Macroplaza in Zona Rosa is Mexico’s largest plaza and is lined with monuments, gardens, historical buildings, museums, and the Monterrey Cathedral.
- Cascadas Cola de Caballo, a park a few miles out of Monterrey, features some stunning waterfalls.
- Presa de la Boca is centered around one of the city’s dams and here you will find a more traditionally Mexican flavour with handcrafts, regional cuisine and music. Here, you can try activities such as sailing, karting, and horse riding.
- MARCO (Museum of Contemporary Art) designed by architect Ricardo Legorreta.
- Paseo de Santa Lucia boat rides (recognized as one of the 13 modern wonders of Mexico).
- Grutas de Garcia caves (50-60 million years old, accessible by cable car).
INTERESTING WALKS
- Feeling adventurous? Hike to the peak of Cerro de la Silla.
– Tip: cable car (teleférico) option available too. - Fundidora Park is the site of Latin America’s former largest steel foundry, now converted to cultural space. Worth a walk!
- El Barrio Antiguo: a historical district with art galleries, cafes, and particularly interesting architecture.
- La M hiking trail in Chipinque Ecological Park (guided tours available).
- Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey, with many scenic hiking routes, is recommended for nature enthusiasts.
- Nido de los Aguiluchos (Eagles’ Nest) for adventure seekers who enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and rappelling.
WHERE TO EAT
- When eating with others, say “Buen provecho” (enjoy your meal) before starting to eat.
- Delicious local dishes to try: cabrito (roasted goat), machacado (typically a breakfast dish made with scrambled eggs and dried salted beef), and the famous taco de trompo (similar to shawarma).
- For authentic local flavor, visit Mercado Juárez or Mercado de Abastos.
- Great American restaurants: Ladys BBQ, Old Jimmy’s BBQ (two locations), La Grange Deli, Texas Smokeyard.
- Where to find good cheap food: the city has an abundance of places to eat, particularly in Zona Rosa. Street vendors offer some of the tastiest and cheapest meals.
- Visit Nuevo León Artisan Market for regional specialties.
- Sweet to try: “Glorias” – regional candy specialty made from caramelized goat milk rolled in chopped pecans.
LOCAL WISDOM
- Bullfights still take place in Monterrey with professional matadors. While many may find this cruel, it can hardly be beat for an authentic local experience.
- Many coffee shops in San Pedro area are digital nomad-friendly.
- Lucha Libre is where professional wrestling came from. Catch a bout at the Coliseo!
- Greet people with “Buenos días,” “Buenas tardes,” or “Buenas noches” as appropriate (good morning, good afternoon, and good evening, respectively). It’s the polite thing to do!
- Dangerous areas: Monterrey’s crime rate has increased in recent years – shootings and kidnappings are not uncommon. Be careful. Stick only to well-lit tourist areas at night, and don’t flash around expensive valuables.
Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days