Mexico · City Guide
Monterrey
Monterrey is Mexico's most industrially dynamic and commercially important city, a prosperous northern metropolis set against the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains, with outstanding contemporary cultural institutions, excellent restaurants, vibrant nightlife and easy access to the remarkable Grutas de García caves and the Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey. As Mexico's business capital, Monterrey also has an excellent luxury hotel infrastructure.
Elect's take
"Monterrey is a Mexican city with a northern character and an ambition that sets it apart from other regional capitals. The mountain setting is dramatic, the cultural institutions are excellent and the combination of business infrastructure and genuine natural beauty makes it more interesting than many visitors expect."
The Macroplaza in the heart of Monterrey is one of the largest public plazas in the world, flanked by government buildings and providing a beautiful public space. The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MARCO) is one of Mexico's finest contemporary art museums. The FEMSA Cultural Complex includes the remarkable Fundidora Park in a converted steel mill. The natural beauty of the area is outstanding — the Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey provides dramatic mountain scenery and the Cascada Cola de Caballo waterfall is beautiful. The Grutas de García, 35 kilometres west, provide extraordinary cave systems accessible by cable car. Monterrey street food, particularly cabrito and machacado, is excellent.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Sierra Madre Oriental
Dramatic mountain scenery providing the spectacular backdrop to Monterrey.
MARCO Museum
One of Mexico's finest contemporary art museums in the historic city centre.
Fundidora Park
A remarkable cultural park in a converted steel mill complex.
Grutas de García
Extraordinary cave systems west of the city accessible by cable car.
Cola de Caballo
A beautiful waterfall in the national park surrounding the city.
Regiomontano Cuisine
Outstanding northern Mexican food including cabrito, machacado and flour tortilla culture.
