20 Cool Tourist Places to Visit and Fun Things to Do in Monterrey, Mexico

January 22, 2025 Mustafa Natalwala 33 Views

Monterrey is the capital of the Nuevo Leon state of Mexico. It is a great tourist destination where you get to enjoy different worlds in one place. The best things to do in Monterrey include the modern world, historical sites as well as beautiful natural attractions. The city has a rich history that goes way past the colonial period. However, the majority of the best places to visit in Monterrey hail from the colonial era.

These buildings were built between the 16th and 19th centuries. You will see churches, houses, palaces, and public buildings featuring wonderful architecture. These Monterrey tourist attractions also feature works by some of the greatest Mexican artists from different periods.

If you wish to go further back in history, you should head for the regional history museum. It is a great place to begin Monterrey sightseeing as well. You will get to know the things that happened on the land over several centuries. This will give you context over the various Monterrey attractions you will explore.

There is also a place near the city where you get to see artifacts that are millions of years old. These are the underground caves crafted by nature into beautiful rock formations. It is among the best things to see in Monterrey. The caves sit amidst the mountains that are breathtakingly beautiful. You can explore these for their natural beauty during Monterrey travel. You can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and adventure sports.

The outskirts of the city are also home to some interesting places to go in Monterrey. This includes cafes and restaurants tucked in the mountains and breweries that give you refreshing drinks with a view.

On the flip side, you have the modern parts to explore when you visit Monterrey. These are sleek tall buildings with shopping malls, clubs, restaurants, and so on.

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Table of Contents

Top 20 Tourist Places to Visit in Monterrey, Mexico

1. Macroplaza

This is one of the biggest city squares in the world and the largest one in Mexico. It is home to some of the top Monterrey tourist attractions. You will see both modern and historic structures. There are also parks, playgrounds and live entertainment venues to explore.

At the heart of the square stands Faro de Comercio. This monument stands 230 feet tall and dominates the landscape. You will also see the Fountain of Neptune and the Municipal Palace here.

The square is also known for some of the best things to do in Monterrey, Mexico at night. The monuments are illuminated with light shows and the shopping, entertainment, and dining venues come to life. It is one of the most happening places and you can easily spend a couple of hours at this square.

I suggest you should try a City Sightseeing Tour of Monterrey.

2. Parque Ecologico Chipinque

This natural retreat is just about 20 minutes away from the city. But once you reach there, it feels like you are miles away from urbanization. People come here to enjoy the wilderness and catch a glimpse of wildlife. It is home to a variety of birds and small animals, the most popular one being coati.

The park is also known for fun things to do in Monterrey, Mexico. You can explore hiking trails through the forest going up the mountain. There are also cycling trails that lead to gorgeous viewpoints. You will need about 3 to 4 hours to explore the park.

I suggest you should go for a Hiking in Chipinque Ecological Park.

3. Fundidora Park

The steel industry is at the heart of the city’s progress. This huge foundry operated for several decades. It has now been converted into a park. It is one of the best places to visit in Monterrey, Mexico.

The infrastructure, machinery, and equipment still stand strong in the park. However, green spaces and activity areas have been built around it. It is an interesting sight. It is home to some of the top things to do in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon including zipline, skating, bike riding, arts centre, and more. The park is also home to several museums and play areas for children. You will need an hour to explore the place.

I suggest you should go for a Monterrey City Tour.

4. Asta Bandera

This is the largest monumental flag in all of Mexico. It sits atop Bishop’s Hill and is popular for the incredible view of the city. You get to see the entire city all the way to the Sierra Madre mountains. It is among the top places to go in Monterrey, Mexico if you visit during Flag Day or Mexican Independence Day.

Here you will also find the Regional Museum of Nuevo Leon. It is housed in Palacio del Obispado, an 18th-century building. The museum tells you the story of the region and the role of Monterrey. Standing atop the mountain after touring the museum you will get a fresh perspective on the city. You will need about 2 hours to make the trip to the mountain.

5. Paseo Santa Lucia

This riverwalk is one of the most amazing things to see in Monterrey, Mexico. It has an artificial river running through it. This connects with the Macroplaza and you can ride a boat to enjoy to tour the area. It is one of the most popular Monterrey attractions for couples.

There are also mile-long pathways for leisurely strolls. The path is lined with markets, historical sites, public art, popular dining spots, street art, fountains, and more. You will need about an hour for the ride.

I suggest you should book a Night Tour of Monterrey Sightseeing in advance.

6. MARCO

This museum of contemporary art focuses on both local and international artworks. It has a permanent collection of works by greats like Brian Nissen, Leonora Carrington, Siquerios, and Rodolfo Morales. One of the biggest highlights of the museum is the La Polma bronze statue by Juan Soriano. The museum exhibits a variety of art pieces ranging from canvas paintings to elaborate art installations. You will need about an hour to tour the museum.

7. Barrio Antiguo

The old town area is a colourful place and full of some amazing attractions. It is a great place for strolls during Monterrey sightseeing. The cobblestone streets are surrounded by 18th and 19th-century houses and mansions.

The old town is also full of some iconic bars, cafes, restaurants, clubs, and entertainment venues. It is also home to the old markets of the city where you can buy all sorts of local goods. You will need about 2 hours to explore the area during Monterrey travel.

I suggest you should book a Barrio Antiguo Food Tour in advance.

8. Museo de la Historia Mexicana

This museum goes back into antiquity and tells you the history of the country. Home to more than 12,000 artifacts; the museum covers early history, pre-colonial, colonial and post-independence periods.

The museum specifically focuses on the northeast region of the country. It is a must-see in Monterrey to know about the history of the region. You will get to understand how various events over the ages shaped Monterrey today. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

9. Museo del Dulce

This museum is entirely dedicated to sweets and the sweet role they play in human life. The museum is designed like a 19th-century house. It traces the history of the various local sweets of Nuevo Leon and international favourites.

It is one of the most interesting places to see in Monterrey for its unique take on history. You will get to know how these treats came to be and how they are made. The museum also has a shop and a cafe where you can buy them. You can easily spend a couple of hours at this museum when you visit Monterrey, Mexico.

10. Grutas de Garcia

Discovered in 1843, this cave formed over a period of 6 million years. It is an intricate underground network with its own ecosystem. If you are looking for an adventure, this is one of the best things to do in Monterrey, Mexico.

It is a fascinating journey into the subterranean world and see the various rock formations. It is one of the most popular tourist places in Monterrey. You can also explore the exterior facade of the mountain. There are hike trails and cable car rides that give you great views. You will need 3 to 4 hours for this trip during Monterrey travel.

I suggest you should book your Trip to Grutas de Garcia in advance.

11. Horsetail Waterfall

The Cascada Cola de Caballo sits in the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park. It is 82 ft. tall and cascades through several levels of rock. While it pours, the waterfall forms the shape of a horse’s tail, hence the name.

It is one of the best things to see in Monterrey, Mexico. There is also a bridge built over the stream so that you can see the waterfall from close. You will need an hour or so to enjoy the place.

I suggest you should book your Tour of Horsetail Waterfall in advance.

12. Paque la Huasteca

This is the destination for fun things to do in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. It is especially known for outdoor activities and hiking trails. The park has a variety of landscapes including patches of desert, forests, and limestone peaks. People come here for hiking, mountain climbing, and mountain biking. You can dedicate an entire day to adventure activities in this park.

If you are an adventure lover then you should book a Rappelling Class in La Huasteca Park in advance.

13. Rodrigo Gómez Dam (Presa La Boca)

This artificial lake is built on a dam and is one of the most popular places to visit in Monterrey. People come here to enjoy the natural scenery around and picnic spots.

It is even more popular for watersports, fishing, and offroading. Some people also come here just to enjoya barbecue amidst the mountains. You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours enjoying around this lake.

14. Metropolitan Cathedral

This church is one of the most prominent landmarks of the city. The church was built during the 17th century. It took more than 150 years to complete and is one of the most important historic Monterrey tourist attractions.

It is known for its colonial style architecture with baroque and neoclassical features. From within, the church features beautiful statues, murals, and paintings. It is also home to important artifacts such as the silver-fronted tabernacle and a 19th-century Merklin organ. You will need about 20 to 30 minutes to tour this church.

15. San Pedro Garza Garcia

This plaza is one of the top modern Monterrey attractions. It is a place for dining, entertainment, nightlife and shopping. You are surrounded by tall buildings featuring a sleek glass facade. These house shopping malls and some of the best restaurants and cafes with great views. This busy commercial centre also has some of the most popular clubs and bars in the city. You can dedicate an evening from Monterrey sightseeing to this plaza.

16. Villa de Santiago

This cobblestoned street is considered the heart of the old town. The street is lined with old markets and historical houses. It is among the best places to go in Monterrey if you are looking to shop for local goods or dine on regional cuisine. You can easily spend an hour or so roaming the street.

17. Sesamo Park Plaza

This theme park is designed based on the famous kids’ TV show Sesame Street. It is among the top places to visit in Monterrey for families. The park has a lot of rides and games. Kids also get to meet all the famous characters including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Count von Count, and several others. You can also explore the Count’s castle at this park. You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours at the park.

18. Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma Brewery

Dating back to 1890, this historic brewery is among the top tourist places in Monterrey, Mexico. In its very initial days, they won at Paris and Chicago world fairs for their frosty brew.

You can explore the history of the brewery. The tour shows you how they brew the beer now and how they used to brew it. You can also enjoy a nice refreshing drink in the beer garden. You will need about 2 hours for the tour.

19. Planetario Alfa

This planetarium and science museum is one of the top Monterrey attractions for families. It gives a fascinating insight into the universe. The museum has interactive exhibits that engage young minds and teach them about scientific phenomena.

The complex also has an aviary with birds from around the world. However, one of the biggest attractions is the IMAX theatre where you get a show through the stars. You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours exploring this place.

20. Mercado Campesino

This public farmers market is held from Thursday to Sunday at Venustiano Carranza. You will find a variety of local produce including fruits, vegetables, nuts, spices, and more. It is also among the top Monterrey attractions for authentic local dishes.

These are made right in front of you with farm-fresh ingredients. Some vendors give you dishes made from their family recipes. The market also sells locally made food products. You can easily spend an hour or so at this market.

If you are looking for more places to visit in Monterrey, check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of attractions and activities in the city and around it.

Things to do in Monterrey, Mexico

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Monterrey, Mexico

Museum of Contemporary Art of Monterrey
Museo de Acero
Mexican History Museum
Museo Regional de Nuevo Leon el Obispado
Cathedral Mentropolino de Nuestra Senora de Monterrey
Palace Museum
Museo del Noreste
Museo Regional de Nuevo Leon el Obispado
Papalote Museo del Nino Monterrey
Salon de la Fama del Beisbol
Centro de las Artes Pinacoteca de Nuevo Leon
Museo Mune
Metropolitan Museum of Monterrey

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Monterrey, Mexico

Chipinque Ecological Park
La Huasteca
Cerro de la Silla
Horsetail Falls
Cerro de las Mitras
Potrero Chico Park
Le Estanzuela Monterrey Natural Park

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Monterrey, Mexico

Fundidora Park
Mirador del Obispado
Grutas de Garcia
Bioparque Estrella

Shopping in Monterrey, Mexico

Galeries Monterrey
Avanta Gardens
Calzada del Valle
Mercado Campesino
Plaza Nuevo Sur
Esfera Centro
Plaza Mexico
Fashion Drive
Calzada San Pedro
Metropolitan Center
Mercado Juarez

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Monterrey, Mexico

Hiking
Cave exploration
Canyoning
Rappelling
Fishing
Mountain Climbing
Mountain Biking

Sightseeing in Monterrey, Mexico

Macroplaza
Paseo Santa Lucia
Barrio Antiguo
Arco de la Independencia

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Monterrey, Mexico

La Nacional
Koli Cocina de Origen
El Lingote
Gallo 71
Mar del Zur
Grand Cru
Cara de Vaca
Pangea
Sibau
El Compadre
Colmillo
Pinto bar
Bistro Bardot
El Rey del Cabrito
Bardot

Where to Stay in Monterrey?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Monterrey. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Monterrey.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Monterrey

How to Reach Monterrey, Mexico?

By Air

The city is served by General Mariano Escobedo International Airport. You can get direct flights to visit Monterrey from several cities in Europe, Asia, South America, and North America. This includes Mexico City, Madrid, Seoul, Denver, New York, Tokyo, Las Vegas, Detroit, Atlanta, Toronto, Dallas, Cancun, Orlando, Mazlatan, and several others. You can get buses, rental cars, and cabs to reach Monterrey city from the airport.

By Road

Monterrey sits on the intersection of Ferromex and KCSM train lines. So you can get direct trains to visit Monterrey from several cities in Mexico. This includes Torreon, Saltillo, Brownsville, Matamoros, Laredo, Mexico City, Chihuahua, and several others. The city is also well-connected to the rest of Mexico by buses. But the train is a far better alternative to reach Monterrey from within the country. It is faster and safer.

If you are planning to travel to Monterrey by road, you should head for Highway 54, 53, or 40. All of these routes pass through the city.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to reach Monterrey.

Image Reference

Macroplaza – Aquarela 08 / Flickr
Parque Ecologico Chipinque – S. Alexis / Flickr
Fundidora Park – Tito Cortés / Flickr
Asta Bandera – Elpidio Garza / Flickr
Paseo Santa Lucia – Tito Cortés / Flickr
MARCO – Limbo@MX C / Wikimedia Commons
Barrio Antiguo – dftrip2 / Flickr
Museo de la Historia Mexicana – Alex Covarrubias / Wikimedia Commons
Museo del Dulce –
Grutas de Garcia – Alan Claptxn / Wikimedia Commons
Horsetail Waterfall – Esparta Palma / Flickr
Paque la Huasteca – Richard Ricciardi / Flickr
Rodrigo Gomez Dam (Presa La Boca) – ProtoplasmaKid / Wikimedia Commons
Metropolitan Cathedral – Hari Seldon / Wikimedia Commons
San Pedro Garza Garcia – México en Fotos / Wikimedia Commons
Villa de Santiago – Rick González / Flickr
Sesamo Park Plaza – PuppetVision Studios / Flickr
Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma Brewery – LABNL Lab Cultural Ciudadano / Flickr
Planetario Alfa – Planetario Alfa / Wikimedia Commons
Mercado Campesino –