Seven Things to do in Monterrey, Mexico

Monterrey, Mexico Government Building at La Macroplaza (town square)

I have shared many times that I grew up undocumented and was not able to travel outside of the country until the summer of 2021, as I had received my permanent residency (green card). I could talk for hours and hours about my story, immigration laws, and the consequences of growing up undocumented, but with this post, I’m choosing to highlight my travel journey.

There were only a few things I remembered about Monterrey: El cerro de la Silla, a mountain that looks like a horse seat, my blue house, the little pond behind my elementary school, lime ice cream, and the heat.

I was able to enjoy some of those experiences agian, and new ones, so here are activities and sights to visit in the city filled with Sierra Madre Oriental views.

again

Cerro de Chipinque

Chipinque Map

View of Monterrey from a mirador (lookout)

Chipinque is a mountain in the San Pedro Garza Garcia neighborhood, an upscale area with high-priced homes and access to restaurants and shops, and is part of the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park. The park provides hiking trails, wildlife, and cycling trails. There is an entrance fee and you can find additional information to plan your visit here.

Villa de Santiago Pueblo Magico

Church at Santiago Pueblo Magico

Market in Santiago, Nuevo Leon, Mexico - Photo by Mario Martinez

Villa de Santiago is a municipality only 30 minutes from the Monterrey downtown area. It is a pueblo magico and also part of the Cumbres National Park with shops, restaurants, street markets. This picturesque, old town area gives you a more traditional and slower-paced feeling than the city rush in Monterrey center.

La Cola de Caballo

Cola de Caballo - Photo by Mario Martinez

While you are in Santiago you can head to La Cola de Caballo, a large waterfall in the shape of a horse's tail (hence the name). You can enjoy the walk to the cascade while snacking on food from vendors and shopping for knick-knacks. There's even a zip line!

Palacio del Obispado

Palacio del Obispado Monterrey, Mexico - Photo by Mario Martinez

At the time of my visit, the building was closed due to COVID-19, but when there is access, you can visit the regional museum and take in the amazing city views, as the historic building is atop a hill.

Paseo Santa Lucia

Paseo Santa Lucia at Night

Paseo Santa Lucia is an artificial river walk that runs from the Macroplaza (town square) to Parque Fundidora, with some shops, restaurants, and even a boat tour in downtown Monterrey. This attraction is definitely one of the most '"touristy" attractions and in my opinion, a wannabe replica of the San Antonio, Texas riverwalk. Take a walk, munch on a churro, and snap some pictures, and maybe skip the boat tour.

Parque Fundidora

Sunset at Parque Fundidora - Photo by Mario Martinez

Night Lights at Parque Fundidora

Parque Fundidora is a large urban park with playgrounds, walking paths, bike rentals, and public art. When you arrive at the part of the park with the large buildings that used to be an iron and steel company, you can find shops, restaurants, and a museum, Some of these activities may have a cost. However, a leisurely walk and a good sunset picture is always free!

Rayados Stadium

This one may be controversial, as in Monterrey there is a big rivalry between both local soccer teams, The Tigres and The Rayados. I'm not much for sports, but my uncle is a big Rayados fan and he took us to the Rayados restaurant, Azul Restaurant and Bar, where you can have food and drinks at the stadium. The food was actually not bad at all, and if you're a big soccer fan, even if there is no game at the moment, it can make for a cool backdrop.

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Have you ever been to Monterrey? Let us know in the comments which of these activities you've done or which ones you'd like to visit!