Monterrey

Understand

Monterrey traces its modern history to its founding in 1596, when Diego de Montemayor founded the city, together with 12 first families. The story is told by a mural on one of the modern grey concrete and black glass government office towers downtown, just off the Macroplaza. The mural seems odd in its juxtaposition of Spanish conquistadors set next to a modern city of skyscrapers and factories. It does capture the spirit of Monterrey though -- a city that isn't so much a product of its past as it is a product of its future. Monterrey is an aggressively modern city, unlike most destinations in Mexico. Although it does have some colonial era sights, and its Barrio Antiguo district preserves a sense of Monterrey as it was in its once "sleepy town" days, the city is very much a product of the industrial age of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Monterrey has a culture that values education and business ethics. Often referred to as "an industrial giant", the label is more true in the imagination than it is in reality. Monterrey's big steel and iron works have been shut down for almost three decades, and even the concrete, glass, and brewing industries don't dominate the economy as they once did. Instead, people in Monterrey are today more likely to work in retail, in banking, in telecommunications, IT, health care or education. The city enjoys one of Mexico's highest standards of living, and the population is more educated and cultured than average.

Monterrey is also a large city. The central downtown has a population of about a million, but the metropolitan area that includes all of its adjacent suburban municipalities brings its total city population to just over 5 million --- similar in size to the San Francisco Bay Area in the U.S. While it is true that visitors seeking the traditional flavor of colonial Mexico find little to love about Monterrey, the city has emerged as a leading cultural center: it likes cutting edge contemporary architecture (like the visually stunning Puente Atirantado or Puente Viaducto de la Unidad in San Pedro Garza Garcia, the new circular Tec business school in el Valle, or the physics-defying twin leaning bookends look of that shocking white concrete and black glass building that you see as you drive past the ITESM campus). It's also a youthful city that tends to prefer cutting edge rockeros like Plastilina Mosh or Kinky to the cowboy-hat wearing cumbia groups that built the city's music industry in the 1970s and 1980s. Monterrey is a city where international cuisine finds a welcoming reception, and where high-speed broa

Getting there

Monterrey is a large city with a wide variety of transportation options. Bus, plane, or personal car are the most practical ways to get to Monterrey.

By plane Monterrey has two airports. All commercial flights use Monterrey International (MTY) -- the city's main airport. Private and cargo carriers use Del Norte Airport.

1 General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (Monterrey International Airport, MTY IATA) – Daily international flights to Detroit, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Havana. Aeromexico flies direct to Madrid and Incheon (Seoul, Korea). Iberia flies to and from Madrid. The airport has several flights a day to all major Mexican destinations, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Toluca, Cancún, Mérida, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Tijuana. Several low cost airlines fly from Monterrey to different parts of the country, including Volaris and Viva Aerobus. MTY is a hub for Viva Aerobus. The airport is about 30 minutes from downtown, in the suburban municipality of Apodaca. There are ATMs in all terminals. Terminal A is often considered the "main terminal building" and serves both international flights and domestic (national) flights. Terminal B is a new terminal building that serves primarily Aeromexico flights. Terminal C serves only Viva Aerobus flights (both domestic and international), though these may also arrive at Terminal A. As of 2023, a free inter-terminal shuttle is available. 2 Del Norte International Airport (NTR IATA), ☏ +52 81 80-30-90-90. Private planes flying to Monterrey can use the smaller Del Norte Airport. There is no bureaucracy involved in entering Monterrey through this airport. There are various FBOs that will be glad to assist you with your every need, and the hospitality of every single employee of the airport and the FBOs give you a very warm welcome to Monterrey. The FBOs can get you in contact with a car rental company or can take you to your hotel. This airport is also in Apodaca but it is a little closer to the city than the Mariano Escobedo Airport.

By bus See also Bus travel in Mexico. 3 Central Bus Station of Monterrey (Central de Autobuses de Monterrey), Av. Cristóbal Colón 855, ☏ +52 81 8372-9324. Monterrey's Central de Autobuses is the hub of bus transportation in the city. It is served by more than a dozen first-class bus lines and dozens more second-class bus lines. Trans-border buses go between Monterrey and cities throughout the United States. Long distance buses go from Monterrey to other major Mexican bus hubs and to every notable city in northern Mex

Getting around

E-hailing and walking are the best choices. Buses are common. The subway is good, but has limited coverage.

By e-hailing Uber and Didi serve the city.

By taxi Taxis come in two color schemes: older ones are lime green and white, while the newer ones are yellow and white. The difference is just cosmetic as they are both affordable and plentiful. Taxis use meters in Monterrey, and to avoid overcharges, insist that the driver use the meter.

By public transport For finding a connection, Moovit and Google Maps cover the city. As of February 2025 bus timetables and routing information on Google maps are incorrect. Moovit seems to have correct routes at least. When possible, take the metro instead of buses. Monterrey is in the process of discontinuing cash payment on public transportation. The fare can be paid either with a 'Me Muevo' card, which is available in metro stations, or with the Urbani app. Both can be recharged in OXXO stores. The app also has a credit card option, but does not seem to support foreign credit cards.

City bus

One ride costs about M$15 (February 2025). Buses stop only at dedicated bus stops. Not every bus stop has a sign. Just have a look where other people are waiting or ask somebody around where the bus stop is. Buses with route numbers 1-199 are local/urban buses that stay in a certain part of the city. Numbers 200-300 go to most part of the city (multiple colonias/municipalities). 300-502 are minibuses. Also there is a Metrobus service in Guadalupe and San Bernabe area. There are three routes in San Bernabe and one in Guadalupe. For more info go to Metrorrey website.

Ecovia Ecovia is a bus-rapid-transit (BRT) system operating large, new articulated buses on dedicated transit lanes. As of 2023, one route with 39 stations is operational with a second route under construction. The Ecovia route follows Av. Ruiz Cortines for 30 km from northwest Monterrey (Lincoln) to downtown Monterrey and then east to San Nicolas and Guadalupe. Ecovia travel times average 50% faster than using a car or taxi. Transfer points from Ecovia to Metrorrey are at Ruiz Cortinas (Line 1) and Mitras (Line 3). Ecovia passengers can transfer to Metrorrey without additional charge. The new Ecovia route will go from Guadalupe through San Pedro and Santa Catarina to Garcia. The two routes will not intersect.

Metrorrey

The Metrorrey subway system is clean, modern, and very inexpensive. One ride costs M$8.70 (February 2025) and at some stations, can be paid in cash without having the metro card. At several stations, a rechargeable metro card is req

See

Individual listings can be found in Monterrey's district articles

1 Cerveceria Cuahtemoc (Centro). Tours and sample of Carta Blanca, Dos Equis, Bohemia, Sol, or one of the other beers brewed here. 2 Macroplaza. In the east of the Zona Rosa is Mexico's largest zocalo, or central plaza, a stretch of green space lined with fountains, statues, gardens, and monuments. Ringing the park are many historical buildings and museums, including the Monterrey Cathedral, the Mexican History Museum, the Monterrey Contemporary Art Museum, and the former palace of the governor. 3 Puente Atirantado - (Also known as 'Puente de la Unidad San Pedro'). Futuristic suspension bridge set against a dramatic backdrop of nearby mountains. You can walk on it and enjoy the view of Monterrey.

Do

Monterrey offers a wide array of activities, celebrations, and special events. Adrenaline junkies will find ample opportunities for mountaineering activities, including rappeling, caving, canyoneering, mountain biking, and hiking in the mountains and parks surrounding the city. The largest of these parks is the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park (the largest park in the Mexico national parks system). Families will want to check out the 1 Paseo Santa Lucia and modern architecture downtown. Visit 2 Parque Plaza Sesamo to experience a Mexican amusement park.

Events

Pal Norte (music festival) - Tecate Pa'l Norte is a music, art, and norteño traditional festival held every year since 2012. The event features some of the best of Latin America's most prominent talents. Pa'l Norte is considered to be one of the most popular music festivals within Latin America, and is one of the top-three most lucrative in México. Festival Internacional Cine (International Film Festival) - since 2005, movies have been the talk of the town during the month of April when film makers come to show off their work. Expo Feria Guadalupe (Guadalupe) - For more than 70 years, Regios have gathered each May for northern Mexico's biggest and boldest livestock show and fair. There's food, there's music, there's games, and so much more. Luztopia (Parque Fundidora) - every year throughout the month of December, the pathways around the Paseo Santa Lucia light up with colorful lights and Christmas displays delight the entire family. Festival Internacional Santa Lucia - the festival is a celebration of art and culture in Nuevo Leon with participation from communities throughout the state. The festival includes films, concerts, regional music and dance, and exhibits of visual arts.

Sports

Monterrey is one of the 16 North American cities that will host soccer matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Games scheduled for Monterrey will be played in Estadio BBVA.

Fuerza Regia (basketball) - Professional basketball seems to be taking off in Mexico and the Fuerza Regia play in the massive, ultramodern new Arena Monterrey. Sultanes(baseball) - Monterrey's AAA-level Mexican League Baseball team is the Sultanes --- one of the best and most enduring teams in Mexico. Now 2 teams in 1 since the Sultanes have also joined the AAA-level Liga Pacifica (a winter league), letting fans enjoy baseball year round. Kick back in the 40,000-seat Estadio de Beisbol Monterrey on any warm evening, have a couple ice cold Carta Blancas, and cheer when the Sultanes smack in another jonron! Rayados (football/soccer) - Th

Buy

ATMs Low withdrawal fees in the Zona Rosa are:

Banco del Bienestar for just M$12 (March 2022) Banca Inbursa BanCoppel In the Barrio Antiguo you find:

Banorte And there are ATM with low fees around the bus station:

BanCoppel inside the Coppel Store BanBajío inside the bus station behind the Domino's Banamex inside the Soriana Hiper Santander inside the Soriana Express

Groceries In the Zona Rosa, Barrio Antiguo and around the bus station are Oxxo, 7-eleven and minimarkets (tiendas) around. A bigger variety has Waldo's and 1 Merco Aramberri. Large supermarkets are near the central bus station: 2 Soriana Express and 3 Soriana Hiper.

Shopping The shopping scene in Monterrey is excellent. You'll find many international labels and designer houses in the upper-end malls. The downtown area is full of small shops selling everything you never knew you needed. Several shopping malls are located throughout the city, but especially in San Pedro Garza Garcia. These malls are like malls elsewhere in the world, and they're usually anchored by Mexican chains (like Liverpool or Palacio del Hierro) and U.S. chains (like Sears or JCPenny). The downtown Zona Rosa area is Monterrey's traditional shopping area and features a pedestrian shopping mall with several department stores (Liverpool, Sears, el Nuevo Mundo, Del Sol) on major roads. Local character is on display on the Carretera Nacional (MEX 85), heading south of the city. A 1.6-km (1-mile) stretch of highway near the town of Santiago is lined with small open-air shops, restaurants, and marketplaces. You can get great deals on rustic furniture, clothing, household goods, homemade food products, and just about anything else you can imagine. Parking can be difficult on weekends, but the selection is at its best and the atmosphere is the closest thing you'll find to the big outdoor markets boasted by cities in the rest of the Latin world. Although Monterrey is not known for any specific types of popular folk art, their regional candies are widely sold throughout the city and make excellent gifts to bring back home. Look for any kind of "leche quemada", especially the deliciously carmelized "Glorias", crusted in chopped pecans.

Eat

Monterrey is a paradise for spicy food lovers and anyone who loves the smoky flavor of fresh meats grilled over smoldering wood embers will be right at home in any restaurant serving authentic Northern Mexican cuisine. Worthwhile local delicacies are:

cabrito - Whole kid goats are splayed over hot coals and slow roasted for hours. Usually served with hot tortillas, fresh sliced onions, and house salsa. machacado - Breakfast in Monterrey often includes machacado con huevo, dried salted beef is shredded into a pan and lightly braised, then eggs are scrambled in -- serve with warm tortillas and salsa. tacos mañaneros - small tacos filled with stewed meats, served early in the morning atropellado - Dry meat with tomato, onion and peppers, really good! cafe de olla - Rustic-style coffee brewed with a touch of cinnamon. Delicious! arracherra - What's known as fajitas in some places is arracherra in Monterrey -- grilled marinated skirt steak topped with melted white cheese and served with hot tortillas and caramelized onions. leche quemada - Nuevo León is famous for its succulently sweet caramel candies made from scorched sweetened goat milk. The candies are available in several forms, including small balls dusted with fine granular sugar, rolls, and of course, Glorias -- the queen of leche quemada, with a healthy dollop of chopped pecans to enhance its already nutty sweet flavor discada - It gets its name because traditionally you make in a used plow disc that's been welded shut. Meat, pork, chicken, sausage, chilaca, onion, beer and bacon with some tortillas. Some good restaurants for authentic Northern Mexican food include El Regio, Jabalina, and El Rey del Cabrito, or, if just looking for a quick sampling, the cafe chain Doña Tota for some gorditas. Some of the most authentic northeastern regional cuisine is at the Michelin-starred Koli in San Pedro Garza Garcia. For eating recommendations including street food in the popular Centro district, have a look into the dedicated article.

Drink & nightlife

Monterrey is a famous brewing city and is the home for popular brands like Dos Equis and Bohemia. You can stop by the beer garden in front of the brewery anytime during the day for a free glass of beer under the towering oak trees. If you like craft beers, the buzzword to ask for in bars and restaurants is cerveza artesanal. You'll find several craft beer bars in the Barrio Antiguo. In other parts of Monterrey, stop by the Sierra Madre Brewing Company (several locations throughout the city, each featuring fresh beer and brick-oven pizzas). The clubbing scene in Monterrey is very hot. Nightclubs range from the typical "dive bar" to the very expensive, valet-please-park-my-Lamborghini places. Because Monterrey is home to the top colleges in Mexico, thousands of young people from all over Mexico party as early as Wednesday. You will surely find a club that suits your taste. There are 2 major clubbing areas to know about, downtown in the Barrio Antiguo and the Centrito, in San Pedro Garza Garcia.

Casino gambling is not permitted, but off-track horse race betting is. If gambling is your game, head to Caliente. The larger, nicer location is near Galerias Monterrey, just off Gral. Pablo Gonzales Garza by the Hampton Inn. A night out is not complete until you finish eating "breakfast" at a local taqueria or hot dog stand. It is very common to find outdoor grills going full-tilt on city streets at 04:00. Tacos del Julio and Tacos del Güero are two of the most sought-out establishments for this purpose. The traffic fine for being caught driving under the influence can reach up to US$2,500 or three days imprisonment. Police roadblocks on Saturday nights are common. It's not worth the risk.

Sleep

From basic lodging to modern class hotel towers that almost look like they could compete with something out of Dubai, Monterrey offers a full spectrum of lodging choices, including hostels and camping options. The most popular neighborhoods for staying are Zona Rosa and Barrio Antiguo. The newest and most upscale hotels are found in the municipality of San Pedro Garza Garcia. There are several decent low-priced hotels clustered within a few blocks of the bus station. The guest rating on Google Maps gives you a hint of the quality. The hotels near the bus station along the street Miguel Nieto can only be booked for 4 or 12 hours. 4 hours for 2 persons are M$280 (March 2022). To see the sleeping suggestions of the popular Centro district, have a look into the dedicated article.

Go next

Monterrey in the summer can be hot, so you may want to head for higher elevations. Your next destination can be...

To the west Saltillo – 90 km Parras de la Fuente – 230 km

To the north-west Cuatro Ciénegas – 270 km

To the north Laredo (Texas, USA) – 220 km. From there to San Antonio.

To the south Real de Catorce – 350 km. A ghost town, which still has several open hotels. Matehuala – 320 km. On the way to San Luis Potosí. San Luis Potosí – 510 km. To see the details of the buses have a look into the Get In section of the SLP article.

By air Monterrey has many direct low cost flights, especially from Viva Aerobus and from charter airline Magni. Dirt cheap fares are usually available to Mexico City and all of the major beach resort areas on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Monterrey can be an excellent gateway to every major destination in Mexico.