Monterrey, Mexico 2025: Top 10 Tourist Attractions in the Northern Sultanate

The city of Monterrey, Mexico, is the third most important metropolitan area in the country, behind Mexico City e Guadalajara.

Despite being known for business tourism, Monterrey offers a multitude of attractions, as it is surrounded by the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains and has some of the best cuisine in Mexico.

Without a doubt, the “City of Mountains” enchants all tourists who visit it, and to help you plan your trip, the Mexico Guide has selected the city’s main attractions, as well as tips on Monterrey, where to stay and much more.

What to do in Monterrey: 10 must-see attractions

#1 Old Town

This historic part of Monterrey, located next to Macroplaza, has been the political center of the city since it gained independence from the Spanish governments of Philip II and Ferdinand VII.

Most of the preserved buildings are from the 18th century, with emphasis on the beautiful colonial houses.

Since the 20th century it has adopted a modern style and is currently the city's nightlife area, full of bars, restaurants and hotels. It is undoubtedly one of the best tourist options in Monterrey.

#2 Monterrey Metropolitan Cathedral

This temple located in the Barrio Antiguo is the headquarters of the city's Archdiocese.

The cathedral dates back to the 18th century, although it combines neoclassical lines with a baroque façade.

In the sacristy you can admire beautiful paintings from the period of Spanish colonization, as well as murals by Ángel Zárraga Arguelles, painted during the 40s.

#3 Santa Lucia Walk

Paseo Santa Lucía is a 2.5 km canal and is considered the longest artificial river in Latin America.

The river was opened in 2007 and quickly became one of the city's main tourist attractions.

You can travel along the canal in small boats and during the crossing you will be able to appreciate 24 fountains, shopping malls, works of art, restaurants and part of the Macroplaza, ending at Parque Fundidora.

#4 Monterrey Macroplaza

The Gran Plaza or Macroplaza in the historic center covers an area of ​​400.000 square meters.

Its most emblematic structure is the Faro del Comercio, a 70-meter-high structure that every night puts on a show of lights and colors that can be seen from almost the entire city.

#5 Foundry Park

The Sultana del Norte is one of the Mexican cities with the greatest steelmaking tradition and this beautiful park is in the building that was used by the Monterrey Iron and Steel Foundry Company throughout the last century.

It is an incredible place to visit and see the huge ovens and gigantic metal structures. It is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in the capital of Nuevo León.

#6 La Silla Hill

Cerro de la Silla is Monterrey's postcard and is called this because it looks like a horse's saddle (silla in Spanish can be a chair, but it can also be used as a cell).

This mountain range, 1820 meters at its highest point, is part of the Sierra Madre Oriental and is the pride of the regiomontanos (people born in Monterrey).

The mountain has 4 peaks that can be climbed and is one of the must-see tours, as the view is phenomenal.

#7 Obispado Hill

At the end of the 18th century, the bishop of the city of Nuevo León, Fray Rafael José Verger, requested this place to build his resting house and the episcopal palace, hence the name Cerro del Obispado.

Today, the elegant mansion, the oldest in the capital, is the headquarters of the Regional History Museum of Nuevo León.

The mountain also became famous because it was one of the places defended by the Mexicans in September 1846 in the Battle of Monterrey, between Mexico and the United States.

#8 Horsetail Park

The official name is Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, but it is called Cola de Cabalo because of the waterfall with the same name that is the main attraction of the place.

At 25 meters, the waterfall is similar to a white horsetail and to get there you can walk or ride on horseback.

In front of the waterfall there is a viewpoint where you can take a beautiful photo. Unmissable!

#9 Garcia Caves

These caves remained hidden until a humble family from the city discovered them when they were looking for firewood in the mid-19th century.

It is located 30 km from the city and has several galleries up to 105 meters deep.

It has spectacular formations of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as marine fossils, as they were part of the ocean millions of years ago.

You can use a cable car to reach the caves in a 600 meter transfer.

#10 Regional mountain barbecue

Without a doubt, Monterrey is one of the best places to eat barbecue in Mexico and the people of the region are proud of it.

The specialty is goat al pastor, which has a unique recipe and is delicious.

Another traditional dish is Machacado, which is made with shredded dried meat and fried eggs. Don't miss out on trying it!

As it is a cosmopolitan city, you will also find the best of international cuisine.

How to get from Monterrey airport to the city center

Monterrey International Airport is approximately 30 minutes from the city center (depending on traffic which is terrible) and one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get to the city center is by bus.

The cost of the trip is approximately 17 reais and leaves every half hour from terminal C and every hour from terminals A and B.

The bus has two stops: Fierro (next to Parque Fundidora) and at the Monterrey bus station.

If you prefer to use a taxi or an app, it can cost between 70 and 150 reais, depending on the time and traffic.

Where to stay in Monterrey

The capital of the region is huge, and to help you find the best hotel in the city, I have divided it into three regions, which are the most sought after by travelers, whether for leisure or work.

Hotels in downtown Monterrey

This is definitely the best area to stay in Monterrey, as you will be close to everything and will probably spend little on transportation to enjoy any attraction.

I have selected 5 hotels in downtown Monterrey considered “Very good” or “Excellent” so you can make the most of your stay.

1 – Sheraton Ambassador Monterrey Hotel

2 – Holiday Inn Monterrey-Parque Fundidora

3 – Krystal Monterrey

4 – Fiesta Inn Express Monterrey Centro

5 – Hampton by Hilton Monterrey Galerías

Hotels in San Pedro Garza

San Pedro Garza is located in the metropolitan region of Monterrey and is a great accommodation option, as in addition to quality, you can find cheaper hotels than in the center.

Check out these 5 highly rated hotels in San Pedro Garza.

1 – Holiday Inn Valle

2 – Real Inn Monterrey

3 – Antaris Valley

4 – Fiesta Inn Monterrey Valle

5 – Ibis Monterrey Valle

Hotels in Guadeloupe

Guadalupe is another excellent accommodation option in Monterrey.

It is also part of the metropolitan area and is approximately 7 km from Monterrey.

Guadalupe offers good hotel options and to help you I have selected the 5 best:

1 – City Express Lindavista

2 – Quality Inn Monterrey La Fe

3 – Four Points by Sheraton Monterrey Linda Vista

4 – Confort Ejecutivo Suites Lindavista

5 – MV Suites

Is it worth going to Monterrey?

Whether for work or pleasure, Monterrey is a unique city where you will connect with the true “norteña°” culture of Mexico.

It is a city surrounded by beautiful natural attractions and is certainly a must-see for any type of traveler.

If you want more tips about Monterrey, leave your comment here or write to Mexico Guide Instagram.

From Monterrey to Texas in 3 hours!

If you like shopping, you can't miss the opportunity to escape to the United States and spend a day shopping in the Texan city of McAllen.

The border with the United States is only 3 hours away from the capital of Nuevo León and if you have time (and a valid American visa) it is worth taking a trip to buy cheap in the neighboring country. Enjoy!

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