One Weekend in Monterrey

Considered one of the largest public squares in the world, Monterrey’s Macroplaza (sometimes referred to also as Makro Plaza or Gran Plaza) is by far the best starting point for your city exploration. This central, vibrant square is a contemporary architectural pearl and hosts several monuments, gardens, and smaller plazas for a total extension of 400,000 square meters. Among the Macroplaza’s most iconic buildings and monuments you will spot the Faro del Comercio, one of the most recognizable sites in Monterrey, the Government Palace, and the Fuente de Neptuno, or Fuente de la Vida, the spectacular fountain depicting the Roman sea god Neptune.

A few steps away from the Macroplaza you will come across one of Monterrey’s most important sites of interest. The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey (Monterrey Museum of Contemporary), abbreviated as MARCO, is the city’s cultural gem and a destination you will want to include in your list when you travel to Mexico. Housed in a Minimalist post-modern building designed by famous Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta Vilchis, MARCO displays a rich permanent collection of contemporary pieces and regularly hosts exhibitions by local and foreign artists. The intriguing, harmonious combination of natural and artificial lights creates an alluring setting for artwork, making your visit to MARCO a unique cultural and visual experience.

Dominating the Macroplaza with its imposing façade, the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) is a must in your Monterrey’s attractions tour. This majestic Neoclassical building dates back to the end of the 19th century and houses the Nuevo León’s governor offices. The Palacio de Gobierno is built in a pink quarry and features impressive architectural elements such as the 8 Corinthian columns framing the main entrance and the ‘’La Victoria’’ (The Victory) statue on the top central part of the building. The complex also hosts the Museo del Palacio de Gobierno, where you can learn about Nuevo León’s history and governors.

Not far from the Macroplaza and MARCO you will find another symbol of Monterrey: the striking Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de Monterrey, or simply Catedral Metropolitana de Monterrey, is an architectural masterpiece displaying a balanced and eclectic mix of styles, mainly Baroque and Neoclassical- the impressive façade and the bell tower are remarkable examples of this harmonious blend. Monterrey’s cathedral’s interiors are equally fascinating, even though soberer: enter the cathedral and admire the beautiful murals and paintings and vaulted ceilings.

Another landmark in Monterrey to include in your bucket list is the famous Paseo Santa Lucia (Santa Lucia Riverwalk), an artificial canal and riverwalk connecting the Macroplaza to the nearby Fundidora Park. The placid waters and pathways surrounded by the green of Paseo Santa Lucia are the ideal setting for a relaxing stroll amidst amazing landscapes, illuminated fountains, art installations, restaurants, and picturesque cafes. The many green spots along the river are great for a picnic or just for unwinding in the sun. If you prefer to enjoy the Paseo from the waterside, you can join a boat trip: get onboard at the piers at the Mexican History Museum or the Fundidora Park and lose yourself while admiring the scenic spaces of Monterrey’s cityscape.

Whenever visiting Monterrey, you cannot miss the fascinating Parque Fundidora. This extensive urban park is housed on the grounds once hosted by Fundidora Monterrey, a local steel foundry company that played a major role in the city’s economic development. After the company’s bankruptcy, the area was converted into a cultural, business, and entertainment hub, as well as a center of ecological awareness attesting to the history of Monterrey’s steel industry. Fundidora Park is connected to the Macroplaze through the Paseo Santa Lucia and is a superb, family-friendly destination to spend a day in. The park includes several attractions such as a water park, a Sesame Street-themed park, art facilities, an auditorium, playgrounds, and the iconic Steel Museum.

Inside Fundidora Park’s grounds, you will find one of the largest Mexican museums; The Museo del Acero (Museum of Steel) opened in 2007 and is built around and inside an inoperative furnace of the former steel plant. Its most notorious building, the Horno n.3, is a recognizable part of Monterrey’s skyline. The Museum of Steel hosts different permanent exhibitions showcasing Mexico’s steel industry and the country’s technological and industrial growth during the last decades.

Your Monterrey tour would not be complete without a visit to its picturesque Barrio Antiguo (Old District). Once one of the city’s worst reputed areas, this historical quarter has thrived in the most recent years, transforming into a colorful and modern hub full of art galleries, drinking and dining venues, and electronic dance clubs renowned for the emerging vibrant nightlife. Make sure you take a stroll through the Barrio’s cobblestone alleys and venture into its center to discover a maze of antique shops, characteristic houses, and typical restaurants and cafes. On a Sunday, explore the Barrio Antiguo’s Callejón Cultural, the local historical flea market where you will find unique handmade crafts and artworks.

A great option for a weekend trip from Monterrey is the magnificent cave complex Grutas de García (García Grottoes) located in the nearby town of García. Located beneath the El Fraile Mountain in the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, the García Grottoes system is easy to access also for children and offer a spectacular display of stalactite and stalagmite formations. To enter the caverns, you will need to access via a steep pathway or ride up the mountain with a cable car, completing the experience with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding natural landscape.

The Estrella Biopark is an absolute must if you visit Monterrey with your family and kids. This extensive safari wildlife park offers many attractions and regular activities and displays many flora and fauna species in a natural setting. Join the Serengeti safari tour, a ride through the park terrain during which you will be able to feed giraffes, buffalos, and zebras among the others. With its rich events calendar and themed areas, the Estrella Biopark offers opportunities for fun in any season for children and adults.