About Monterrey
Monterrey is the capital and largest city of the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo León. The city anchors the Monterrey metropolitan area, Mexico's second largest metropolitan area with a population of 5,347,000 as of 2026, according to the 2020 census, Monterrey proper has a population of 1,142,194. Located at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Oriental, Monterrey is a major business and industrial hub in Mexico and the Americas. It is also the biggest industrial city in Mexico.
Places to visit in Monterrey
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Cerro de la Silla
Nature · 6 mi from centreA saddle-shaped mountain that is the symbol of Monterrey, rising east of the city. Hike the trail to the summit early in the morning, and bring plenty of water.
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Macroplaza
LandmarkOne of the largest city squares in the world, with monuments, fountains, gardens and museums. Climb the Lighthouse of Commerce area for photos, and visit museums around the edges.
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Fundidora Park
Park · 2 mi from centreA large public park built on the grounds of a former steel foundry, with museums and event spaces. Walk among the old industrial structures, and rent a bike to cover more ground.
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Santa Lucia Riverwalk
Landmark · 1 mi from centreA canal walkway linking Macroplaza to Fundidora Park, with fountains and restaurants along the way. Take a boat ride along the canal, especially pleasant in the evening.
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Barrio Antiguo
Neighborhood · 1 mi from centreThe historic district of Monterrey, with colorful old houses, bars, cafes and cultural centers. It is busiest at night, so come for dinner and stay for live music.
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MARCO
MuseumA contemporary art museum next to the Macroplaza, with a dove sculpture at the entrance. Check exhibition schedules before going, and allow about two hours.
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Grutas de Garcia
Nature · 17 mi from centreA cave system in the mountains northwest of the city, reached by cable car. Wear good shoes since walkways can be slippery, and expect a cool temperature inside.
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Cola de Caballo
Nature · 24 mi from centreA waterfall in the Sierra Madre south of Monterrey, named for its horsetail shape. Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds, and combine it with a drive through the mountains.
Things to do in Monterrey by type
18 tours, tickets and experiences across 2 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Outdoor activities & Adventure 9 experiences ATV Tour in Santiago Pueblo Magico -
Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours 3 experiences Hot Air Ballon
- Up to 1 hour 8
- Flexible 1
- Couples 7
- Youth 7
- Families 6
- Senior 4
Top experiences in Monterrey
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 18 available.
Hot Air Ballon
From $504 per adult
Garcia Caves
From $60 per adult
City Tour By Monterrey
From $60 per adult
Cola de Caballos Tour
From $60 per adult
Chipinque Tour
From $60 per adult
Paratrike Flight
From $238 per adult
Adventures in Matacanes Canyon
From $223 per adult
ATV Tour in Santiago Pueblo Magico
From $140 per adult
Kayak Tour in Boca Dam
From $106 per adult
Travel Internet Hubby eSIM - Mexico
From $4 per adult
Where to stay in Monterrey
Popular hotels in Monterrey, out of 148 properties you can book.
Krystal Monterrey
From $69 per night
Krystal Urban Monterrey
From $107 per night
Novotel Monterrey Valle
From $94 per night
NH Collection Monterrey San Pedro
From $149 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Monterrey Airport
From $264 per night
Sleep Inn Monterrey Norte
From $86 per night
NH Monterrey La Fe
From $113 per night
Extended Suites Monterrey Aeropuerto
From $43 per night
Ibis Monterrey Valle
From $93 per night
Barcelo Monterrey Valle
From $157 per night
City Express Monterrey Aeropuerto
From $94 per night
Hilton Monterrey Valle
From $296 per night
Best time to visit Monterrey
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Monterrey is February to March and November, when average daytime highs are around 76–83°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Monterrey weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 82° 63° 2%
- Thu 22 Oct 83° 68° 15%
- Fri 23 Oct 72° 68° 23%
- Sat 24 Oct 80° 64° 15%
- Sun 25 Oct 75° 66° 37%
- Mon 26 Oct 79° 65° 42%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Mexican peso (MXN)1 US dollar ≈ $18.4
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +52
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/MonterreyUTC−6
- Capital
- Mexico City
Upcoming public holidays in Mexico
- Revolution DayDía de la Revolución
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
- Benito Juárez's birthdayNatalicio de Benito Juárez
- Labour DayDía del Trabajo
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Monterrey
These are the airports closest to central Monterrey. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- NTR Del Norte International Airport13 mi (22 km) from the city centre
- MTY Monterrey-Gen. Mariano Escobedo15 mi (24 km) from the city centre
Getting around Monterrey
E-hailing and walking are the best choices. Buses are common. The subway is good, but has limited coverage.
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.
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.
Monterrey travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Monterrey?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Monterrey is February to March and November, when average daytime highs are around 76–83°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
What is the weather like in Monterrey?
May is usually the warmest month in Monterrey, with average highs of 94°F (35°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 45°F (7°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 126 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Monterrey?
Del Norte International Airport (NTR) is the closest airport, about 13 miles (22 km) from the centre of Monterrey. Other nearby airports include Monterrey-Gen. Mariano Escobedo (MTY, 15 mi).
What currency is used in Monterrey?
Monterrey uses the Mexican peso (MXN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $18.4.
What time zone is Monterrey in?
Monterrey uses the America/Monterrey time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Monterrey?
E-hailing and walking are the best choices. Buses are common. The subway is good, but has limited coverage.
What are the best places to visit in Monterrey?
Top sights in Monterrey include Cerro de la Silla, Macroplaza, Fundidora Park and Santa Lucia Riverwalk. A saddle-shaped mountain that is the symbol of Monterrey, rising east of the city. Hike the trail to the summit early in the morning, and bring plenty of water.
What are the top things to do in Monterrey?
Popular experiences you can book in Monterrey include Hot Air Ballon, Garcia Caves and City Tour By Monterrey. Destina Holidays offers 18 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Monterrey?
The most popular types of experiences in Monterrey are outdoor activities & adventure (9), air, helicopter & balloon tours (3), travel services (1) and city tours (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Monterrey?
Popular areas for hotels in Monterrey include Monterrey Historico, Poniente and Valle. Well-reviewed options include Krystal Monterrey and Krystal Urban Monterrey.
How many hotels can I book in Monterrey?
Destina Holidays currently lists 148 properties in and around Monterrey, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
