Historic places in Monterrey

Historic places in Monterrey

1. Do

   Bull fights

   Some people find it bloody and barbaric, but it's an authentic slice of Spanish heritage and the bullfights in Monterrey feature top-tier professional matadors. Bullfights take place in the historic Plaza Monumental bullring, though events are occasionally held in other venues, including at the Arena Monterrey in Parque Fundidora.

2. EatCentro

   Casa de Arramberri

   Hamburgers and french fries take backstage to morbid displays commemmorating the building's history as site of one of Monterrey's most grisly murders.

3. SeeOuter Monterrey

   Cerveceria Cuahtemoc

   Monterrey is a historic beer brewing center, whose beers are household names around the world. The historic 19th-century brewery is now used primarily for offices, with actual production happening in the modern plant across Avenida Cuahtemoc. Their outdoor beer garden is open daily to welcome visitors to sit down under the towering oak trees while enjoying free samples of Carta Blanca, Dos Equis, Bohemia, Sol, or one of the other beers brewed here. Tours of the brewery are available only by advance appointment.

4. SeeEastern suburbs

   Guadalupe City Museum

   Dedicated to the origins of the municipality through its history, geographical features, and original settlers.

5. See

   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.

6. SeeCentro

   Mexican History Museum

   Museo de Historia Mexicana

   Large, modern museum chronicling the history of Mexico, from pre-Colombian civilizations like the Maya and Aztec, through the colonial period, the revolution, and the modern industrial age.

7. SeeCentro

   Monterrey Cathedral

   Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de Monterrey

   Monterrey's cathedral is one of the few colonial-style landmarks in the city. Younger and less elaborate than the cathedrals of Central Mexican cities, it is nonetheless a beautiful church worth seeking out, especially for a Sunday mass.

8. SeeCentro

   Muscera

   Wax Museum

   Classic wax museum with figures of political, historic, and popular entertainment personalities. Includes famous Mexican presidents like Benito Juarez as well as pop music stars like Michael Jackson or Juan Gabriel.

   Daily 10:00 - 20:30·M$100

9. SeeWestern suburbs

   Museo La Milarca

   Eclectic museum with a collection that began as an 18th century "Cabinet of Curiosities". The collection includes natural science objects, historical relics, and artistic objects including a large collection of coins from Mexico's colonial era. See the head of a T-Rex, one of Cortez's swords, shrunken heads from the south Pacific and many other cool things you didn't know you needed to see. The building itself resembles a medieval chapel in spirit, but is obviously new.

   Tue-Fri 14:00 - 19:00, Sat-Sun 10:00 - 20:00, closed Mon·M$100

10. SeeCentro

    Museo Metropolitano

    The old city hall has been transformed into a delightful, low-key museum. The ground floor features some permanent historical exhibits, but the upper level is usually dedicated to showcasing emerging local artists.

11. SeeCentro

    Museum of the Northeast

    Museo del Noreste, MUNE

    A regional history museum focusing on the role of the north in Mexico's long and fascinating history. Special exhibits of global interest are also featured.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00, closed Mon

12. SeeOuter Monterrey

    Obispado

    Historical site, originally home of the Bishop de Monterrey, with excellent views of the city. Home to a small regional history museum with a clerical bent. The Obispado can be easily spotted by virtue of its enormous Mexican flag, flying proudly beside it. The neighborhood over and around the hill (Colonia Obispado) used to be home of the local high-class, and if you wander through it, you may spot some old mansions and colonial era houses. It's a steep 25 minute walk from the nearest bus stop to the top: Uber might be a better way to get there.

13. SeeCentro

    Palacio del Gobierno

    Government functions have been moved out of the original Nuevo Leon State House, and in their place is an impressive new museum that showcases the political history of Nuevo Leon. Although foreign tourists will likely find little value to some of the exhibits, the architecture of the place is fascinating and the restoration work first rate. At least walk in to admire the courtyards and the collection of stained glass windows memorializing Mexican heroes.

14. SeeCentro

    Parroquia Sagrado Corazon

    Monterrey is unusual among Mexican cities in that it has few stunning, huge, colonial era churches. Most date from the 20th century and have little scenic or historic value. Parroquia Sagrado Corazon is interesting in that it dates from the late 19th century and retains the colonial architecture and style of Mexico's historic churches, but with some of the smooth textures and brighter colors that would mark architecture of the era. Be aware that this is an active church, and while visitors are welcome, worship services may be taking place (particularly on Sunday).

    Daily 08:00-13:00, 15:00-20:00

15. DoCentro

    Santa Lucía Riverwalk

    An artificial river with a wide walkway, running 2.5-km (1.5-mi) between the Mexican History Museum and Parque Fundidora. Pontoon boats glide along the route giving interpretive local history tours and giving you plenty of photo opportunities. En route, you'll find a pleasant sidewalk bar and restaurant, Las Tenerías, where Argentinian food can be enjoyed with a few drinks and occasional live music.

16. EatCentro

    Taqueria Las Monjitas

    More famous for its monastery appearance and waitresses dressed as nuns than it is for its food, which is generally basic and a bit greasy, but cheap and filling.

17. DoEastern suburbs Not mapped

    Abasolo and El Carmen

    Two adjacent small towns that might be interesting for people who have already seen "everything" in Monterrey. Abasolo is a typical dusty Nuevo Leon town with a pleasant zocalo bordered by an historic church, Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, which has an oil painting of the Virgin that was painted in 1760. El Carmen might be just a tad larger than Abasolo and is the site of an abandoned mine referred to as "Minas Viejas". It's not a touristic destination though Monterrey adventurers like to go there with a flashlight and helmet (there are no lights and no tour guides to lead you). A vigorous hike takes you to the mine.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Monterrey (CC BY-SA 4.0).