Monterrey

Antigua Estacion Del Golfo

Old Railway Station, Casa de la Cultura

Century old train station houses a railroad museum (naturally) as well as a library and offices of the Cultural Ministry. An old wooden caboose is the coolest exhibit, and visitors can enter the caboose and see how train crews would have lived while riding the rails. The railroad exhibit contains numerous exhibits including tools, signals, uniforms, and equipment used to maintain the railway.

Mon-Sat 10:00 - 20:00, closed Sun·Free

Antiguo Palacio Federal

Palacio Correos, LABNL

Monterrey's old federal building was designed by architect Augusto Petriccioli and built between 1928 and 1929. Its distinctive art deco style is one of the few examples of the period remaining in the city. The building was extensively renovated and re-opened as LABNL, a novel workshop for progressive civic projects. The building is known for its frieze on the front facade and for an observation tower that visitors can enter (free of charge).

Wed-Fri 14:00-21:00, Sat 11:00-19:00, closed Mon-Tue·Free

Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

Large, modern church dedicated to Mexico's patron saint. Visit in early December to see ceremonial processions with matachines (native dancers) to honor the Lady of Guadalupe.

Centro de Las Artes

Art gallery displaying photographic works as well as drawings and paintings by contemporary artists.

Tue-Sun 10:00 - 20:00, closed Mon

Cerveceria Cuahtemoc

Tours and sample of Carta Blanca, Dos Equis, Bohemia, Sol, or one of the other beers brewed here.

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.

Faro Comercial

The bright orange obelisk is a monument to Monterrey's business orientation. At night, laser beacons light the sky.

Guadalupe City Museum

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

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.

Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame

Salon de la Fama del Beisbol

The Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame expanded into a major new museum (new as of 2022) located in the heart of Parque Fundidora. Stop in and see the players who've made it big, not just in Mexico, but in U.S. major league teams as well. An entertaining and enlightening museum for any true sports fan. The gift shop sells baseball memorabilia. The new museum includes an on-site restaurant.

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.

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.

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

Museo Acero horno3

Located inside the enormous blast furnace, the museum has science and technology exhibits with a focus on engineering skills. A full-service restaurant called El Lingote is on the upper level.

Tue-Sun 11:00 - 18:00, closed Mon·M$200 (general admission, discounts for children and students)

Museo Arte Contemporaneo (MARCO)

Zuazua at Jardón. Monterrey's large, modern forum for contemporary arts is an architecturally stunning showpiece that features a fascinating collection of modern Latino artists. Frequently changing special expositions mean the museum is never the same tour twice. Includes a small outdoor sculpture garden.

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

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.

Museo de los Antiguos Mexicanos

Monterrey's first museum dedicated to pre-Hispanic Indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica is based on the personal collection of Mauricio Fernandez and exhibits from the now defunct Planetario Alfa. Fernandez spent decades visiting archaeological sites and studying once great civilizaations. It's a fairly large museum and very modern with well-designed displays, good lighting, and even some labels in English (though the Spanish-speaking visitor will get the most out of a visit). Major cultures each have their own gallery (salon). Most of the relics are artistic ceramic sculptures, as that material survives centuries underground in inclement conditions. A visit will probably not take much more than an hour (unless you're intently curious about Mexican archaeology). Many of the exhibits are temporary seasonal displays, so if you come back in a year or so, you may get an entirely different perspective than your first impression. Occasional live classical music.

Tue-Sun 10:00 - 19:00, closed Mon·Free

Museo del Vidrio

Inside a bustling commercial glass works is a fascinating museum that features stunningly beautiful works of hand-spun glass. Some craft glass pieces are also for sale in the gift shop.

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

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.

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.

Papalote Childrens Museum

Papalote Museo del Niño

Childrens activities and learning experiences with an emphasis on hands-on activities.

Tue-Sun 10:00 - 18:00, closed Mon·M$280 (admission only; IMAX or other activities are extra)

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

Puente Atirantado

Puente de la Unidad

Visually stunning cable-stayed bridge designed by architect Óscar Bulnes and built in 2003. The bridge has become extremely popular with local shutterbugs as a selfie spot for their Instagram snaps.

Skyspace

Espiritu de Luz Skyspace

Contemporary artist James Turrell has created a series of "light sculptures" called "Skyspaces" in various cities. In Monterrey, Turrell's light sculpture is on the grounds of Tecnologico de Monterrey. Come at sunset and sit quietly as the sun sets, spilling rays of golden and red light across the concrete and stone surfaces. Occasionally musical accompaniment is provided. Attendance at the sunset events is free, but requires registration via the web site which assigns a timed entry. Visitors are requested to maintain silence and refrain from eating, drinking, smoking or doing anything to disturb their fellow peace-loving observers.

Daily at sunset·Free

Teatro de la Ciudad

Located on the Macroplaza, the Teatro la Cuidad is a thoroughly modern venue for live theater, classical music, and the performing arts.

Templo Expiatorio de San Luis Gonzalez

Neogothic church dating from 1898. First church to be built entirely of concrete and cement. (No stones, no wood).

Daily 09:00-19:00

Torre Obispado

T.Op Torre

At 305 meters, the tower is the tallest skyscraper in Latin America. The tower will lose its title soon because a neighboring skyscraper project called Torre Rise will surpass it with a planned 484 meter height. Unfortunately, Torre Obispado does not have a public observation deck.