Monterrey is synonymous with industry, modernity and entertainment. We tell you eight must-see places in Monterrey’s Centro Historico that you have to visit at least once in your life.
Here you can visit modern places, places with spectacular views, places with history and many more.
Must-see places in Monterrey’s Historic Downtown
1. Monterrey Metropolitan Cathedral
The CatedralMetropolitana de la Inmaculada Concepción or CatedralMetropolitana de Monterrey is the seat of the Archdiocese of Monterrey.
It is an architectural piece of neoclassical and baroque styles. Its construction began in 1705 and was completed in 1791.
2. The Macroplaza
The Macroplaza is the central part of Monterrey that occupies 40 hectares. It is the largest plaza in Mexico and the 5th largest plaza in the world.
Here you will find stores, recreation centers, Verde areas, old monuments and colonial buildings that contrast with the new constructions.
The most remarkable monument is the Faro del Comercio, a 70-meter high monument with a laser beam equipment that illuminates the city’s sky at night.
3. Fundidora Park
The Fundidora Park is perhaps the favorite of the regios. Here you can spend some time out doors, have a picnic, ride a bike, and just about anything else you can think of.
This place is full of attractions for all ages, and although it has seasonal events, there are always restaurants, fountains and food stands.
Here you will also find the Furnace Museum 3 the Sesame Street water park, and a dinosaur ride.
4. Santa Lucía Promenade
The Paseo de Santa Lucía is one of the main attractions of Monterrey, with an extension of 2.3 kilometers. Starts in the Fundidora Park and ends at the Mexican History Museum.
This route next to an artificial river is full of lighting, bridges, murals and esplanades.
5. Old Quarter
Barrio Antiguo is considered the heart of Monterrey. This beautiful Zone transports you to traditional Mexico with its cobblestone streets and beautiful colonial houses.
Among the free activities you can do, are visiting the Art Corridor the market is open on Sundays and you can find many stalls with clothes, accessories, antiques, and of course, art.
We also have the Saturday Bazaar where you will find artisans and entrepreneurs who gather to offer their creations in the streets of this colorful neighborhood.
Here you’ll find art, antiques from your great-grandparents’ era and innovative things you probably didn’t know you needed.
6. Alameda Mariano Escobedo
One of Monterrey’s most important centers of coexistence is the Alameda Mariano Escobedo. Its construction dates back to 1861.
The Alameda has been used as a penitentiary, a recreation center for families, a center for exhibitions and cultural events, and even a zoo.
7. FRAME
One of the museums in Monterrey most recognized is the Museum of Contemporary Art, better known as MARCO.
It was inaugurated in 1991 and has been positioned as one of the best in contemporary art internationally.
looking for a place for a perfect one? This museum is the right one, and has a library, conference forum, cinema, theater, souvenir store and cafeteria.
8. Source of life
The Neptune Fountain or Fountain of Life was inaugurated in 1984 and is the work of the artist Luis Sanguino, being the central monument of the famous Macroplaza of the city of Monterrey.
This fabulous fountain and sculpture, which portrays the Roman god of the seas, was built to commemorate the hydraulic plan to supply water to the city of Monterrey.
The fountain has a large sculpture of the god Neptune aboard a chariot pulled by mythological sea horses, is accompanied by a Suite of 5 female figures representing nymphs in different positions receiving water.
The frontal figure is a Goddess crowning a Lion, symbol of this State, for her triumph in the battle of the water.
Around the fountain there is a beautiful garden, complemented by benches and paths, ideal for a stroll. On days with clear skies, the Sierra Madre mountains can be seen.
9. El Obispado Museum
The El Obispado Museum is the only baroque building of the 18th century that is preserved in the state of Nuevo León.
This precinct was the first regional museum of the National Institute of Anthropology and History in northern Mexico, and was built at the end of the Viceroyalty.
It currently houses 10 rooms that narrate the history of Nuevo León and a collection of sacred art.
10. 3 Museums
history lover? Don’t miss 3museums in Monterrey. The Museum of Mexican History, the Museum of the Northeast and the Palace Museum.
Here you will learn about the history of Mexico, the northeast of the country and Nuevo León through different exhibits, workshops and activities.