The best things to do in Monterrey Mexico

When you think of holidays to Mexico, most people think of the sunny beaches of Cancun or the bustling capital of Mexico City; but Northern Mexico features a true hidden gem. The city of Monterrey combines everything you love about Mexico with a hint of American culture. Surrounded by mountains but thriving in the centre, Monterrey is a large industrial and business centre and is regarded as the city with the best quality of life in all of Mexico! With everything from music festivals to outdoor attractions, Monterrey might just be your next bucket list destination. Here are 5 rad things to do in Monterrey Mexico.

1. Parque Fundidora

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Home to many popular music festivals such as Beyond Wonderland Mexico and WiSH Outdoor Mexico, Parque Fundidora is, in fact, one of the city’s most popular attractions. Considered as the first urban park in Northern Mexico, the park is, in fact, a transformation of the Monterrey Iron and Steel Foundry Company, which closed its doors in 1986 due to bankruptcy. Parque Fundidora features more than 300 acres of land, the park combines history with culture and entertainment and today, you can enjoy a range of plazas, gardens and natural attractions; free of charge! The park also features an auditorium, steel museum, theme park (Plaza Sesamo), a cinema and even an ice rink! 

2. Chipinque

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Located just 20 minutes from the city centre, Chipinque Eco-Park is a truly natural paradise. Popular among those who love hiking, climbing and mountain biking, this attraction is the perfect outdoor escape from the city. It features a range of marked walkways, winding paths, picnic areas, playgrounds, cafes, waterfalls and more. There are also several lookout points located along the mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Monterrey. 

3. Garcia Caves

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Located in Villa Garcia, just 30 miles from Monterrey, you can find the Garcia Caves. The 1.5-mile long journey to the caves includes a funicular train, which travels up 2,500 feet; where you can observe impressive stalagmites and stalactites, as well as mineral formations, fossils and more; which date back to more than 50 million years! The caves are also known for its impressive rock and natural formations, including ‘El Mirador de la mano’, a stalagmite formed into a shape resembling a human hand.

4. Rodrígo Gómez “La Boca” Dam

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If you want to experience Monterrey like a true local, Rodrígo Gómez Dam is the place to be and certainly one of the best things to do in Monterrey Mexico. Popular for weekend escapes and outdoor adventures, you can enjoy a wide range of water-based activities such as boat tours, jet skis, water skiing, kayaking, speed boat rentals and more If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can also take an ATV tour or rent horses! For those looking for a peaceful getaway, you can relax by the water and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings or enjoy a traditional Mexican dish from the nearby restaurants and cafes. 

5. Paseo La Fe

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Located just 20 minutes from the city centre, Paseo La Fe is the perfect rainy day attraction. The grand shopping mall features a wide variety of stores from American chain names to local vendors. Here, you can also find a range of indoor attractions, including a trampoline park, indoor go-kart track, arcade, bowling alley, cinema and even a mini petting zoo with monkeys! You can also find a large food court on the top floor, featuring local and international fast-food chains; as well as a number of elaborate restaurants and dining options lining the exterior of the mall, overlooking the surroundings.

Featured image credit: Rick González