See and Do
Touring the city
Macro Plaza and Environs
Macro Plaza Also known as Plaza Grande, it is one of the largest town squares in the world. Abounding with fountains, flowers, walkways, a theater, and an underground shopping mall, it is also where the action is most evenings, with band concerts on weeknights in summer. The south end incorporates Plaza Zaragoza, the site of the Palacio Federal, and the cathedral.
The Plaza is adorned with a collection of modern sculptures. The most outstanding pieces are Rufino Tamayo's striking Homage of the Sun and Gabriel Ponzarelli's celebratory The Children and Monument to Youth. Others include Luis Barragan's orange Beacon of Commerce, with its piercing green laser, and Fountain of Life by Luis Sanguino
Metropolitan Cathedral Construction of this house of worship began in 1635 but it was not completed until the end of the 19th century. It is notable for the richly carved baroque facade, the bell tower and the interior murals.
Museum of Contemporary Art Designed by Ricardo Legoretta, one of Mexico's leading architects, this striking museum displays the work of artists from North, Central and South America. The huge bronze sculpture of a dove at the entrance is the work of Juan Soriano.
Museum of Mexican History Fascinating exhibits tell the story of Mexico from pre-Hispanic to modern times.
Old Quarter Most of the buildings in the Barrio Antiguo, which covers some 15 square blocks, were built or rebuilt in the 19th century. Today they house galleries, boutiques, cafés, discotheques, bars, and antique shops.
Downtown
Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Roble This is the sanctuary of the patron saint of Monterrey. Of special note are the stained-glass windows and marble columns.
Nuevo León Regional Museum Built in 1788 as the residence of the bishop, it later served as a fort during the Mexican-American war. Displays illustrate the history of the state.
North
Cuauhtémoc Brewery Enjoy a guided tour of one of Mexico's largest breweries. In the garden is the Baseball Hall of Fame, which honors national and international baseball greats.
Pinacoteca de Nuevo León In the Niños Héroes Park, it displays a collection of paintings and sculptures by Nuevo León artists.
Glass Museum On the premises of the Vidriera Monterrey, it tells the story of glassmaking.
South
Alpha Cultural Center A strikingly modern science museum featuring curiosity-piquing, hands-on exhibits. The planetarium includes a giant-screen Omnimax theater, an aviary and a glass window by the late Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo that represents the creation of the universe.
Especially for Children
Bosque Mágico, the Magic Forest, a theme park for children of all ages, with 35 rides, river rapids, and a house of horror. The Serengeti Safari wild animal park is one hour from Monterrey and features over 100 free-roaming animals. Other excellent options are the Plaza Sésamo amusement park and La Pastora Zoo, with over 300 animals.
Environs
Chipinque Ecological Park A short drive up the pine-covered slopes of the Sierra Madre culminates in a ruffle-ridged, 5,000-foot plateau. A resort area with picnic facilities, it is perfect for running and biking.
Grutas de Garcia Among the largest and most beautiful caverns in the country, they are set high inside a mountain. A cable car inches up 915 feet to the entrance of the cavern where tours are conducted over well-illuminated passageways that meander about a mile even higher into the mountain.
Horsetail Falls Beside this ideal picnic spot is a triple cascade known as the Three Graces. Walk or ride a burro to the base of the falls.
