Things to do in Matamoros
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Playa Bagdad
The nearest beach to Matamoros is a scruffy settlement that clings to an expansive stretch of fairly clean sand 37km east of town. A large port prospered on the Mexican bank of the Río Bravo north of Matamoros, and, according to local folklore, this town was given the name 'Bagdad' by Texans who were astounded by its wealth (mostly derived from smuggling). Hurricanes destroyed the settlement in 1889, and nobody seems to remember anymore how that name traveled over here.
Playa Bagdad today consists of a small fishing settlement, a few aging cabañas and a seemingly endless row of wind-battered clapboard beach restaurants. During the June-to-September hot season and the Se…
reviewed
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A
Aromas
A second home for some of Matamoros’ artists and intellectuals, this hip restaurant features avant-garde paintings on exposed brick walls and an intimate garden patio, where you can enjoy breakfasts (M$15 to M$60), spinach salads, fruity crepes, and well-executed main dishes including pastas and seafood. Prices are generally high, but the comida corrida (M$55), which includes soup, drink and dessert, is a great deal. The bar area upstairs, with modern booths, is perfect cocktail-quaffing territory and has live trova at weekends and jazz and other chill sounds on the stereo weekdays.
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Museo del Agrarismo Mexicano
The Museo del Agrarismo Mexicano, a bright-orange building 200m north of the highway, documents the ejido movement (a 20th-century campaign that redistributed private farmland into communal holdings) and also the history of the Mexican revolution in Tamaulipas.
You won't learn any history if you can't read Spanish, but if you like looking at old guns and farm tools, you might enjoy it. Either take one of the Playa Bagdad buses from Plaza Allende or a more frequent Technológico-Esperanza (usually abbreviated as 'Tec-Esp') bus heading east on Independencia or Lauro Villar.
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B
Casa Cross
Casa Cross, a partly restored brick mansion complete with elaborate verandas and dormer windows that looks straight out of New Orleans, has a fascinating history. Finished in 1885, it was the home of Meliton Cross, whose father had fled South Carolina after his family discovered that he had fallen in love with the black slave who was caring for him during a serious illness. The couple later married and settled in Matamoros. Though it has few furnishings, it's an atmospheric place.
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C
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Tamaulipas
Matamoros’ excellent Museo de Arte Contem poráneo de Tamaulipas showcases quality exhibitions of photography, sculpture and painting. The building itself is a landmark modernist structure with a maze-like interior and walls set at oblique angles to the polished concrete floor.
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D
Mi Pueblito
The restaurant is topped by a soaring thatched roof and has colorful textile tablecloths. It offers a menu of Mexican favorites, but its best value is the filling set lunch (M$80, available noon to 4pm). Take your pick from a variety of cigars and 200 tequilas.
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E
Museo Casamata
Filling a remnant of an 1845 fort, all that remains of the original city defenses, plus some newer buildings around it, Museo Casamata traces the city's history with old photos, artifacts and some English signage.
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F
Cafetería Tony’s
A mixture of good food (breakfasts, antojitos, tacos and sandwiches) and low prices keeps this simple place packed much of the day. And that’s the only downside; you might have to wait for a seat.
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G
Los Norteños
A carnivore's delight: head to this simple but classy joint for cabrito, steak and chicken cooked over a huge charcoal pit.
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H
Mercado Juárez
The 'new market,' Mercado Juárez, has all the usual Mexican crafts and tourist trinkets, but also a few standout craft shops.
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