Monterrey

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Introducing Monterrey

Self-confident Monterrey is Mexico’s third-largest city, second-largest industrial center and numero uno in per capita income. You may never have heard of it, but ‘La Sultana del Norte’ is bold enough to have made a bid for the 2016 Olympic Games.

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With sprawling suburbs of gargantuan, air-conditioned malls, manicured housing estates and the nation’s first new Taco Bells, Monterrey is one of Mexico’s most Americanized cities, but those who bypass it in favor of the ‘real’ Mexico are missing a vital piece of the national puzzle.

Regardless of its station in modern Mexico, Monterrey is well worth a few days of your trip. Its historic heart, where most of the main attractions are clustered, has plenty of metropolitan élan: iconic modern architecture, world-class museums and urbane restaurants. The city is also a good place to party, with a dynamic live-music scene, flashy techno clubs and lovely lounge bars. Jagged mountains, including the distinctive saddle-shaped Cerro de la Silla (1288m), make a dramatic backdrop for the city and provide ample opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009

Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. Queretaro avatar
    RE: Northern Mexico - Safe?

    by Queretaro 15 September 2011

    99% of the interesting things in Mexico lie from Guadalajara to the south (OK maybe only 95%). There are about 6 places I wouldn't go…
  2. Boingo avatar
    RE: Northern Mexico - Safe?

    by Boingo 14 September 2011

    Read the umpteen million posts on safety on this board. Many opinions either way. I for one would skip the north. Safety is one reason,…
  3. oliwood avatar
    Northern Mexico - Safe?

    by oliwood 14 September 2011

    Hi, Planning a big Mexico + Central America trip, and was wondering if I should include northern Mexico in my trip? I heard Copper Canyon…

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