This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Monterrey.
Monterrey, Mexico, is the country’s third-largest city, located in the Nuevo León state. Despite being the third-largest city and offering interesting cultural sites, Monterrey is overlooked by most people traveling around Mexico. Whereas the more popular Mexican cities are admired by their Colonial architecture, Monterrey is rather a modern city.
Places to visit on a trip to Monterrey, Mexico, can be divided in two categories. The first are the mountains that surround the city and the second is the downtown area around Macroplaza, which is a city park with fountains, gardens, and monuments. Landmarks include the Mexican History Museum, the Monterrey Cathedral, and the Contemporary Art Museum. From the Macroplaza, you can take a gondola over the canal to another extensive, well-maintained park -- Parque Fundidora. Between these two parks you can find Monterrey’s Old Town and most other interesting sites in downtown. Spending time in the mountains is a great thing to do outside the city; the most famous is Cerreo de la Silla, from where you have panoramic views over Monterrey. You can hike up the mountain, go mountain climbing, or enjoy one of the other eco-tourism facilities.
The downtown area is the best place to book your Monterrey, Mexico hostel. From the downtown area, you can reach most interesting sites by foot and there is a so-called tourist trolleybus that is basically a circle line around the city centre. Another reason to book your Monterrey, Mexico hostel in downtown are safety issues. During the day Monterrey is pretty much safe, but in the evenings drug cartel related violence happens occasionally. If you are out in the evening, it is recommended to take a taxi, which would increase your costs if you are staying far from the centre. If for some reason do not mind to stay further from the city centre, private rooms can be of good value. A private room in the outskirts can be approximately the same price as two dorm beds in a hostel in the city centre.
Written by local enthusiast for Monterrey hostels
Martin Straatman
