How to plan a trip to Monterrey Mexico?

Monterrey is a destination that captivates with the contrast of its majestic mountains and modern architecture. In addition, the city is famous for the varied cultural offerings, so it’s worth planning well if you want to make the most of your stay. And that’s precisely what we’re here to tell you in this post, where we’ll walk you through the process of planning your trip to Monterrey.

We understand that organising a trip can be overwhelming, so we want to make things easier for you with essential tips, such as the best time to go, how to get around the city efficiently and the best areas to stay. Monterrey, like any other city, has a range of prices, but with some advance research you can find great deals. We will also provide you with information on practical aspects such as public transport, currency, language and other important details that will ensure your experience in Monterrey is an unforgettable one.

1. Prepare your documentation for travel to Monterrey

To travel to Mexico it is essential to have certain personal documents in order and to process certain access permits depending on your country of origin. Below you can read everything you need to take into account, but first, we remind you that with the Passporter App you can carry all your travel documents in an organised way along with copies of your personal documents in case there are any unforeseen circumstances.

Visa exempt travellers: Europeans, Americans, Canadians and some Latin American countries.

• It is necessary to present a passport that will be valid for more than 6 months when you leave the country
• You are allowed to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days.
• A return ticket may be required.
• Hotel reservations or a letter of invitation may be required to be shown.
• Proof of financial solvency may be required to support the stay.

Travellers from the other countries who need to obtain a visa

• Must apply for a visa in person at the embassy
• An application form must be completed.
• Presentation of the original passport and a copy of the page with personal details, photograph and signature.
• A recent passport size photograph, in colour, white background and without glasses.
• All documents in a language other than Spanish must be officially translated into Spanish.
• The visa fee is $53 USD and is non-refundable, even in case of refusal.
• It is advisable to check that the documentation is complete before submitting the application.
• The usual processing time is approximately 10 days after the interview.
• For longer stays, additional health tests may be requested.

During your stay you will also need to fill out the Multiple Migration Form (FMM), a document available both online and at points of entry into the country, which you will need to keep for the duration of your trip. If you arrive by plane, it will be processed directly by customs agents.

If you’re hiring a car, remember that most foreign licences are not valid. You’ll need to apply for an international driving licence before leaving your country.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Monterrey

The best time to visit Monterrey is during autumn when temperatures are cooler and there is less rain. During these months you’ll avoid the sweltering summer heat and occasional spring thunderstorms. Although if you’re well prepared for rain, spring can also be a good time for more moderate prices and fewer tourists.

Another advantage of travelling in autumn is that you can attend the St Lucia International Festival, held annually in October. This cultural festival offers a variety of art performances, music and exhibitions. However, it is important to consider that during large events, the city may be busier and accommodation prices may increase.

3. Find out how to get to Monterrey

Monterrey, Mexico’s industrial capital and the country’s third largest city, is an important business and cultural centre in northern Mexico, and as a result, is very well connected. Its easy accessibility by air, land and its excellent infrastructure make Monterrey an attractive destination for tourists and professionals alike.

Here are all the options for getting there:

• Car: accessible via National Highway 85 from the south or 40 from the west. The road network is well maintained and connects Monterrey to other major cities such as Mexico City and Guadalajara. You will be able to hire a car upon arrival at the airport.
• Bus: several bus lines operate to and from Monterrey, including Grupo Senda, Omnibus de Mexico, and ETN, which offer services from major cities throughout Mexico.
• Plane: Monterrey International Airport, known as Mariano Escobedo Airport, receives flights from major Mexican cities and numerous international destinations. Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus and Interjet offer frequent flights.

A reminder that the Passporter App makes it easy to compare and book your flights through Skyscanner. Start your search today and buy your tickets at the best price!

From Monterrey International Airport, located about 24km from downtown, you can get to your accommodation using authorised taxi with fixed fares of around MXN400-500, services such as Uber which can be cheaper, and express buses operated by companies such as Aeromexico Connect and Viva Aerobus, which offer direct routes to the city centre for around MXN150. Another option is to hire a transfer from your hotel.

In Monterrey, public transport is an efficient option for getting around the city. The metro system, known as Metrorrey, connects the main urban areas at a cost of around MXN5 per trip. In addition, city buses provide coverage throughout the city with fares starting at MXN12. Also available is the Ecovía, a bus rapid transit system that follows one of Monterrey’s main arteries. It is a fast and inexpensive means of transport at 15 MXN a trip.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Monterrey

In Monterrey you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options for both tourists and business travellers, for those on a budget or those in search of luxury, and for all tastes in general. In fact, the city has one of the best hotel infrastructures in northern Mexico, adapted to an international and varied public.

Here’s a list of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Monterrey:

• Central Monterrey: is ideal for those who want to explore the culture and history of the city. Downtown is more affordable and close to major attractions such as the Macroplaza and the Museum of Contemporary Art. It is perfect for tourists.
• San Pedro Garza García: is considered one of Mexico’s most exclusive and safest suburbs. It is home to some of the best hotels, shopping malls and nightlife options. Although it is one of the most expensive areas, it offers an upscale experience.
• Apodaca: highly sought after by business travellers due to its proximity to Mariano Escobedo International Airport and industrial zones. It offers moderately priced accommodation options.
• Guadalupe: Offers an interesting mix of cultural attractions and accessibility to natural areas such as Cerro de la Silla. It is an area with cheaper prices and good transport connections.
• San Nicolás de los Garza: This northern area is ideal for business travellers and has a wide range of accommodation. Prices are varied, offering everything from budget options to more upscale hotels.

From Passporter we recommend you to start looking for accommodation as soon as possible, so you can choose from many options and find the best prices. In the Passporter App we make it easy for you as you can make your bookings directly from Booking and always have your flight tickets to hand.

5. Where and what to eat in Monterrey?

The gastronomy of Monterrey is distinguished by its preferences in elaborations based on meats and traditional preparations, a reflection of its livestock and geographical heritage. Ingredients such as beef, kid and dairy products predominate in its cuisine and the flavours are generally intense, with frequent use of roasts and spicy sauces.

These are some of the most typical dishes:

• Cabrito al pastor: young goat roasted over a wood fire, marinated in orange juice, garlic and spices.
• Carne asada (Roast beef): grilled cuts of beef such as arrachera or sirloin steak, served with onions, guacamole and tortillas.
• Machacado con huevo: dried beef cooked with eggs and served with flour tortillas and beans.
• Discada norteña: a mix of minced meats cooked on a plough disc with peppers, onions and tomatoes.
• Frijoles charros: pinto beans stewed with chorizo, bacon, chilli and beer, served as a side dish.

A traditional local drink is ‘sotol’, a distillate from the north of Mexico. Will you dare to try it?

6. Choose the activities you want to do in Monterrey

To explore Monterrey we recommend at least three days, enough time to enjoy its rich cultural, historical and natural offerings. In this post you can read more about the city to start planning your trip to Monterrey with the Passporter App: Things to see and do in Monterrey Mexico.

Here’s a quick summary of what awaits you in this exciting destination:

• Fundidora Park: is the cultural and recreational centre of the city with museums, theme parks and green spaces.
• Macroplaza: a vast public square in the city centre with fountains, monuments and access to important historic buildings.
• Chipinque Ecological Park: nature reserve ideal for hiking and enjoying panoramic views of Monterrey. Entrance fee of approximately $100 MXN per vehicle.
• Paseo Santa Lucia: pedestrian and river tour connecting Fundidora Park with the city centre. Boat rides approximately $120 MXN per person.
• Old Quarter: historic area perfect for exploring the nightlife, with bars, restaurants and art galleries.
• Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MARCO): exhibits modern and contemporary art, general admission $90 MXN.
• Planetarium Alfa: interactive science and technology museum, general admission approximately $120 MXN.
• Mercado Campesino: local market where you can enjoy traditional food and buy fresh produce.
• Museum of Mexican History: exhibits Mexico’s rich history, with a general admission fee of around $100 MXN.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Monterrey

Exploring Monterrey with friends can be an unforgettable experience, although after many trips, we know that coordinating everyone’s preferences and schedules can be a challenge. Varied interests and different schedules often complicate planning. On the plus side, you’ll have the opportunity to share unique experiences and reduce costs, such as transport and accommodation.

To travel in a group it is best to use tools such as the Passporter App, which will facilitate coordination and organisation, allowing all members of the group to plan together. Get inspiration from the experiences of others and share their own experiences through photos. In this post you can read more about group travel: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Monterrey

• The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso.
• The country’s official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken.
• The plugs are type A and B, which are the same as those used in the United States and Canada. These plugs have two or three flat pins. The standard voltage in Mexico is 127V with a frequency of 60Hz.
• Before you travel, do your research on Monterrey. In addition to the most popular attractions, look for lesser-known activities that can give you a more authentic view of the country, such as popular fiestas or festivals.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date and always carry all other necessary travel documentation with you.
• If you’re not used to spicy food, you can ask restaurants to adjust the spiciness.
• Always remember to drink bottled water and avoid ice.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re going to be outdoors for long periods of time. A hat and sunglasses are also a must to protect yourself from the sun’s intense radiation.
• Although tourist areas are generally safe, it is always wise to take basic precautions such as not displaying valuables and keeping an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places.
• Using apps like Passporter to plan your trip to Monterrey is free and helps you get inspiration from other travellers, as well as organising your itinerary efficiently.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as Mondo.
• Respect the environment. When visiting natural areas, always follow conservation rules to protect the environment around you.
• Check if you need an international driver’s licence if you plan to hire a car.
• Buy an eSIM card for mobile internet access. Our favourite company is Holafly as they offer cards for Mexico with unlimited data.
• Book your flights and accommodation in advance, especially in high season or for popular destinations.

9. How to plan what to see on your trip to Monterrey

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Monterrey Mexico.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Monterrey Mexico