Monterrey
From World travel guide
Monterrey is a city in Mexico.
Contents |
Understand
In Monterrey, the land of heat and sun, you will find the typical mariachis and charros culture. This is not a vegetarian-friendly location. Usually, local "regios" are very prone to bbq'ing all the time.
In general, people are friendly, although some might notice that cold shoulder that's always part of any metropolis (the Monterrey metro area is home to over 3 million people). However, if you are coming from a culture like the United States, you'll think everyone is super-super-friendly ;-)
Get in
Get around
Once in Monterrey, the easiest way to get around is by cab (eco-taxis). They are pretty cheap and plentiful. There is a bus and rail system too; best left to the locals. Renting a car is not recommended ... they are quite expensive (usually in the US it's around $30 per day but in Mexico it's more like $50+). Besides, navigating the streets are a bit tricky in the older parts of town, and just like any major metro area, parking is always an issue. Go for the cabs. The Green Cabs called "Ecos" are extremely cheap, the starter fee is around 0.50, and an average trip is around 3-5dlls, very convenient
Monterrey also has a modern subway which covers much of the metro area.
See
Cerro de la Silla, Centro Cultural Alfa, Grutas de Garcia, Grutas Bustamante, Puente Colgante San Pedro, Zoologico La Pastora, Macroplaza, Centro comercial Morelos, Safari Parque Estrella, Presa de la Boca, Cola de Caballo, Teatro de la Ciudad, Museo Arte Contemporaneo, Malls, San Agustin, Centro Comercial Valle Oriente.
Do
Buy
The shopping scene is very good as well. You'll surely find many international labels and designer houses in the upper-end malls. Just ask any local what a tourist should do, they'll point to the nearest attraction. Don't hesitate to ask for directions.
Eat
Worthwhile places to check out are the local cuisine places: cabrito, tacos, arrachera (skirt steak, similar to "fajitas"). Also, you should go out and enjoy the mariachis. Some restaurants have them.
Monterrey is famous for having some of the best cabrito - goat barbeque - in Mexico.
Drink
Also, if you are under 30, the clubbing scene is hot! Nightclubs range from the typical "dive bar" to the very expensive, valet-please-park-my-Lamborghini places (yes, people do own Lamborghinis there. Monterrey is the high-tech, industrial, rich-money capital of Mexico). You will sure find a club that suits your needs. There are 2 major clubbing areas to know about, downtown known as the "Barrio (Antinguo)" and the "Centrito" (in the Colonia del Valle).
Sleep
- Howard Johnson's
Great location near the center of town. Clean, but a tiny bit "worn". Heated/indoor pool. Great buffet breakfast. Paid $570NP for double room (small, but neat) with microwave, cofeemaker, free bottled water, and breakfast included. This was weekday in late December -- normal rate may be higher.
Get out
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