Monterrey will host five FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at the brand-new Estadio Banorte. The city welcomes fans from Sweden, Tunisia, Japan, South Africa, and South Korea. This is your complete guide to things to do in Monterrey, Mexico beyond the games.
Why Monterrey is more than just a host city
- Mountains accessible 20 minutes from downtown
- Authentic Mexican cuisine (cabrito, machaca, carne asada)
- Booming craft beer scene
- 3-hour drive from Texas (most accessible Mexican city)
- English-speaking tour guides available
Top 10 things to do in Monterrey
1. Hike Chipinque (15 min from downtown)
The most accessible nature experience. Pine-oak forests with panoramic views of the city. Beginner-friendly hike with English guide ($1,300 MXN ≈ $75 USD).
2. Visit La Huasteca canyons
Vertical limestone walls up to 300 meters tall. La Huasteca Basic Hike ($775 MXN ≈ $45 USD) or for more adventure: Climbing and rappelling at Nido de los Aguiluchos ($1,200 MXN ≈ $70 USD).
3. Hike up Cerro de la Silla (the city's icon)
Hike to the historic cable car viewpoint ($850 MXN ≈ $50 USD). The Saddle Mountain is Monterrey's visual icon.
4. Cantina tour in Barrio Antiguo
Authentic Monterrey cantina tour ($850 MXN ≈ $50 USD). Three to four traditional bars, local snacks (machaca, charales, alitas), stories about Monterrey's culture. 18+ only.
5. Craft beer tour
Monterrey is Mexico's emerging craft beer capital. Visit 2-3 local breweries ($750 MXN ≈ $45 USD) with tastings and brewing process explanations.
6. García Caves and cable car
García Caves + Cable Car ($275 MXN ≈ $16 USD). 50-million-year-old cave system. Family-friendly, great for hot days.
7. Horno 3 Steel Museum
Horno 3 interactive museum ($275 MXN ≈ $16 USD). Former industrial furnace converted into a tech museum. Climb to the top viewpoint.
8. Santa Lucía riverwalk boat ride
Santa Lucía boat ride ($200 MXN ≈ $12 USD). Artificial canal through the cultural heart of Monterrey. 35-minute ride. Family-friendly.
9. Mezcal tasting
Authentic mezcal tasting ($500 MXN ≈ $30 USD). 5-7 mezcals from different regions and agaves. Learn to identify quality vs commercial mezcal.
10. Cabrito (regional barbecue lamb)
Monterrey's signature dish: young goat slow-roasted over mesquite coals. Try "El Gran Pastor" or "El Rey del Cabrito".
Best neighborhoods to stay
- San Pedro Garza García: safest, most international hotels, premium
- Barrio Antiguo: cultural heart, walking distance to restaurants and cantinas
- Valle Oriente: modern, family-friendly, mid-range hotels
FIFA World Cup 2026 — Monterrey schedule
Estadio Banorte will host matches from Sweden, Tunisia, Japan, South Africa, and South Korea. Tour Monterrey offers experiences in fans' native languages.
How to get to Monterrey
- From Texas: 3 hours by car from Laredo, 4 hours from San Antonio
- By plane: direct flights from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio (1 hour)
- From Mexico City: 1.5 hours by plane, 9 hours by car
Practical tips for international visitors
- Most tour guides speak English
- Uber works perfectly in Monterrey
- USD is accepted in San Pedro and some Barrio Antiguo restaurants
- Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants standard
- Tap water is generally safe but bottled water recommended
- Weather: hot summers (June-Aug), mild winters (Nov-Feb)
Book your Monterrey experience
Tour Monterrey is your local ally. Personal WhatsApp support in English.