Monterrey is not only a fascinating city and a destination for culture, architecture and gastronomy, but also an important business hub and one of the venues for the next FIFA World Cup. Whether you’re travelling for work, sports, or simply to explore one of Mexico’s great cities, Iberia has put together a guide to help you make the most of your trip.

To explore the city, the best place to start is Fundidora Park, a witness to Monterrey’s industrial past. This picture-perfect location is situated on land that was occupied by the Monterrey Iron and Steel Foundry Company from 1900 to 1986, home to the first blast furnace in all of Latin America. Today declared a Museum of Industrial Archaeology Site, it allows visitors to explore 27 large facilities, including two blast furnaces, as well as ample outdoor spaces featuring green areas and two lakes.

From Fundidora Park you can enjoy one of the most remarkable activities in Monterrey: a motorboat ride on the Santa Lucia Riverwalk, an artificial canal. This navigable river is considered one of the 13 man-made wonders of Mexico. Measuring 2.5km long, it is the longest artificial canal in Latin America. The Santa Lucía Riverwalk can also be explored on foot through its riverside avenues, but if you take a ride on one of its barges you can sail among incredible fountains, sculptures and murals, and enjoy one of the best views of the city at sunset.

If you board at Fundidora Park, the barge will take you to Macroplaza. Covering more than 400,000sqm, it’s Mexico’s largest square (the fifth largest in the world) and the main square in Monterrey. It is home to some of the city’s finest architectural gems: from the Government Palace with the Esplanade of Heroes – which pays tribute to the great men of Mexico’s history – to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Monterrey and the Faro del Comercio. Macroplaza is the backbone of the political, institutional and cultural life of the entire city, with sites such as the Museum of Mexican History, which exhibits more than 1,200 pieces, dating from the pre-Hispanic era to the present in a space of 15,000sqm. Another fascinating destination in the Macroplaza is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MARCO). The building, designed by Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta, features one of the most interesting schedules of exhibitions and artistic activities in the entire country.

For architecture lovers, Monterrey boasts the tallest building in all of Latin America, the Torre Obispado, which soars 305.3m high. Inside, in addition to offices, is the luxurious Hilton Garden Inn Monterrey Obispado and a shopping centre. Another of the city’s architectural landmarks is BBVA Stadium, one of the venues for the upcoming World Cup, which will be hosted between Mexico, the United States and Canada. Opened in 2015 and with a capacity of up to 53,000 spectators, it will host matches from 14-29 June 2026. Although tickets are not yet on sale, you can register here to show your interest in purchasing tickets as soon as they do become available.

For food, don’t miss Tacos Doña Mary la Gritona, a traditional taqueria that received a very special visit from the Michelin Guide. Located on the corner of Avenida Francisco Madero and Calle Capitán Aguilar, this restaurant is named after its owner, Doña Mary, who – faced with a long line of customers every day – is famous for hurrying up those who take too long to decide on their order. Diners can choose between corn and flour tacos, as well as a variety of fillings, from egg with salsa – one of the most requested – to pork roast or beans.

If you want to try the traditional flavours of Nuevo León, El Jonuco focuses on classic dishes with seasonal ingredients, which it reinvents with a modern twist. The menu is designed by chef Hugo Guajardo. This master of charcoal grilling also heads up Vernacular, another restaurant with a menu based on the flavours of northeastern Mexico, which is also mentioned in the Michelin Guide. Our final recommendation is Javelin, especially its original restaurant, again reviewed by the Michelin Guide, which highlights its grill and cocktail menu. The best thing about the restaurant is its location in Barrio Antiguo, very close to the Macroplaza. This square dates back to the 18th century and was the seat of colonial power during the Viceroyalty of New Spain, making it the perfect location to discover the history of Monterrey.