Monterrey Neighbourhoods, Locations and Districts

(Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico)

Monterrey is a rapidly expanding city and it is often hard to define the actual boundaries and outlying districts, being especially close to a number of towns, such as Santa Catarina and Guadalupe. Within central Monterrey, many appealing districts, locations and neighbourhoods are to be found and offer cultural attractions, historic buildings, modern hotels and mountain views.

Barrio Antiguo is a historic neighbourhood in Monterrey and located on the eastern side of the Gran Plaza. Much of the action happens within the Barrio Antiguo district and also around the Zone Centro, the very heart of Monterrey. Other neighbourhoods and locations include the Zona Rose, Gran Plaza, Rio Santa Catarina and Tecnológico districts.

Gran Plaza / Macroplaza District

Around 1 km / 0.5 miles in length, the Gran Plaza covers an enormous area and provides an important open public space. Created during the 1980s by actually demolishing a number of entire blocks of buildings, this square has transformed the city and comprises a series of small spaces. The Gran Plaza boasts impressive views of the mountainous backdrop and is softened by mature planting, gardens, sculptures and fountains. Notable attractions in this part of Monterrey include the Monumento Homenaje al Sol (within the southerly Plaza Zaragoza), the contemporary Palacio Municipal and the busy Morelos pedestrian mall. Also of interest around the Gran Plaza is the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo - MARCO (Museum of Contemporary Art) and the Museo Metropolitana de Monterrey (Metropolitan Museum of Monterrey).

Zona Centro District

Monterrey city centre, the Zona Centro, is home to many of the city's premier cultural attractions, including the Gran Plaza. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Senora of Monterrey (Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Senora de Monterrey) is amongst the most significant buildings in the Zona Centro and dominates much of the area with its grand architecture. Much of the most popular accommodation is also to be found here and the main cluster is often referred to as the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone).

Zona Rosa District

Monterrey's centrally located Pink Zone, known locally as the Zona Rosa district, is where many of the leading hotels, eateries and shopping centres reside. Sited directly west of the Plaza Zaragoza, Zona Rosa is edged by the Hidalgo (south) and the Morelos (north). Well pedestrianised and offering a bustling vibe, this part of Monterrey is a great place for shopping and dining out, with virtually every single block in the district containing at least one restaurant or coffee shop.

Barrio Antiguo District (Old Neighbourhood)

The Barrio Antiguo district of Monterrey is a great place to find traditional Mexican architecture at its best and has become a trendy spot, filled with galleries, pavement cafes and speciality stores. For the younger crowd, Monterrey's Barrio Antiguo is at its most appealing on Friday and Saturday nights, when the streets become traffic free and pedestrian-only, and the area as a whole is transformed into nothing short of a party zone, with bars, clubs and restaurants staying open until late. Nearby, the Parque Fundidora is home to the Cintermex Convention Centre, where endless events take place.

Rio Santa Catarina District

Directly south of Monterrey city centre, the Rio Santa Catarina (Santa Catarina River) runs east to west and bisects the city. The riverbed actually remains dry for the majority of the year, when it is used for recreational activities and sports, flowing again after extremely heavy rain.

Tecnológico District

The highlight within the Tecnológico district is without doubt the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Studies, known by the locals at the Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. This prominent university is an important part of the higher education scene in the city and boasts many spectacular, contemporary buildings.