Monterrey MX

[Cowboypilot]

Any ideas on what to do here for 5 days and nights?

 

[Check 6]

Tourist website

http://www.allaboutmonterrey.com/

 

[Freightdog99]

Well first drink, second drink, then find a beautiful Mexican woman for the night (they are all over so it shouldn't be a problem). Then on the second day wake up and repeat. Just be sure to always be late since everyone there always is.

 

[User546]

We get there down two or three times a year, and I always have a good time.

I highly recommend the Fiesta Americana in downtown Monterrey. It's right in the center of town, and is within easy walking distances to all the museums, restraunts, night life, etc. It's equivellant to a four or five start hotel here in the States, but at a budget motel price. I'm not sure what the advertised rates are, but I know we typically get them down to about $120/night.

Hotel info below:
http://www.fiestamericana.com/posad...el=FCM&marca=FA&idioma=en_MX&opcion=0&page=-1

Now that you're in Monterrey, here's some places to go visit: (Scroll dpwn to the middle where it says "Things To See In City Center")
http://www.allaboutmonterrey.com/allaboutmonterrey.htm

- The Cathedral is very predominant anywhere you look downtown. It was built in the early 1700's, and they offer free tours. Just walk up to the front door and walk on in. It's certainly beautiful.

- Paseo Santa Lucia - This is always a cool place to hang out. In the daytime the strip is lined with stores of all kinds. Can find some good bargains on stuff if you pay close attention. Also, a lot of good "local" restaurants here. At night time, this is a popular place for locals to hang out at. They have live music on makeshift stages, all he restraunts and bars are open, and its a nice sociable enviroment.

- Fountain of Life - It's a large overblown fountain, but its worth checking out. It'll be along your path at some point during your visit, so check it out.

- Barrio Antigua - This place is packed with clubs at nighttime and on the weekends. I've never gone into one of them, but it seems to be the more "hip" college age crowds that attend this place. If your not going to the clubs, I wouldn't spend too much time in this area after dark! But its neat to check out in the daytime, lots of trade shops and local diners.

- History Museum - There's a history museum not too far away from the Americana that gives you the history of Mexico from the first civilizations up to today. You can ask for an english speaking (free) guide to walk you through and explain everything in better detail for you. Can easily burn 3+ hours at this place.

- MUST EAT: [SIZE=-1]El Rey de la Cabra - "King of the Baby Goats" this place is a mexican-style festive restraunt that specializes in goat meat. They cook the full goats in the open window facing the outside of the restraunt. They make goat into every possible form you can think of. You eat it "fajita" style, and it's really greasy, but pretty decent. It's something you should make yourself try anyways since your there! They also have their own brand of tequilla that you must buy a bottle of. This place is easy to find, just ask any local where the baby goat place is, and they'll point you in the right direction.
http://www.virtualtourist.com/trave...aurants-Monterrey-El_Rey_De_Cabrito-BR-1.html
http://p.vtourist.com/1922363-El_Rey_De_Cabrito-Monterrey.jpg

- Flea Market - There's a flea market (pretty filthy) down by the river thats always fun to go to. Lots of crap you'll never need, but is fun to watch all the people there and see what kind of crap people actually buy.

- Produce Market - They have a great produce/food market around downtown. You can buy all kinds of fresh fruit, fresh mexican food, and other delicacies at.

COUPLE OF THINGS:
A lot of people in Monterrey speak English (broken - but enough to communicate) so don't worry if you didn't pay close attention to Spanish class back in school. Just make sure you understand the equivellant of: Good morning/afternoon/even, Thank You, bathrooms, Sir / Ma'am, Hello, Sorry, etc. Politeness goes a long way in Mexico, it always seems like we get a lot more respect when we are polite, and try to make an effort to speak their language. Don't be afraid to point at things on menus either.

Don't bring a lot of big bills. Almost everywhere accepts the american dollar, but almost EVERYwhere gives you your change back in pesos. That's a losing propostion after while! Always carry smaller bills ($1, $5, $10) and use those to pay for stuff. Food prices are about the same there as they are here. Also, tipping will get you a long ways with people to. So lots of $1's are necessary.

Use common sense while there. There are some real shady places that you can find yourself in downtown Monterrey. Just listen to what your head says, if your walking somewhere or jsut turned onto an alley and that little voice in your head says "maybe I shouldn't be here, or this place looks rough" you'd probably do best to jsut turn around and leave the area. There's a lot of crime there, and you stand out like a sore thumb there. A lot of them will see you as a "rich american with lots of money".

That's all I can think of right now. But overall you'll have a great time there, and you'll have plenty to see and do!


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