Where to Stay in Monterrey (Best Places)

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Monterrey Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Monterrey

BEST FOR FIRST TIMERS

BEST FOR FIRST TIMERS

San Pedro Garza Garcia

This is Monterrey’s poshest neighbourhood, which is a major draw for business travellers. But It’s still reasonably budget-friendly by western standards, and offers visitors a safe spot to stay in, surrounded by great amenities.

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BEST FOR FAMILIES

BEST FOR FAMILIES

Valle Oriente

Valle Oriente is another upmarket neighbourhood, and it’s a nice quiet spot to stay in with sizeable apartments. For larger groups, it’s still a pretty affordable place to base yourself in.

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BEST FOR AUTHENTIC STAYS

BEST FOR AUTHENTIC STAYS

Barrio Antiguo

Barrio Antiguo is the authentic heart of Monterrey, with a ton of awesome colonial buildings along its cobbled streets, and some fantastic bars and restaurants nearby.

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BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET

BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET

Centro

Centro is the main activities hub in Monterrey, with lots going on around popular spots including the Macroplaza and Parque Fundidora. It’s also the most budget-friendly place to stay, with a good range of hostels and affordable guesthouses.

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Monterrey’s Four Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

When looking for an ideal place to stay, you’re looking at three things: safety (definitely important for Mexico), being close to the main attractions, and if like me you’re a fellow broke backpacker, cheap accommodation is also a priority whilst backpacking around Mexico.

Now Monterrey is a massive city, the type that takes around nine hours to walk from end-to-end (yes, I calculated that). Therefore you gotta be smart when picking a decent base here, and avoid being stuck in the barren barrios of the outskirts where locals will wonder what on earth some strange foreigner is doing on their turf.

Luckily for you, we have spent a fair bit of time here and narrowed down the hotspots to these four brilliant areas in the city where you can soak up good vibes and find some fun shit within moments of stepping outside.

So, let’s jump right into the action and find the best places for you guys to stay in.

1. San Pedro Garza Garcia – Best Place to Stay for First Time Visitors

Monterrey is often described as being an Americanised city. And to be honest, I get it. This is a giant city full of massive malls that wouldn’t feel out of place north of the border in the good old US of A. And in no neighbourhood is that “land of the free” energy more apparent than in San Pedro Garza Garcia, commonly shortened to just “San Pedro”.

Here you can find fantastic views of Monterrey’s surrounding mountains, as they love a good skyscraper full of upmarket apartments here, where you can stand over the skyline and get a real feel for just how imposing this city can be.

But there are budget options too. As you guys know, I like to make my pennies stretch to the max here. So I found some places that will allow you to settle in a nice part of town without busting your bank balance. And perhaps one of those will pique your interest.

• Best For: Luxury living, high-end restaurants, access to amenities, great views of the surroundings.
• The Vibe: You’ll certainly feel safe here, this is one of Latin America’s biggest business districts. Just don’t expect a ton of touristy stuff here.
• Proximity to Airport: It’s a 40+ minute Uber drive away. That’s your best option, otherwise there are private transport services running.
• Transport Level: Uber is your best bet for getting around. The Metrorrey (metro system) doesn’t quite reach San Pedro, and buses can be slow.
• Budget: High by local standards, but if you’re coming from a western country then you should still find Monterrey’s posh spots to be soft on the bank balance.
• Crowds: Moderate. You’ll see a lot of business people and shoppers, but it doesn’t tend to get overloaded with large crowds here.

Private Independent Apartment/Private Flat | Best Budget Airbnb

I like this quiet spot, which is tucked away in a sleepy part of San Pedro away from the giant skyscrapers dominating much of the area. It’s fully equipped so you can cook your own meals, and the bed can be converted to a double which makes this a sweet spot for both solo travellers and couples. It’s one of many incredible Monterrey Airbnbs you can consider staying in during your visit.

Private Room for Women Only | Best For Solo Female Travellers

Unfortunately, solo female travel comes with a few more challenges than travelling as a man. That’s why it’s great that this Airbnb gives the ladies a safe and comfortable spot to stay in. Whilst you have your own room, the apartment and bathroom are shared, and the host has a cat living here. If you’re a cat lover, great, but if you have allergies or are generally not a feline fan, then take this into account.

Things to See and Do in San Pedro Garza Garcia

1. Hike through Chipinque Ecological Park. Monterrey’s biggest wow factor is the surrounding mountains, and luckily for you, the entrance to Chipinque is right on the outskirts of San Pedro. I loved hiking through the trails here, whilst bike riding is another option.
2. Do a bit of luxury shopping at Paseo San Pedro. Since you’re in the wealthy part of town, you’re gonna find flashy malls over budget-friendly markets here. Even if you want to save your pennies, it’s fun to look around here for an hour or two and get a feel for how the other half live.
3. Check out Calzada 401. I’m not just gonna just list a bunch of high-end shopping malls here, but this one has several top-notch international restaurants to choose from, and you can even get stuck into oysters if you want a (literal) taste of the high life in San Pedro.
4. Tuck into posh cuisine at Mochomos. This is one of San Pedro’s top-rated restaurants, and you can see why when you get a taste of the exquisite steaks and top-notch seafood on offer here. One of our fave restaurants in the city, and worth popping into for an occasional treat.
5. Learn about the past at Museo Arqueológico Antiguos Mexicanos. This free-to-enter museum has a ton of artefacts from the past, and I found it pretty enjoyable learning all about what Mexico was like in the days of the Mayans and other historical civilisations.
6. Channel your inner Tiger Woods at Topgolf Monterrey. This fun driving range combines the traditional sport of golf with modern technology. You can practice your aim by hitting targets, with more points for reaching those a further distance away. Or not hitting them if you’re like me…

2. Valle Oriente – Best Place to Stay in Monterrey for Families

Tagged onto the corner of San Pedro is Valle Oriente, a much smaller neighbourhood which is also worth considering when looking for a good base when you’re travelling as a family. It’s even more “businessy” than San Pedro, but has a few decent properties which cater for larger groups, and don’t destroy the bank balance.

It’s a rapidly developing area, so you’ll find many brand new buildings around here. I won’t pretend this is the most action-packed part of the city, so don’t expect tons of things to do. I’m gonna save the best ’til last here amigos!

But if you want a comfortable spot and San Pedro doesn’t take your fancy, then Valle Oriente is the place to be. I recommend it if you just want somewhere safe and comfortable for you and the family.

• Best For: Comfort, quiet living and family travel.
• The Vibe: Upmarket but more tranquil than San Pedro. It has more of a leafy residential feel, mixed in with the high-end shops and restaurants.
• Proximity to Airport: It’s a 40-minute drive away, or 2+ hours hopping between multiple buses. It’s best to save yourself the pain here and just use Uber (which is very affordable in Monterrey).
• Transport Level: There’s no need for public transport as it takes 15 minutes to walk across the whole area. To get to Centro you’ll need 2+ buses taking an hour, so 15 minutes in Uber is your best bet.
• Budget: Similar to San Pedro really. It’s “cheap” by US or European standards, but “expensive” by Mexican standards.
• Crowds: In the residential areas it’s pretty quiet. Head to the trendy shops and restaurants however and things will liven up with a bit more of a buzz.

Comfort Inn Monterrey Valle | Best Luxury Hotel

Remember when I said Valle Oriente is best for families? Part of the reason is because the accommodations are a little pricier, although they aren’t too bad if you travel as a group. Comfort Inn offers a taste of high quality living with a luxurious pool, and a decent breakfast buffet which has several yummy options ranging from fruit and bread to hot foods and pastries, although I admit service is slow.

Loft R3, Valle Oriente | Best Airbnb

This is a wonderful spot if there’s a group of you heading to this Mexican mountainous metropolis. For 5 people it’s an absolute steal at $26 per person, although it’s admittedly not such a great pick for solo travellers. What do you get for the price? Well there’s an outdoor gym and swimming pool included. I found it clean, safe, and right by major shops and restaurants, so this Airbnb is an absolute winner.

Things to See and Do in Valle Oriente

1. Shop at Galerias Valle Oriente. This is arguably one of Monterrey’s best malls. Not only does it have a massive selection of shops and a food court with tons of local and international options, but there’s also a ton of entertainment here, including an aquarium. How awesome!
2. Go bowling at Alboa Fashion Drive. Take on your partner or your mates at the bowling, then hang around for a spot of billiards, and drink the night away at the bar here. It might not be the most authentically Mexican spot in town, but you can still have a blast.
3. Chill in Parque El Capitan. It’s got ducks, dog walkers love it, and you even have little climbing rocks you can clamber up if you fancy getting a little active round here. I love the chilled vibes.

3. Barrio Antiguo – Best Place to Stay in Monterrey for an Authentic Stay

Now I’m getting away from the flashy spots, and into the areas that feel a little more “Mexican”. Barrio Antiguo is not only cheaper than San Pedro and Valle Oriente, but it also has a more Spanish colonial vibe, as opposed to the ‘murican flavour of the previous two neighbourhoods.

It’s bohemian, it’s lively, it’s colourful, and it’s one of the most exciting parts of Monterrey to base yourself if you wish to get stuck right into the action.

Monterrey sometimes feels like it isn’t “real Mexico”, but you’ll feel like you’re bang in the middle of taco and tequila land if you base yourself here. In fact, it turned out to be one of the best places I stayed in Mexico and I’m sure most travellers would enjoy the vibe like I did here.

• Best For: Party animals, solo travellers, and anyone who wants to stay in a lively spot will love it here.
• The Vibe: It’s upbeat, it’s loud, it’s lively, and it’s certainly not a quiet spot here.
• Proximity to Airport: It’s a 30-minute Uber ride away, or a nearly 2-hour journey on the buses. You’d have to take the Ruta-AY bus from Terminal C, then a connection from central Monterrey.
• Transport Level: Pretty accessible. It’s a 5-minute walk from General I. Zaragoza metro station, it’s easily walkable, and Uber works too, although you don’t really need it unless heading elsewhere.
• Budget: Barrio Antiguo is much cheaper than the posh parts. A broke backpacker’s dream!
• Crowds: It does get pretty busy in all fairness. A lot of people come to enjoy the attractions during the day, and will turn to nightlife after dark.

Hoteles Antigua | Best Boutique Hotel

This sweet spot lives up to its “antique” name, with old-school decor to admire from the inside. It’s bang in the heart of Barrio Antiguo meaning it will take seconds to hit the nearest shops and restaurants when you leave. I love that level of convenience. It’s pretty clean here, and every time I had a question, the staff would reply very quickly. Trust me, that’s a rarity in this part of the world.

Don Johnny’s | Trendiest Hostel

When it comes to hostels, Monterrey opts for quality over quantity. There aren’t many here, but the ones that do exist are generally bangers. The facilities are simple, but the prices are right up Broke Backpacker street, with budget beds and space to enjoy a few beers with your newfound buddies. There’s air con and heating to suit the temperature to your needs, and the internet is some of the best in any Mexican hostel.

Barrio Inn Aldea | Best Private Room for Solo Travellers

Ever been travelling alone and decided you need a break from the madness of hostel hopping? We’ve all been there, and if that’s you right now then look no further than Barrio Inn Aldea. This guesthouse has small beds, but compensates with clean rooms, a safe space, a friendly host, and a sweet spot bang in the middle of Barrio Antiguo.

Things to See and Do in Barrio Antiguo

1. Walk along the cobbled streets. You can admire the awesome coloured buildings as you soak in the atmosphere of this quaint colonial neighbourhood. I gotta say, it’s a lovely little spot that takes you back in time.
2. Check out the Corridor of Art. Every Sunday, locals gather to showcase everything from intricate paintings to handmade jewellery and other crafts which you can get your hands on. One of the biggest downsides of backpacking is bag space. Otherwise I’d be taking half the market home!
3. Experience the magic of Callejon Dargon. This Harry Potter-themed cafe offers all sorts of treats from the wizarding world. You can tuck into a supersized Hagrid burger or a ketchup-covered Weasley pizza, whilst dressing up as your favourite Hogwarts characters.
4. Enjoy live music at Cafe Iguana. The “cafe” name is pretty misleading if I’m honest. This is a fast-food-place-turned-bar, which really comes into its own in the evening when bands will often play. You won’t find a good cuppa here, but you will have a quality night out.

4. Centro – Best Area in Monterrey on a Budget

If San Pedro and Valle Oriente are the posh parts of Monterrey, and Barrio Antiguo is the all-action lively corner of the city, then Centro is the cultural heart where I learned a ton about Monterrey at the many museums here.

Beyond that, you have the world’s fifth-biggest plaza (how’s that for a stat!), so you’ve got a lotta room to chill in, sample the culture, and soak up the city’s scenic surroundings from. It’s a great spot to just park yourself for a while and watch the world go by. I love it.

Then there’s the cathedral. Would this even be a Latin American city without a giant baroque-style cathedral planted bang in the city centre?? Y’know what, it’s cool to head inside and get a feel for what this place means to the locals. Latin America takes Christianity VERY seriously.

But you know why I really love Centro? This spot is cheap! It’s budget-backpacker friendly which makes this THE place to stay if you wanna watch the pennies in Mexico.

• Best For: Budget-conscious travellers and anyone looking to be close to the main points of interest.
• The Vibe: It’s busy and it’s bustling. Don’t expect too much peace and quiet around here. There’s a lot to see and do though, so you won’t get bored.
• Proximity to Airport: It’s 40 minutes by Uber, or 1 hour 40 minutes by public transport. Pick the latter option and you’ll have to take the Ruta-AY initially, and change at least once on route.
• Transport Level: It’s pretty well-connected being the centre. The Metrorrey runs through here, as do the buses. It can take a while to get around in heavy traffic though.
• Budget: Cheap and cheerful, just the way I like it!
• Crowds: Pretty busy. It’s not out of control, given that Monterrey is primarily more of a finance hub than a tourist spot, but Centro is as crowded as it gets.

Hotel Myst | Best Hotel

Hotel Myst offers a spot of 4-star quality, right in the heart of El Centro. Unfortunately for solo travellers, this hotel only offers value if you split costs with your partner or some mates, but if a few of you get together then this is great value for money. There’s a banging breakfast included, and it’s fun to sink a few beers at the bar in the evening. What’s not to love?

My Family In Monterrey – Hostel | Best Budget Hostel

Wanna save money, make new friends and end up in the liveliest part of the city? Well I’ve got a treat for you in the form of what I would say is Monterrey’s best hostel. Good Wi-Fi, good lockers, clean toilets? Tick, tick, tick. The staff are friendly, it’s clean here, and it even has privacy curtains. There isn’t anything I would say isn’t particularly good, although if I’m honest, this isn’t the best place to go for social vibes.

Hostal Arteaga Centro Monterrey | Best Budget Airbnb

A simple yet budget-friendly spot. If you want a private room at a low price, then there’s no better place to be. I won’t lie, it’s not exactly the Hilton here, and it does get kinda noisy, but it cannot be topped when you want to make your pesos squeeze a little further on activities and delicious food. Sometimes the bare basics are all you need.

Things to See and Do in Centro

1. Hang out in the Macroplaza. This monstrous open space has a ton of things going on. Musicians play along the paths, vendors sell crafts from small stalls, foodies can easily get their hands on decent snacks here. It’s so big you can spend a while hanging out here.
2. Take a boat ride along the Paseo Santa Lucia. This canal takes you between two of Centro’s top locations: the Macroplaza and Parque Fundidora. It costs $6.50 for a ticket, and is a pleasant experience on a sunny day.
3. Chill in Parque Fundidora. Monterrey’s most famous green space is home to great nature, museums, walking trails, food stands, arts centres, you name it, Fundidora probably has it. You can get lost here for hours, the sheer size of this place is a lot to take in.
4. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art of Monterrey (MARCO). The name says all you need to know. MARCO, as it’s known, is full of modern art exhibitions which you can admire in your own time. It’s closed on Mondays however, so be aware of that before turning up.
5. Check out the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame. Aside from seeing jerseys and other items related to the sport, you can even pick up a bat, and have a swing yourself here! It’s a fun interactive experience, and one that baseball fans will love.
6. Admire the impressive Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de Monterrey. The cathedral is almost as gargantuan as its full name, and blends both baroque and neoclassical architecture together. Even as a non-religious person, I can still admire the beauty of this place.
7. Explore the 3 Museos. The Museum of Mexican History offers exactly what it tells you, whilst the Museo del Noreste covers history of the country’s northeast. Museo del Palacio meanwhile focuses on the social history of Monterrey and nearby areas. Hours of entertainment for you culture buffs.
8. Tuck into cabrito al pastor at El Rey Del Cabrito. Cabrito al pastor (spit-roasted goat) is a delicacy in Monterrey, and it is THE dish to try in this city which has a different culture and food scene compared to the stereotypical taco, tequila and mariachi Mexico which you’ll find more down south.

FAQs about Where to Stay in Monterrey

If you’ve still got a few more burning questions ahead of your Monterrey trip, don’t worry. Because a little known fact about me is that I have a crystal ball on my person at all times… so I’ve preempted any questions you might have and answered then below!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Monterrey

You don’t wanna have an accident in the mountains, or otherwise fall ill in Monterrey and find yourself having to dig deep into your pockets. Get insurance guys, it’s vital!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Monterrey

It really depends on your vibe.

Want somewhere posh with access to great amenities? San Pedro Garza Garcia and Valle Oriente are the places for you. Walking under the shadows of the skyscrapers makes you feel as safe as you would in an East Asian financial metropolis such as Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, rather than the country of cartels.

Looking for cheap and close to the action? In that case, you want to stay in Centro or Barrio Antiguo. The posh spots can feel a little too Americanised, and these locations offer a little more Mexican spice.

Personally I’d choose the latter options. That’s because they’re far more suitable to budget travellers overall, and if you’re visiting Monterrey as a tourist, you want to see what this city has to offer, not just chill in upmarket malls and restaurants for a few days, as you can probably do that at home.

Business travellers, families and visitors with deeper pockets may be more interested in the more luxurious locations. But for you bargain-loving explorers out there, you’re gonna want to check out the highlights above all else.

If you’re here for hiking, mountains and nature trails, then it doesn’t really matter where you base yourself, but San Pedro Garza Garcia is slightly closer to some of the spots of interest (Chipinque), so this would be your best bet if you wanna shave a few minutes off your journey to the wilderness.

Buckle up cowboy, and enjoy the ride!