Ana’s Monterrey Guide
Brunch spots 🍳
Ana’s go-to order: chilaquiles verdes CON TODO. - Cafe Laurel (walking distance from both hotels) - Casa Benell (walking distance from AC Hotel) - Rosta (walking distance from JW Marriott) - Compostela (in Santiago, about a 40 min drive but worth it. A more traditional Mexican town with a beautiful central plaza. Order: Don Catarino)
Lunch & Dinner 🥩
Most of these are worth making a reservation. - Jabalina (walking distance from AC Hotel, Michelin Guide) - Vernaculo (walking distance from AC Hotel, Michelin Guide) - La Nacional (a Monterrey staple, short Uber ride from either hotel, and 100% worth it) - El Gaucho (walking distance from JW Marriott) - Libertad (walking distance from JW Marriott) - Colmillo (walking distance from JW Marriott) - Pangea (Monterrey staple, Michelin star)
Tacos (very important!!!) 🌮
- Tacos Orinoco (short Uber ride from either hotel. Ana’s order: taco suelto de trompo, res y chicharrón. Also try tacos especiales in flour tortillas, very typical of northern Mexico) - Atarantados (walking distance from AC Hotel) - Tacos Domingo - Tacos El Primo (for a more “rougher,” more authentic experience)
Coffee & Pastries ☕
Ana mostly drinks water 😅 but from trusted coffee lovers: - Kali Coffee Roasters (walking distance from both hotels) - Bread Panaderos (great coffee, even better pastries, walking distance from both hotels) - Cafe Limon (right by Ana’s alma mater, Tec de Monterrey)
Healthy Options 🌿
- Ommani (walking distance from AC Hotel) - Nectaworks+ (walking distance from JW Marriott) - Tierra (walking distance from JW Marriott)
Hiking
If you’re looking for something easy and very safe, we recommend Chipinque. The Pinal trail is a great option. Some of the most popular hikes: La M Nido de los Aguiluchos Las Antenas (shorter and easier option) For any of these hikes, we recommend going with a guide. Viator has some great options, like this one: https://www.viator.com/es-ES/tours/Monterrey/Via-Ferrata-Climbing-Ziplining-and-Abseiling-in-Monterrey/d5504-265361P4 Feel free to text Ana if you have any questions or need guidance!
Explore Santiago
About 40 minutes outside the city, Santiago is a charming, traditional Mexican town with a central plaza, colorful streets, and a slower pace. Perfect for a half-day trip.
Within the City
- El Obispado Lookout: a great spot for a scenic walk with stunning 360° views of the city, including the iconic Cerro de la Silla and the Sierra Madre mountains. - Fundidora Park: a massive, beautifully restored industrial park with walking paths, museums, and open spaces - Santa Lucía Riverwalk: you can take a small boat from Fundidora all the way to Macroplaza - Macroplaza: one of the largest plazas in the world, surrounded by landmarks and museums - Morelos Street: a lively pedestrian street with shops, cafes, and local energy
San Pedro de Pinta (Sunday only)
Location: Calzada del Valle / Calzada San Pedro If you’re in town on Sunday, don’t miss this. San Pedro de Pinta is a weekly event where a main avenue is closed to cars and turns into a long, lively pedestrian space. People go out to walk, run, bike, grab coffee, listen to music, and just enjoy the city. A great way to see locals just doing life.
Running & Walking
- Calzada del Valle (San Pedro) - Bosques del Valle (San Pedro) Both are beautiful, safe areas perfect for an easy run or walk.
