Things To Do
Activities
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Paseo Santa Lucía + Fundidora Park + Steel Museum Horno³
Description: A unique route starting with the colorful murals of the man-made Paseo Santa Lucía canal, leading directly into Fundidora Park, a former steel complex transformed into a cultural and recreational hub. Inside the park, the Horno³ Steel Museum offers an interactive journey through Monterrey’s industrial history, with incredible city views from the top of the old blast furnace.
Type of experience: Cultural, recreational, and photogenic.
How a local would describe it: “It shows you the industrial heart of Monterrey: you stroll or take a boat, see history and art, and end up with a spectacular view of the giant furnace.”
Estimated visiting time: 3–4 hours (half-day).
Google Maps: Paseo Santa Lucía | Fundidora Park | Horno³ Museum (15-25 min drive from Arboleda / JW Marriott)
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Chipinque / Ecological Park
Description: A natural park in the Sierra Madre Oriental with scenic viewpoints, trails, and fresh mountain air. It’s one of the best spots to go for a hike and take in panoramic views of Monterrey.
Type of experience: Work-out / hike, nature and panoramic views.
How a local would describe it: “It’s where we go for a hike, breathe fresh air and see the whole city from above.”
Estimated visiting time: 2–3 hours.
Google Maps: Chipinque (10 min Uber from Arboleda / JW Marriott)
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Stroll along Calzada del Valle
Description: Tree-lined avenues with wide pedestrian paths, perfect for walking or jogging. Along the way, you’ll find cafes, bakeries, and boutique shops for a coffee break or light shopping.
Type of experience: Leisurely stroll and light gastronomy.
How a local would describe it: “It’s the heart of San Pedro; it’s the Katy Trail of Dallas where you can walk, grab coffee, see and be seen.”
Estimated visiting time: 1–2 hours.
Google Maps: Calzada del Valle (5 min walk from Arboleda / JW Marriott)
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Museum of the Northeast (MUNE)
Description: A modern museum showcasing the history, traditions, and culture of Northern Mexico through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.
Type of experience: Cultural and historical.
How a local would describe it: “It’s where you really understand who we are in the north—our history, customs, and pride.”
Estimated visiting time: 1–1.5 hours.
Google Maps: Museum of the Northeast (15-25 min drive from Arboleda / JW Marriott)
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Villa de Santiago
Description: A picturesque “Pueblo Mágico” (Magical Town) about 40 minutes from Monterrey, with cobblestone streets, a charming central square, and great local food markets.
Type of experience: Cultural and small-town charm.
How a local would describe it: “It’s the perfect weekend escape—eat at the market, walk around the plaza, and enjoy the mountain scenery.”
Estimated visiting time: 3–4 hours (half-day).
Note: This is farther from the city, so we don’t recommend it as a Saturday activity before the wedding.
Google Maps: Villa de Santiago (45-75 min drive from Arboleda / JW Marriott)
Breakfast / Brunch in San Pedro
Description: Trendy café with a beautiful patio and a menu full of elevated breakfast classics — it offers great, trendy tacos, chilaquiles, fluffy pancakes and avocado toast all with a Mexican twist.
Distance from Arboleda / JW Marriott: ~5-7 min drive.
Casa Bonell (Tampiquito)
“It’s where you go when you want a pretty brunch photo and really good food.”
Tacos Tony
“We’ve all had a Tony’s taco at some point — it’s basic, greasy and exactly what you need in the morning.”
Description: Cristina’s favorite barbacoa taco stand — think barbacoa and that’s it, flour or corn. A true local experience.
Distance from Arboleda / JW Marriott: ~8 min drive.
Tacos Gil
“Gil’s is where the line moves fast and the tacos disappear even faster.”
Description: Taco stand serving a whole variety of taco choices - the typical Monterrey breakfast tacos guisados. Small, simple, and always busy.
Distance from Arboleda / JW Marriott: ~2 min walk.
Café Laurel
“It’s the kind of place where you order a latte and end up staying for another round.”
Description: Bright, plant-filled restaurant serving specialty coffee and fresh breakfast plates. Great boutique and chic brunch place.
Distance from Arboleda / JW Marriott: ~0 min walk (inside the plaza).
Querida Adela
“It’s where you go when you want a pretty brunch photo and really good food.”
Description: Trendy café with a beautiful patio and a menu full of elevated breakfast classics — it offers great, trendy tacos, chilaquiles, fluffy pancakes and avocado toast all with a Mexican twist.
Distance from Arboleda / JW Marriott: ~5-7 min drive.
Description: Fun, casual spot completely dedicated to chilaquiles — you choose the sauce, protein, and toppings. Perfect for a hearty start to the day.
Distance from Arboleda / JW Marriott: ~5-7 min drive.
Frida Chilaquiles
“This is our hangover cure — endless chilaquiles combos and no one judges you if you order extra cheese.”
Lunch & Dinner in San Pedro
La Nacional
“It’s the go-to place when you want to impress out-of-town friends with real Monterrey flavor.”
Description: One of Monterrey’s most famous restaurants, known for its perfectly grilled meats, hearty sides, and regional classics served in a modern setting.
Distance from Arboleda / JW Marriott: ~2 min drive.
Gallo 71
“It’s where you go when you want to dress up, eat well, and probably run into someone you know.”
Description: Elegant yet lively, Gallo 71 serves prime steaks, fresh seafood, and creative cocktails in a stylish space.
Distance from Arboleda / JW Marriott: ~5 min drive.
Description: A trendy spot blending international flavors with a modern Mexican touch, perfect for sharing plates and sipping cocktails.
Distance from Arboleda / JW Marriott: ~4 min drive.
La Colonia
“It’s a great, trendy restaurant with all dishes, just inside the San Pedro neighborhood. Try to get a seat at the patio”
Colmillo
“It’s dinner and a scene — people come here to eat, but also to be seen.”
Description: A high-energy restaurant serving upscale street food — think tacos, sushi rolls, and steak — with a glamorous, dimly lit atmosphere.
Distance from Arboleda / JW Marriott: ~0 min walk (inside the plaza).
La Madalena
“It’s where you go for dinner that you know will turn into a good night — loud, fun, and full of energy.”
Description: A lively spot with bold decor, Mediterranean-Mexican fusion dishes, and a large screen and great vibe that lasts well into the night.
Distance from Arboleda / JW Marriott: ~2-3 min drive.
Casagrande
“It’s where our parents have been going for Friday dinners for years — a true San Pedro tradition.”
Description: A classic Mexican restaurant that has been a staple for decades, famous for its large menu and old-school hospitality.
Distance from Arboleda / JW Marriott: ~6 min drive.
Description: A high-energy restaurant serving upscale street food — think tacos, sushi rolls, and steak — with a glamorous, dimly lit atmosphere.
Distance from Arboleda / JW Marriott: ~0 min walk (inside the plaza)
Pangea
“It’s Monterrey’s most famous fine dining.”
Señora Tanaka
“It’s sushi night, but make it sexy.”
Description: Japanese-Peruvian fusion with a glamorous edge — sushi, tiraditos, and cocktails in a stylish setting with a great patio.
Distance from Arboleda / JW Marriott: ~0 min walk (inside the plaza
El Muelle de al Lado
It’s where we go for lunch with family on the weekends.”
Description: Fresh seafood with a coastal Mexican flair — think tostadas, ceviches, and grilled fish in a relaxed setting.
Distance from Arboleda / JW Marriott: ~5 min drive.