Exchange studies in Monterrey Spring Term 2012, location tips?

I'm constantly amazed at how rich Monterrey is in things to do and see for a city that's too often overlooked by travel writers who don't seem to have been there in the last 2-3 decades.

If you're into museums, there are several outstanding ones clustered together close to the Macroplaza in downtown. I especially recommend the MARCO museum if you've got any interest at all in contemporary modern art --- their special exhibits are often outstanding.

A few blocks away, next to the Paseo Santa Lucia, is the Museum of Mexican History. It's a comprehensive history museum that chronicles the story of Mexico from ancient meso-american civilizations, through the Spanish conquest, through the two revolutionary epochs, and into the industrial 20th century. I particularly like that there's a focus on events related to Northern Mexico, however....

Next door is a fantastic new regional history museum that focuses only on Northern Mexico. It's a fascinating place with exhibits that are often quite different than those found in other historical museums. (And if you like local history, you'll want to see the exhibits inside the old Palacio Gobierno and the Museo Metropolitano, next door to the Howard Johnson).

Parque Fundidora is a great place to go for recreation. I like to rent a bike and ride around the formula-1 racetrack they built there, though there's also activities for the kids, concert and event venues, an arts cinema house, and a portrait gallery. (Not to mention Parque Plaza Sesamo if you dig water slides and roller coasters).

For dining, there are some fabulous restaurants in the Barrio Antiguo (which is usually known for its sizzling night life). For Italian food, Iannilli's (directly behind the MARCO museum) is outstanding. There are several other very good restaurants along Dr.Coss. It's also easy to find great restaurants in San Pedro and Garza Garcia. I like fresh micro-brewed beer, so I make it point to visit the Sierra Madre Brewing Company at least once or ten times every visit. I prefer the original location on Vasconcelos in Garza Garcia, but they've got like 5 locations now, including one next to the Gallerias mall. For an authentic taste of Monterrey, visit the original El Rey del Cabrito on Constitucion near the Barrio Antiguo --- the place does a pretty good roast kid goat, but the tacky atmosphere is just delightfully fun.

Tec de Monterrey is a great university

Ok so you have Cola de Caballo which is a waterfall and quite pretty. you can make a bbq there (but perhaps wait until warmer weather!)

Paseo de Santa Lucia - little artifical river where you can ride on a boat, is near the fundidora park and museums

Obispado - Theres a museum there and a viewpoint across the whole city

Cervecería Cuauhtemoc - beer factory, they tell you the brands they make, how they make it, and you can try a beer

Government palace - Its quite nice!

Macroplaza- its a big plaza

To be honest Mty isn't the worlds best tourist destination...but its a nice enough city and there are less problems than people would have you believe

San Pedro has some good (expensive) restaurants, but i think if you wnat a local feel then you're better off trying the small places near your university

If you try to travel during the weekends, look in advance for flights by interjet/viva aerobus, or for bus tickets (not too expensive and very comfortable). Try not to be at bus station very late though,there are apparently some problems.

Day trips out of MTY - you could visit saltillo by bus (capital of next state). Maybe stay in the mountain cabins, visit the desert museums

Ify ou want to try something very different - about 40 mins or so drive from MTY (i believe is called Hidalgo?) there is a place with a traditional "sweatbox". They fill it with volcanic rocks, herbs and water and you sit in pitch black, sweat out all your toxins and kind of meditate. Its definitely an experience (and can be bilingual). if you want more info about that or anything else message me as i dont have the info to hand right now!