City in Nuevo León, Mexico
Monterrey for solo travelers
Is Monterrey good for solo travel?
Mexico's industrial and business hub, with the best air-conditioned malls, steaks, museums and mountains, but few backpackers. Hot summers, heavy car culture and polluted air are the trade-offs.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 3/5 · Good, with some effort |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Common in tourist areas |
| Safety | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Solo women | Solo women travel for work and leisure. Catcalling is less common than elsewhere; use app rides at night and keep drinks in sight. |
How to meet people in Monterrey
Museums and parks in the centre, Meetup tech and language exchanges, run clubs in Parque Fundidora, and nightlife around Barrio Antiguo and San Pedro.
Good things to do alone
- Rent a bike in Parque Fundidora
- Hike the Chipinque ridge or Cola de Caballo
- Eat cabrito and carne asada at a local parrilla
- Visit MARCO and the Museo del Noreste
- Ride the cable car at Parque La Pastora
Where to stay in Monterrey
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| San Pedro Garza García (Valle and Fashion Drive) | Upscale, safest, expensive; best for business trips and nomads |
| Centro and Barrio Antiguo | Nightlife, museums and cheaper stays near the Macroplaza |
| Cumbres and Contry | Residential areas with long-stay apartments and malls |
| Valle Oriente | Offices, malls, cafés and hotels near San Pedro |
Solo travel across Mexico
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| San Cristóbal de las Casas | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Guanajuato | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Mazunte | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Tulum | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Playa del Carmen | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Puerto Vallarta | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Oaxaca | 4/5 | Limited |
| Guadalajara | 4/5 | Limited |
| Mérida | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| San Miguel de Allende | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Puerto Escondido | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Cozumel | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Isla Mujeres | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Sayulita | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Holbox | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Bacalar | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Mazatlán | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Valladolid | 4/5 | Limited |
| La Paz | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Puebla | 4/5 | Limited |
| Querétaro | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Puerto Morelos | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Todos Santos | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Ajijic | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Cancún | 3/5 | Widely spoken |
| Cabo San Lucas | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Monterrey | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Tijuana | 3/5 | Widely spoken |
| Acapulco | 2/5 | Limited |
Quick answers
Is Monterrey good for solo travelers?
Good, with some effort (3/5). Mexico's industrial and business hub, with the best air-conditioned malls, steaks, museums and mountains, but few backpackers.
How do you meet people in Monterrey?
Museums and parks in the centre, Meetup tech and language exchanges, run clubs in Parque Fundidora, and nightlife around Barrio Antiguo and San Pedro. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Monterrey?
Common in tourist areas.
Is Monterrey safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel for work and leisure. Catcalling is less common than elsewhere; use app rides at night and keep drinks in sight.
More about Monterrey
Going to Monterrey solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Monterrey meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.