Monterrey IPA: [ˌmontɛˈrei] (Spanish: Monterrey (help·info)) is the capital city of the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo León and a municipality of the same name. Also known as the "City of the Mountains" and "Sultana del Norte" (Sultan of the North), the city is a modern industrial and business center. It has a population of 1.1 million, but the metropolitan area has a total population of 3.8 million, making it the third most populated in the country. The metropolitan area has the highest GDP per capita of all metropolitan areas in Mexico ^[1] . The whole metropolitan area has been ranked as having the highest GDP per capita and is the most secure conurbation in Latin America in 2005^[2] The city is named after the Countess of Monterrei (a city in Galicia, Spain) wife of the Viceroy of New Spain Gaspar de Zúñiga y Acevedo, Count of Monterrey.

As Monterrey is a Mexican cultural center with a great deal of capital, the city is home to several very good museums.  The Museum of Mexican History is located at 445 Dr. Coss Sur Centro and chronicles the history of the country from Pre-Columbian times to the present.  It is located on the exact spot where the city was founded in the 16th Century, near a natural spring.  Its grounds are very scenic and are often used by residents for picnics by the river.  The museum is home to a vast video and film library, historical archives, an auditorium and both permanent and traveling exhibits.  Guided tours are also available.  The museum is free on Tuesdays, $12 during the rest of the week.  See the the museum's website (in Spanish) for hours of operation and directions.

Another of Monterrey's museums is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MARCO) which at fifteen years old is the largest of its kind in Latin America.  The museum is located in a 30,000-square foot building, half of which is used for exhibits.  The other half houses its auditorium, shop, and cafeteria.  The museum has a large permanent collection and also hosts frequent visiting exhibits.  The museum is located at Zuazua and Ocampo streets and is free on Wednesdays.  See the museum's website (in Spanish) for more information.

Museo del Vidrio, Monterrey

This museum outlines the history of glass and the glass industry, featuring some beautiful examples of 20th-century glass art.

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Monterrey is Mexico's third largest city and one of its richest.  It attracts visitors and business people from all over the world and thus has an international flair not seen in many Mexican cities.  As a result, Monterrey has a vibrant night life scene with many nightclubs and bars which stay open into the early hours of the morning. 

Monterrey's Bario Antiguo, or "Old Neighborhood" is full of clubs and bars and is at the center of the city's nightlife.  The clubs here are concentrated along two main streets and offer everything from dancing, to live music, to quiet cafés and jazz clubs.  Most, but not all, nightclubs have a strict dress code and will not allow in people wearing jeans.  Most taxi drivers and hotels should be able to direct you to the area and give you tips on which clubs offer what.

La Pinacoteca del Estado, Monterrey

This important art museum houses the entire artistic heritage of the state of Nuevo Leon in Northern Mexico.

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