Paseo Santa Lucia, Monterrey, Mexico.

© GabrielBahena/Shutterstock

Paseo Santa Lucía

Top choice in Monterrey


The stunning 2.3km promenade of Paseo Santa Lucía is a world-class example of urban regeneration. This (artificial) river forms a turquoise ribbon through the heart of industrial Monterrey. Take a stroll down this delightful leafy pathway, or hop in one of the regular river boats (adult/child return M$70/40; 10am to 9pm). The landscaping is amazing, with lighting illuminating the water at night plus the 24 striking bridges and 13 fountains spanning the river.

There's 24-hour security, a few bars and restaurants at its western end and the whole promenade has free public wi-fi. Boats leave from a dock on Plaza 400 Años.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Monterrey attractions

1. Museo de Historia Mexicana

0.02 MILES

This sleek modernist museum on the Plaza 400 Años presents an extensive but easily manageable chronological history of Mexico. In the heart of the museum…

2. Plaza 400 Años

0.04 MILES

This plaza, graced with fountains and pools, forms an impressive approach to the sleek, modernist Museo de Historia Mexicana and the Museo del Noreste. It…

3. Museo del Noreste

0.05 MILES

Technically this is a separate institution from the Museo de Historia Mexicana, but, practically speaking, it's galleries on the culture and history of…

4. Explanada de los Héroes

0.15 MILES

Explanada de los Héroes has statues of Mexican national heroes in each corner. It's the most formal and traditional of the spaces in the Macroplaza and…

5. Palacio de Gobierno

0.15 MILES

Inaugurated in 1908, the stunning neoclassical Palacio de Gobernio is the longtime seat of state politics. Located on the Macroplaza, It's also home to…

6. Museo del Palacio

0.15 MILES

Sister to the Museo de Historia Mexicana and Museo del Noreste, this small museum in the Palacio de Gobierno focuses on the history of the state of Nuevo…

7. Biblioteca Central

0.16 MILES

Monterrey's modernist central library is an architectural landmark along the Macroplaza, bringing to mind a reimagined Roman stadium. It hosts lectures…

8. Antiguo Palacio Federal

0.18 MILES

Overlooking little Plaza Cinco de Mayo is the grand facade of the 1928 Antiguo Palacio Federal, an art deco beauty that was once the tallest building in…