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Home / Travel Safety

Is Monterrey safe? Safety Tips

Travel Safety Last Updated · Sep 1st, 2023 · Daniel James

monterrey mexico safety

Were you wondering: is Monterrey safe to travel to or not?

You’ll be pleased to know that the vibrant city of Monterrey has a lot to offer to travelers who are interested in history, art and culture.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, want to spend time in nature, or just want to have a more luxurious travel experience while in Mexico.

It’s true that Monterrey allows for year-round tourism and you can experience the culture and cuisine with no holds barred.

Is Monterrey safe to visit? That’s the question we’ll be exploring today!

What's in this guide?

  • Is Monterrey Safe?
    • Is It Safe to Travel to Monterrey?
    • Safety Facts about Monterrey
    • Is Monterrey Safe to Travel Alone?
    • Backpacking Monterrey Safety
  • Monterrey: Travel Safety Tips
    • Traveling Around Monterrey by Bus
    • Got Travel Insurance for Monterrey?
    • Best time to visit Monterrey
  • Safety in Monterrey: Final Words

Is Monterrey Safe?

It’s important to have a clear idea of safety in Monterrey before you visit so you know what to expect and have the best possible trip.

Is It Safe to Travel to Monterrey?

The quick answer is yes!

monterrey mexico

Generally, Monterrey is a safe city to visit. However, you have to keep in mind there are many dangerous areas to avoid.

Taking proper precautions is always essential, no matter where you go. So, you have to do your research and plan your trip to Monterrey well.

Safety in Monterrey is quite mid. The level of crime is moderate and you’ll find virtually the same risks as in any other city.

That’s why it’s so important to follow some travel safety tips, so don’t worry, I will share some useful tips with you later on in this guide.

Safety Facts about Monterrey

Safety in Monterrey is very important to consider when planning a trip to this ultramodern Mexican city.

sanitago nueva leon mexico safe
Why not do a daytrip to Santiago?

I’ve already mentioned crime level is moderate. Some of the highest risks are armed robbery, corruption, and bribery.

However, it’s important to understand you can avoid these risks. Most of the higher-risk situations don not affect the average tourist you see.

The main thing you need to do is do your research (more than just this page) and make sure you avoid dangerous areas.

So, plan your trip carefully, (including where to stay), and you should be able to have fun while exploring the wonders of this exciting city.

Is Monterrey Safe to Travel Alone?

Yes, just make sure you do your due diligence.

Though Monterrey is not without crime, it is safe to travel on your own as long as you stick to tourist areas.

church monterrey mexico

Of course, traveling alone is a lot riskier in nature than traveling with companions or as part of a group. That means you have to be more vigilant and more careful about the choices you make.

If you can avoid going alone, that would be best, but you can travel on your own as long as you become as familiar as possible with the areas you’ll be visiting and take precautions.

Backpacking Monterrey Safety

If you love backpacking and want to pass through here, you may be wondering if Monterrey is safe for backpackers, and the answer is yes.

monterrey mexico at night
Monterrey nightlife

As you will already know, backpacking is never without its risks, but you can have a safe trip if you take proper precautions.

As long as you practice common sense, there’s no reason why you can’t have a wonderful time exploring Monterrey as a backpacker.

Unlike places such as Tulum or Oaxaca, Monterrey is one of those cities that not many people choose to visit, so it’s a little off the beaten path.

However, it’s one of the largest cities in Mexico, which means it has a ton to offer. As long as you encounter a trusted local you’ll be fine.

Obviously, rough neighborhoods must be avoided and you need to take good care of your belongings.

Places to avoid in Monterrey:

  • Santa Catarina
  • Solidaridad
  • Escobedo
  • Independencia

These are less developed areas on the edges of the city that you’d not want to find yourself in without good reason or without a local guide.

Investing in an anti-theft backpack is a great idea, and so is following basic travel safety tips, which I will, of course, provide for you below.

Overall, as long as you plan your trip well, backpacking Monterrey will be not just safe, but an enjoyable addition to any Mexico itinerary.

Safety in Monterrey is key when you’re traveling as a backpacker, but you’ll have a lot of fun exploring the natural attractions, hikes, parks, neighborhoods, and other tourist attractions that are worth your time.

Monterrey: Travel Safety Tips

Following basic travel safety tips will help you have a relaxed time.

⤵️ Here are some useful tips to help you on your journey:

  • Safety in Monterrey is all about practicing common sense and doing your due diligence when planning your route.
  • Leave your valuables at home. Such as jewelry, expensive clothing, and other items you won’t actually need.
  • Use trusted and accredited hostels if you’ll be backpacking. Once you’ve booked your stay, plug into local knowledge from the staff.
  • Whatever valuables you do bring with you need to stay in sight and secure on your person at all times.
  • If you do want to carry expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on you in person. A PacSafe backpack works well for this.
  • Don’t flaunt your valuables, especially not in crowded or open places.
  • Avoid dangerous areas or neighborhoods.
  • While planning you travel to Monterrey, focus your trip on tourist areas or places that are within close range of safe areas.
  • If you know where you want to go, plan your local travel carefully. Know your bus routes and order official taxis, don’t hail them.
  • Be friendly but be wary of people’s intentions. Don’t disclose much about yourself.
  • When enjoying the nightlife, keep an eye on your drinks and don’t accept gifts from strangers.
  • Explore places where there are other people around. A simple rule: if there are families around, you’re more than likley in a safe place.
  • Keep your important documents safe, such as passports and cards.
  • When using the ATM, go for the ones indoors and be vigilant.

If you follow these tips, you will have greater peace of mind and enjoy your time in this wonderful city. Monterrey is one of Mexico’s gems and you should explore it at least once!

Traveling Around Monterrey by Bus

Traveling around Monterrey by bus is a great way to get to know the city without spending much money.

is monterrey safe

Bus travel in Mexico is quite safe, but it’s important to take precautions.

When you’re traveling Monterrey by bus, make sure you keep your belongings secure and your carry-on close.

Don’t keep anything valuable or important in your luggage.

You’ll want to do your research beforehand to know what routes will work best for you. Book tickets in advance whenever possible for overnight buses or interstate buses.

Also, make sure you always get there early because if you miss the bus, you won’t be refunded. This is particularly important when your travel in executive or first class.

Got Travel Insurance for Monterrey?

travel insurance
🔒 World Nomads provides Travel Insurance

Designed by travelers, for travelers, World Nomads covers more than 150 adventure sports and activities so you can explore your boundaries.

Best time to visit Monterrey

Monterrey is dry most of the year, aside from a brief wet season. The dry season runs from November until May.

Daily average temperatures range from between 65-79°F, with highs of 91°F and lows of 50°F. Rainfall ranges from between 0.5-1.5 inches within each month. The wet season runs from June to September.

Average daily temperatures hover between 78-82°F, with highs of up to 94°F and lows of down to 70°F. Rainfall ranges from 2-4 inches throughout each of these months.

Safety in Monterrey: Final Words

Yes, there are certain risks when traveling to Monterrey, however, you can avoid them by following precautions and exercising common sense.

The better you plan your trip, the smoother it will be.

Take your time researching the spots you’d like to visit, plan a route, and avoid dangerous areas or neighborhoods.

Monterrey is often overlooked by travelers, but it shouldn’t be! It’s a beautiful place full of adventure.

See this guide to safe places in Mexico for more travel inspiration.

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Have you got any tips about traveling to Monterrey we can learn from?
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Filed Under: Travel Safety Tagged With: Mexico

Daniel James

Helping thousands of people worldwide with independent travel in Latin America. Layer Culture means to dig deeper into the ideas, customs, and behaviour of a group of people. You can Read All About Dan if you're interested in learning more.

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After spending years on the road Dan is now offering to help you find your feet in Latin America; inspire you to learn Spanish and get you started on your adventures. Learn how to travel longer and stronger!

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Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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