Gran Plaza o Macroplaza, Monterrey

We truly enjoyed walking through the Macroplaza in Monterrey. It actually appears to be a series of small plazas that run for several blocks, with cross sreets running under the green plazas above. Portions are cement with statues of Mexican heroes, while other segments are green parks with flowers and trees. The historical and the modern are seen side by side (for example, the Cathedral and the Commerce Beacon at the southern end of the plaza). You will find many photo ops, with all the fountains and statues. Our favorite shots were the fountain of Neptune, a weekend balloon vendor, the Cathedral,and the modernistic Palace of Justice. Don't forget a picture of a palm tree or banana plant, if you're like us and from an area that has none of those. Pictures of contrasting architectural styles are great, but a close-up of just a colonial style window with the wrought-iron railing makes a cool shot. Best of all, was that we felt totally safe walking through the plaza even late at night! There are many nearby hotels: we chose the El Paso Autel because of the reasonable price, and because it had free interior parking, and a pool. Nearly everything is within walking distance. The Zona Rosa--a nice shopping area closed off to traffic--is right off the Macroplaza. And if you want to go farther (say, to the big Alameda park or north to the bus station area) try the subway. There's a Metro station right in the Macroplaza/Zona Rosa area.