Barrio Antiguo, Monterrey

Barrio Antiguo is full of nightclubs, live music, bars... it's a great place to see and be seen, if that's your thing. It's also a great place to listen to local bands and performers.

Dress Code: Dress respectably, especially if you're traveling... and don't drink too much. That's my fatherly advice.

Eh, it's a nightclub... loud music, expensive drinks... the only benefit I found was good company when I was there: fellow students. It's not a bad place and wasn't as packed as some of the nightclubs in town. Lots of dancing.

Dress Code: As always, dress respectably.

This is the earliest part of the city- narrow cobble stone streets, fancy wrought iron street lights, etc. Throughout this area there is a smattering of restaurants, antique shops, bars, discos, and so forth. The atmoshpere is quiet by day, more alive by night. Sort of like the New Orleans French Quarter, just toned down several notches.

Most of Monterrey´s nightlife can be found is the Barrio Antiguo, or the Zona Rosa. There are lots of taxis, music, dancing, alcohol and so on in these areas.

Dress Code: Some of the nightclubs require certain types of dress and grooming. I couldn´t get into one because my hair is long, and I have a goatee. I understand that they have reasons and so on, so it doesn´t bother me, so just screw ´em, and find another place.

They keep a lot of people outside the doors to some of these clubs just to make it look like the place is really busy. They will then select a few people out of the crowd every so often to enter.

Many places have cover, some do not, and some offer two for one specials and free entrance if you present a card that you can get from promoters on the street. The style of promotion can range from a guy on the street to a group of clowns driving around in a covertable handing out passes.

I went to Barrio Antiguo on a Friday. GOOD TIMES! It is an area full of clubs and bars to hang out at night. It seem to have a little something for everyone. I noticed there were bars with live music, clubs playing electronic dance music, Mexican grupero music, rock en Espanol and some other sounds I couldn't make out. Also the area has beautiful architecture and stone side walks and streets. Ladies, Small Heels! I don't want to imagine what would happen if a heel got caught one of those groves. OUCH.

Barrio Antiguo -- notable spots are Bar Rio Antiguo, Reloj, Café Iguana, among others.
Urban renewal of Monterrey's colonial sector -- filled with over 30 different clubs, and many more restaurants, bars and cafés.

Dress Code: business casual

In the Barrio Antiguo you will find a lot of different bars. I especially liked the 'Café Iguana' which plays alternative music and is free on fridays.