Things to do in Veracruz

Activities, attractions and tours

Veracruz featuring night scenes and heritage elements
Veracruz featuring night scenes and heritage elements
Veracruz featuring a square or plaza
Veracruz
Veracruz
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Top places to visit

1. Veracruz Harbour

Veracruz Harbor (Puerto de Veracruz) is a working harbor and the location of several significant city landmarks. On the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz Harbor was a trading center during the Spanish rule of Mexico. Explore an imposing castle, built to store treasures and ward off pirate attacks. Witness modern-day maritime activities while strolling along the waterfront promenade.
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Veracruz Harbour which includes a square or plaza, a sunset and a bay or harbor

2. Veracruz Aquarium

Visit the Veracruz Aquarium (Acuarió de Veracruz) for fascinating insight into life beneath the world’s oceans. Walk between tanks and through glass tunnels, discovering marine life from the Gulf of Mexico and much farther afield. Stand face-to-face with colorful aquatic creatures and deadly underwater predators, watch acrobatic displays and attend educational programs.
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Veracruz Aquarium which includes marine life and interior views

3. Veracruz Cathedral

Veracruz Cathedral, officially known as Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, is a striking landmark set on the edge of Veracruz’s liveliest square. Marvel at the neoclassical, whitewashed façade and head inside to explore an interesting assortment of religious artwork.
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Veracruz Cathedral which includes heritage elements and a square or plaza as well as a small group of people

4. San Juan de Ulua Castle

Listen to stories about colonial riches, maritime expeditions and tumultuous battles at San Juan de Ulúa Castle. This imposing castle sits on an island that shares the same name, where it has operated as a fortress, gold storehouse, prison and royal palace throughout its almost 500-year history. Visit San Juan de Ulua Castle to wander around its battlements, across bridges and along corridors. Browse displays of colonial and pre-Hispanic artifacts at the castle museum.
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San Juan de Ulua Castle showing heritage elements and a lake or waterhole

5. Carranza Lighthouse

Rising above the Gran Plaza Malecón is the striking Carranza Lighthouse (Faro Venustiano Carranza), a whitewashed monument dating back to 1902. Learn about the history of the structure, bring a camera to take pictures of the port and begin a walk along Veracruz’s waterfront promenade from here.
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Carranza Lighthouse which includes a city, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

What to do in Veracruz

Popular places to visit

Veracruz Harbour featuring a sunset, a square or plaza and a city

Veracruz Harbour

Watch the busy maritime activity, admire grand architectural structures and visit a 16th-century Spanish colonial fortress at this historic port.

Veracruz Harbour
Veracruz Aquarium which includes marine life and interior views

Veracruz Aquarium

Spot exotic fish, dive with sharks, swim with dolphins and get up-close with tropical birds at this superb aquarium.

Veracruz Aquarium
Veracruz international commerce port in Mexico

Malecón de Veracruz

Malecón de Veracruz is just one of the places to see in Veracruz, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Malecón de Veracruz
Zocalo or Plaza de Armas, the main square of Veracruz, Mexico

Zócalo

You can learn about the history of Veracruz when you stop by Zócalo. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Zócalo
Veracruz Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Veracruz Cathedral

Discover the fine collection of religious art that decorates this 18th-century cathedral and relax at the sidewalk cafés of nearby Zócalo.

Veracruz Cathedral
San Juan de Ulua Castle showing heritage elements and a lake or waterhole

San Juan de Ulua Castle

Once the main landing point for new arrivals to Spanish-ruled Mexico, this 16th-century fortress is shrouded in the legends of explorers and pirate attacks.

San Juan de Ulua Castle
Carranza Lighthouse which includes a city, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

Carranza Lighthouse

Overlooking the port of Veracruz is a grandiose neoclassical building featuring a lighthouse that once guided ships around the city’s bay.

Carranza Lighthouse
Naval Historical Museum showing a square or plaza and military items

Naval Historical Museum

Artillery displays, model ships and portrayals of historic battles bring Mexico’s naval past to life at this modern and informative museum.

Naval Historical Museum
Bastion of Santiago featuring heritage elements

Bastion of Santiago Museum

Visit the sole surviving fort from Veracruz’s ancient city wall. Today, the structure houses a museum of pre-Hispanic and colonial-era relics.

Bastion of Santiago Museum

Areas of Veracruz

Carranza Lighthouse which includes a bay or harbour and a city

Malecon

4/5(1 area review)

Malecon is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Veracruz Harbour or Veracruz Aquarium.

Malecon
Naval Historical Museum showing signage and military items

Old Town Veracruz

Waterfront views, historical sites and spas highlight some of the noteworthy features of Old Town Veracruz. Make a stop by Veracruz Harbour or Zócalo while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Old Town Veracruz
Veracruz international commerce port in Mexico

Zona Centro

While there might not be top attractions in Zona Centro, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Veracruz Harbour and Zócalo.

Zona Centro
Naval Historical Museum featuring interior views

Faros

If you're spending some time in Faros, Veracruz Harbour and Carranza Lighthouse are top sights worth seeing.

Faros
Boca del Río, Veracruz architecture.

Ignacio Zaragoza

If you're spending some time in Ignacio Zaragoza, Villa del Mar Beach and Veracruzano Coral Reef System National Park are top sights worth seeing.

Ignacio Zaragoza
Veracruz Cathedral showing a square or plaza and heritage elements as well as a small group of people

Los Portales

While visiting Los Portales, you might make a stop by sights like Zócalo and Palacio Municipal.

Los Portales
Mocambo Beach featuring a sandy beach as well as a large group of people

Boca del Río

Frequently asked questions

Is Veracruz worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Veracruz is visit Mocambo Beach. Tick this top attraction off your itinerary, then discover more of the area's coastal beaches and culture.
How do I spend a day in Veracruz?
Mocambo Beach and San Juan de Ulua Castle are two great places to begin your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Veracruz while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Veracruz?
Mocambo Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Veracruz and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Veracruz?
Three days in Veracruz is more than enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many guests spend two days on average. Mocambo Beach, San Juan de Ulua Castle and Veracruz Cathedral are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Boca del Río.
Is Veracruz a walkable city?
Some top sights in Veracruz, such as San Juan de Ulua Castle and Veracruz Cathedral, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.48 kilometres from the city centre of Veracruz is Malecon and Old Town Veracruz is 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Veracruz with kids?
If you're looking for sights and activities for all the family, we've got some terrific ideas for what to do in Veracruz with kids.

What to do in Veracruz for adults?
From local cuisine and cultural attractions to outdoor adventures and unique experiences, there are loads of exciting things to do in Veracruz for adults.
Are there free things to do in Veracruz?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Veracruz is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Mocambo Beach is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.