Veracruz City Sights and Attractions

Veracruz is known as a city with a warm welcoming atmosphere and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. The port city has a long and interesting history along with vibrant culture, offering plenty of diversions for visitors. From strolling the Malecón to visiting nearby ruins and UNESCO World Heritage sites, you’ll find ample opportunities for exploration in Veracruz. Here are our favorite pastimes in this colorful city.

01. Listen to Music in the Zocalo

Address: Mario Molina 145, Centro, 91700 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico

The people of Veracruz, referred to as “jarochos,” are lively and friendly, and the local culture is both laid-back and festive. The main square, called the Zocalo or Plaza de Armas, serves as the city’s social hub. Start your day with breakfast at one of the many outdoor cafés or restaurants, or unwind in the evening with the sounds of marimba music or dancing to danzón, a mix of Cuban rhythms and ballroom dancing.

02. Stroll the Malecon

The Veracruz port’s Malecon, or boardwalk, is a relaxing venue for strolling. You can people-watch, enjoy street performers, or shop for souvenirs. There’s a crafts market offering traditional handicrafts like hammocks and guayaberas (tropical shirts). As you walk, you’ll catch glimpses of Mexico’s largest port, passing cargo and military ships. A variety of double-decker sightseeing buses depart from here for city tours, enhancing your exploration.

03. Visit the Veracruz Aquarium

Address: Blvd. Manuel Ávila Camacho S/n, Ricardo Flores Magón, 91900 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico

Phone: +52 229 931 1020

Notably the largest aquarium in Latin America, it also functions as a marine research center. Here, you can explore diverse sea life from the Gulf and beyond, including barracudas, nurse sharks, giant manta rays, sea turtles, and manatees. Engaging activities such as swimming with dolphins and shark feeding are available for visitors. Open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm, and Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 7:30 pm.

04. Have Coffee at La Parroquía

Address: Bv. Adolfo Ruíz Cortines 1815, Jardines del Virginia, 94294 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico

Phone: +52 800 509 1449

La Parroquia is the oldest café in Veracruz, having served patrons for over two centuries. Their specialty is the “lechero,” a unique way of serving coffee with milk. Your waiter presents you with a glass filled one third with strong black coffee, and by signaling with a spoon, a waiter arrives with a kettle to top it off, creating a delightful froth.

05. See el Baluarte de Santiago

Address: n, C. Francisco Canal S, Centro, 91700 Veracruz, Mexico

Phone: +52 229 931 1059

The Santiago Bulwark, constructed in 1635, is a historical remnant of the defensive wall that once shielded the port city. Explore its museum featuring “Las Joyas del Pescador” (the Jewels of the Fisherman), showcasing pre-Hispanic jewelry and weapons. The site is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm, and closed on Mondays.

06. Sample Seafood Specialties

Veracruz cuisine is known for its distinctive seafood dishes and rich spices. A must-try is huachinango a la veracruzana, red snapper in a spicy tomato sauce, alongside arroz a la tumbada (a baked seafood rice dish) and caldo de mariscos, a seafood stew touted as an effective hangover remedy.

07. Visit San Juan de Ulua

Address: Cam. Escénico a San Juan de Ulúa S/N, Manuel Contreras, 91891 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico

The historic fortress of San Juan de Ulúa is a key landmark in Veracruz City. Located on Isla Gallega, it played a crucial role in protecting the city from pirates. Initially constructed in the mid-1500s, it has served multiple purposes over the centuries—from a military stronghold to a prison. Visitors can now explore its ramparts and barracks.

08. Hit the Beach

Address: Blvd. Manuel Ávila Camacho 2431, Ignacio Zaragoza, 91910 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico

While Veracruz may not rank among Mexico’s major beach destinations, its beaches provide a fantastic escape from the heat. Villa del Mar beach is conveniently close to the aquarium, while Boca del Río offers a more decent sandy spot. Additionally, Punta Mocambo and Punta Antón Lizardo are excellent for those wishing to explore further, starting your journey into the Veracruz Reef System.

09. Take a Day Trip to Tlacotalpan

Tlacotalpan, a UNESCO-listed city, features elegant colonial architecture and a leisurely pace. This scenic day trip from Veracruz takes about two hours each way. While there, visit the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria church, dedicated to the town’s patron saint, and take a boat tour on the Papaloapan River. In addition, explore the Casa Museo Agustin Lara, honoring one of Mexico’s most loved singer-songwriters.

10. Go to Cempoala Archaeological Site

Cempoala, also known as Zempoala, is an archaeological site located just 27 miles north of Veracruz port. This site served as the capital for the Totonac civilization during the era of the Spaniards’ arrival and was the first city that Hernan Cortes and his men visited in Mesoamerica.