Things to do in Veracruz

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic fort with a bridge over a moat, surrounded by old stone walls and a large building in the background.
A cityscape at dusk with a prominent building labeled "La Parroquia de Veracruz" and a river on the right.
A coastal cityscape with a historic fort, a prominent tower, and industrial cranes.
A historic fort with a bell tower, a ramp leading to the entrance, and a calm sea in the background.
A plaza with a restaurant, a building with balconies decorated with Mexican flags, and arches adorned with red tinsel.

Things to do

Veracruz Hop-on Hop-off City Tour plus Aquarium

Veracruz- Panormaic Sightseeing Bus Tour, Aquarium and Wax Museum

P1,199
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Veracruz- Panormaic Sightseeing Bus Tour, Aquarium and Wax Museum
Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Bus Tour

Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Bus Tour

P480
per adult
Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Bus Tour
Turibus Hop-on Hop-off City Tour Veracruz

Veracruz - Panoramic Sightseeing Bus Tour

P480
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Veracruz - Panoramic Sightseeing Bus Tour
From Veracruz: San Juan de Ulua Prison Tour

From Veracruz: San Juan de Ulúa Prison Tour

P2,178
per adult
From Veracruz: San Juan de Ulúa Prison Tour
5 Attractive With Aquarium And Mandinga Included

5 Attractive With Aquarium And Mandinga Included (in Veracruz)

P4,339
per adult
5 Attractive With Aquarium And Mandinga Included (in Veracruz)
3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress

3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress

P1,713
per adult
3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress
From Veracruz: Orizaba and Cordoba Tour

From Veracruz: Orizaba and Córdoba Sightseeing Tour

P7,878
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
From Veracruz: Orizaba and Córdoba Sightseeing Tour
From Veracruz: Quiahuixtlan, Cempoala, and La Antigua Tour. The Cortés Route

From Veracruz: Quiahuiztlán, Cempoala and La Antigua Sightseeing Tour. The Route of Cortés

P5,994
per adult
From Veracruz: Quiahuiztlán, Cempoala and La Antigua Sightseeing Tour. The Route of Cortés
Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán

Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán

P5,343
per adult
Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán
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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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A historic fort with a bell tower, a ramp leading to the entrance, and a calm sea in the background.

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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Plaza Acuario with a tiled roof, arched windows, and a sign.

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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A plaza with a large white building featuring domes and a bell tower, surrounded by palm trees and street lamps.

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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A historic fort with a bridge over water, reflecting the structure and a building in the background.

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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A historic building with a clock tower, a statue, and a flag.

6. Naval Historical Museum

As one of Mexico’s most important port cities, Veracruz has a storied maritime history. This, along with the nation’s seafaring heritage, is documented at the Naval Historical Museum (Museo Historicó Naval). Explore more than 20 rooms containing artifacts from pre-Hispanic times to the modern era in this fascinating museum, set in the magnificent former building of the Heroica Escuela Naval Militar (Heroic Naval Academy).
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A naval museum with white statues of sailors and a large emblem on the wall.

What to do in Veracruz

Stay near popular Veracruz attractions

A historic plaza with colonial architecture, palm trees, and a prominent church tower.

Zócalo

9.0/10 (1,904 reviews)
Veracruz's vibrant Zócalo pulses with live music and traditional dance against colonial architecture. Savor local cuisine at cafés while watching the square come alive with cultural energy each evening.
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Where to stay in Veracruz

Find the best Veracruz areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.
A historic fort with a large ramp and cannons.

Old Town Veracruz

Waterfront views, historic sites, and spas are just a few things travelers enjoy about Old Town Veracruz. Check out Zócalo or Veracruz Harbour while you're exploring the area.

A coastal cityscape with a prominent clock tower, a large white building, and a port with cranes.

Malecon

Malecon is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Villa del Mar Beach and Zócalo while in the area.

A waterfront promenade with a central plaza, a clock tower, and modern buildings.

Zona Centro

When in Zona Centro, you can plan a visit to Zócalo and Benito Juarez Auditorium, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A group of people in traditional attire performing an aerial act against a clear blue sky.

Reforma

Reforma might not have many top sights, but Estadio Universitario Beto Avila and Benito Juarez Auditorium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Playa Linda

When in Playa Linda, you can plan a visit to Zócalo and Veracruz Harbour, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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 neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.48 kilometers from the city center of Veracruz is Malecon and Old Town Veracruz is 0.64 kilometers 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 neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Mocambo Beach is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.