Things to do in Veracruz

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Veracruz featuring a square or plaza

Veracruz Attractions

Whether your goal is to shop up a storm or acquaint yourself with the local restaurant scene, you'll find plenty of fun activities in Veracruz. This city boasts a range of thrilling attractions that'll keep your vacation schedule full and your legs on the go. Whatever your interests, this place has something special in store for you.

Explore the sights of Veracruz with some popular tours & day trips, or get through our list of {40 fun activities in Veracruz fun activities in Veracruz}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can rest easy and focus on planning your perfect vacation.


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Veracruz must see attractions

1. 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

2. 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 showing a square or plaza, a sunset and a city

3. 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

4. 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 showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

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 square or plaza, heritage architecture and a statue or sculpture

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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Naval Historical Museum which includes interior views

What to do in Veracruz

Free Things to Do in Veracruz

There's no need to dig deep into your pockets in Veracruz. The following won't cost a cent.

Museo de la Ciudad de Veracruz - Roam around and study the captivating exhibits and unique collections at this respected museum.

Veracruz Institute of Technology - Architecture enthusiasts will no doubt love admiring the modern design of this landmark.

Palacio Municipal - Soak up some of the fascinating history of the area through this site.

Zocalo - Get to know some of the local people and discover the true character and energy of this delightful place.

Cascada el Encanto - There's something soothing about being around water, so stop a while here.

Monument to the Veracruz Heros - If you want to see some of the more important or interesting places in the community, this is a good place to start.

Veracruz Cathedral - Do a little quiet reflection and learn a few things about this site's religious importance.

Mocambo Beach - Skim rocks across the water, catch a sunrise or simply take in the views from the foreshore.

Paseo del Malecón & Boulevard - No matter if you can tell your lilies from lilacs, you're sure to find beauty in this glorious display.

Things to Do in Veracruz with Kids

Escaping with the young ones? You'll find lots of activities and tours in Veracruz that'll put wide smiles on little faces. Look into these family friendly experiences:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Veracruz? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Veracruz on a sunny day?
Take advantage of the great weather (and stretch your legs while you’re at it) with these popular outdoor activities:


What should I not miss in Veracruz?
If you’ve only got time to explore one sight here, make sure it’s Veracruz Cathedral.
Are there cheap things to do in Veracruz?
What can you do in Veracruz for free?
You’ll barely have time to grab your wallet out of your bag with so many wonderful free things to do:

  • Veracruz Cathedral
  • Mocambo Beach
  • Plaza Las Americas Shopping Mall
  • Zocalo


Discover the most popular places to visit in Veracruz

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Veracruz

Carranza Lighthouse which includes a city and a bay or harbor

Malecon

4.5/5(125 area reviews)

Take a refreshing walk along the seaside on this wide city pier, home to historic monuments, artisan markets and waterfront restaurants.

Malecon
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Vista Mar

Vista Mar might not have many top sights, but Veracruz Aquarium and Laguna de Sontecomapan are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Vista Mar
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Zona Centro

1/5(1 area review)

When in Zona Centro, you can plan a visit to Veracruz Aquarium and Veracruz Cathedral, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Zona Centro
Veracruz Cathedral featuring performance art, a square or plaza and a church or cathedral

Old Town Veracruz

3/5(5 area reviews)

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

Old Town Veracruz
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Ignacio Zaragoza

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

While visiting Ignacio Zaragoza, you might make a stop by sights like Villa del Mar Beach and Veracruzano Coral Reef System National Park.

Ignacio Zaragoza
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Las Brisas

Las Brisas might not have many top sights, but Veracruz Aquarium and Aquatico Inbursa are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Las Brisas

Popular day trips from Veracruz