Things to do in Veracruz

Activities, attractions and tours

Veracruz showing heritage elements and night scenes
Veracruz showing a square or plaza
Veracruz
Veracruz
Veracruz as well as a small group of people

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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 featuring a city, a sunset and a square or plaza

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 showing marine life and interior views

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 which includes a lake or waterhole and heritage elements

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 a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

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 lighthouse, a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture

What to do in Veracruz


Popular places to visit

Areas of Veracruz

Carranza Lighthouse featuring a city and a bay or harbour

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 Aquarium or Veracruz Cathedral.

Malecon
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Vista Mar

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Vista Mar and surrounding area, you can visit Benito Juarez Auditorium and Veracruz Aquarium.

Vista Mar
Veracruz Cathedral which includes a square or plaza, a church or cathedral and performance art

Old Town Veracruz

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

Old Town Veracruz
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Zona Centro

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

Zona Centro
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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
Naval Historical Museum which includes interior views

Faros

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

Faros

 

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