Veracruz

Travel Guide
Veracruz which includes a square or plaza
Mexico’s first Spanish-founded settlement is an atmospheric port city home to colonial landmarks. It is a great jumping-off point for less crowded beaches.

Veracruz (Heroica Veracruz) is a laid-back yet lively city shrouded in colonial history. Established by Hernán Cortés in 1519 as a trading port for the Viceroyalty of New Spain, Veracruz has been passed between the hands of France, Spain and the U.S. Wander its streets to discover influences of African, Caribbean, European and indigenous groups. Revel in the atmosphere of its plazas, visit battle-torn monuments and escape to quiet beaches.

Spot architectural treasures, including the Palacio Municipal and Veracruz Cathedral, at the Zócalo (main square). The square springs to life at night with marimba, mariachi and norteño music. Shop for handicrafts and sample local snacks, including seafood tacos and tamales, at Hidalgo Market.

See a slice of Mexico’s maritime heritage via artillery exhibits, model ships and battle recreations at the Naval Historical Museum. See how the city has evolved since pre-Hispanic times at the City Museum. Walk amid the ruins of the Bastion of Santiago, the last surviving section of Veracruz’s city wall.

Admire architectural treasures and observe the seafaring activity of Veracruz Harbor. Gaze up at the imposing Carranza Lighthouse, set above a neoclassical palace on the Gran Plaza del Malecón square. Watch fishing trawlers and freight ships while meandering along the Paseo Insurgentes Veracruzanos esplanade. Learn about battles and the riches of New Spain at San Juan de Ulua Castle.

Drive just south to Veracruz Aquarium, home to sea life from Africa, Asia and the Americas. Continue to Boca del Río, a gateway to golden sand beaches, riverfront parks and tropical islands. Take a daytrip to La Antigua, which for a brief period in the 1500s was the main colonial trading port in Mexico.

Reach Veracruz by flying to Veracruz International Airport, located about 6 miles (10 kilometers) southwest of the city center. Public buses connect the airport with the Zócalo. Expect mild year-round temperatures and heavy downpours from June to October. Visit in February to witness the exuberant parties of the nine-day Veracruz Carnival.

Where to stay in 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 Carranza Lighthouse.

Malecon
Default Image

Vista Mar

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

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 Zocalo while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Old Town Veracruz
Default Image

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 Zocalo.

Zona Centro
Default Image

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
Default Image

Las Brisas

Though Las Brisas may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Zocalo and Veracruz Cathedral.

Las Brisas
Hotel Gran Via
Hotel Gran Via
3 out of 5
Salvador Diaz Miron 1572, Entre Collado y Tuero Molina, Veracruz, VER
The price is RM175 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
RM175
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Veracruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (703 reviews)
"Lovely hotel and nice room."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2023

Hotel Gran Via
Emporio Veracruz Hotel
Emporio Veracruz Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Paseo Del Malecon No 244, Veracruz, VER
The price is RM394 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
RM394
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Veracruz. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 3 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,015 reviews)
"We really enjoyed the breakfast buffet it’s been one of the Best breakfast buffet ever the only downside is that I didn’t get the room I pay for instead I got a smaller room with two beds instead of the King size bed room with a better ocean view."

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Emporio Veracruz Hotel
Gran Hotel Diligencias
Gran Hotel Diligencias
4 out of 5
1115 Independence Avenue Downtown, Veracruz, VER
The price is RM217 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
RM217
per night
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Veracruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
"Great Location!"

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Gran Hotel Diligencias
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Suites Brisa Marina - Playa Regatas y Malecón
Suites Brisa Marina - Playa Regatas y Malecón
3 out of 5
1076 Xicoténcatl Ricardo Flores Magón, Veracruz, Ver.
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Veracruz. Enjoy free WiFi, Netflix, and a Smart TV. Popular attractions Veracruz Aquarium and Zocalo are located nearby. Discover ...
Suites Brisa Marina - Playa Regatas y Malecón
Terra Residencial by Vecino Stays
Terra Residencial by Vecino Stays
3 out of 5
361 Héroes de Puebla Ignacio Zaragoza, Veracruz, Ver.
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Veracruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Benito Juarez Auditorium and Villa del Mar ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Nice place but needs to provide and stock the essentials, Soap, Shampoo, dish sponge, wash cloths & ice maker."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2023

Terra Residencial by Vecino Stays
Suites La Fragua
Suites La Fragua
3 out of 5
Av. Lafragua #1512, entre Bolivar y Luz Nava, Veracruz, VER
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Veracruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Veracruz Aquarium and Zocalo are located nearby. ...
6/10 (6 reviews)
Como estar en casa
"Excelente lugar, agradable estadía, muy limpio y cómodo, con todos los servicios, el único detalle es el area de estacionamiento muy reducido y limitado"

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2023

Suites La Fragua
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do