Top 10 Things To See And Do In Veracruz

Veracruz is a harbor town located in the Gulf of Mexico, a destination for those cultural tourists who like experiencing the local life. This city is steeped in the history of radical change, as it was the harbor where the Spaniard conquistadors first landed. Today, as well as being a harbor of historic importance, you will also find the attractions and amenities for a great tourist destination. If you’re interested in the real Mexico, its everydayness, its history, folklore, slang, and local life, this is the place for you. Take a look at the things you can see and do in Veracruz.

A morning walk around downtown

Locally known as Centro Histórico, downtown is now considered the old Veracruz, due to how fast the city is growing. In the morning you should visit the local museums: in Museo de la Ciudad you’ll learn about the city’s historic background, and if you want to know the local artwork, go to La Fototeca and Casa Principal. Then, make your way to Baluarte de Santiago, also known as bastion of gunpowder, a fort built in 1635 to defend from pirate attacks. Then walk around the Barrio de la Huaca and get a sense of history on the streets of this neighborhood founded by African slaves.

Museo de la Ciudad, Av. Ignacio Zaragoza 397, Zona Centro, Veracruz, Mexico, +52 229 200 2236

Fototeca Juan Malpica Mimendi, Portal de Miranda 9, Centro, Veracruz, Mexico, +52 229 932 8767

Baluarte, Mariano Arista 916, Centro, Veracruz, Mexico, +52 229 217 0810

Enjoy the traditional nightlife in downtown

A night in downtown will let you feel the folklore of this cheerful harbor. Start in El Malecón, a long park around the coast where you can take a walk feeling the breeze of the sea. There are boats that take you to a tour under the moonlight. Take dinner in a café called La Parroquia, a Veracruz mainstay since it was founded more than 100 years ago. After dinner, grab a “Wero Wera” ice cream, and make your way to the El Zocalo plaza to sip some local beers in Los Portales de Lerdo, while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Veracruz night.

Gran Café de la Parroquia, Av. Valentín Gómez Farias 34, Faros, Veracruz, Mexico, +52 229 932 2584

Los Portales de Veracruz, Miguel Lerdo de Tejada, Centro, Veracruz, Mexico

La Antigua

This is a charming small city located by the shore of the Huitzilapan river. La Antigua is an important spot in the history of Veracruz, as it was the first European village founded in Mexico, in 1519, by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. Its inhabitants had evacuated before Cortés arrived, so he found a ghost town with places for worship and sacrifice, human remains, and books that the catholic conquistadors considered satanic. Here you can visit vestiges of history, like the Cortés’ house, which was his main residence but is now a picturesque house covered by vines and tree branches. Find also the first Catholic church built in Mexico, as well as sea food restaurants along the shore.