Veracruz

Travel Guide
Veracruz featuring 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 which includes a city and a bay or harbor

Malecon

4.5/5(125 area reviews)

Malecon is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Veracruz Aquarium and Carranza Lighthouse while in the area.

Malecon
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Vista Mar

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

Vista Mar
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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Zona Centro

1/5(1 area review)

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

Zona Centro
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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 Zocalo and Veracruz Cathedral are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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 ¥5,607 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
¥5,607
per night
Apr 7 - Apr 8
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! (702 reviews)
"Lovely hotel and nice room."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2023

Hotel Gran Via
Emporio Veracruz Hotel
Emporio Veracruz Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Paseo Del Malecon No 244, Veracruz, VER
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥12,571 per night from Apr 16 to Apr 17
¥12,571
per night
Apr 16 - Apr 17
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! (1,013 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 Mar 17, 2024

Emporio Veracruz Hotel
Gran Hotel Diligencias
Gran Hotel Diligencias
4 out of 5
1115 Independence Avenue Downtown, Veracruz, VER
The price is ¥6,946 per night from Apr 17 to Apr 18
¥6,946
per night
Apr 17 - Apr 18
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! (1,011 reviews)
"Great Location!"

Reviewed on Mar 21, 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 Jun 20, 2023

Terra Residencial by Vecino Stays
Estudio Moderno y Equipado en Centro Histórico
Estudio Moderno y Equipado en Centro Histórico
Veracruz
Stay at this apartment in Veracruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a Smart TV, and 1 bedroom. Popular attractions Zocalo and Veracruz Harbour are located nearby. Discover ...
Estudio Moderno y Equipado en Centro Histórico
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.

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