Things to do in Veracruz

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A historic plaza with a prominent clock tower and the 'Viva México' sign.
A plaza with benches, trees, and people.
A street with palm trees and historic buildings.
A street with historic buildings, parked cars, and a street vendor cart.
A yellow building with balconies and a palm tree.

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 {35 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.

Things to do

Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Tour and Attractions

Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Tour and Attractions

$20
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Tour and Attractions
Veracruz Hop-on Hop-off City Tour plus Aquarium

Veracruz- Panormaic Sightseeing Bus Tour and Attractions

$20
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Veracruz- Panormaic Sightseeing Bus Tour and Attractions
Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Bus Tour

Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Bus Tour

$8
per adult
Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Bus Tour
Turibus Hop-on Hop-off City Tour Veracruz

Veracruz - Panoramic Sightseeing Bus Tour

$8
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Veracruz - Panoramic Sightseeing Bus Tour
From Veracruz: San Juan de Ulua Prison Tour

From Veracruz: San Juan de Ulua Prison Tour

$36
per adult
From Veracruz: San Juan de Ulua Prison Tour
3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress

3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress

$29
per adult
3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress
Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation

Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation

$95
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation
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Veracruz must see attractions

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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A waterfront promenade with a modern hotel, palm trees, and a calm body of water.

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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An aquarium with large tanks, underwater viewing areas, and illuminated fish displays.

3. 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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A plaza with palm trees, a crowd of people, and historic buildings in the background.

4. 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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A historic fort with a bridge over water, reflecting the structure and a building in the background.

5. 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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A maritime exhibit with a model ship labeled 'C-07' in a museum.

Recommended things to do in Veracruz

Number of things to do
35
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Veracruz: Nighttime Sightseeing Tour by Bus: $5
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

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!

 

 

Stay near popular Veracruz attractions

An aquarium with large tanks, underwater viewing areas, and illuminated fish displays.

Veracruz Aquarium

8.8/10 (1,473 reviews)
Mexico's largest aquarium houses over 7 million liters of water across nine exhibits. Observe sharks up close in the Shark Tank or catch one of the popular dolphin shows at Latin America's premier marine attraction.
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Where to stay in Veracruz

Find the best Veracruz areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Veracruz
Learn more about Veracruz
A statue of a man in a suit standing in front of a large white building with a clock tower.

Old Town Veracruz

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

A coastal cityscape with a prominent clock tower, a large white building, and a port with cranes.

Malecon

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

A waterfront promenade with a central plaza, a clock tower, and modern buildings.

Zona Centro

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

A coastal cityscape with modern buildings, a beach, and a clear view of the ocean.

Ignacio Zaragoza

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

Salvador Díaz Mirón

While visiting Salvador Díaz Mirón, you might make a stop by sights like Benito Juarez Auditorium and Parque Recreativo Cri-Cri.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Veracruz

A beach with a water park, palm trees, and a clear blue sky.

Boca del Río

A church with a cross, surrounded by greenery and a tiled mosaic.

La Antigua

Frequently asked questions

Is Veracruz worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Veracruz is explore Mocambo Beach. Tick this leading attraction off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's coastal beaches and culture.
How do I spend a day in Veracruz?
Once you've visited popular attractions like Mocambo Beach and San Juan de Ulua Castle, spend some time discovering Veracruz's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Veracruz?
The top tourist attraction in Veracruz is Mocambo Beach, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Veracruz?
Three days will be enough time to tick off popular city sights, including Mocambo Beach, San Juan de Ulua Castle and Aquatico Inbursa. The average stay in Veracruz is two days. If you have the urge to extend your trip, Boca del Río isn't far away.
Is Veracruz a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, Veracruz is a good place to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between San Juan de Ulua Castle and Veracruz Cathedral. Then take a stroll through Malecon, located 0.3 miles from downtown, and Old Town Veracruz, which is about 0.4 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Veracruz with kids?
If you're searching for sights and activities for all ages, take a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Veracruz with kids.

What to do in Veracruz for adults?
Adults of all ages will have plenty of things to do in Veracruz. Whether you're into traditional cuisine, outdoor pursuits or just love discovering new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Veracruz?
In Veracruz, Mocambo Beach is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to experience the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a good way to explore the best free things to do in Veracruz.

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