What to do in Veracruz

Activities, attractions and tours

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

Places to Visit in Veracruz

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Veracruz, Veracruz while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Veracruz attractions from NZ$13, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Veracruz tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 32 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Veracruz. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Recommended things to do in Veracruz

Number of things to do
32
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Veracruz Hop-on Hop-off City Tour: NZ$13
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Veracruz

Discover the most popular places to visit in Veracruz

Veracruz Harbour featuring a square or plaza, a sunset and a city

Veracruz Harbour

Watch the busy maritime activity, admire grand architectural structures and visit a 16th-century Spanish colonial fortress at this historic port.

Veracruz Harbour
Veracruz Aquarium featuring interior views and marine life

Veracruz Aquarium

Spot exotic fish, dive with sharks, swim with dolphins and get up-close with tropical birds at this superb aquarium.

Veracruz Aquarium
San Juan de Ulua Castle featuring heritage elements and a lake or waterhole

San Juan de Ulua Castle

Once the main landing point for new arrivals to Spanish-ruled Mexico, this 16th-century fortress is shrouded in the legends of explorers and pirate attacks.

San Juan de Ulua Castle
Veracruz Cathedral featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Veracruz Cathedral

Discover the fine collection of religious art that decorates this 18th-century cathedral and relax at the sidewalk cafés of nearby Zócalo.

Veracruz Cathedral
Carranza Lighthouse featuring a city, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

Carranza Lighthouse

Overlooking the port of Veracruz is a grandiose neoclassical building featuring a lighthouse that once guided ships around the city’s bay.

Carranza Lighthouse
Naval Historical Museum featuring a square or plaza and military items

Naval Historical Museum

Artillery displays, model ships and portrayals of historic battles bring Mexico’s naval past to life at this modern and informative museum.

Naval Historical Museum
Bastion of Santiago Museum featuring heritage elements

Bastion of Santiago Museum

Visit the sole surviving fort from Veracruz’s ancient city wall. Today, the structure houses a museum of pre-Hispanic and colonial-era relics.

Bastion of Santiago Museum

Zócalo

You can learn about the history of Veracruz when you stop by Zócalo. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Zócalo

Malecón de Veracruz

Malecón de Veracruz is just one of the places to see in Veracruz, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Malecón de Veracruz

Explore areas of Veracruz

Carranza Lighthouse which includes a city and a bay or harbour

Malecon

3/5(2 area reviews)

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 Zócalo.

Malecon
Veracruz Cathedral featuring performance art, a church or cathedral and a square or plaza

Old Town Veracruz

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

Old Town Veracruz
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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
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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 Zócalo and Benito Juarez Auditorium.

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 showing interior views

Faros

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

Faros

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Veracruz

La Antigua showing flowers, a church or cathedral and a garden

La Antigua

Frequently asked questions

Is Veracruz worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Veracruz is visit Mocambo Beach. Tick this top attraction off your itinerary, then discover more of the area's coastal beaches and culture.
How do I spend a day in Veracruz?
Mocambo Beach and San Juan de Ulua Castle are two great places to begin your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Veracruz while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Veracruz?
Mocambo Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Veracruz and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Veracruz?
Three days in Veracruz is more than enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many guests spend two days on average. Mocambo Beach, San Juan de Ulua Castle and Veracruz Cathedral are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Boca del Río.
Is Veracruz a walkable city?
Some top sights in Veracruz, such as San Juan de Ulua Castle and Veracruz Cathedral, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.48 kilometres from the city centre of Veracruz is Malecon and Old Town Veracruz is 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Veracruz with kids?
If you're looking for sights and activities for all the family, we've got some terrific ideas for what to do in Veracruz with kids.

What to do in Veracruz for adults?
From local cuisine and cultural attractions to outdoor adventures and unique experiences, there are loads of exciting things to do in Veracruz for adults.
Are there free things to do in Veracruz?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Veracruz is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Mocambo Beach is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.