Zona Centro Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Zona Centro
Popular places to visit
Veracruz Harbour
Watch the busy maritime activity, admire grand architectural structures and visit a 16th-century Spanish colonial fortress at this historic port.
Veracruz Aquarium
Spot exotic fish, dive with sharks, swim with dolphins and get up-close with tropical birds at this superb aquarium.
Veracruz Cathedral
Discover the fine collection of religious art that decorates this 18th-century cathedral and relax at the sidewalk cafés of nearby Zócalo.
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.
Carranza Lighthouse
Overlooking the port of Veracruz is a grandiose neoclassical building featuring a lighthouse that once guided ships around the city’s bay.
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.
Activities
Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Tour and Attractions
Veracruz - Panoramic Sightseeing Bus Tour
Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Bus Tour
From Veracruz: San Juan de Ulua Prison Tour
3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress
ATV tour to jade cavern with transfer (single or double)
Our pick of the best Zona Centro Hotel Deals
Hotel Climar
Very hospitable staff, comfortable room and a quiet neighborhood. I look forward to my next stay here.
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2025
Camino Real Veracruz
This is the best hotel in Veracruz that is directly on the beach. Great staff, great location. Walking distance to dozens of restaurants and the best shopping malls in the city. We stayed two years in a row and will be returning next year. Highly recommend!
Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025
Gran Hotel Diligencias
Nice large rooms, comfortable beds. Good swimming pool and fitness room with sauna. Good location.
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025
Emporio Veracruz Hotel
Staff was very friendly and room was clean. Had people to talk with in English for any questions I had.
Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025
Grand Fiesta Americana Veracruz
Great hotel staff Jacky at the restaurant was very helpful and kind
Reviewed on 28 Dec 2025
Galería Plaza Veracruz by Brisas
5 stars to the chef
Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Zona Centro
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.
Los Portales
While visiting Los Portales, you might make a stop by sights like Zócalo and Palacio Municipal.
Malecon
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.
Faros
If you're spending some time in Faros, Veracruz Harbour and Carranza Lighthouse are top sights worth seeing.
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 Laguna de Sontecomapan.
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.
