What to do in Veracruz

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.

Things to do

Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Tour and Attractions

Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Tour and Attractions

฿672
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Tour and Attractions
Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Bus Tour

Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Bus Tour

฿269
per adult
Veracruz: Panoramic Sightseeing City Bus Tour
Turibus Hop-on Hop-off City Tour Veracruz

Veracruz - Panoramic Sightseeing Bus Tour

฿269
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Veracruz - Panoramic Sightseeing Bus Tour
3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress

3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress

฿960
per adult
3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress
From Veracruz: San Juan de Ulua Prison Tour

From Veracruz: San Juan de Ulua Prison Tour

฿1,224
per adult
From Veracruz: San Juan de Ulua Prison Tour
Picture 3 for Activity Snorkel

Veracruz: Snorkeling Adventure at Isla de En Medio

฿2,813
per adult
Veracruz: Snorkeling Adventure at Isla de En Medio
Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation

Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation

฿3,193
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation
Empanadas de Minilla

Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip

฿1,655
per adult
Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip
From Veracruz: Tour Tlacotalpan and Alvarado

From Veracruz: Tlacotalpan & Alvarado Sightseeing Tour

฿3,225
per adult
From Veracruz: Tlacotalpan & Alvarado Sightseeing Tour
See all activities in Veracruz
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

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

5. Carranza Lighthouse

Rising above the Gran Plaza Malecón is the striking Carranza Lighthouse (Faro Venustiano Carranza), a whitewashed monument dating back to 1902. Learn about the history of the structure, bring a camera to take pictures of the port and begin a walk along Veracruz’s waterfront promenade from here.
Learn more
A historic building with a clock tower, a statue, and a flag.

What to do in Veracruz

Stay near popular Veracruz attractions

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

Veracruz Cathedral

9.0/10 (1,369 reviews)
This 18th-century cathedral blends neoclassical and baroque styles with its octagonal dome. Inside, admire the Baccarat chandeliers while experiencing the spiritual heart of Veracruz's vibrant Zócalo.
See properties

Where to stay in Veracruz

Find the best Veracruz areas for the activities you enjoy most.
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, historical sites and spas highlight some of the noteworthy features of Old Town Veracruz. Make a stop by Veracruz Harbour or Zócalo while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

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

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 Harbour or Villa del Mar Beach.

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

Zona Centro

While there might not be top attractions in Zona Centro, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Veracruz Harbour and Zócalo.

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

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.

Panoramic View of Veracruz, Mexico

Salvador Díaz Mirón

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

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.