Must-see attractions in Veracruz City

  • View of the Main Plaza (Zocalo) of the city of Veracruz in Mexico.

    Zócalo

    Veracruz City

    Any exploration of Veracruz has to begin with its zócalo (also called the Plaza de Armas and Plaza Lerdo), the city’s unofficial outdoor ‘stage’ where…

  • Museo Histórico Naval

    Veracruz City

    Occupying a former naval academy, this high-tech museum offers a titanic lesson in Mexico’s maritime heritage, with plenty of interactive displays and an…

  • San Juan de Ulúa

    Veracruz City

    The city's colonial fortress is almost hidden amid the container ships and cranes across the harbor. The central part of the fortress was a prison, and a…

  • Acuario de Veracruz

    Veracruz City

    Allegedly the best of its kind in Latin America, this aquarium does a good job of showcasing the denizens of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as fishy oddities…

  • Museo de la Ciudad de Veracruz

    Veracruz City

    Housed in a charming colonial-era building, this museum recounts Veracruz’s history from the pre-Hispanic era. Standout exhibits include some Totonaca and…

  • Faro Carranza

    Veracruz City

    Facing the waterfront on the malecón, this early 20th century building holds a lighthouse and navy offices guarded by a large statue of Venustiano…

  • Museo Agustín Lara

    Veracruz City

    A monument to one of Veracruz' most famous musical icons, this museum displays a range of Agustín Lara’s personal belongings, furniture and memorabilia in…

  • Centro Cultural La Atarazana

    Veracruz City

    This colonial-era warehouse has been beautifully converted into an exhibition space and sports a striking mural by Melchor Perado. Worthwhile temporary…

  • Fototeca

    Veracruz City

    On the southeast side of the zócalo, this small arts center has rotating photographic and video exhibitions. It’s spread over three floors of a restored…

  • Statue of Alexander Von Humboldt

    Veracruz City

    The statue of Alexander Von Humboldt depicts the German naturalist/explorer who visited the area in 1803–04 and collected important information about the…

  • Statue of Venustiano Carranza

    Veracruz City

    A larger-than-life statue of former president, independence-era hero and local boy, Venustiano Carranza, stands guard outside the Faro Carranza.

  • Altar a la Patria

    Veracruz City

    Two blocks inland from the malecón is the 1998 Altar a la Patria, an obelisk marking the buried remains of those who defended Veracruz during its numerous…

  • Pemex Building

    Veracruz City

    This piece of modern architecture with an evening light show that divides opinions is the centre of the Veracruz oil industry. It's not open to the public.

  • Instituto Veracruzano de Cultura

    Veracruz City

    A converted church and cloister house some excellent temporary exhibitions as well as works by local contemporary artists.

  • Palacio Municipal

    Veracruz City

    This handsome 17th-century building, occupied by local government offices, faces onto the zócalo.

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