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Before you go
Your trip to Veracruz.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Veracruz – Veracruz Destination Veracruz, El Tajín and Tlacotalpan about 100 km from Xalapa
How to get there
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Aeropuerto Internacional General Heriberto Jara (VER) 11 km
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Terminal de Autobuses ADO Veracruz 3 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Confirm before purchasing. Veracruz airport (VER) is about 11 km from the center, with taxis available. From Mexico City there are frequent buses, a trip of about 400 km.
How many days
Two days: one for the historic center, the Zócalo and San Juan de Ulúa; another for the aquarium and Boca del Río.
When to go
From November to April there is less rain, but nortes (cold fronts with strong winds) can arrive. From May to October it is hotter and rainier. Carnival, before Lent, fills the city.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Not for the city itself, which has taxis and buses. For Xalapa, Tlacotalpan and El Tajín there are frequent buses.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Veracruz
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Morning
San Juan de Ulúa
Start with the fort of San Juan de Ulúa, on the island at the harbor entrance, with its walls, cells and museum.
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Afternoon
Aquarium of Veracruz
In the afternoon, visit the Veracruz aquarium on the seaside boulevard, with a reef tank and sharks.
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Late afternoon
Malecón and harbor
At sunset, walk along the malecón and watch the ships in the harbor.
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Evening
Zócalo at night
At night, go to the Zócalo where marimbas and jarocho groups often play, and couples dance the danzón in the square.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to see in Veracruz?
The fort of San Juan de Ulúa, the Zócalo and the cathedral, the malecón, the aquarium and the Boca del Río neighborhood.
Does Veracruz have a beach?
There are urban beaches along the shore, and the most popular are in Boca del Río to the south. Offshore, the Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano has reefs for diving.
What is the danzón?
A ballroom dance of Cuban origin, widely practiced in Veracruz, especially in the Zócalo at night.
What is the café de La Parroquia?
A traditional downtown café, known for the café con leche served by tapping the spoon against the glass to get the waiter’s attention.