Mother Nature and history have been lavish with Veracruz. The streets of the first European foundation in the American continent are filled with admirable witnesses of past times; the surrounding rainforest is home to beautiful wildlife that locals protect with zeal and right in front, under the sea surface, there is one of the most amazing coral reef systems in the Gulf of Mexico.
The many Veracruz's attractions will make of your vacation, a fun adventure. The city features many interesting museums, a modern aquarium, an amazing zoo and ecological park, and if you have some more time to spend it is very recommendable to visit the neighboring archaeological sites and towns. Those looking for sun and beach will not be disappointed; the closest beach is only minutes away in Boca del Rio, a suburb which has added to the Ports modernization and offers first class tourist facilities.
Whether you decide to spend a day in the city or the surroundings, activities or relax opportunities will come your way without a trouble. In Veracruz everything goes smoothly and naturally. Here you will find a list of the most beautiful Veracruz attractions.
Historic Center
You will find most part of the buildings at the Historic Center are from the colonial period such as the San Juan de Ulua fortress, the 18th century like the Cathedral and the 19th and 20th centuries like the City Hall and the Post Office. The group reveals in styles the complex history of the port. Continue taking a refreshing walk by the Malecon (seawalk) and Plaza de Armas, which becomes a huge dance floor for enthusiasts to practice freely the elegant danzon.
Cafe de la Parroquia
Were talking about a Veracruz's institution consecrated to the flavors of the coffee, proudly produced in these lands. This corner has been serving politicians, famous artists, business people, immigrants and locals for more than a century. They surely sipped and savored a traditional caf latte, just as you will.
City Museum
The City Museum is housed in a late 19th century neoclassical building. It was built to function as a hospice, but it couldnt open until after the English and the French interventions, during which it was used by them as a hospital. Then hospice was installed here for 100 years until it moved to new facilities. Then it was inaugurated as a museum in occasion of the 450th anniversary of the foundation of the city. It contains historic, artistic and cultural related collections.
Naval History Museum
It is located in the building that housed the Navy School for 55 years. Along its 11 halls, it shows the world and local evolution of navigation, from the invention of trunk and paddle to the participation of the Mexican Navy in World War II. Its collections include navy vestiges from the Paleolithic, weapons and naval equipment, scale models, documents and photographs.
La Antigua and Cempoala
La Antigua used to be one of the original settlements of Veracruz. Nowadays it is a small town where the ruins of the first house Cortez built in New Spain and the first Catholic Church in continental America supposedly stand. Cempoala was one of the first Aztec cities to be seen by the Spaniards, during its height it was a tribute gathering point for the Totonaca people under the rule of the Aztec Emperors.