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 inspired organized events overlap with the day-to-day improvisation of Mexican life. The handsome public space is framed by portales (arcades), the 17th-century Palacio Municipal and an 18th-century cathedral. The level of activity accelerates throughout the day until the evening, when the zócalo becomes thick with souvenir sellers, musical entertainers, merrymakers and bystanders.
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
24.24 MILES
The remains of a major Totonac settlement of around 30,000 people date back to around AD 1200 and sit on the outskirts of modern-day Zempoala, reachable…
0.22 MILES
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…
0.81 MILES
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…
1.38 MILES
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…
0.35 MILES
Facing the waterfront on the malecón, this early 20th century building holds a lighthouse and navy offices guarded by a large statue of Venustiano…
14.53 MILES
All that's keeping up much of the ruined walls of this 16th-century stone building is a lattice of tree roots. Cortés is said to have stayed here and for…
0.28 MILES
This colonial-era warehouse has been beautifully converted into an exhibition space and sports a striking mural by Melchor Perado. Worthwhile temporary…
Instituto Veracruzano de Cultura
0.31 MILES
A converted church and cloister house some excellent temporary exhibitions as well as works by local contemporary artists.
Nearby Veracruz City attractions
1. Catedral de la Virgen de la Asunción
0.03 MILES
The 18th-century cathedral has doors opening out onto the zócalo and is fairly unremarkable on the inside.
0.04 MILES
This handsome 17th-century building, occupied by local government offices, faces onto the zócalo.
0.04 MILES
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…
0.22 MILES
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…
5. Museo de la Ciudad de Veracruz
0.25 MILES
Housed in a charming colonial-era building, this museum recounts Veracruz’s history from the pre-Hispanic era. Standout exhibits include some Totonaca and…
0.28 MILES
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…
7. Centro Cultural La Atarazana
0.28 MILES
This colonial-era warehouse has been beautifully converted into an exhibition space and sports a striking mural by Melchor Perado. Worthwhile temporary…
8. Instituto Veracruzano de Cultura
0.31 MILES
A converted church and cloister house some excellent temporary exhibitions as well as works by local contemporary artists.