How to Travel to Veracruz from Cancún

Playa del Carmen Vacation

Veracruz is a port city on the Gulf of Mexico and a great destination to travel to for anyone who’d like to see more of the country. Take a trip to this historical place if you happen to be in Cancun. Besides its historical importance, you’ll also find many tourist attractions. Continue reading to find out everything you can see and do in Veracruz.

What to see and do in Veracruz

Veracruz is your destination if you want an authentic Mexican experience. There are many cheap flights from Cancun and the trip is fast and comfortable.

You’re in? Let’s look at everything you can do and see once you’re in Veracruz.

Stroll through the city center

The historic center of Veracruz is the starting point for touring the main sites of the city. Don’t miss the local museums. At Museo de la Ciudad you’ll learn about the historical background of Veracruz. If you want to see local works of art, go to La Fototeca and Casa Principal.

Next, head to the Baluarte de Santiago, also known as the bastion of gunpowder. It’s a fort built in 1635 to defend against pirate attacks. Next, stroll through the Barrio de la Huaca and immerse yourself in history through the streets of this neighborhood founded by the Africans who were kidnapped and brought into the continent as slaves.

Travel to Veracruz and visit Museo de la Ciudad

This is a must-see in Veracruz. The building that houses the museum is a piece of art in its own right. Its bronze grille, the central courtyard, the imperial staircase, and the large stained glass window, are part of its charm.

The museum tells the history of this influencial port and, being one of the main passages of Spanish central Mexico, it’s also part of the national history.

Tour San Juan de Ulua

San Juan de Ulúa is a fort built in 1565, in times of Spanish colonization, to protect Spanish ships from strong winds and also from pirate attacks. The construction of this fort is closely linked to the founding of the city on April 22, 1519.

It’s one of the main tourist sites to visit in the Port of Veracruz. It also had a brief period as a prison. Now it’s a museum whose pieces and walls will tell you an important part of the history, not only of Veracruz but of all of Mexico.

Stop at Los Portales if you travel to Veracruz

After a long day touring the city of Veracruz and soaking up its history, there’s nothing better than resting in a cafeteria or a typical restaurant. One of the most traditional places in Veracruz is Los Portales, no doubt.

Here you can sit down in one of its many cafes, restaurants, and bars to enjoy a refreshing drink and a typical Jarocho (from Veracruz) dish. The place is a meeting point for locals and tourists, so the atmosphere is always lively.

Learn at the Veracruz aquarium

If you want to learn more about Mexico’s marine life, set aside an afternoon to visit the Veracruz aquarium. It’s one of the port’s main attractions and there have been millions of visitors since it opened its doors in 1992.

The place has several marine life exhibits: the shark tank, the reef aquarium, and the manatee aquarium, among others. There are also interactive exhibits where you can learn more about marine life.

Travel to Veracruz and experience the nightlife

A night out in downtown Veracruz will make you experience the folklore of this lively port. Start at El Malecon, a long park that surrounds the waterfront and where you can stroll along and enjoy the sea breeze.

There are boats that take you for a moonlit stroll. Thus, after dinner at one of the traditional Mexican restaurants, head to El Zócalo square for a few beers while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Veracruz night.

As you can see, this city is worth visiting if you want to immerse yourself deeper into old Mexico and its traditions.