Veracruz is a large city in the state of Veracruz in Central Mexico. The locals call their city "Puerto" (port) to differentiate the city from the state of Veracruz. The Port of Veracruz remains the core of its economy. It is also famous for its nightlife, and its spacious downtown area near the harbor (zocalo) comes alive with music and dancing with a strong Cuban influence. Highlights are the annual carnival celebrations around February when the party atmosphere is particularly raucous and hotel rooms become difficult to find.
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Veracruz has a rich history. It has been the main gate of the country for sea travelers and products since its foundation. In this region, the Spanish first entered Mexico in the 16th century and remained for three centuries, forever changing the region. About 20 km northwest from Puerto Veracruz, in a town known as La Antigua Veracruz, Hernán Cortés first landed in Mexico. Veracruz would be one of the main ports of the Spanish treasure fleets during the colonial era. From its harbor, Mexican silver and the Asian silks, porcelain and spices of the Acapulco-Manila galleon trade were loaded onto galleons for transport to Spain.
Arriving at the bus station, you can buy a voucher for a taxi. The station is located on Salvador Diaz Miron Street. The bus station is only about 10 blocks (1 km) from one of the main tourist attractions of the city, Villa del Mar. It is about a 40-minute walk from the Zocalo. Taxis are very inexpensive. A journey costs between US$2.50 and 5.00 according to the your zone destination.
1 San Juan de Ulúa Castle, Zona portuaria. Tu - Su, 9:00am - 5:30pm. Last fortress of the Spanish Empire, later used as a prison during Porfirio Díaz's government, known as one of the most cruel prisons of that time, you can hear horror stories of torture. The castle is located near the piers. While it is physically quite close to downtown, it is not possible to access it on foot. You will need to take a tour or get there by taxi (this will cost around M$90). M$48. (updated Nov 2020) 2 Casa Museo de Agustín Lara, Blvrd Adolfo Ruiz Cortine, ☏ +52 229 937 0209. The former house of famous music writer Agustin Lara is now a museum. 3 Zocalo de Veracruz.
Carnival. The largest carnival in Mexico, hosted around February each year and lasting nine days with six major parades along with large public concerts, parties, special events and promotions in just about all the city's restaurants, bars and nightclubs. (updated Feb 2022) 1 Aquarium (Acuario de Veracruz), Boulevard Ávila Camacho 1737, ☏ +52 229 931-1020. M-Th 10:00-19:00, F-Su 10:00-19:30. One of the best aquariums in Latin America. It has an impressive collection of different fish and sharks in the Gulf of Mexico. They have a dolphin show at 11:00 and 13:00. You can also see manatees here. Adult M$140, child under 12 years M$85. (updated Nov 2020) 2 Playa Villa de Mar, Blvd.
Meals depend on where you eat, you can eat great sea food in Boca del Rio and Mandinga and Alvarado (but for this last one you have to travel about 45 minutes). Look for the palapas (huts) and you can have a great meal for little money. Jarocho cuisine is unique among Mexico's regional cuisines in its pronounced Spanish and Afro-Caribbean influences. The long coastlines make Veracruz a seafood paradise. Seafood dishes include octopus and red snapper (huachinango) prepared a la veracruzana (a tomato-olive based sauce), arroz a la tumbada (tumbled rice) and caldo de mariscos. Baked plantains are a ubiquitous side.
Night clubs are the most expensive places. They will ask you to buy a bottle (whiskey, rum, vodka, whatever) in order to give you a table to seat. If you don't mind standing you can drink single drinks around US$13 for a Cosmopolitan, for example. Men have to pay at the entrance US$5-10, women enter for free. 1 Bar Titos, Av. Ignacio Zaragoza 208 (just south of C. Aquiles Serdan), ☏ +52 229 362 3166. Daily 10:00-00:00. A great local bar, but be prepared for an awkward silence if you're a gringo walking in the door. Relax and be polite and the regulars will undoubtedly warm to you and try to get you to salsa dance with them.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Veracruz typically sees ~30°C daytime highs and 25 rainy days.
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