Places to See, Things to Do
Study Spanish
Learn Spanish
in Mexico |
Zocalo--the Main City Plaza, the City Square |
The zocalo is where it’s at. It’s the heart and soul, the center of fun and happiness and culture in Veracruz. It's where the music doesn't stop until four in the morning. Along one side of the zocalo is a block-long run of open-air restaurants. On another is the municipal palace (city hall), and on the third side is the Cathedral. The fourth side abuts Independence Avenue and opens the zocalo to El Centro, the downtown.
|
Study Spanish
Learn Spanish
in Mexico |
Anthropology Museum of Jalapa
|
Jalapa, also spelled Xalapa, is home to Mexico’s second greatest museum of anthropology, El Museo de Anthropología de Jalapa. From huge stone heads to tiny clay sculptures, the ancient history of Eastern Mexico is told.
|
Study Spanish
Learn Spanish
in Mexico |
Malecon
|
The sidewalk running along the water edge, a sidewalk sometimes 150 feet wide, is called the Malecon. Here it's about 10 miles long. It's a family place for exercise, skating, playing tag, and for everyone, it's where you get to sit and look at the beauty of the ocean.
|
Study Spanish
Learn Spanish
in Mexico |
Veracruz Coral Reef System
|
Just offshore lies the Veracruz Coral Reef System, Sistema Arrecifal de Veracruz. It has 15 major structures and is a spectacular place to scuba or snorkel.
|
Study Spanish
Learn Spanish
in Mexico |
Fort San Juan de Ulua
|
Sitting across the harbor the old fort is built of coral cut from the reef upon which it sits. Cannon balls flew from San Juan de Ulua to the Baluarte de Santiago (the in-town fort) and cannon balls flew back. Gold and Silver bound for Spain was stored in the fort waiting for the heavily armed transport ships that would carry it across the ocean. Pirate ships waited just offshore ready to attack the transports. Pirates at times sneaked into the harbor and twice rampaged through the city. Today the fort is breached Tuesday through Sunday by tourists. The city provides you a ride across the harbor.
|
Study Spanish
Learn Spanish
in Mexico |
Zempoala Archaeological Site
|
About an hour up the coastal highway from Veracruz is the beautiful mid-sized ruins of Zempoala (sometimes spelled Cempoala). First settled around 1200 AD, it became the capital of the Totonac Empire. This group was the first to join with Cortez and his Conquistadors against the Aztec Empire.
|
| Hotels, Resturants, Businesses
Study Spanish
Learn Spanish
in Mexico |
Gran Café de la Parroquia
|
Don’t go home without going to the Gran Café de la Parroquia first. No one will believe you were here if you haven’t seen the sensational presentation of coffee and enjoyed their blend’s great taste.
|
Study Spanish
Learn Spanish
in Mexico |
Hotel Mocambo
|
Gorgeous, historical, architectural excellence, Veracruz’s grand old resort still today remains the city’s most beautiful example of colonial hotel design. Once south of town, it now lies within suburban Veracruz-Boca del Rio. A visit to the hotel is a gift to one’s eyes. Staying in the hotel is a treasured memory.
|
Study Spanish
Learn Spanish
in Mexico |
Hawaii Hotel
|
A block front to back but only 40 feet wide, you have to see it to believe it. It’s right next to the Archbishop’s residence on the malecon and stands nine floors tall. The view of the harbor, the Port of Veracruz, is dazzling. It looks like so much fun that you’ll want to spend the night.
|
Study Spanish
Learn Spanish
in Mexico |
Bed and Breakfast in Veracruz
|
We’ve looked and looked and just can’t find a Bed and Breakfast. There are a few around the state. Our favorite is outside Cordoba with Frank and Ania Shattuck (frankania@yahoo.com). Maybe, here in Veracruz, Bed and Breakfast spots come and go, but we haven’t seen them.
|
Study Spanish
Learn Spanish
in Mexico |
Hotel Emporio
|
Across from the broad waters of the Port of Veracruz and next door to the Gran Café de la Parroquia, Hotel Emporio is quintessential old Mexico luxury. At the moment it’s undergoing a major remodel. Soon it will reopen and reestablish its majesty over the malecon.
|
Study Spanish
Learn Spanish
in Mexico |
Plaza de Las Americas
|
Veracruz’s U.S. style shopping mall, with Sears, McDonald’s, Subway, and more, is just like back home except here the prices of many things are higher. Just as you’d expect, it’s a hangout for teenagers. There’s nothing new under the sun.
|
|
Spanish study is even all the more fun when you're living what
you learn.