Veracruz Pier (Malecon)
The basics
Veracruz sightseeing and hop-on hop-off bus tours tend to stop at the pier. Stroll the palm-lined promenade and admire the historic monuments dotted along the waterfront. Pose for photos by the gigantic “Veracruz” sign, shop for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs at the artisan market, and enjoy live music and street performances. Stick around for lunch at a sea-view restaurant or relax on one of the pier benches, ice cream in hand.
Things to know before you go
- The pier is popular with joggers and dog walkers, especially in the early mornings.
- The traffic-free promenade is also a fun place for kids to let off steam.
- There are many shops, restaurants, cafés, street food stalls, and ice cream vendors along the pier.
- The wide promenade offers easy access for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get there
The Malecon lies along the south shore of Veracruz harbor and is easily reached on foot from downtown. From the Zocalo, head east for about five minutes until you hit the seafront.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Visit the Malecon in the early morning to dodge the crowds or on a sunny summer afternoon to enjoy the coastal breeze. The promenade is most atmospheric in the evening hours, when the bars and cafés fill up and mariachi bands often perform along the seafront.
Historic Monuments Along Veracruz Pier
The Malecon is home to a number of colonial buildings and historic monuments. At the eastern end, the Gran Plaza del Malecón is home to the Faro Venustiano Carranza, a grand white building with a central lighthouse, fronted by a statue of revolutionary leader Venustiano Carranza. Nearby, the Centinela de la Patria monument honors the naval heroes that resisted the US take-over of Veracruz in 1914, while another statue depicts explorer Alexander von Humboldt.