Veracruz Travel Guide

Cafe Moreto a good place for cortaditos and corn cake

uN lUgAr LlEnO dE hIsToRiA......

Vera Cruz is all about shrimp and fried food. I found the cheapest way to eat is at the Local Market in old town. Just 5 blocks to either side and a shrimp cocktail could cost up to $7 US, compared to $1.50 US and twice the size at the market. Lunch is always cheapest.  Lodging is expensive but you can find clean room if you look around from $11 to $15 US. I stayed right around the corner from the Zocolo and the owners made a point to make sure where I was going and who I was going with. Most hotels in the area were $50US-$240US and I paid $15 with TV/Hotwater. I loved the old town, but pretty expensive compared to rest of Mexico because of the port. People are there to work and make money. One of the few places I really needed to speak spanish since it is not really advertised for foreign traveler and most people are there on business or holiday from DF. People would either be fluent in english or not speak anything. The pier and museums where great. It is also the location of the Mexican Navy and Airforce. Lots of history within short drives or bus trips of the city. A great jumping off point for checking out the Yucatan. Lots of free concerts and events with the big party being Carnival, which shows how many people can deal with anything just for a chance to party. Amazing! I walked or took the bus everywhere, as a women traveling alone, I never get into a taxi unless I have been where I am going or have no choice. Always sit in the front seat. I always have a pair of sunglasses, its the only way to look at everything without sending mixed signals to the local men. I have never had a real scary problem but have gotten uncomfortable. The glasses allow me to really check out the culture without causing problems.