Things to do in Xalapa
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Robert Straub
Local birding guide Robert Straub is a member of COAX (www.coaxxalapa.org), a conservation-minded birding club. He offers tours in the area. Straub authored a birding guide to Veracruz, Guía de Sitios, whose proceeds go to Pronatura, a conservation non-profit.
reviewed
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La Chiva
A tiny boho stronghold very popular for its alternative (electronica, hip-hop and rock)tunes.
reviewed
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Mercado de la Rotonda
At the north end of Revolucíon, this untouristed market with numerous, orderly eateries has delicious regional food on the cheap. Ask for zarza parrilla, a drink made with its namesake root that’s used in genuine root beer and is known for its qualities as a medicine and an aphrodisiac.
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Escuela para Estudiantes Extranjeros
The Universidad Veracruzana’s Escuela para Estudiantes Extranjeros offers short-term, accredited programs on the Spanish and Náhuatl languages and on Mexican culture – including cooking, dancing and guitar classes – and homestays (M$4790 for two weeks, M$9385 for a month).
reviewed
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La Fonda
You can eat in the vibrant, mural-festooned interior or grab a cozy two-person, plant-adorned balcony overlooking the street. Try the mole here, or the chileatole de pollo (chicken soup with little floating corns on the cob). The four-course set meal is M$45.
reviewed
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Contemporary art gallery
The town’s contemporary art gallery is in a renovated colonial building 1km east of the city center showing worthwhile, sometimes edgy, temporary exhibitions. There’s a small movie theater here that shows artsy films, mostly for free.
reviewed
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Galería de Arte Contemporáneo
The Galería de Arte Contemporáneo is in a renovated colonial building 1km east of the city center showing worthwhile, sometimes edgy, temporary exhibitions. There's a small movie theatre here that shows artsy films, mostly for free.
reviewed
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Museo de Antropología
Veracruz University’s remarkable anthropology museum is devoted to the archaeology of the state and is one of Mexico’s best museums. Its large collection includes seven huge Olmec heads and 29,000 other superb artifacts.
reviewed
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Plazoleta
This cool cafeteria has streetview seating as well as tables placed around trees and vines in a courtyard. It has an extensive coffee menu and fresh fruit juices, along with traditional Mexican food and an open-air tortillería.
reviewed
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Museo del Bombero
Devoted to firefighting, the Museo del Bombero exhibits an 1885 English horse-drawn fireman's carriage and plenty of information on the history of firefighting from its origins in ancient Egypt. It's 3km from Parque Juárez.
reviewed
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Parque Ecológico Macuiltépetl
On a hill north of the city, Parque Ecológico Macuiltépetl is the thickly wooded cap of an extinct volcano. Paths spiraling to the top are a treasure for joggers and provide expansive views of the Xalapa area.
reviewed
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Palacio de Gobierno
On the east side of the plaza is the Palacio de Gobierno, the seat of Veracruz' state government. It has a fine mural depicting the history of justice above the stairway near the eastern entrance on Enríquez.
reviewed
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Centro Cultural Los Lagos
The Centro Cultural Los Lagos is a lovely cultural center where you check out the bulletin board to find out about drop-in dance or yoga classes among other cultural-event announcements.
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Roy Dudley
With over 30 years living in Xalapa, this jovial ex-American known as the 'Gringo Xalapeño' has an excellent way of revealing the subtleties of the culture and has extensive knowledge of the area.
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Veracruz en Bicicleta
If you come with your own bike and equipment Veracruz en Bicicleta can set you up and guide you on a cyclo-tour which is a remarkable way to have a true experience of the countryside and culture.
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Callejón González Aparicio
This alley is loaded with hip, international eateries and even hipper crowds. Try Cubanias, where you can sip mojitos; La Condesa for salad and sushi; or Shalom to grab falafels.
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El Patio
This open vegetarian eatery has a vividly hand-painted wall and serves breakfasts and a daily set meal (M$45) that is a deal. There’s no sign, so look for the colorful doorway.
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Churrería
Real Mexican hot chocolate, homemade cinnamon tea and traditional dishes are served with handmade tortillas (you can watch them being made) in this pleasant, airy café.
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Shintai
This newly opened Mexican chain is popular because it delivers satisfying Asian style food, like sushi rolls and teriyaki, even if it lacks authenticity.
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Parque de los Tecajetes
Parque de los Tecajetes is an awesome nature park where you’ll forget you’re in the city. It’s a kilometer from the center on Camacho.
reviewed
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Parque Paseo de los Lagos
Just south of Parque Juárez is Parque Paseo de los Lagos with 3km of delightful lakeside paths (most commonly used for jogging and making out).
reviewed
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Jugos California
Besides antojitos, this place serves fantastic volcano-like fruit salads, delicious juice combos, smoothies and even chocolate soy shakes.
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Tierra Luna
Provides poetry readings, music and sanctuary for the artsy fartsy in a lovely high-ceilinged space. It serves tasty café fare and wine to boot.
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Parque Juárez
The central Parque Juárez is terrace-like, with its south side overlooking the valley below and snowcapped mountains in the distance.
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Pinacoteca Diego Rivera
The Pinacoteca Diego Rivera houses a modest collection of Rivera’s works, as well as pieces from other Mexican artists.
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