11 Best Things To Do In Xalapa, Mexico
Are you looking for the best things to do in Xalapa, Mexico?
Xalapa – also spelled Jalapa and officially Xalapa-Enríquez – is the vibrant capital city of the east-central Mexican state of Veracruz.
Xalapa is famous for its scenic backdrop and lush tropical vegetation, hence the monicker “City of Flowers” or “Flower Garden of Mexico.” Because of its cultural wealth, the city is also nicknamed “the Athens of Veracruz.”
Majority of Xalapa’s population consists of young people, thanks to the important universities located in the city. It has long been the leading the coffee market in the country, which is grown practically everywhere in the area. Xalapa is also known for its tobacco and tropical fruits.
Xalapa is about 90 kilometers (55 miles) northwest of the city of Veracruz and situated beneath the towering peaks of the Sierra Madre Oriental. It is home to the Jalapeños, both the people and the peppers. These famous peppers are cultivated in massive quantities in the Xalapa area.
All these things make Xalapa a must-include in your itinerary when you travel Mexico.
Things you'll find in this article
- Best Things To Do In Xalapa, Mexico
- 1. Explore the lively historic center of Xalapa
- 2. Enjoy the local scene at Xalapa’s famous markets
- 3. Bike or walk through the lush vegetation of Xalapa’s botanic garden
- 4. Visit the Museo de Antropología de Xalapa
- 5. Hike El Macuiltepetl
- 6. Take in a performance at one of the city’s theaters
- 7. Have a dose of art at the Agora
- 8. Rest and relax at Parque Juárez
- 9. Stop by the Xalapa Cathedral
- 10. Check out the legendary Callejónes de Xalapa
- 11. Visit El Lencero Ex Hacienda and Museum
- Where to stay in Xalapa Mexico
Best Things To Do In Xalapa, Mexico
Xalapa is a must if you’re looking for an exciting and culturally rich city to visit. Here are some of the top things to do in Xalapa, Mexico.
1. Explore the lively historic center of Xalapa
The lively historic center of Xalapa is elegant and attractive, thanks to the city’s colonial architecture with the cobblestone backstreets and hordes of charming shops and restaurants.
Xalapa is famous for its markets as well, which you cannot miss when exploring the colonial center. Your tour of the city should start here.
2. Enjoy the local scene at Xalapa’s famous markets
The market is a great place to get your first taste of any city you visit.
Xalapa has three famous markets found in the historic center: La Rotunda, Mercado San Jose, and Mercado Jauregui. It’s recommended to visit them all.
Browsing through the market stalls is one of the best activities in Xalapa. You can find everything in the city’s markets – from flowers and food to woodcrafts and textiles.
3. Bike or walk through the lush vegetation of Xalapa’s botanic garden
Named after the Mexican Jesuit priest and historian Francisco Javier Clavijero, Xalapa’s botanic garden was inauguarated in 1977 and through the decades has become one of the most important botanical gardens in Mexico.
Francisco Javier Clavijero Botanic Garden is considered one of the planet’s most biodiverse and endangered ecosystems. Its unique vegetation covering some 1.5 hectares consists of large native trees, shrubs, tree ferns, undergrowth palms, and many others.
The garden is visited by around 40,000 people each year.
4. Visit the Museo de Antropología de Xalapa
Xalapa’s Anthropology Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from various ancient cultures from the gulf coast of Mexico such as the Huastec, the Olmec, and the Totonac.
For an admission of only 50 pesos (around 2.50 USD), you can visit the Museo de Antropología de Xalapa and take in the richness of the city’s cultural history as well as its surrounding area’s. You will get particularly fascinated by the funny faces of the gigantic Olmec heads and the smaller Totonac sculptures and other artifacts.
The museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
To book this tour click here.
5. Hike El Macuiltepetl
El Macuiltepetl, or Macuiltepetl Mountain, is a hill situated in the namesake ecological park, right in the geographical center of the city. It is one of the must-see places in Xalapa.
It takes 30 minute to reach the top, where you’ll be rewarded with sprawling views of Xalapa and the surrounding mountains.
If you are in Xalapa on a clear day, a hike to El Macuiltepet should be on top your priorities.
6. Take in a performance at one of the city’s theaters
Its numerous universities make Xalapa a cultural hub. The Teatro del Estado (State theatre) is one the most popular sites in Xalapa frequented by locals, young students especially.
The Teatro del Estado, which dates back to the 1960s, is just one of Xalapa’s many theaters. It hosts everything from symphony to comedy performances by internationally renowned theater groups, musicians, and many others.
You should definitely watch a theater performance during your visit to Xalapa.
7. Have a dose of art at the Agora
At the west end of Parque Juárez in the center of Xalapa, you will find El Agora (The Agora), a small arts complex with an art gallery, movie theater, and café.
The Agora is one of the best places to see in Xalapa in terms of art and culture. Housed here is one of the most eclectic galleries in the city, where you can feast yours eyes on the display of art of all types.
The Agora is well worth checking out when in Xalapa.
8. Rest and relax at Parque Juárez
After a day’s tour of the city, take a rest and just relax at Parque Juárez, a park situated in the heart of old Xalapa.
The park is named in honor of the first indigenous president of Mexico, Benito Juárez. It was inauguarated in 1892, 20 years following his death.
Parque Juárez, with that colonial feel, is perfect for walking or sitting and enjoying the views of landscaped gardens, tall trees, and statues, as well as mountain and valley vistas. You can also linger to enjoy the live music event that’s always happening in the park.
Parque Juárez is just one of the city’s numerous parks. The others are also worth checking out, including the Paseo de los Lagos Park and Los Tecajetes Park.
9. Stop by the Xalapa Cathedral
Originally constructed in 1641 in the style of the Franciscan churches, Xalapa’s Metropolitan Cathedral has undergone numerous modifications since. Today, its style is eclectic but dominantly Baroque.
Xalapa Cathedral is a beautiful yellow building with two towers. It is the most important cathedral in the whole state of Veracruz.
Whether you are a Catholic or not, this cathedral is a wonder that you must not miss on your trip to Xalapa.
10. Check out the legendary Callejónes de Xalapa
Xalapa’s alleyways (callejónes) are famous for the legends and stories associated with them and which have become part of the city’s popular culture.
The most well-known of these alleys are the Diamond, Rojas, and callejón Jesús te ampare. They have kept the flavor of the colonial Xalapa with their bohemian feel.
In the cobbled streets of these alleys you will find plenty of quaint shops selling local crafts and delectable dishes that Veracruz is so famous for.
11. Visit El Lencero Ex Hacienda and Museum
This casa (house) spans five centuries of history not only of Xalapa but Mexico as well.
Its fame is derived from its previous owners. The first owner, Juan Lencero, whom the house was named after, was one of Hernán Cortés’ soldiers.
The property was sold to General Antonio López de Santa Anna in the 19th century. Santa Anna became famous for fighting against Spain’s attempt to reconquer Mexico. He was hailed as the Hero of Tampico, which led to his presidency in 1833.
Today, Hacienda del Lencero houses a museum and majestic gardens. This property with so much history should be in every Xalapa itinerary.
