3 Best Places to Shop in Veracruz City, Veracruz

Browsing street stands and markets for small treasures is the way to shop here. Items made from shell make great souvenirs, as do guayabera shirts. Indeed, Veracruzanos have wholeheartedly adopted these famous embroidered tops (sometimes called wedding shirts) from the neighboring Yucatán. They're comfortable and lightweight, made of either cotton or linen (the linen ones are nicer). Oh, and don't tuck your guayabera into your pants.

With its sizable Cuban population, Veracruz does a brisk business in cigars. Around Plaza de Armas and throughout the zócalo there are plenty of street-side stands that specialize in both Mexican and Caribbean tobacco. For the largest variety, try the small kiosk on Avenida Independencia, in front of Gran Café del Portal; it sells Cohibas for less than a buck.