Things to do in Campeche

Activities, attractions and tours

Campeche
Campeche which includes a park and night scenes
Campeche Waterfront Promenade featuring views and general coastal views
Siho Playa showing tropical scenes and general coastal views
Hecelchakan showing heritage elements and a church or cathedral

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Top places to visit

1. Bonita Beach

Its name means “Pretty Beach,” and Bonita Beach certainly lives up to its title. Warm, gentle waters lap against the sand and a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere prevails. Don’t expect to have the beach completely to yourself, however, as its proximity to the downtown area means it is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. Come on a weekday afternoon for a relatively peaceful experience, or enjoy the upbeat vibe at the weekend, when the beach comes alive with a jovial summer buzz.
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Bonita Beach featuring tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach

2. Campeche Cathedral

Campeche Cathedral is one of the most important and historic buildings in Campeche’s old town. Its two towers rise high above the cobbled colonial streets. It has been the center of religious and cultural life in the city since its founding over 300 years ago. Make the cathedral your starting point for exploring Campeche’s historic district and marvel at its beautiful architecture.
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Campeche Cathedral which includes heritage architecture and night scenes

3. Bastion of San Francisco

The Baluarte de San Francisco is the largest bastion in Campeche’s once-formidable defensive wall. Visit it to enjoy the phenomenal Puerta de Tierra sound and light show and to imagine the thousands who have walked through the main Puerta de Tierra city gate before you.
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Baluarte de San Francisco showing heritage elements and a sunset

4. Puerta de Tierra

Puerta de Tierra is one of the four gateways to Campeche’s old city. Translating to “the Land Gate,” Puerta de Tierra was built in 1732 as an entry into the 16th-century walled city. In the 17th century, the Old City Wall protected Campeche’s townspeople from marauding pirates. Today they provide a great vantage point for views across the city. Come to the Puerta de Tierra part of the wall in the evening to discover the vivid history of the old city through a multimedia show.
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Puerta de Tierra which includes a park and heritage elements

5. Sculpture of Pedro Sainz de Baranda

The Sculpture of Pedro Sáinz de Baranda is dedicated to the local hero who helped liberate Mexico from Spanish colonialists. Representing a key figure in the country’s independence battle, the bronze figure stands on a white pedestal and appears to face the sea. Read the Spanish poem on the plaque adorning the front of the statue.
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Sculpture of Pedro Sainz de Baranda featuring a sunset and a statue or sculpture

6. Sea Gate

Look through a portal into Campeche’s old city limits when you visit the Sea Gate. Known locally as Puerta de Mar, the historic entryway is one of Campeche’s four old city gates and directly faces Puerta de Tierra (the Land Gate). Admire the gate’s centuries-old façade and imagine how the imposing wall would have appeared when it fully enclosed the old city limits.
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Sea Gate featuring heritage elements as well as a family

7. Novia del Mar Monument

The Novia del Mar Monument sits on Campeche’s wide-open waterfront as a dedication to a poignant folk story. Learn about the local legend and peer out across the gulf’s enchanting horizon. Climb the rocky platform adorned by the “Bride of the Sea” and enjoy one of the city’s best waterfront views.
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Novia del Mar Monument which includes a sunset and outdoor art

8. Baluarte de San Juan

The Baluarte de San Juan is the smallest of the eight bastions of the formidable city walls which once surrounded Campeche. Yet it is no less impressive than its larger counterparts, such as the Baluarte de San Francisco. Enjoy some of the best views in Campeche from this incredible vantage point and gaze across the rooftops of both the old and new cities.
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Baluarte de San Juan

What to do in Campeche

Popular places to visit

Bonita Beach featuring tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Bonita Beach

Take a break from sightseeing and while away the afternoon on the closest beach to Campeche, where gentle surf and plenty of facilities make for a great experience.

Bonita Beach
Campeche Cathedral which includes heritage architecture and night scenes

Campeche Cathedral

Join Campeche’s devout residents as they attend Mass at this grand place of worship, which takes pride of place in the heart of the old town.

Campeche Cathedral
Baluarte de San Francisco showing heritage elements and a sunset

Bastion of San Francisco

Learn the history of Campeche as you explore one of its last remaining bastions and be wowed by the vast sound and light show which plays out on its walls.

Bastion of San Francisco
Puerta de Tierra which includes a park and heritage elements

Puerta de Tierra

Get a glimpse of what Campeche was like in centuries gone by when you visit this 18th-century city gate, now the site of a dramatic light-and-sound show.

Puerta de Tierra
Puerta de Tierra featuring heritage elements as well as an individual male

Calle 59

You can learn about the history of Campeche when you stop by Calle 59. Stroll along this culturally rich area's seaside or simply enjoy its cafes.

Calle 59
Sculpture of Pedro Sainz de Baranda featuring a sunset and a statue or sculpture

Sculpture of Pedro Sainz de Baranda

Sword at the ready and face turned seaward, this statue depicts the heroic figure at the center of the Mexican fight for independence.

Sculpture of Pedro Sainz de Baranda
Sea Gate featuring heritage elements as well as a family

Sea Gate

The only access point for seafarers to reach the walled city of Campeche was via this tall stone gateway. It has stood sentry over the city since the 1600s.

Sea Gate
Novia del Mar Monument which includes a sunset and outdoor art

Novia del Mar Monument

Follow the gaze of this statue, which depicts a young woman awaiting the return of her seafaring lover, looking out across the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico from Campeche’s waterfront.

Novia del Mar Monument
Baluarte de San Juan

Baluarte de San Juan

Bring your camera to photograph some of Campeche’s finest views from atop the city’s smallest bastion before exploring the grizzly dungeon beneath it.

Baluarte de San Juan

Areas of Campeche

Campeche featuring heritage elements and night scenes

Zona Centro

5/5(2 area reviews)

Historical sites, seaside views and coffee shops are just a few things travellers enjoy about Zona Centro. Check out Calle 59 or Puerta de Tierra while you're exploring the area.

Zona Centro
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Area Ah

If you're spending some time in Area Ah, Novia del Mar Monument and Galerías Campeche are top sights worth seeing.

Area Ah

Frequently asked questions

Is Campeche worth visiting?
With a blend of nature and history, there are plenty of things to do in Campeche. When you're here, visit Bonita Beach, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Campeche?
Start your day with a visit to Bonita Beach and Bastion of San Francisco. Then, check out other areas of Campeche for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Campeche?
Bonita Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Campeche and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Campeche?
Three days will be enough time to tick off popular city attractions, including Bonita Beach, Bastion of San Francisco and Malecón. The average stay in Campeche is two days. If you have the urge to extend your getaway, Campeche Waterfront Promenade isn't far away.
Is Campeche a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Campeche, including Bastion of San Francisco and Malecón, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from the city centre of Campeche is Zona Centro and Area Ah is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Campeche with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with cool activities sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Campeche with kids.

What to do in Campeche for adults?
Adults of all ages will find lots of things to do in Campeche. Whether you're into history, art, outdoor pursuits or just love exploring new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Campeche?
In Campeche, Bonita Beach is a must-see spot for anyone looking to experience the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's an easy way to discover the best free things to do in Campeche.