reasons to visit puebla mexico

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Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Puebla at Least Once in Your Lifetime

The city of Puebla is not only home to beautiful colonial architecture, decorated with hand-painted Talavera tiles, but it’s also the birthplace of popular Mexican dish mole . From partying at vibrant fiestas to exploring beautiful libraries, here’s why you need to visit Puebla.

While millions of tourists pour into Mexico City every year, the smaller city of Puebla to the southeast is still a popular getaway – and one worth putting on your bucket list. Its wide streets are home to one of the biggest antique markets in Mexico, Poblano treats like raisin liqueur and rich mole , as well as handmade artisan wares – so you’ll definitely want to bring a piece of Puebla home with you.

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See the first library in the Americas

Drink raisin liqueur with cheese

La Pasita has been part of Puebla City since 1916 and was originally a local grocery store called El Gallo de Oro. This bar and liquor store specializes in making homemade liqueurs, particularly the one it’s named after — La Pasita, a raisin-flavored sweet liqueur served with a hunk of aged, salty cheese on a toothpick. We know it sounds odd, but trust us on this one. On most afternoons, the cantina is packed, with guests crowding around its few tables. If you can’t find a seat, you can always take a bottle to go.

Try one of Mexico’s most well-known dishes

Although many will argue the claim that mole was created in Puebla, there is no doubt that Mexico’s creamy, rich sauce made of numerous ingredients is now one of Puebla’s biggest exports. Mole can be found in most traditional restaurants throughout the state, including tiny mom-and-pop fondas , each with its own personal recipe. In Puebla City, you can also visit the mole grinders where folks come to get large quantities of the sauce. Just the smell in the air will make you hungry.

Satisfy your sweet tooth

Puebla’s colonial nuns had a lot of time on their hands and, apparently, a flair for cooking. They are said to have created some of Mexico’s most well-known dishes, including mole , chiles en nogada and Puebla’s famous traditional candies made of pumpkin seeds, candied nuts, marzipan and sesame. If you have a craving for something sweet, head down to Calle Santa Clara in Puebla’s Centro Histórico to visit some of the city’s oldest candy manufacturers and shops – where you’ll also find plenty of free samples.

Visit Mexico’s active volcano

A story of star-crossed lovers tells us that Popocatépetl is still mourning the death of his love, which is why he refuses to be silent, spewing out ashes and rocks every few months from the northern edge of Puebla’s city limits. This volcano and its partner, Iztaccíhuatl, can be found in the national park that bears their names, the latter of which can be trekked by experienced climbers looking for adventure.

Gaze at the world’s widest pyramid

You might not see it, but located under a grass-covered mound topped like a wedding cake by a canary yellow Catholic church is the world’s widest pyramid . Measuring 1,300 by 1,300ft (400 by 400m), Tlachihualtepetl – its native Maya name – is thought to have been socially and economically connected to the nearby Teotihuacan people. It was dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, the feather-serpent god worshiped by the ancient indigenous natives of the Valley of Mexico.

Explore the Unesco World Heritage site centre

A stroll through Puebla’s Centro Histórico should be at the top of your list. You’ll want to pop into Puebla’s towering cathedral just off the main plaza, but make time for stops along the Calle de los Dulces. The area is filled with sweet shops, alongside the historic Museo de la Revolución and Teatro Principal. At night, bars light up and the colonial casonas that now hold offices are ripe for the ghost tours telling legends of old.

Party at the Cinco de Mayo Festival

Contrary to what the festive Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States may have us believe, Cinco de Mayo isn’t so widely celebrated in Mexico – and no, it’s not Mexican Independence Day. However, you will find a lively May 5th party in Puebla, where the town commemorates – you guessed it – the victory at the Battle of Puebla. Don’t miss out on the annual parade, where performers reenact the battle, mariachis serenade the streets and stalls serve up mole as part of the simultaneous International Mole Festival.

Buy talavera pottery

You’ll see buildings decked out in talavera tiles all over Puebla, and it makes sense to pick some up for yourself, too. The pottery style is part-indigenous, part-Spanish and uniquely Pueblan. A handful of shops have the Mexican government’s denominación de origen seal of approval, meaning they stay true to the technique’s traditions. Some stores even offer guided tours, taking you through the process as wet clay turns to finished, painted product. Others, meanwhile, offer workshops on making your own talavera to take home.

Looking for more? Don’t miss the best bars in Puebla . You’ll be less than a two-hour drive from the Mexican capital, so why not extend your stay with one of the best hotels in Mexico City ? Or treat yourself to a luxurious stay at a boutique hotel in the capital – bookable with Culture Trip. While you’re there, don’t miss the must-visit attractions , including the coolest neighbourhoods in Mexico City .

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26 Things to do in Puebla Mexico: Your 2024 Insider’s Guide

There are plenty of things to do in Puebla to keep you occupied for a long weekend. Most people tend to visit Puebla on a day trip from Mexico City.  

However, if your schedule allows, the city is definitely deserved several days or even a week of your time. 

Table of Contents

26 Things to Do in Puebla Mexico in 2024

The gorgeous city of Puebla de Zaragoza shares its name with the state it occupies (Puebla). 

It was founded by the Spanish in 1531 in an area called Cuetlaxcoapan meaning “where serpents change their skin”. At that time, it was named ¨the City of Angels¨ and created to form a midway point between the commercial route from Mexico City to the port of Veracruz. 

The city thrived and became one of the richest and most important in ¨New Spain¨. Many of the buildings here have been constructed in the Baroque style and little has changed since the 16th and 17th centuries. 

Puebla city’s historic center was given UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987. It feels very European in parts and has a character that is very different from other parts of Mexico. 

When choosing where to stay in Puebla, opting to base yourself in the historic center and close to the Zocalo will place you close to the main Puebla attractions and things to do in Puebla.  

Visit the Palafoxiana Library

The Biblioteca Palafoxiana in Puebla is the oldest library in the Americas as well as one of the most beautiful. It dates back to 1565 and looks like something from a movie set. 

Its bookshelves and winding staircases are made from the finest carved cedar, ayacahuite pine, and coloyote wood. Many of the books here are centuries old.

Their dusty tomes sit behind protective glass so that you cannot touch them. They are often leather-bound with ornate golden detailing and elaborate handwriting. 

Admission to Palafoxiana Library is 43 pesos per person with concessions available for the elderly, students, and teachers. If you are not particularly interested in history or literature, you could arguably bypass this Puebla attraction. 

The library is small and can be explored in less than 10 minutes. However equally, it sits in a beautiful traditional building with an arched courtyard showcasing local art pieces. 

It is a UNESCO-protected site that helps you to gain a complete picture of the history of the city. 

Sip coffee and indulge in tapas in the Zocalo 

The central Square in Mexican cities is known as the Zocalo and Puebla´s is a beautiful one. It is framed by the 18th-century Puebla cathedral and has a small Park with scenic walking trails as its center. 

Various coffee shops and restaurants encircle the square beneath porticoed walkways. Here, a well-heeled crowd sips freshly brewed coffee and tucks into tapas bites and Poblano delicacies as they watch the world go by.

This area feels very European and is quite unlike anywhere else you will find in Mexico. Despite their central location, the restaurants here are not tourist traps. 

They serve exquisite Poblano Cuisine and other traditional Mexican dishes . In particular, you may want to check out Barra Castiza Zócalo (Av, C. 16 de Septiembre 111).

Their chicken sandwiches with homemade mole a second to none. Equally delicious are their tapas entrees. 

For instance, the patatats bravas and the patatas aioli. 

Take a walking tour of the city 

Opting to take a walking tour is a great way to get your bearings when visiting somewhere for the first time. The same rings true exploring for Puebla. 

Exploring Puebla on a guided tour with a local means that you gain more information and context on the various sites and buildings that you see. You will discover neighborhoods, markets, and restaurants that you perhaps would not otherwise find independently. 

Better yet? Exploring with a local means that you have a Puebla expert on hand to ask for recommendations on the best things to do in pueblo, where to go for drinks, where to eat, and where to hang out. 

Recommended Puebla tours for 202 4 and beyond

Many reputable local tool companies operate in Puebla. A selection of excellent guided tours is detailed below for your consideration.

Reserve your place online in advance to avoid disappointment. 

• Puebla: Cholula and Atlixco private tour with food tastings
• Puebla: Full-day Malinche summit experience
• From Mexico City: Puebla, Cholula and Tonantzintla Day trip
• From Mexico City: Puebla and Cholula day trip

Try raisin at La Pasita 

Several traditional Mexican drinks are native to Puebla. One of the most interesting that you should be sure to try while you are in town is a drink called raisin. 

As the name suggests, the liquor is made of raisins. It is served in a caballito (tequila glass), before a chunk of goat cheese and a raisin are added to the drink. 

Many balls and restaurants around Puebla serve raisin. However, for the quintessential Puebla experience, you should sample the beverage in the place where it was invented.

That place is a tiny, ramshackle bar the size of someone’s living room named La Pasita.

La Pasita (Av 5 Ote 602) Is one of the oldest and best-loved cantinas in Puebla. It was first opened in 1916 by Emilio Contreras Aicardo. 

Today, his son manages the bar. There are no seats inside and patrons stand and sip raisin liquor and other local beverages in the tiny space decorated with vintage posters and decor. 

Shop for traditional candies at Calle de los dulces 

Calle de los dulces is a great place to shop for Mexican souvenirs in Puebla. It was here where the very first candy store in the city opened In 1892.

The store was called La Gran Fama and was opened by a local lady named Victoria Ortiz. (It still exists and operates to this day!) 

As others saw the success of La Gran Fama, they started to follow suit and open candy shops nearby.

Mexican candy makes a great gift either for yourself or for your friends and family back home. In these stores, you will find prepackaged gift boxes of candies and chocolates, as well as individual treats that you can select yourself in order to create a gift box or hamper.

Jamoncillo de leche candies are particularly delicious. This is essentially Mexican milk fudge.

It shares some similarities in taste and consistency with British fudge. It is made with milk, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.

Try Puebla sweet potato candies (Los Camotes)

Another Mexican candy that is typical in the region of Puebla is made from sweet potatoes(camotes). You’ll find little boxes of long, soft, rectangular candies made with sweet potatoes sold in all of the city’s sweet shops. 

Flavorings are then added. Vanilla, strawberry, and orange flavor camote candies are particularly popular.

It is said that this type of Puebla candy was invented as part of a prank. A child was playing in a nunnery when she saw that one of the nuns had put a pot ready for cooking close to the fire. 

She took one of the sweet potatoes, mashed it, beat it with sugar, and shaped it before tossing it into the pot to boil. To her surprise, the nun wasn’t angry or horrified. 

Instead, she loved the sweet potato candy. From there, one of Puebla’s most famous candies was born. 

Search for vibrant street art 

The street art found in Puebla is arguably some of the best in Mexico. Large murals adorn the facades of storefronts and entire walls and alleyways.

Some of the best pieces have been created by local and nationally adored artists close to the Barrio del Artista, La Luz, El Alto neighborhoods, and Xonaca.

They depict scenes of local life and indigenous groups, and notable periods of Mexican history (e.g. the 20th-century Mexican revolution). 

Some notable pieces to look out for and their locations are detailed below for your reference. A nice way to spend a morning is to start in the Barrio del Artista and set out on a self-guided street art walking tour, stopping for Poblano street food and Mexican coffee here and there as you go. 

Try the local mole Poblano 

Poblano cuisine is known for being among the best in Mexico, and many of the dishes found here are simply not found elsewhere. (Indeed, Mexican food is far more than just tacos, tortillas, and burritos and the local dishes vary from region to region. For instance, Yucatecan food is completely different from Puebla food , as in turn, the meat-focused cuisine of Sinaloa and Northern Mexico, and the specialties of Jalisco). 

Mole is one of the most famous Puebla specialties. Even if you have tried mole elsewhere in Mexico, it doesn’t really compare to mole from Puebla. So you should definitely sample the salsa in its native homeland. 

This dense, rich chocolatey sauce is commonly served with chicken. But as far as Puebla locals are concerned, it goes with just about anything. 

The sauce is typically made with chocolate, dried nuts, chilis, seeds, and spices. It has a unique taste that is equal parts bitter, sweet, and tangy. It sounds questionable and it’s an acquired taste for sure but you may be surprised by how much you enjoy it. 

Nobody is certain as to precisely who created the salsa and when. A popular running theory is that it was invented by Catholic nuns working at the Santa Rosa convent in Puebla in the 17th century. 

An Archbishop was visiting the nunnery for dinner and the nuns were frantic and worried as they didn’t know what to cook. They randomly threw ingredients together in a pan based on what they had available in the pantry.  

The result was mole. Fortunately, the Archbishop loved it. 

Try some chalupas 

Chalupas are a simple yet tremendously flavorful dish found in Puebla. The dish consists of small, bite-sized tortillas that are lightly fried and then topped with green and red tomato salsas. 

The red salsa is made from fresh tomatoes, whereas the green salsa is made from the tomatoś cousin: tomatillos or ¨husk¨ tomatoes. They have a somewhat more tangy and sour taste than their red counterparts. 

Shredded meat (usually chicken or beef) is then added to the top. When you order a plate of chalupas, you will be given 4-6 of them that can be enjoyed as an entree to share or as a light bite. 

You will find these virtually everywhere you go in Puebla and there is arguably no such thing as a bad Poblano chalupa. 

Spend a day in Cholula 

One of the best day trips that you can take from Puebla is to the nearby Pueblo magico of Cholula. The town is known for its numerous Catholic churches as well as the Cholula archaeological site which is actually the largest pyramid by volume in the world.

Cholula was established between 800 and 200 BC and is considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in Mexico. The yellow Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Church sits at the top of the Cholula pyramid and offers spectacular panoramic views over the area.

Another notable church to look out for is the Royal Chapel of Naturals (La Capilla Real o de Naturales). The church, built in 1540 was built based on the design influence of Arab mosques. 

It has seven naves and 49 domes and it is possible to walk on the rooftop, capturing incredible photos of the unique architecture. On a clear day, you can see out to the Popocatépetl volcano from the rooftops of Puebla.  

Sample chile en nogada 

Chile en nogada is a beloved Mexican dish that hails from the Puebla region. It is commonly enjoyed throughout the country during Mexican Independence Day (16th September).

However, it can be found in the restaurants of Puebla all year round. To make the dish, a large green poblano chili is cut in half and then filled with picadillo and a creamy walnut sauce known as nogada. 

It is then topped with fresh pomegranate and chopped parsley. The end product is a flavourful medley in the colors of the Mexican flag! 

Visit the Puebla Cathedral

The Puebla cathedral is the piece de resistance of the Puebla Zocalo. The cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, dates back to 1575. 

It has been built in blacksmith style with Renaissance facades and baroque interiors. It is widely regarded as being one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country.

Admire the view of the city from the fuertes 

The sunbleached remnants of two old fortresses can still be found in the northern part of Puebla. They sit on the top of Acueyametepec hill. 

Originally, It was two churches that stood here. However, due to ongoing conflict with the French, the buildings were militarized and repurposed and became the forts of Loreto and Guadalupe. A lot of fighting took place here during the second French intervention in Mexico. 

Today, both of the fortresses have been converted into museums. They tell the story of  Mexico’s battle against the French on the 5th of May In 1862. 

The exhibits contain various interesting artifacts related to the battle and the lead-up to it. Everything from military uniforms, weaponry, letters, and important documents can be found in the museums. 

There is also an exhibition dedicated to the life and accomplishments of Benito Juarez, the first president of Mexico who protected his country against the French. 

Browse through Mercado El Parian 

There are several mikados scattered throughout the city of Puebla. One of the most notable is the Parian which sits close to the artist’s quarter. 

The Parian market Dates back to 1930 and specializes in handicrafts and is a great place to buy unique Goods from local artisans. 

Everything from Talavera pottery, hand-stitched garments and accessories, and oil paintings and art pieces can be found at the market. the word Parian comes from the Philippine word market. Several centuries ago, almost every Spanish imperial city with an important Commerce Center had a market with this name.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Many people think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day but that isn’t true. Mexican Independence Day is celebrated in September every year and Cinco de Mayo is only really celebrated in Puebla. 

The holiday exists to celebrate Mexico’s victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla that took place in 1862.

Interestingly, Cinco de Mayo has become more of a big deal in the United States than it is in Mexico. It has been largely commercialized by American beer companies and now, every year, the holiday exists as a celebration of Mexican traditions and culture. 

Being in Puebla for the Cinco de Mayo celebrations is a magical experience. a parade (desfile) filled with floats makes its way through the streets of downtown Puebla. The military marches through the streets as do marching bands, drummers, and school children.  

Visit the Musuem of the Revoultion

The Museo De la Revolucion is one of the most interesting museums that you can visit in Puebla. The museum tells the story of the 1915 Mexican War of Independence against the Spanish. 

Many believe that it was here where the first actions that led to the start of the Revolution took place. The house was a gift from Manuel Sevilla to his wife Natalia Serdan Alatriste Aquiles and her siblings. 

The family was part of the anti-re-electionist movement led by Francisco I. Madero, who called for an armed uprising against Porfirio Díaz. On November 18th, 1910, A police raid was ordered on the house based on a claim that the residents kept illegal guns inside. 

The chief of the police was killed, and a gunfight broke out that lasted for more than 3 hours and killed more than 15 people who were involved with the anti-reelection movement. 

Many people believe that the Mexican Revolution started with this event. The museum is essentially a living museum that depicts what the building would have looked like when the Serdan Brothers lived here.

The rooms are decorated with original furnishings and some have been made into exhibition halls that tell the story of the uprising and the events leading up to the Mexican Revolution.

Ride the Star of Puebla Ferris wheel 

The Puebla Ferris wheel (Estrella de Puebla) is a tourist attraction that sits just south of Rio Atoyak in central Puebla. The Ferris wheel is 80m high and holds the Guinness World Record for being the world’s largest portable Ferris wheel.

From the top, you can admire the view over the city of Puebla, with the volcanoes of Popocatéptl and Iztaccíhuatl in the distance. Riding the Ferris wheel is particularly enjoyable at sunset.

A simple admission ticket is 40 pesos per person. However, a transport ticket is also available which is 110 pesos per person, and includes a transfer from the Zocalo to the Ferris wheel.

Meander around the artist’s quarter 

The artist’s quarter (Barrio del Artista) is a cobbled, tree-lined Promenade in the center of Puebla. The azulejo-tiled buildings here reveal artists’ Studios where local painters and sculptors create their artwork in full view of the public. 

There are a lot of displays with paintings and handicrafts for sale and many quaint cafes where you can while away an afternoon with a coffee or two. The artist’s quarter sits adjacent to the El Parian marketplace. 

The area boomed in the 1930s and 40s following the opening of this marketplace. According to local legends, renowned artist José Márquez Figueroa challenged his students to create a bustling art space and bohemian community here

Take photos at the Callejon de los Sapos

The Callejon de los Sapos (alley of the toads) is one of the most picturesque streets in Puebla Mexico. The multicolored houses here are a photographer’s dream. 

Many of these colorful structures have been converted into cafes, antique stores, and artists’ workshops. It is said that the street takes its name from the various floods that happened in this area in colonial times that caused 6th street to become overrun with toads. 

Fortunately today, the only sign of toads is a water fountain with ornate toad sculptures that sits in the center of Plazuela de los Sapos. Every morning, street vendors venture to the street to sell their wares. 

The marketplace is particularly lively on Sunday mornings. Here, you can find everything in the ramshackle stores from antiques, to vintage furnishings, second-hand books, and dusty tomes in a variety of languages, and oil paintings. 

Even if you are not looking to buy anything, it is worth stopping by for the people-watching opportunity alone. 

Visit the Museo Amparo

If you only have time to visit one Museum during your time in Pueblo or you do not consider yourself a museum person, be sure to stop by the Amparo Museum ( C. 2 Sur 708, Centro). This small Museum in the historic center was created in honor of Amparo Rugarcía de Espinosa. 

Rugarcía was the wife of the Mexican banker and philanthropist Manuel Espinosa Yglesias. The museum exhibits are organized in chronological order and showcase numerous artifacts that have been recovered from the state of Puebla. 

Everything from historic artifacts from the prehispanic era to paintings and drawings by various Mexican artists over the centuries can be found within the museum.

Sample local street food delicacies at the Mercado de Sabores 

The Mercado de Sabores (market of flavors) is a food market that sits at v. 4 Pte. 1104, Historians just north of the main square in Puebla. The street vendors here sell all of Puebla’s classic dishes. 

For instance, tacos arabes, chiles en nogada, cemitas and pelonas. It is popular among locals and tourists alike. 

You can also buy gastro products to take home here. For instance, jars of homemade mole and salsas, as well as local cheeses and coffees. 

Visit Atlixco Pueblo Magico 

Atlixco is a charming pueblo magico that sits in the foothills of the Popocatépetl volcano. It is known for growing flowers (and indeed, fresh, fragrant flowers adorn every wall, storefront, and alleyway). 

Atlixco comes from Nahuatl and means ¨place of the valley of water”. The city is well worth visiting on a day trip and is filled with brightly colored colonial buildings and baroque-style churches. 

Almost every wall and alleyway is filled with vibrant street art created by local artists. There are several gorgeous boutique hotels in this Mexican city such as Casa Flora Atlixco which offer unparalleled views over Popocatépetl.  

Be sure to climb Cerro de San Miguel, stopping to see the Danzantes del Atlixcayotl mural staircase en route and admiring the views as you go. Visit the Jardin Magico botanical garden and then go for an evening drink or a coffee at the Hacienda Santo Cristo. 

Go hiking in the foothills of Popocatépetl 

Popocatépetl Is the name of an active supervolcano that sits in Puebla state. It is the largest volcano in Mexico and sits 72 km southeast of Mexico City and 43 km from Puebla respectively. 

There are several hiking trails that weave through the gorgeous woodlands in the foothills of the volcano. You are not permitted to climb Popocatépetl. However, you can hike with a licensed mountain guide close to the summit of Iztaccíhuatl. 

One of the most famous hiking trails here is known as the route of the volcanic rabbit . This species of rabbit known as a teporingo is endangered and can only be seen in certain parts of Latin America, including along this trail. 

The Alpine Way is another popular route. This hiking trail takes you to the La Jolla lookout point which offers unparalleled views over Iztaccíhuatl. 

Many of the less frequented trails are also worth your attention and lead past farmlands and hidden waterfalls.

Admire the beautiful churches

There are 288 parishes in Puebla City, with each one seemingly more beautiful than the last. (That is not exactly one for each day of the year but thereabouts!). 

One great way to explore the city and uncover hidden neighborhoods is to simply wander around with no set plan and follow Google Maps from one church to another. One of the most unique Puebla churches is the red and white Iglesia de Santa Ines. 

The convent is dedicated to Santa Ines del Monte Pulciano. It dates back to 1626 and at that time it was the 7th female Convent to be founded in the city.

Both Creole and Spanish maidens would live inside the complex.

The Interiors of the convent are just as spectacular as the exterior although the entrance gate is often closed. Inside, the walls are filled with colorful paintings in frescoes that depict the life of the nuns who once lived inside Santa Ines.

The church was abandoned during the siege of Puebla which took place in 1863. Like many other religious buildings, it was used as barracks against the French.

Sadly it was partially destroyed. there is a small sculpture inside the church which is known as El Nino Prodigio . Local legend has it but when the temple was attacked by soldiers in 1857, the little sculpture covered its ears and closed its eyes and it remains that way to this day.

Admire the tilework on the Iglesia de Guadalupe

Another gorgeous Church to add to your radar in Puebla is the Iglesia de Guadalupe. This church is a little on the outskirts of town close to the Mercado de Sabores. 

It is distinguishable by its colorful blue and white Talavera tiles that decorate its facade. There are also interesting motifs, angels, and figures on the front of the church. 

Learn about Talavera pottery at the Tile Museum

Talavera pottery is one of several handicrafts that Puebla city is famous for. Vases, plates, tableware, and decorative ceramics are often created in the distinguishable blue and white Talavera style.

This decorative style originated in Spain. However, When the Spanish arrived, Pueblo already had a deep-seated tradition of producing ceramics largely due to the excellent clay that they had available.

So, the Talavera pottery that you can buy in the region today is a mixture of Spanish and Mexican influences.

If you are interested in purchasing Talavera Potter as a gift, there are several workshops and galleries that you should look out for. Talavera de la Luz (Av. Don Juan de Palafox and. Mendoza) is one place to add to your radar. 

Also worth your time is Uriarte Talavera (Av. 4 Pte. 911), the largest Talavera manufacturer in the world founded in 1824. You may also want to stop by the Patio de los Azulejos (tiled courtyard). 

This 17th-century building was originally part of the architectural complex of the Temple of Nuestra Señora de la Concordia. It is distinguishable by its colorful tiled walls. 

This is a great spot for photos and there is seldom anybody here. Today, the historic building contains a museum that is free to enter and tells the history of Talavera handicrafts. 

Final thoughts on the best things to do in Puebla

There are plenty of things to do in Puebla to warrant spending at least 2-3 days here. If you want to explore more of the surrounding area, go hiking, and visit the nearby pueblo magicos, you may even want to spend as much as a week in the region.

Puebla is a safe place to visit, provided that you take precautions . Both Puebla City and Puebla state are well worth visiting – whether on a dedicated weekend break or as a day trip from Mexico City.

If this is your first time traveling to Mexico, you may also enjoy reading these facts about Mexico.

Have a wonderful time exploring Mexico! Buen Viaje! Melissa xo

Melissa Douglas

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24 Best Things to Do in Puebla, Mexico (+ Itinerary)

by Julie | Jan 27, 2022 | Mexico , Travel

In this blog post, I’m going to share with you 24 of the best things to do in Puebla, a city famous for its delicious food, gorgeous architecture, fascinating history, beautiful pottery, and colorful neighborhoods.

If you’re looking to escape the craziness of Mexico City, then you can’t go wrong visiting Puebla. With Mexico’s fantastic bus system, you can easily get to the city from the capital in 2 hours and from Oaxaca City in 5 hours.

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website’s  Disclosure  for more info.

In This Post, You’ll Find…

I’ve divided the 24 things to do in Puebla into 5 categories. Just jump to the category that interests you the most.

• Things to Do in Puebla: Historic Center
• Things to Do in Puebla: Museums & Historic Buildings
• Things to Do in Puebla: Top Tours
• Things to Do in Puebla: Food Lovers
• Things to Do in Puebla: Day Trips
• Suggested Puebla itinerary
• How to Get to Puebla
• Where to Stay in Puebla
• Is Puebla Safe?

Top Things to Do in Puebla: Historic Center

Puebla has one of my favorite historic centers in all of Mexico. It’s filled with drop-dead gorgeous buildings and colorful neighborhoods . I just loved wandering around discovering its architectural wonders , cute cafes , and shops selling Talavera potter y.

Here is a list of things to do in Puebla’s historic center:

• Hang out in the Central Plaza – Zocalo de Puebla
• Discover the beautiful architecture of Puebla
• Stroll down the Alley of Frogs
• Shop at Plaza Parian
• Buy art in the Artist Quarter

1. Hang Out at Zocalo de Puebla (Central Plaza)

The first thing to do when you arrive in Puebla is to visit the heart and soul of the city: the Zocalo (public square). This is the cultural and historic center of the city.

After traveling in Mexico for 6 months, I think Puebla has one of the most festive and beautiful Zocalos in the country.

Its lively atmosphere is due to how small and compact the park is as well as how the diners from the restaurants and cafes spill out onto the sidewalks. As you walk down the street, you’re surrounded by people eating, drinking, and having a good time.

The architecture, like in all of Puebla, is also stunningly beautiful.

Spend some time here in the evening. Because there are so many people out and about, it feels 100% safe.

2. Discover the Beautiful Architecture of Puebla

After you’ve made your rounds of the Zocalo, wander along the streets radiating out from the park. This is where you’ll find some of Puebla’s most beautiful architecture .

2.1 Puebla’s architectural style

Talavera Tiles: The exteriors and interiors of Puebla’s buildings are decorated in blue, green, yellow, and orange ceramic tiles called azulejos . The ceramic is the same material used in their Talavera pottery .

If you’ve visited Portugal, you’re probably familiar with this architectural style as Lisbon is well-known for decorating its buildings with azulejos .

The other feature that stood out for me was the intricate white stucco decorating the windows and doors of the city’s buildings.

2.2 My two favorite buildings

These are two of my favorite buildings.

The one on the left is found right across from the Central Plaza in the Los Remedios restaurant on Avenida Don Juan de Palafox y Mendoza ( Google Maps) .

The building on the right is a small art gallery called Canto de Los Angeles on Calle 7 Ote ( Google Maps ).

2.3 My Favorite Streets in Puebla:

Here are some of my favorite streets where you can find some stunning architecture:

Calle 5 de Mayo

Starting at the corner of the Zocalo is Calle 5 de May o ( Google Maps ), a pedestrian-only street lined with trees, beautiful old buildings, shops, and street vendors selling everything from balloons to food to cell phone accessories.

Go in the evening when the food carts come out and the street lamps come on. This is when the street is at its liveliest.

Look above the first-floor shops at the intricately carved decorations and European-inspired balconies and street lamps.

Calle la Dulce / Avenida 6 Ote

Another of my favorite streets is the colorful Avenida 6 Ote ( Map) , also known as Calle la Dulce (the Street of Sweets).

Besides the beautiful and colorful buildings, the street is famous for its many stores selling traditional Puebla sweets. Jump to my section on foodie things to do in Puebla to find a good shop to buy some.

Calle 3 Ote

There are two parts to Calle 3 Ote: the tree-lined pedestrian-only section, also known as John Lennon alley ( Map ), and the other section ( Map ) lined with neon-colored buildings .

No, John Lennon never made it to Puebla. But he had one fan in the city who was so obsessed that he paid for the construction of a stone marker commemorating the legendary singer.

The other part of the street is lined with neon bright pink, blue, and yellow buildings.

Calle 6 Norte and Avenida 5 Ote

Calle 6 Norte ( Map ) has some interesting architecture as well as a lot of shops selling Talavera pottery.

Make sure to check out the facade of Museo del Alfeniqu e on the corner of Calle 6 Norte and Ave 5 Ote .

Calle 4 Sur

Calle 4 Sur ( Google Maps ) goes right in front of Templo de la Compania de Jesus and the Plaza de Democracia . It’s got some beautiful buildings and a church that will stop you in your tracks.

3. Stroll Down the Alley of the Frogs (Callejon del Sapo)

Alley of the Frogs ( Google Maps) was made for Instagram . I couldn’t get enough of the colorful buildings, the cobble-stoned streets, and the charming cafes and art galleries.

O n Saturdays , the street I suspect becomes even more charming when it is closed off for an antique market.

There are 2 parts to Alley of the Frogs : one lined with vibrantly colorful buildings (above) and the other a pedestrian-only section (below) .

Why is it called Alley of the Frogs?

Long ago, the nearby San Francisco River would flood and cover the area. The water attracted a lot of frogs. Hence, the name Alley of the Frogs.

4. Shop at Plaza Parian

If you’re looking for souvenirs and handicrafts , a good place to start is the outdoor market at Plaza Parian ( Google Maps ).

You can buy everything there from Talavera pottery to traditional candy to t-shirts .

At the start of Plaza Parian is a young woman with a mobile food cart selling 4 taquitos for MXN$15 (US$.75). They’re very tasty.

5. Buy Some Art in the Artist Quarter

The next fun area to explore is the Artist Quarter ( Google Maps ).

Look for the Quarter’s 2 most famous statues.

• Three women (photo above).

• The other famous statue is of an artist and his easel .

The other interesting part is the tree-lined lane connecting the Artist Quarter to the Parian Market . On one side are little artist studios where you’ll find artists painting and displaying their artwork.

The other side of the street has restaurants and cafes.

Top Things to Do in Puelba: Museums & Historic Buildings

6. visit museo amparo.

If you’re going to visit one museum in Puebla, make sure it’s Museo Amparo. This wonderfully eclectic museum has everything from Maya artifacts to colonial art to aerial photos of present-day Mexico.

The museum has a bonus: a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the Puebla skyline . In pre-COVID times, there was an outdoor restaurant on the terrace.

7. Museo del Alfenique

• OPEN: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tu – Su
• COST: MXN$40
• LOCATION: Google Maps

Originally, the Alfenique museum was the home of a wealthy family. Today it’s a museum with displays on regional history and art. Unfortunately, the displays have no English explanations, so if you’re not fluent in Spanish, you won’t get much out of your visit. It’s too bad about this because Puebla has such a rich history.

Architecturally, though, the museum is stunningly beautiful. So even if you don’t enter, check out its exterior and take a peek at its courtyard.

If you’re a student or teacher, you get half price (from MXN$40 pesos to $20.

8. Museo San Pedro de Arte

• OPEN: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Tu – Su
• COST: MXN$40 (free on Su)

Museo San Pedro de Arte is one museum I’m kicking myself for missing during my time in Puebla. The photos look cool and it looks like an interesting place to learn more of Puebla’s architecture and history.

9. House of Culture of Puebla / Casa de La Culturas

• OPEN: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (M-F); 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sa and Su)

Across the street from a side entrance to the Cathedral is the House of Culture of Puebla . It’s a cultural center for the people of Puebla.

The Center holds temporary exhibitions of contemporary and traditional art . Some of the contemporary paintings are worth checking out.

You can watch dance performances and movies and listen to concerts at the cultural center as well.

This is also where you’ll find the Biblioteca Palafoxiana .

You can visit its Facebook page for info on upcoming exhibitions and cultural performances.

10. Biblioteca Palafoxiana

• OPEN: 10:00 AM- 6:00 PM (Tu – Su)
• COST: MXN$40; you might get a discount if you show your student or teacher ID; free to just look and take a photo from the outside

Inside the Cultural Center is the oldest public library in the Americas and the only remaining original library of the religious orders of Mexico. Called the Biblioteca Palafoxiana , the library is definitely worth a visit.

You can just peek in from the outside and take a photo for free or pay to enter and explore in more depth. I did the former.

In 1646, Bishop Palafox y Mendoza gave his library consisting of 5,000 books to the Colegio de San Juan y San Pedro. He stipulated that the books he donated were to be made available to anyone who wanted to study and read them.

Over the years, other bishops, religious organizations, and private individuals donated their books to the Palafoxiana , helping it grow to over 40,000 books and rivaling those libraries of eighteenth-century Europe.

The library sustained damage from earthquakes. However, with the help of the World Monument Fund, the building has been restored and the interior renovated; preserving the city’s cultural heritage.

11. Catedral de Puebla

Want to be impressed?

Then walk through probably Mexico’s grandest and most imposing church —the Cathedral of Puebla ( Google Maps ).

With its dark stone exterior, it feels more European than Latin American and more Gothic than Baroque.

The church was originally supposed to be built in Mexico City, but because the ground there wasn’t hard and stable enough, the cathedral was moved to Puebla.

I visited the church three times just to make sure I wasn’t missing anything as there are a lot of unique features. Plus! There are English explanations.

12. Templo de la Compania de Jesus

The Templo de la Compania de Jesus ( Google Maps ) has a very striking exterior . The bottom is this dark gothic-like stone, while the Baroque upper half resembles an elaborate wedding cake.

It’s not hard to miss as it’s located between the Zocalo and the Alley of the Frogs.

13. Capilla del Rosario, Templo de Santo Domingo

The church with the most impressive interior in Puebla is Templo de Santo Domingo. It should not be missed on your tour of the city.

Inside is a beautiful chapel called Capelle del Rosario. It is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Mexico.

14. Exconvento de San Francisco de Puebla

The corpse of a most beloved Franciscan friar who helped many people, especially the homeless, is on display . Father Sebastian died in the sixteenth century and his corpse is still intact. It’s a ghoulish sight that is hard to look away from and forget.

The Exconvento de San Francisco Puebla ( Google Maps ) is probably the most bizarre sight in Puebla. Even though it’s a bit out of the way, you really must try to visit .

Luckily, a visit to the church is included on the Free Walking Tour .

One particular item inside the church is what it’s all about.

15. Temple of Our Lady of Guadalupe

I came across Templo of our Lady of Guadalupe ( Google Maps ) as I was walking to the Cholula train station. Its exterior is stunningly beautiful.

The exterior is covered in Talavera tiles .

Top Things to Do in Puebla: Tours

The bus tour and walking tour were the two most important things I did in Puebla. Without them, I wouldn’t have known about the city’s cool neighborhoods and streets because guidebooks and blogs usually don’t mention them.

I highly recommend doing the bus tour on the first day and the walking tour on the second or third day, or if you don’t have time, just do one on the first day. They’re both great! Of course, with the walking tour, it does depend on whether your guide is any good.  

16. Bus Tour of Puebla

• OPEN: all times of day
• COST: MXN$100 (US$5)

You might not be a bus tour kind of person.

But because Puebla is so big and there’s not much travel information on the city, this bus tour is a good thing to do on your first day. It’ll introduce you to neighborhoods that you never thought of visiting before.

The tour is also reasonably priced at MXN$100 (US$5) and only an hour.

You can find double-decker buses parked along Avenida 2 Sur beside the Central Plaza. There are three or four bus companies that offer bus tours of Puebla.

The buses go to several different neighborhoods that I didn’t know about and without the tour would have missed. This is how I learned about the Artist Quarter and the Alley of Frogs .

We also got to go to the Historic Fort area, which I never would have visited since it’s quite far away from the historic center.

Unfortunately, there were no English audio guides. Only Spanish.

17. “Free” Walking Tour

• OPEN: 11:00 am (2 to 3 hours)
• COST: tip your guide at the end (don’t be cheap!)
• CONTACT INFO: Facebook or freetour.com

The best thing to do in any Mexican city is to do the “free” walking tour. Puebla has one that is excellent. You’ll get a tour of almost all the streets I mentioned above plus a few other places most tourists don’t go to. Another bonus is that you get to learn about the history and contemporary culture of the city.

I love that my guide pointed out some works of art located along the streets that I had missed, including this wonderful map of old Puebla, made out of Talavera tiles. I wish I remembered the street it was on.

We visited the oldest bakery in Puebla and a place that made tortillas.

Our guide took us to Paseo del rio San Francisco , an area of abandoned textile factories that was rescued and renovated and turned into a mall, convention center, office space, hotels, restaurants, shops, art galleries, and a park.

We also visited the Artist Quarter, the Alley of the Frogs, and some other neighborhoods I would never have visited on my own.

My tour lasted nearly 3 hours .

You can find out about the tour by visiting their Facebook page . Make sure to contact them via Facebook messenger to know when and where to meet the guide. Another way to book the Puebla walking tour is through freetour.com .

Top Things to Do in Puebla: Food

If you are one of those people, who travel to eat, then you’ll love Puebla. Spend your time trying as many of its specialties as you can and sampling some of its famous sweets.

18. Eat the Best Food in Mexico

Sorry, Oaxaca.

But Puebla has THE best food in Mexico.

If it’s any consolation, you are second.

The best thing to do in Puebla is to eat and eat and eat.

Here is a list of 6 must-try dishes, all invented in Puebla. I’ve also included the restaurants I ate them at, which were all recommended to me by locals.

18.1. Chiles en Nogada

I firmly believe that there is a best Mexican dish . The winner would be chiles en nogada .

Eating chiles en nogada in Puebla is special because this is where the dish originated. Unfortunately, you can only eat chiles en nogada in August and September as it’s eaten in celebration of Mexican independence. But luckily, during those months you can find it at almost every restaurant.

Restaurants: El Mural Puebla, Santa Clara, and La Mexicana

18.2. Mole Poblano

Mole poblano consists of braised meat (usually chicken) covered in a rich dark sauce made with over 30 ingredients. The most special one is chocolate.

Many Americans think that mole comes from Oaxaca. But actually, it originated in Puebla .

The mole in Puebla is different from that of Oaxaca. Pueblo’s flavors are more complex and the chocolate taste is more apparent than Oaxaca’s. I prefer Puebla mole .

18.3 Enchilada Tres Mole

There are many different flavors of mole. I’ve heard 7 or 8 but I’ve also been told the number is infinite. In fact, mole is just another word for “sauce.”

The easiest way to try several different moles at once is to order enchilada tres mole . You’ll get 3 enchiladas, each one covered in a different mole: rojo (red), poblano (dark brown), and verde (green).

18.4 Cemitas

Before you eat a cemita, make sure you are starving because these sandwiches are huge!

The name, cemita, comes from the same name of the sesame-seed covering the bun. The seeds are an essential ingredient in the sandwich. Inside, the ingredients are pretty standard: fried breaded cutlet (I ordered breaded pork called Milanesa), fresh Oaxacan cheese, avocado, onion, jalapenos, and the herb, papalo (sort of like cilantro). Mine came with tomatoes and lettuce as well, but I’ve read that those ingredients aren’t traditional.

For more info on this sandwich, read this terrific article on how a writer at Serious Eats fell in love with cemitas.

Restaurant: Antojito’s Tomy ( Google Maps ); Cemitas y Tortas La Poblanita ( Google Maps )

18.5 Tacos Arabes

Do you like Middle Eastern food? Turkish food? Greek food? Lebanese food?

then you’ll love tacos arabes.

Just like the name suggests, tacos arabes are Arab tacos .

They’re a cross between a taco and a schwarma.

The story goes that Middle Eastern immigrants (either Lebanese or Iraqi) brought their schwarma making tools, ingredients, and skills with them when they settled in Puebla. The spit-roasted lamb of the Middle East was replaced with spit-roasted pork, but the pita bread and the marinated spices of cumin, oregano, and onions remained.

When I ate my taco arabes, I was given a sour cream/yogurt sauce with a touch of olive oil instead of the typical Mexican salsa. I almost thought I was back in Greece.

Supposedly, tacos el pastor comes from tacos arabes. The story goes that the Chilangos (people of Mexico City) took the tacos arabes’ idea of roasting the meat on spits and adapted the Puebla tacos even further to fit Mexican tastes, thus inventing tacos el pastor.

Restaurant: Tacos Arabes Bagdad Centro ( Google Maps )

18.6 Chalupas Poblanas

You know the restaurant scene in When Harry Met Sally where Sally, played by Meg Ryan, pretended she was having an orgasm to show Harry, played by Billy Crystal, how easy it was for women to fool men?

Well, I swear, I had a real food orgasm when I first ate a Puebla-style chalupa.

These things have so much flavor in them that even sitting here miles away from Puebla I can still recall what they tasted like.

Originating in Puebla, Chalupa poblanos are small fried masa tortillas covered first in salsa (red or green) and then topped with shredded chicken, pork, or chorizo. You can also add cheese, lettuce, onions, etc.

Restaurant: Cemitas y Tortas La Poblanita ( Google Maps )

19. Sample Puebla’s Famous Sweets

Puebla is so famous for its sweets that it actually has a street named Calle de la Dulce (Street of Sweets) . Near the main square, the street is lined with shops selling the city’s traditional candies, cookies, and anything with sugar in it.

How did Puebla become famous for its sweets?

There are two stories my free walking tour guide told me, but let’s go with the second one because that’s the one based on research by a historian. Nuns from the Convent of Santa Catalina had a recipe for some sweets. They taught the local mestizos how to make, them who then sold the sugary treats outside their churches after mass.

The three most traditional sweets are camotes, jamoncillo de pepita, and tortitas de Santa Clara . But I have to say my favorite is Cocao de con leche.

Shop: Dulceria Talavera ( Google Maps )

20. Go on a Food Tour

Despite Puebla having the best food in Mexico, it doesn’t have a lot of food tours . Probably the best one is this bike and food tour where you get to bike around the city visiting the most important attractions and tasting some of Puebla’s best street food.

Another food tour idea is this walking tour / street food tour . The price is reasonable and you get to eat some of the best food of Puebla.

Top Things to Do in Puebla: Day Trips

There are several day trips you can take from Puebla:

• Cacaxtla and Xochitecatl Ruins
• Cantona Archaeological Site
• Popocatepetl Volcano
• Iztaccihuatl Volcano

La Malinche Volcano

21. visit historic cholula.

Cholula is a city of 118,000 people located 40 minutes by train from Puebla. There are a few good things to do in Cholula, so I highly recommend adding it to your Puebla itinerary.

Here are the must-visit attractions in Cholula:

• Great Pyramid of Cholula
• Regional Museum of Cholula
• Downtown Cholula
• Convento de San Gabriel Arcangel
• Capilla Real de Naturales

21.1 The Great Pyramid of Cholula

My primary purpose in visiting Puebla was to see the great pyramid of Cholula and the church that stands on top of it.

Cholula is the largest pyramid by volume in the world today. It’s 177 feet (54 meters) high and almost 45 acres (18 hectares) wide. The Pyramids of Giza are taller, but Cholula is wider.

Church of Our Lady of Remedies

When you arrive at Cholula, the first thing you’re going to see is an orangish or yellowish-colored (depending on the light) church sitting on top of a hill covered in vegetation.

This is the Church of Our Lady of Remedies (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios), which was built in the 1600s. You can get to the church by walking up a road that wraps around the hill.

So, where’s the pyramid?

The pyramid lies under the trees, bushes, and grass that cover the hill. It is the actual “hill” , but the only part of the pyramid that you can see is its base.

Dedicated to the god Quetzalcoatl, the pyramid was first constructed in 200 BCE and over the next 1700 years whoever dominated Cholula added another layer to it so that it became bigger and bigger. There are supposedly four layers under the vegetation. You can see a model of the different layers in the on-site museum.

By the time the Spaniards came, though, the pyramid was so overgrown with vegetation that they thought it was a hill. They liked the idea of building a church that dominated the town, so they built it on top of the hill.

Cholula Tunnels

The highlight of a visit to Cholula, though, is a series of tunnels under the pyramid . They were originally built by archaeologists to research the structure. You can explore the tunnels with or without a guide.

There is also a small museum on-site with a miniature replica of Cholula showing the different layers of the pyramid.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t enter the church, the pyramid, the museum, or the tunnels when I was there in September 2021. At that time, both structures were open only on weekends (COVID) and I visited on weekdays.

21.2 Regional Museum of Cholula

• OPEN: 9:30 – 5:00 pm (Tu- Su); closed on M.
• COST: MXN$40 (US$2)

The Regional Museum of Cholula has a little surprise inside that you don’t want to miss! Besides the usual ancient and colonial artifacts, it’s got the coolest, wildest, and most fantastic alebrije I’ve ever seen in all of Mexico.

Alebrije are statues made of wood depicting colorful animals and mythical creatures (the original ones were made of paper). The ones in this museum range from the usual elegant animals (iguanas, armadillos, rabbits, etc.) to life-sized skeletons, dragons, monsters, and fantastical creatures.

21.3 Downtown Cholula

Before leaving Cholula, try to stop downtown near the main Plaza to see the Convento de San Gabriel Arcangel and Capilla Real de Naturales .

The exterior of the convent is kind of architecturally cool but the interior is not all that interesting. However, the interior of the Capilla is quite unique, and you should definitely take a look inside . It is made up of 49 small domes kind of like a mosque.

Getting to Cholula:

I got to Cholula via the Puebla-Cholula Tourist Train . This comfortable and modern train would take passengers for FREE directly to a station across from the pyramid.

Let me just emphasize that word again: FREE.

Unfortunately, the train wasn’t generating enough revenue, so it is currently no longer running.

In case, The-Powers-That-Be do decide to resume the train, here is the schedule:

From Monday to Friday, the train left Puebla at 7:00 am, 8:30 am, and 4:50 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday, it left at 7:00 am, 7:45 am, 8:30 am, 9:15 am, 10 am, 3:15 pm, 4 pm, 4:45 pm, and 5:30 pm.

It took 40 minutes to get to Cholula.

The train left Cholula on Mondays to Fridays at 7:45 a.m., 12:20 p.m., and 5:40 p.m. It departed Cholula on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays at 7:45 am, 8:30 am, 9:15 am, 10 am, 3:15 pm, 4 pm, 4:45 pm, 5:30 pm and 6:15 pm.

An alternative is to take an Uber to Cholula. It’s fast and relatively inexpensive given the fact that Cholula is far from the center. Expect to pay between  MXN$100 and $200 (US$6 – $12) .

22. Cacaxtla Ruins

• OPEN: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
• COST: MXN$75 (US$4)

My biggest regret when visiting Puebla was not making it to the archaeological ruins of Cacaxtla. I was running out of time on my visa and there was a lack of information on how to get to the ruins. If you have made it to them, let me know what you think in the comment section below.

Cacaxtla Ruins

The capital of the Olmeca-Xicalanca people, Cacaxtla is famous for its colorful murals . Few murals from ancient Meso-America have survived, so having a chance to see some in person is quite special.

Divided into two by a staircase, one Cacaxtla mural is 80 feet (26 meters) long and depicts 2 scenes of battle between 2 different ethnic groups, one of which is probably the Maya.

Other murals depict human figures from different cultures (Mixtecs, Maya, Teotihuacan).

Cacaxtla was at the height of its power from 650 to 950 AD and may have been responsible for the defeat of Cholula.

How to Get to Cacaxtla

Atlas Obscura says to “go to the Centro de Autobuses Puebla (CAPU) bus terminal and take an Estrella Roja bus to Tlaxcala.” Then take a taxi to the archaeological sites, which should take 30 minutes.

Lonely Planet says to get a Flecha Azul bus from CAPU terminal to the town of Nativitas and then take a Zona Arqueologica” colectivo to the site.

The easiest way to visit Cacaxtla and the historic city of Tlaxcala in with this Cacaxtla and Tlaxcala tour . You can book with Viator or Get Your Guide .

23. Cantona Archaeological Site

It’s crazy that the Cantona Archaeological Site isn’t mentioned more in travel guides and isn’t visited more by tourists. I didn’t know about it until I visited the Anthropology Museum in Mexico City, where there is a whole section devoted to artifacts from Cantona. The photos of the site look fantastic—great views of the volcanoes.

Cantona was the largest pre-Hispanic city in Mexico . According to Lonely Planet , it was prospering between 600 and 1,000 CE with a population of 80,000 people.

The site has some interesting features:

• 24 ball courts
• no mortar was used to build the structures, so the stones were held in place by their weight – that’s how the Incas built their structures.
• the buildings are connected by raised roads
• center for obsidian mining – this was the material used to make weapons in Mesoamerica

How to get to Cantona Archaeological Site

According to Rome2Rio, take a bus to Oriental and then to taxi to the Cantona Archaeological Site. But the ruins still look like it’s pretty far from Oriental.

Probably the easiest way to get to the ruins is with this private tour of Cantona .

24. Volcanoes

Another of the many reasons why I love Puebla is that it is surrounded by volcanoes (Popocatepetl, Iztaccihuatl, and La Malinche) , one of which is still active (Popocatepetl) and two of which you can climb. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to visit any of them, but I guess that gives me more reasons to return to Puebla.

Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl Volcanoes

You can still climb Iztaccihuatl but not Popocatepetl. According to Lonely Planet , Iztaccihuatl should only be attempted by experienced climbers and given its difficulty, guides are highly recommended. You can also book guides through Get Your Guide .

Named after the interpreter and lover of Hernan Cortes, La Malinche , an inactive volcano, is a popular hiking destination located in the La Malinche National Park. At 4,461 meters (14,636 feet), it’s a difficult climb that’ll take at least 5 hours. You can also stay overnight at 3,333 meters, where you’ll find both rustic and luxury cabins run by Mexican Social Security Institute.

You can climb La Malinche independently or do a hiking tour by signing up through Get Your Guide .

Recommended Puebla Itinerary

This was my itinerary for Puebla:

Puebla – Day 1

• I arrived in Cholula from Oaxaca at about 1:00 pm.
• Zocalo and Cathedral of Puebla
• Explore the streets around the Historic Center
• Morning – Cholula
• Afternoon – Museo Amparo
• Explore the different neighborhoods and streets of Puebla – Alley of Frogs, Artist’s Quarter, and so on
• Museo del Alfenique
• Morning: Free Walking Tour
• Afternoon: Leave for Mexico City

How to get to Puebla

Puebla is fairly easy to get to from Mexico Cito or Oaxaca City .

The problem, however, is the Puebla bus station .

It’s called CAPU ( Google Maps ) and it’s huge ! And if you don’t know what you’re doing, you can easily take a wrong turn and miss your bus.

So, I’m going to help you navigate it, so you don’t do like I did and get lost.

From Mexico City to Puebla and vice versa

It’s a quick 2-hour bus ride from Mexico City to Puebla CAPU Station. You can get a bus from Norte Mexico Station or TAPO Station in Mexico City . Both ADO and AU buses go to and from Puebla multiple times of day . Check the ADO Website for schedules and times and to buy a ticket.

Tickets range in price from MXN$175 to $320 (US$9 – $16).

An alternative is the e-bus that leaves from several places in Mexico City like the WTC Holiday Inn Express and the The Angel CDMX and drops you off at Paseo Destino Shopping Mall ( Google Maps ) in Puebla . You can of course do the route in reverse.

The problem with the e-bus website is that it’s slow and it doesn’t seem to accept foreign credit card or foreign addresses. I was never able to complete a successful transaction using their website.

From Oaxaca to Puebla

From Oaxaca City to Puebla, the ADO bus is a nice and comfy 4-hour ride . Buy your tickets ahead of time on the ADO website .

Tickets range in price from M XN$444 to $623 (US$22 – $31).

Check out my travel guide for Oaxaca here .

Bus Station in Puebla

Arriving in puebla.

When you arrive at Puebla CAPU, look for the taxi stand . It’ll be on the same level as where your bus arrives. Don’t do like I did and follow the local passengers up the escalator.

The taxi ticket booth inside the terminal sells pre-fixed taxi fares . Tell the attendant where you’re going.  and pay a fee according to what zone your destination is in. The attendant gives you a ticket that you take to the taxi stand outside. The taxi stand attendant will arrange a driver for you. You don’t have to worry about being cheated or kidnapped or any other bad scenarios you’ve dreamt up. It’s terrific!

It cost me MXN$81 from the CAPU Bus Station to the historic central district .

Departing Puebla

The departure area of CAPU Station can be overwhelming. When you first enter the bus terminal, you’ll be in a huge hall with ticket windows, restaurants, and shops. If you’ve already bought your bus ticket online like I usually do, skip the ticket window.

At the back of the hall are two hallways. One goes off to the left and the other to the right. Each hallway services specific bus companies. For example, the hallway on the left has buses for AU , while the hallway on the right covers ADO buses . There are more bus companies but those are the two I remember. Above the entrance to the halls will be signs saying which bus companies it contains.

Where to stay in Puebla

Without a doubt, the best area to stay in is the historic center. For solo travelers, it’s safe and there are tons of places to eat nearby. I could leave my hotel in the evening and walk to a restaurant or shop or the historic center.

Puebla has something that I’ve never seen in other cities in Mexico. All hotels have a large letter H hanging outside of them, so when you’re walking down the street, you can easily spot a hotel.

Expect to pay at least MXN$80 for a taxi from the CAPU Bus Station to the Central Historic District.

Here is a list of hotels at various price points that I have compiled. All are located in the safe historic center and they either have a lot of character and/or are very affordable.

Budget to Medium-Priced Accommodations

Hotel santiago.

Booking.com | Agoda

COST: US$17 for private room

Hotel Santiago has got to have the most perfect location on this list of places to stay in Pueblo. Located around the corner from the main square, it’s more on the budget rather than the mid-range end of the spectrum. The rooms are clean and the management treats its guests like royalty.

The only downside is the internet. The worst in Mexico. Perhaps it matters which floor you’re on. I was rarely able to pull up a web page. Management said I could switch rooms if the internet was still not working well for me.

Posada Vee Yu

Hostel World | Booking.com | Agoda

This hostel is centrally located with both dorms and well-priced private rooms. There’s free WiFi, a coworking space, and free coffee.

Casa Pepe Puebla

Booking.com | Agoda | Hostel World

Located a block from Alley of the Frogs and in a seventeenth-century mansion, Casa Pepe Puebla is a brand new hostel. It has stylish and clean dorms and private rooms. Each dorm room has its own attached bathroom. Breakfast included!

Hotel Isabel

Hotel Isabel is another very nicely located hotel, just a couple of blocks from the main square. It’s well-priced and the rooms look very comfortable. I was contemplating staying here but this hotel’s price of US$35 couldn’t beat the Hotel Santiago’s price of US$17.

Breakfast is included and that is definitely a plus!

Mid-range to Upper-priced

Hotel andante.

Another superb hotel in the city center, Hotel Andate is a themed hotel with free breakfast and a roof-top terrace. Each room is stylishly and colorfully decorated based on a different composer.

Hotel Boutique Casona de la China Poblana

The boutique hotel Casona de la China Poblana is located in a seventeenth-century mansion in the heart of the historic center. Rooms are stylishly and traditionally decorated. Internet might not be the most stable. 

Is Puebla Safe for solo travelers?

A friend of mine said the city was dangerous, so I initially had second thoughts about visiting Puebla. On the bus from Oaxaca to Puebla, the scary stories the U.S. media likes to tell came flooding back to me. Those were the same ones that my previous 5 months in Mexico had debunked.

However, during my 4 days in Puebla, I never felt unsafe. Except for when I walked the 30 minutes to the train station and back, I mainly stuck to the central historic district. There generally isn’t much reason to go beyond it.

In the evenings, I walked around the Zocalo and went to and from restaurants and tourist sights. Not once did I feel I was in danger.

Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Puebla

A lot of people leave Puebla off their Mexico itinerary. It’s a shame because there are of a lot of things to see and do in Puebla especially if you love architecture, history, art, and food. So, I hope this article has inspired you to visit.

If you were already planning on traveling to Puebla, then I hope this guide has given you some ideas on what to do in Puebla.

Please feel free to leave any comments or questions in the Comment Section below.  

If you’ve found this post helpful, please share it on social media.

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Hey! How about saving one of these pins to Pinterest to read for later?

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I have wanted to go to Mexico for a while and this looks amazing! What a beautiful city and complete walkthrough. I’m saving it!

I hope you make it to Mexico soon and definitely put Puebla on your itinerary.

What a lovely place! And you have done a great job of selling it to others, despite everything you heard before you visited! I agree with you that it’s important to take on others recommendations but also sometimes when you see somewhere yourself, it can have a very different impact on you. Clearly, Puebla did just that. It looks like a gorgeous place to me & you’ve put it on the map for a Mexico visit in the future!

I’m glad my sales job was persuasive. I really was trying to sell it as so many foreign tourists skip it. I hope you make it to Puebla on your next travels!

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Ultimate Puebla Mexico Travel Guide: Visiting in 2023

· [updated august 2023] ·.

This post is one that is near and dear to our hearts. While we frequently write about cities that we have visited and loved, this one is about the place that we chose to call home for a short stint of our lives while we earned our Master’s degrees. This Puebla Travel Guide is as thorough as it gets.

After visiting Puebla once, I knew that Puebla was the perfect place to spend a couple of years. We planned on moving to Mexico to go to graduate school and attain true fluency in Spanish. After living in Puebla for a while, we are equipped to tell you everything to know for your visit to Puebla!

A lot of people wonder, “Is Puebla worth visiting?” Once you read this post, I think you’ll know the answer to that!

We lived in Puebla for 1.5 years while studying for our Masters.

This post contains affiliate links through which we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed are my own.

Why Is Puebla Worth Visiting?

First, we want to address a potential elephant in the room: Why is Puebla Mexico worth visiting? Does this city really deserve a visit? Honestly, is Puebla worth visiting at all? 

The short answer is yes. The long answer is found throughout the rest of this post.

Fact: Puebla is one of the most historic cities in Mexico.

Most Americans have heard of Cinco de Mayo. But few know that this is actually the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla! This battle took place in Puebla, and was actually between the Mexican Army and the French Invaders – not the Spanish! 

Puebla state was a very important region when Spain ruled Mexico, and Puebla de Zaragoza is its capital city. Its wealth and beauty have extended into the 21st century, between the opulence of its luxury hotels to the quaintness of its cobblestone streets.

Puebla is located less than two hours from the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City. For this reason many see it as  one of the best day trips from Mexico City.  While this is certainly a nice plan, you’d be missing out if you tried to visit Puebla as a day trip from Mexico City. 

How Many Days Do You Need in Puebla? 

We’d say that at minimum you need at least three days. We find new exciting things here every week and can’t imagine trying to experience this place in just a few days!

I am a Philly guy, and I think Puebla reminds me a lot of Philadelphia in a few ways. Both are massive cities that are among the top 5 cities in terms of population in their country (about 1.5 million people each). Both are jam-packed with history, and both tend to live a life in the shadow of their massive metropolitan neighbor. 

If you visit Puebla as a day trip, you will be able to go on a guided tour to see some of the city’s highlights and taste some of its delicious food. However, this isn’t enough time to really explore the rich Mexican history that is still alive in Puebla. From the Calle de los Dulces to traditional markets, there is just too much to experience in such little time.

How to Get to Puebla

Fly directly to puebla.

You have two main options when deciding how to get to Puebla.  The first option is flying directly into Puebla and taking an Uber or a taxi into the city.   Puebla International Airport  is very small and your flight options may be limited, but it is definitely the quickest way to get to Puebla.

If you choose this route and want to take an Uber, you may need to exit the airport and walk to the main street before you can request it, as Ubers are (for some odd reason) allowed to drop off at the airport but not allowed to pick up. The airport sits about 30 minutes northwest of the city and the trip to the center should cost between 5 and 10 dollars (100 to 200 pesos) in either Uber or Taxi.

If someone asked me how to get to Puebla, I probably wouldn’t recommend this option because the flight routes are usually pretty expensive and all require a layover somewhere (unless you’re flying from Houston!)

Fly to Mexico City & Take a Bus to Puebla

The second way to get to Puebla, which is almost definitely more affordable for most people, is to fly into Mexico City and then take a bus to Puebla.  Buses run from  Mexico City International Airport (MEX)  all day every day to both of Puebla’s main bus stations:   CAPU  and  Paseo Destino .

Both are a bit removed from the center of the city, but Paseo Destino is definitely easier to navigate, it’s a lot nicer, and it is probably closer to where you’ll be staying.

To get to the bus area in the airport, once you’ve passed through  customs , you’ll hang a left, following the overhead sign with the bus on it. You’ll need to go up an escalator, pass by a Starbucks, and eventually hang another right up a ramp.

There are ticket counters for each bus company here and you can hop on whichever bus heads out next! Once you arrive in Puebla you can simply call an Uber or wave down a taxi to take you to your hotel, Airbnb, or other destination. If someone asked me how to get to Puebla, this is absolutely the option I’d recommend.

Best Things to Do in Puebla

It’s impossible to squeeze all of our favorite places and the must-sees into one post, but we’ll do our best to summarize the top things to do in Puebla. Most of these things can be found in the heart of the city, and most can be done almost any day of the year.

1. Admire the Colorful Colonial Architecture

Being one of the most elite cities when Mexico was under Spanish rule, Spain invested a ton of money in making the city of Puebla absolutely beautiful.  The gem of the city is its massive burgundy cathedral  with a stone façade that sits right on the south side of the Zocalo. 

The cathedral isn’t everything, though! The architecture of colonial buildings throughout the entire city is extremely ornate. The pastel colors express a distinctly Mexican attitude.

A walk down the Callejon de los Sapos is one of the most beautiful ways to witness this love for bright colors. But buildings all throughout the city are colored like pastel sidewalk chalk. One of my favorite things to do is go for a walk in a different direction every day and admire the sheer beauty of the architecture in the city! This is easily one of the best things to do in Puebla, and there’s no need for a tour guide.

2. Go Church Hopping

Whether you’re Catholic or not, it’s hard not to fall in love with the raw beauty of the churches in Puebla.  There are 365 Roman Catholic churches in the city of Puebla , and every single one is stunning! 

The churches here are so stunning that it would be impossible to leave this off the list of the top things to do in Puebla. Ranging from smaller chapels to massive structures like the cathedral, each church is different and has its own flare. There is no denying the influence that the Roman Catholic Church has had on the area.

There are 365 Catholic churches in the city of Puebla. That means you could visit a new church every day for a year!

We highly recommend checking out the cathedral, the Templo de San Francisco de Asis, the Templo de Santo Domingo, and the Capillo del Rosario, which is decorated with inexpressible amounts of gold.

When we lived in Puebla, we tried to go to a new Church every Sunday to get a taste of all of the churches that this city has to offer. We have yet to be disappointed in a church in Puebla, and none of them charge an entrance fee to visitors.

The cathedral is the nicest cathedral we have visited in Mexico, surpassing even the one in Mexico City (which is actually very underwhelming)!

3. Visit the Fort of Loreto and its Beautiful Surrounding Park

Visiting the Fort and its park has been one of the top things to do in Puebla for over a century. The fort was used in the Battle of Cinco de Mayo where the Mexicans fought off the French. If you visit, you’ll see why they fought over this part of the city! 

It is very high up and has gorgeous views of the city. You can even see the snow-capped volcanoes that lie to the west, east, and north.  While it was an area of extreme strategic importance in 1862, it is now a fantastic spot for a sunset picnic .

The Fort of Loreto is the perfect spot for a sunset picnic.

The fort isn’t just surrounded by your average small park. The part surrounding the fort is large, grassy, and even has a couple of coffee shops. 

If you sit on the western slope of the park you’re in for an incredible view. You can watch the sunset over the National Park of the twin volcanoes of Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl. While you’re in the park, be sure to check out the Museum of the Evolution of Puebla, the Regional Museum of Puebla, and the Interactive Museum of the Battle of Cinco de Mayo!

4. Take a Ride on Either the Teleferico or the Estrella de Puebla

While both of these are a bit touristy, they both provide awesome bird’s-eye views of the city. Teleférico is Spanish for cable car, and the Estrella de Puebla is a ginormous Ferris Wheel in the posh area of Angelopolis. The Estrella costs 40 pesos (around $2) for a ride, and the Teleférico will cost you 70 pesos (around $3.50). 

The reason that we suggest only hitting up one of these spots is that the views are very similar. Ferris wheels and cable cars offer similar experiences, and they can both be a great way to see the city from above.

If you’re looking for some higher-end dinner spots or some shopping, go to the Estrella de Puebla. It’s surrounded by malls and restaurants of all kinds (including American places like iHop, Chili’s, and Applebees). 

If you want to do two of the top things to do in Puebla at once, you can hop on the Teleferico in the middle of the park surrounding the Fort of Loreto. Both the Estrella de Puebla and the Teleferico are good things to do in Puebla, but only one is necessary.

*If anyone at either place (especially the Teleférico) tries to tell you that purchasing the pictures is mandatory, don’t listen to them. It’s not.*

5. Head to the Callejon de Los Sapos

This one is near and dear to us because it is where we lived for a significant portion of our time in Puebla. The Callejon de los Sapos and its surrounding area, which is just referred to as Los Sapos, is the prettiest street in all of Puebla. It’s towards the top of the list of the top things to do in Puebla. 

If you don’t believe us, just look on Instagram. In English its name means “Alley of the Frogs,” because hundreds of years ago there used to be a pond in this spot that was home to hundreds of frogs and toads. Nowadays, this areas cobblestone streets don’t resemble frogs at all!

Filled with cute cafes, restaurants, high-end boutique hotels and a lively nightlife scene, this area is by far the best borough of the city. It gives us strong European vibes mixed with the colorful flare of Mexico. On Saturday mornings, there is a cute artisan/flea market that is set up all throughout the area which we’d also recommend seeing! 

On Saturday nights, the place is filled with people socializing with one another. We’d recommend visiting here either in the morning on a weekend or right before or after dinner on a weekday. We hope you love it as much as we do!

The name of this iconic street in English is “Alley of the Frogs”.

6. Walk Around the Zocalo of Puebla

In Mexico, the zocalo is essentially the main square of the city. Visiting the zocalo isn’t just on the list of the top things to do in Puebla – it’s probably on the list of the top things to do in any city in Mexico. There’s a zocalo in almost every city, and they’re the center of life and culture in the city. 

In each zocalo, you’ll normally come across the Cathedral, a pretty small park or fountain area, and a ton of food options.

In Puebla, you’ll find the Cathedral (a must-see) on the southwest side, the Municipal palace on the northeast side, and food options lining the rest of the way. Some of the restaurants have great terraces and outdoor seating, and we definitely recommend either eating outside or getting a spot on a terrace. 

If you want some good Mexican food, try either Mi Viejo Pueblito or La Porfiriana, both located on the southeast side of the square. There is also a colorful Puebla sign in the Zocalo where you can take pictures!

7. Visit Puebla’s Top Museums

Puebla is actually jam-packed with great museums. There are the ones by the fort which we already mentioned, and then there are a few other standout options throughout the city. 

First and foremost, there’s the International Baroque Museum. This museum is considered to be one of the best museums in all of Mexico, and it is filled with awesome baroque designs and architecture. There are also some awesome views from the art museum’s roof!

Then there is the  Museo Amparo , which houses over 3,500 pieces of Pre-Columbian (that’s before Christopher Columbus) art. Third is the  Museo Casa de Alfeñique , which is a preserved 18th-century mansion. 

Finally, we’d say check out the  Biblioteca Palafoxiana , which is a huge 17th-century library that has thousands of old books. Did we mention that  this is the OLDEST LIBRARY IN THE AMERICAS ? Visiting any combination of these museums is easily one of the best things to do in Puebla.

Puebla City houses the oldest library in the americas!

8. Take a Day Trip to Cholula

Cholula is a satellite city of Puebla, and it is one of the most charming places in all of Mexico. Recognized by its stunning mountain backdrop, Cholula is becoming a tourist favorite. We lived in Cholula for a year and are dying to move back.

Cholula is filled with stunning colonial buildings, but its main draw is its archeological sites. Most notably, the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which is just a short walk from the city center.

While it is mostly underground, this is the largest pyramid in the entire world. It’s even bigger than the Great Pyramids of Giza, in terms of volume! Built on top of it is the Capilla del Rosario, which is one of the most iconic sights in Mexico.

Between the colonial era and pre-colonial era, Cholula has a rich history that rivals the heritage of any other Mexican city. While the state of Puebla is filled with smaller towns worth visiting, Cholula tops the list.

9. Try Chile en Nogada

Chile en Nogada is the National Dish of Mexico, and it originates in Puebla! This dish consists of stuffed chili peppers covered in a creamy sauce and topped with pomegranate seeds. Personally, I am not a huge fan, but many people are and there’s no denying they are part of what gives Puebla such a good food reputation. 

Even if you don’t love them, you simply need to try them to have an authentic experience! Chiles en Nogada are only served around September, in celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day on September 16. 

10. Learn About Talavera Pottery

Talavera is a type of pottery that has been made in the area for centuries. Talavera pottery is distinguished by its white and blue colors, and it’s one of the top souvenirs to purchase in Puebla. This is really high-quality stuff, too, making it a great option to give as a Christmas gift back home.

Uriarte Talavera is a good place to buy some pottery pieces, and its central location is one of the main reasons so many people visit. 

The Best Foods to Eat in Puebla

Puebla has a reputation of being a bit of a foodie city, especially for those interested in Mexican cuisine. This makes sense, as both of the national dishes of Mexico, Chiles en Nogada and Mole, originated here. Poblano cuisine is actually considered by many to be the best food in Mexico, which means that the best foods to eat in Puebla are actually some of the best foods to eat in Mexico as a whole!

We wrote a full blog post on all the foods you should be eating in Puebla. The history behind this food is fascinating, and the tastes are next level. Open our full blog post to see it.

– R E A D –

Best Places to Eat in Puebla

1. el mural de los poblanos.

This place is widely regarded as one of the finest restaurants in the city and easily one of the best places to eat in Puebla. They serve authentic, high-quality Poblano food for a reasonable price by US standards. This place is a bit on the nicer end, and you’d be better off in smart casual attire. This is a great place to try Mole Poblano or Chiles en Nogada, as many people say this restaurant is the best in the world at both of these dishes!

2. Casa Barroca

This is another restaurant on the finer end. They also serve fantastic Poblano food in a beautiful environment. It’s really hard to put either of these first two restaurants above the other, as both serve incredible local food in a fantastic space and belong on the list of the best places to eat in Puebla without a question. This would be another awesome spot to try one of the national dishes! We went for brunch on a Sunday, and it was honestly fantastic.

3. El Cielo de Jalisco

This is less of a restaurant recommendation and more of a quick bite stop, but it still deserves the title of one of the best places to eat in Puebla. It’s an extremely local, little shop and we have one recommendation for you – cemitas arabes and cemitas al pastor (or tortas if they’re out of cemitas!) This place is our go-to for a quick bite, and we’d be lying if we said we go here any less than weekly. Expect to pay less than a dollar per cemita or torta! 

It’s a mom & pop so they don’t have a website, but these directions should get you there!

Address: On Calle 4 Sur between Avenida 5 Oriente & 7 Oriente.

4. La Berenjena

We hate to include a restaurant on the list of the best places to eat in Puebla that doesn’t even serve Mexican food, but La Berenjena is just that good. The pizza here is fantastic, along with a good selection of other Italian dishes. There are several locations, but the one we’d recommend is the one in Los Sapos, as you can stroll the neighborhood after your dinner! They have a great indoor and outdoor space and are a good way to mix things up if you want a break from Mexican food.

5. Antigua Taqueria La Oriental

This place is another chain, and it is the home of Tacos Arabes. There are a bunch of these located throughout the city. Their Tacos Arabes are clearly the thing to try, but we’ve never heard a complaint about anything on their menu! We’d recommend it as a great lunch spot. The thing that makes this one of the best places to eat in Puebla is its convenience. There are locations in just about every part of the city!

6. El Patio y Las Ranas

Do you like tacos? We hope so if you’re headed to Mexico! The final place we’d consider one of the best places to eat in Puebla is Las Ranas. It’s our favorite taco joint in town. They have so many different types of meat that you can order in your tacos, and they have very affordable prices. We’d recommend trying their chorizo tacos or their tacos al pastor!

How to Get Around Puebla

Puebla is very much a car city. By that we mean the public transportation exists, but it isn’t the most accessible. There is no subway system – it is all buses and colectivos. 

While renting a car is always an option, we’d simply recommend using Uber all the time. Taxis are never your best bet in Mexico, and Uber is both safer and cheaper.  You can Uber just about anywhere in the city for less than $3!

Uber is dirt cheap in Mexico.

Ubering will probably be significantly cheaper than renting a car or hiring a driver, and it is definitely easier than driving. If you are worried about using Uber while in Mexico, be sure to  read this post about why Uber is safe to use abroad.  

Driving is a bit wilder in Mexico than it is in the United States. If you do decide to rent a car, though,  check out our post on tips for driving in Mexico.  

Is Puebla Safe for Tourists?

“Is Puebla safe for tourists?” is probably one of the questions that we get the most when people ask us about our previous home city. A lot of people are worried about visiting different parts of Mexico and tend to wonder things like “is Puebla safe for tourists?” and “how dangerous is Puebla?” 

We understand the concern, but we think it may be a bit unnecessary. After living here for two years, we have a pretty good grasp on safety in Puebla. We wrote a whole post on the  most dangerous places in Mexico , and Puebla doesn’t come close to cracking the list.

Puebla is no more dangerous than any major city in your own country.

Now, in my opinion, how dangerous is Puebla? No more dangerous than any major city in your own country. In fact, Puebla might even be safer. 

While we’ve heard stories of various incidents that have happened, they’re rare and are nothing that doesn’t happen in places like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Puebla is nothing like Tijuana. I definitely had to talk a lot about safety in  my Tijuana travel guide . 

If you want to maximize your safety in Puebla, take the basic precautions that you would take in any major city. Don’t do anything illegal, don’t walk around too late at night, and don’t flash any valuables. If you go about your business normally and don’t go asking for trouble, the odds of something happening to you are very low.

Our Final Tips for Visiting Puebla

What to wear in puebla.

The temperature is awesome all year long in Puebla. You can get away with springtime attire here any month of the year. Many places in this region have been dubbed “cities of eternal spring” because the weather really doesn’t stray too far from mild and comfortable. 

It can get a little chilly at night. So if you’re coming any time outside of the summer I’d advise bringing a sweater. Also, it’s best to dress on the modest side, as Central Mexico is a more conservative area.

If you visit during the rainy season, be sure to bring an umbrella or a rain jacket. This runs from April to October.

Haggle in Local Markets

Secondly, if you go to any type of market, feel free to haggle! This is often the expectation, and speaking Spanish definitely helps. Visiting the local markets is one of the best ways to really immerse yourself in Mexican culture. 

Our favorite market in Puebla is the Mercado La Acocota, which is just east of the Historic Center. We shopped here every single week while living in Puebla. They have everything from fresh corn tortillas to produce to meat to toiletries.

Always Give a Tip

Tipping in Mexico is a bit different from in the United States. In restaurants, 10% is the expectation and 15% is for exceptional service.  But   in Mexico, it is customary to tip almost anyone for anything . 

Parking attendants, Uber drivers, and delivery people all expect tips. Having 10 pesos or so to pass along to anyone that gives you a hand will be greatly appreciated, and it’s one of the easiest ways to support the local economy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Puebla

How many days do i need in puebla mexico.

You should allot about 4 days to visit Puebla, at minimum. This gives you enough time to explore the historic center, take a day trip to Cholula, try some of the best restaurants, and visit the city’s top museums. Any less than 4 days is not enough time to truly experience Puebla.

Is Puebla walkable?

Puebla is very walkable. The best neighborhoods of the city are all around the historic center and can all be reached by foot. Any areas that are further away are easily reached by Uber.

Should I stay in Cholula or Puebla?

I highly recommend staying in the Historic Center of Puebla instead of Cholula. While Cholula is wonderful, there is much more at your fingertips when you stay in the center of Puebla, and there are many very nice hotels.

What is the best time to visit Puebla Mexico?

The best time to visit Puebla, Mexico is during the area’s dry season. This runs from October through April in Mexico’s central highlands. It offers visitors comfortable temperatures, little to no rain, and cool breezes.

Can you drink the water in Puebla Mexico?

You should not drink the water in Puebla, Mexico. While many of the locals do it, it isn’t a good idea for foreigners. You can buy jugs or bottles of water at any convenience store, and restaurants happily serve bottled water to their guests.

What is the best part of Puebla to stay in?

The best part of Puebla to stay in is the Historic Center. This is actually where we lived during our time in Puebla. Almost everything is at your fingertips and is within walking distance if you stay in the Historic Center of Puebla. 

The Quinta Real is one of the top hotels in Puebla , and it is shockingly affordable for how nice it is. 

That’s all we have for you about visiting downtown Puebla! Hopefully this Puebla Travel Guide helps you to plan the ultimate trip to Mexico’s 5th biggest city. If you have any questions, be sure to drop a comment in the comment section or shoot us an email.

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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Is Puebla Mexico Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons To Read This

Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by Soumya

Is Puebla Mexico worth visiting?

Yes, Puebla is absolutely worth visiting because it is one of prettiest colonial cities of Mexico with a well-preserved historic center that’s a world heritage site. Puebla is also the birthplace of mole poblano, chiles en nogada, & Talavera pottery and is super close to the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the world’s largest pyramid.

There are umpteen reasons to visit Puebla Mexico . The city has a long and interesting history. It is a thriving cultural center and an upcoming city of gastronomy.

Whether it is visiting the awe-inspiring Rosary Chapel, gazing at the imposing Puebla Cathedral, learning all about Talavera tile-making, digging into a plate of mole goodness, or going hiking in the nearby Izta-Popo National Park, Puebla is teeming with activities and attractions. With so many amazing things to do , Puebla can surely keep you occupied for days.

When chalking out your Mexico itinerary, it is natural to wonder if Puebla is worth visiting or not ? Is Puebla worth a day trip from Mexico City ? Should you visit Puebla or go somewhere else? I suggest you read the 10 best reasons that make Puebla absolutely special and then decide for yourself.

If you still have questions, do check out our FAQ section where we answer questions like Is Puebla worth a visit and Why should I visit Puebla?

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!

10 Reasons why Puebla is worth visiting?

1. puebla is the birthplace of mole.

The iconic Mexican dish mole was born in Puebla. Made from nuts, chilis, and chocolate, the rich red or brown-colored mole poblano is the most popular version of mole and often called the National Dish of Mexico .

There are several legends surrounding the origins of mole sauce. One of the popular stories is that when the nuns of Santa Clara Convent in Puebla heard of the arrival of the archbishop, they panicked because they had no time to prepare anything fancy. Ultimately, they dished out a sauce mix from whatever little everyone had – a bit of nuts, chocolate, chilis, and fruits. The archbishop enjoyed the dish and it became a favorite among the people of Puebla, eventually gaining the national dish status.

If you’re looking forward to having this legendary Mexican dish, then that is a big reason to visit Puebla because nobody does mole poblano better than the poblanos (people of Puebla) themselves!

2. Puebla’s Culinary Scene is Fab

Not just mole poblano, Puebla is home to many more amazing dishes such as chiles en nogada, cemita sandwiches, dulces tipicos, and more. And Puebla has some fab places to eat . Honestly, Puebla is Mexico’s most underrated culinary destination that is waiting to be discovered by foodies like you and me.

Trivia 1: Did you know that Puebla has an entire street dedicated to sweets ? Yes, it is called Calle de los Dulce and is home to numerous shops selling all kinds of sweets.

Trivia 2: Mexico’s most patriotic dish – chiles en nogada – originated in Puebla. Why is it patriotic? Because it features the exact colors of Mexican flag – green, white, and red!!! How cool is that!

One of the most popular things to do in Puebla is to take a Taste of Puebla tour and stuff yourself with all kinds of poblano delicacies. Cemita, mole, molotes, tacos, traditional poblano sweets – you name it and they have it on this tour !

Puebla Food Tour

✔️ Unlimited food tastings with an experienced local guide

✔️ 3 – 4 hours

3. The Historic Center of Puebla is a World Heritage Site

Downtown Puebla was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1987. That is because Puebla has a well-preserved historic district (laid out in a grid pattern) that is dotted with ornate baroque churches and colorful residential and official buildings , many of which have entire facades covered with Talavera tiles.

Puebla’s churches showcase a unique mix of European and native American architectural styles and an abundant use of gold that the Spaniards recklessly plundered from Mexican mines. This resulted in the rise of the more ornate style of Mexican Baroque . The Rosary Chapel in the historic center is a stunning example of it.

Some of the other unmissable landmarks of Downtown Puebla are the Puebla Cathedral, the Palafox Library – Latin America’s first ever library, Teatro Principal, and several historic buildings that have been converted into museums and boutique hotels.

4. You can stay in 16th-Century Colonial Mansions

There are amazing boutique hotels in Puebla that are housed in all kinds of historic buildings dating to the 16th – 18th centuries. Old tile workshops, water purification factories, abandoned convents, residential mansions – there’s something to cater to everyone’s delight.

If you’re planning to visit Puebla, here are a couple of great heritage hotels that you should definitely check out.

• Cartesiano Wellness & Boutique Hotel : Dating to the 1600s, the Cartesiano Wellness & Boutique Hotel is spread over two colonial properties – a private home and an old tile factory. This luxurious hotel provides guests with the best amenities and comfort while retaining the original architectural elements including old stone walls, arches, columns, and stairs. Staying at Cartesiano is like stepping into a time warp and going back hundreds of years into the colonial era. ↳ Check Hotel Reviews on EXPEDIA | BOOKING
• Quinta Real Puebla : The beautiful Quinta Real Hotel is housed in a 16th-century convent called the Convent of Immaculate Conception . With a huge courtyard, majestic arches, stone porticoes, wrought-iron balconies, and a striking red facade, the Quinta Real Hotel Puebla seamlessly merges the present with the past. ↳ Check Hotel Photos on EXPEDIA | BOOKING

5. Puebla is the Home of Talavera Pottery

If you’ve researched for the best Mexican souvenirs , I am sure you’ve come across beautiful Talavera pottery items such as plates, vases, urns, and jars.

Talavera Poblana is the name given to the typical blue and white pottery that began to be made in Puebla in the 17th century. It was inspired by the ceramic industry of Talavera de la Reina in Spain but incorporated a plethora of native American designs . That gave Puebla Talavera a unique Mexican twist.

The art of Talavera pottery flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries. But it started declining with the arrival of cheap fakes.

Today, a few local companies – 9 to be precise – are trying hard to keep the art alive. Talavera Santa Cataria, Uniarte Talavera, and Talavera de la Reyna are a couple of renowned ones. One easy way to support this dying art is by taking a tour at their factories and buying authentic Talavera from them.

So, if buying authentic Talavera ceramics is on your list, then Puebla is the best place to get them!

✦ Pro Tip : If you’re looking for the best things to buy in Mexico, check out our epic guide on the 27 best Mexican souvenirs .

6. This is where Cinco de Mayo Celebrations were born

Puebla is one of the most historic cities of Mexico. That is because the Great Battle of Puebla was fought here on Cinco de Mayo, the 5th of May, 1862. Mexicans defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla and this victory led to the Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Every year, Puebla celebrates Cinco de Mayo with great pomp and show. If you’re here in May, you’ll find that the Zocalo is all dressed up during this time of the year. A movie depicting the battle is played at the Zocalo in the evening and there’s a festive mood all around.

7. Puebla has a RARE Railway Museum

Railway Museums are RARE in Mexico. Even though the country has a long history of railways, there’s barely any museum to showcase it. Puebla, thankfully, has one and a pretty good one at that.

The history of railways in Mexico dates to the 1860s when the first railroad was constructed between the port of Veracruz and Mexico City. After that, the Mexican Railroad project expanded significantly until Mexico’s nationalized rail company, Ferrocarriles Nacionales (FNM) decided to suspend all passenger trains in 1997. Thankfully, the most scenic Copper Canyon or El Chepe is still running but everything else is gone!

The National Museum of Mexican Railroads ( Google Maps ) in Puebla showcases the history of Mexican railway in great detail. It is an open air museum that has all kinds of old coaches on display. Steam engines, freight cars, and passenger coaches of all kinds – you name it.

You can enter many of them and step into a historical era that was the railway era in Mexico. My son and husband, both locomotive fans, had the most exciting time exploring the treasures of the railway museum. If you’re a rail enthusiast, then the National Museum of Mexican Railroads is a big reason why Puebla is worth visiting.

📖 Related Read : Visiting Puebla, Mexico? Then you’ve got to check our guide on 35 Best Things to do in Puebla .

8. The Great Pyramid of Cholula is just 30 mins away

Have you heard of the Great Pyramid of Cholula that is literally the biggest pyramid in the world, bigger than the Giza Pyramid? Well, that is just 30 mins away from Puebla City.

The Great Pyramid of Cholula, dating to 300 BCE, is an intriguing structure. It has a base that’s almost 4 times larger than that of the Pyramid of Giza. Imagine how huge it would have been in its heyday! This is apparently, the largest pyramid in the whole world, at least by volume and one of Mexico’s most iconic pyramids .

The pyramid was never excavated and looks like a massive hill covered by vegetation. Reason? Spaniards built the beautiful Church of Our Lady of Remedies on top of the pyramid (which looked like a hill to them) in the 16th century. Today, excavating the pyramid would mean demolishing the church!

However, a walk through the archeological site reveals the scale of the structures that we’re looking at.

With a local tour guide (and trust me, having a guide is so much more enlightening than exploring this place on your own), you’ll be able to identify massive patios with mosaic floors and altars, numerous staircases that lead to nowhere, and sunken burial places.

People often visit Puebla on a day tour from Mexico City just to see the Great Pyramid. This is definitely one of Puebla’s primary highlights.

9. Puebla is home to many Fascinating Churches

It is believed that Puebla was built by the angels. Therefore, there are hundreds of churches in and around Puebla.

Well, the truth is when Hernan Cortes conquered the area, he ordered the construction of 365 churches, one for each day. 365 churches weren’t built but nearly 300 were. So, Puebla became Mexico’s church capital with stunning baroque churches in every nook and corner.

Apart from the impressive Puebla Cathedral that stands right in the heart of the city, Puebla is home to the exquisite Rosary Chapel that’s dripping in 24-karat gold leaf embellishments . Not to mention the scores of churches that line every nook and corner of Puebla’s historic district.

Once you step out of the city, you’ll see colorful Talavera-clad churches featuring unique Mexican Baroque elements . The Temple of Santa Maria Tonantzintla, San Francisco Acatepec, and Parroquia San Bernardino are the three most fascinating ones.

10. Puebla is only a day trip away from Mexico City

Now, this is the biggest reason why you must visit Puebla. And the easiest one to argue for. Puebla is just a day trip away from Mexico City! So, it is an easy addition to your Mexico City itinerary and not very expensive on the pocket.

I always recommend spending at least 2 days in Puebla. But if you’re short on time, a day trip is good enough to see the highlights of both Puebla and Cholula.

The best way to do it is sign up for a guided tour like this highly-recommended excursion that’ll take you to the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the Temple of Santa Maria Tonantzintla, as well as show you the jewels of Puebla’s Historic Center. This tour is great value for money because it includes pick-up from a common point in CDMX and the services of a knowledgeable local guide.

✦ Pro Tip : Planning to travel to Puebla from Mexico City? Check out our detailed Mexico City to Puebla transportation guide .

Puebla Worth Visiting FAQ

Puebla Mexico is known for its food (mole poblano, chiles en nogada, cemita sandwiches, dulce tipicos), the art of Talavera pottery, its traditional dress called china poblana, gilded baroque churches, and its well-preserved historic district that’s also a world heritage site.

Puebla Mexico is one of the safest places to visit in the country. In fact, latest data from the Mexican Govt. tells us that the crime rate in Puebla is relatively lower than in other states of Mexico. Also, the US Department of State has no travel restrictions for the state of Puebla. However, please keep in mind the basic safety rules that you would follow anywhere else in the world. Avoid flashy jewelry, keep minimum cash on you, avoid dark streets, and just be aware of your surroundings.

Yes, Puebla is a nice city full of colorful buildings, a happening central plaza, lots of good food, and friendly locals. With so many historic monuments, ornate churches, quaint alleys, and cantinas full of people, Puebla is one of the nicest places to visit in Mexico.

You should visit Puebla to explore ornate Mexican Baroque churches dripping in 24-karat gold leaf, eat lots of mole poblano and cemita sandwiches, stuff yourself with special poblano sweet treats, visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula, and buy authentic Talavera pottery.

Puebla is absolutely worth a day trip from Mexico City because it is full of history, culture, and good food. Think world heritage sites, ornate churches, grand pyramids, and platefuls of mole – Puebla is all that and some more. The best part is that Puebla is only a couple of hours away (just 85 miles) from Mexico City making it a perfect day trip destination.

So, do you think Puebla is worth visiting?

You may also like:

• How To Get From Mexico City To Puebla In 2024
• 10 Best Central Mexico Cities To Visit In 2024
• 10 Unique Restaurants In Puebla: Best Places To Eat

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Puebla Mexico Travel

Your ultimate guide to puebla mexico, puebla mexico travel guide contents.

Location | Getting There | Where to Stay  |  Things to Do  | Tours  | Safety Tips  | FAQ

Puebla Mexico travel guide

Puebla mexico travel: at a glance.

Beauty and culture abounds in Puebla, one of the most unique states in Mexico.

Though not as well known as some other Mexico travel destinations, those in the know flock to Puebla state to escape the crowds, stroll the colorful colonial streets in the capital city, a Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the charming Cholula pueblo magico .

Puebla Mexico: Know before you go

• ✈️ Airport: Puebla International Airport (code: BPC)

⏰ Time Zone: Central Daylight Time (GMT-5)

• 💰 Currency: Mexican Peso
• ⏰ Time Zone: Central Standard Time (GMT-6)
• 🗣 Language: Spanish, though English is common, and you may even hear some indigenous languages
• 🎫 Mexico Visa: The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, Japanese and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
• 🔌 Electricity Socket : You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the United States. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this  universal travel adaptor .
• 📲 Mexico SIM Card : Wondering, Do I need a SIM card for Mexico? The answer is yes, every traveler will want a one for the reasons explained in this article all about the best Mexico SIM cards .
• 🚙 Car Rentals : The Mexico rental car process can be a bit daunting, and many people are apprehensive to drive in a foreign country. I get it! Check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico for info on the process.

What’s the best time to visit Puebla Mexico?

Puebla and all Central Mexico has what is known as the Eternal Spring climate. This means you can expect mild springtime temperatures all year, and it’s never super hot or super cold.

The best time to visit Puebla Mexico is from October to March , during the dry season. The rainy season is from April to September, and it can rain quite a bit.

🇲🇽 Cinco de Mayo (May 5th)

Though a rather big holiday celebration in the United States, most Mexicans don’t actually celebrate 5 de Mayo . In fact, it’s really only celebrated in the city of Puebla, Mexico.

It is a fun, festive time to visit the city of Puebla. To really understand what this important Mexico holiday is all about, Puebla is the place to go. Note: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day; that’s September 16th.

Where is Puebla Mexico located?

Puebla State is located about three hours south of Mexico City by car. Slightly off the beaten path for Mexico travel, many stay in the city, and then do a Mexico City day trip to Puebla and Cholula, however, a weekend trip is much better to really explore these colorful cities.

The cities of Puebla and Cholula have some of the best things to do in Puebla Mexico. In fact, the capital of Puebla City , is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Cholula , a Meixco pueblo magico , or magic town, are the most popular places to visit in Puebla Mexico.

Besides Cholula, Puebla has other beautiful pueblos magicos to explore, like Atlixco , Cuetzalan and Zacatlan.

What’s the best airport for Puebla Mexico?

Puebla International Airport (code: PBC) is the best airport to use for Puebla Mexico travel. It is located in Huejotzingo, Puebla, about one hour from Puebla City and Cholula in normal traffic. ▶︎ BOOK NOW to reserve your Puebla Airport to Puebla City shuttle.

How do you get from Mexico City to Puebla?

As it’s not easy to find a direct flight to Puebla Airport, many opt to fly into Mexico City International Airport (code: MEX). From there, the easiest, safest, most hassle-free way to get to Puebla from Mexico City is via private shuttle ▶︎ BOOK NOW !

You can also rent a car and drive to Puebla, or take the bus .

Best places to visit in Puebla Mexico

The vast majority of visitors stay in Puebla de Zaragoza, the capital city, called Puebla City for short. From here, you’re just 30 minutes by rental car from Cholula , and one hour from the Ex-Hacienda de Chautla .

Though the main Puebla airport is in the city of Huejotzingo, Puebla, very few visitors stay there.

Puebla City, Mexico

Puebla de Zaragoza, better known as Puebla City, is the capital of Puebla State. The Historic Center of Puebla is one of the Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Spend the day walking the streets, admiring the colonial architecture and beautiful churches in Puebla. Don’t miss the colorful Callejon de los Sapos (Alley of the Toads)! At night, check out the Zocalo (Town Square) and Puebla Cathedral , which is beautifully lit up by night.

Cholula, Puebla Mexico

Cholula is one of the 135 (or so) pueblo magico Mexico towns. This means “magic towns,” which are recognized as places visitors would want to check out!

Located only about 30 minutes from Puebla City, many visitors combine their Puebla trip with a visit to Cholula. Along the way, make sure to check out the San Francisco Acatepec Church , one of the most beautiful Mexico churches.

Best things to do in Puebla Mexico

Besides the sites, Puebla is one of the Top Foodie Destinations in Mexico!

When you’re visiting, don’t pass up the chance to sample all the delicious Puebla Mexican food , AKA Poblano cuisine: cemitas (huge sandwiches), chalupas (not the Taco Bell kind!), mole poblano (moe-lay from Puebla) and tacos arabes (tacos with pita bread instead of tortillas)!

Before chowing down, work up an appetite by checking out these must see Puebla sites ⤵

Puebla City

Great Pyramid of Cholula

Atlixco, Puebla Mexico

Popocatepetl Volcano Park

Horseback Riding

Ex-Hacienda de Chautla

Cuetzalan, Puebla Mexico

Best puebla tours.

Tours in Puebla are a great way to see the main cities and their surrounding areas — and unless you’re planning to rent a car in Puebla, this is the best way to get around because taxi fees add up quickly!

🚙💨 Note: If you do want to have a car in Puebla, make sure to check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico .

Below, you’ll find the most popular and best tours in Puebla City and the surrounding areas — including the Great Pyramid of Cholula , the largest pyramid on Earth (by volume)!

Puebla mexico travel guide

Is puebla safe for travelers.

According to experts, you are statistically quite safe while visiting Puebla, one of the safest states in Mexico , especially if you stick to the top Puebla destinations of Puebla City, Cholula and Atlixco.

Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is  yes . —Carlos Barron, FBI Veteran (source:  Forbes )

That’s not to say bad things still don’t happen in those parts of Puebla; they do. As with traveling anywhere, follow general travel safety like not walking home alone at night, watching your alcohol consumption and staying aware of yourself and surroundings.

For an added safety measure, pack these  travel safety items , dress in a way so your Mexico outfits blend in with the locals, and buy a Mexico SIM card .

What’s the best travel insurance for Mexico?

This is a question I get a lot as a Mexico travel writer and Mexico expat. To determine which Mexico travel insurance is best for you , consider factors like the policy’s total cost, your deductible, the coverage you need, your medical benefits, etc.

🏆 In general, I only ever recommend three companies to purchase Mexico travel insurance from:

• World Nomads — For general travelers and adventure travelers.
• SafetyWing — For general travelers and digital nomads in Mexico.
• Travel Insurance Master — Mexico travel insurance search tool, for those who want to compare policies.
• 👉 Click on any of the links above to get a FREE quote on your policy!

Puebla Mexico Travel: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drink the water in mexico.

No — Unfiltered Mexico tap water is not safe for human consumption. However, you will need to keep drinking water and to stay extra hydrated, as Mexico is quite close to the Equator. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

So what can you do?

• If you’re renting a home with a kitchen, you can boil the water before drinking it.
• You can keep buying bottled water — Though this gets expensive, and is horrible for the planet!
• Use the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle . This refillable bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and is good for the planet ♻️ Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15!

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals and more. I personally own one, as you can drink Mexico water from any source (even the tap), and be completely safe.

What’s the Puebla weather like?

Puebla state, located in Central Mexico, has what is called the Eternal Spring climate. This means you can expect mild springtime temperatures all year, and it’s never super hot or super cold.

The Puebla rainy season lasts from about April to September, and it can rain quite a bit, so try to visit from October to March, during the dry season.

☀️Puebla weather

Is Puebla expensive?

No — If you venture to lesser-visited Puebla travel destinations, like Atlixco and Cuetzalan , home to the famous Poza Pata de Perro (Dog paw pool), then Puebla state is quite economical.

The main tourist cities in Puebla, which are Puebla City and Cholula, have higher price tags, but are still relatively cheap Mexico travel destinations.

Is Puebla worth visiting?

Yes — Puebla is a unique Mexico destination that many types of travelers will love. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Puebla City is full of history and beautiful colonial architecture, and as one of the best foodie destinations in Mexico, don’t miss taking a Puebla food tour .

Nature enthusiasts will adore horseback riding just outside of the city, and the picturesque natural pools in the city of Cuetzalan .

How many days do I need in Puebla Mexico?

With four full days , you could see all the best sites in Puebla City and Cholula at a nice pace. For travelers who want to see all of Puebla state, including the Puebla pueblos magicos (magic towns) of Atlixco, Cuetzalan, Chignahuapan, Xicotepec, and more, you’ll want at least 10 full days .

🗣 Mexico Language

Mexico Fun Fact : There’s actually no official language of Mexico!

Spanish is the most widely-spoken, so some mistakenly say Spanish is the official language of Mexico. However, the government actually recognizes 68 national languages, including the Nahuatl Aztec language, and the Maya language.

💰 Mexico Currency

Mexican Peso — Exchange rates vary, but have hovered around $18-21 pesos to $1 USD for about the last decade. You will find some places that take U.S. dollars, but usually at an unfavorable rate, so stick to using pesos in Mexico .

☀️ Mexico Weather

Mexico is a big country — the 7th largest on Earth, in fact! It’s hard to generalize the weather in Mexico, because it will vary greatly by where you’re traveling.

In general, temperatures are mostly mild everywhere all year long, though summers on the coast are hot and humid, and winters in Central and Northern Mexico are on the colder side. Throughout the whole country, the rainy season runs from (about) April through September.

✈️ Mexico Busy Season & Slow Season

• Mexico Busy Season: The busy season in Mexico runs October to March, as this is the dry season and you’ll get the best weather. December is the busiest month for tourism in Mexico.

• Mexico Slow Season : If you don’t mind some rain, you’ll often find the best travel deal during the Mexico slow season of April to September. Do keep in mind that June 1-November 1 is Hurricane Season, and Mexico beaches are all susceptible.

• Mexico Shoulder Season : The shoulder season is that magical time when prices are still low and the weather is good. The Mexico shoulder season is from about mid-October to November and January to early-April.

🧳 Download your FREE Mexico Packing Checklist here!

Check out this Ultimate Packing List for Mexico — so you know what to pack and what NOT to pack for Mexico! This article offers advice on packing for Mexico cities, and packing for a Mexico beach vacation.

Beyond what Mexico outfits and clothing you’ll want to bring, here are a few extra things to consider:

• Filterable Water Bottle: Mexico is close to the Equator, so you’ll need to stay extra hydrated. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

A filterable, refillable water bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals and chemicals.

• Mexico SIM Card: Want to be able to use your phone in Mexico?! Of course you do! Pick up a TELCEL Mexico SIM card before your trip, and swap it out on the plane while you’re waiting to exit, so you have phone and data service the second you arrive in Mexico.

•  Anti-Hangover Meds: Planning to party hardy?! Make sure you’re not wasting any of your precious travel time with a hangover. Liquid I.V. has about 70,000 reviews on Amazon, and is considered the best defense against a hangover.

•  Sun Hat: No matter if you’re headed to the beach or a city, you’ll want to wear a hat to shield yourself from the strong Mexican sun. This cute sun hat is the perfect stylish and practical accessory for your Mexico vacation.

•   Sunscreen: As you’ll want to reapply a few times throughout the day, a light, Mineral-Based Sunscreen is ideal.

Headed to the beach? Do your part to practice responsible tourism in Mexico by only using an eco-friendly reef safe sunscreen while swimming. You can even ditch the sunscreen altogether and opt for a long sleeve swimsuit (AKA rash guard) instead.

•   Bug Repellent: Mosquitoes are common throughout Mexico — especially on the beaches! REPEL Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent. Don’t want to use a spray? Pick up some Mosquito Repellent Bracelets .

The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.

🤔 What is the mexico FMM ?

When you go through Customs & Immigration to enter the country, you’ll receive your Forma Migratoria Multiple , or FMM Tourist Card (sometimes listed as FMT). If you’re coming by plane or cruise ship, there is no charge; for those driving across the border, the FMM costs about $30USD.

In most circumstances, all visitors get a 180-day (six month) visa — so you can legally stay up to six months!

🚨 Have your FMM on you at all times

Keep in mind that though it’s called an FMM card , it’s actually just a small piece of paper. Keep your FMM on you at all times in your wallet, as this proves your legal status in Mexico. It’s rare, but if an officer stops you, they can ask to see your FMM.

🎫 Don’t lose your FMM!

You need to have your FMM on you at all times, as proof of your legal status in the country.

Be sure to keep track of your FMM, as you’ll have to give it back to an Immigration officer at the airport, cruise port, or land crossing when you’re leaving the country.

If you lose your FMM, there is a $600 peso ($30 USD) cost to replace it, and some paperwork you’ll need to fill out before you can leave the country.

If you’re flying home, plan to arrive at the airport about one hour earlier than you normally would to do the paperwork and pay the fine.

As this question doesn’t have a yes/no answer ( I wish it did! ), I do my best to answer it in depth in this article, Is Mexico Safe for Travelers Right Now ? However, for the most part, Mexico is actually statistically quite safe for all travelers — including solo travelers.

Check my Solo Female Mexico Travel page for more info.

💃 Mexico solo travel guides

Mexico is a big country, and it has plenty of amazing solo female travel destinations — like the ones featured in this article, Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Safe Destinations for Female Travelers .

In it, you’ll get recommendations of places to visit in Mexico, from solo travelers who have actually been to them.

🎧 solo travel podcasts

• Ep. 34 |  Planning your first Mexico solo trip • Ep. 40 | Tips for safe solo travel in Mexico • Ep. 53 | 30 Solo female travel tips, Pt. 1

To answer the question, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? — YES , it’s considered safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.

As the country is quite large, road trips are a great way to see a lot in a little time, and especially popular in the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California Peninsula.

The one caveat to Mexico driving safety is that you’ll be in a foreign country, unfamiliar with their laws and customs. Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know , where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips!

🚙💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company? Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies to get you the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!

As a general rule, you’ll want to know at least a few words of Spanish when visiting anywhere in Mexico. This is both a sign of respect, and will also help you have a better, smoother trip.

If you stick to the more touristic places in Mexico, you should be fine with basic Spanish. For those planning to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in pueblos  (small towns) speak little to no English.

🗣 Here are some options:

• Brush up on your Spanish: Use a language-learning program like Rocket Spanish , so you’re confident, and conversational, before your trip.
• Download the Google Translate App: For this to work at all times, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card with data — as the app won’t work when you’re off-WiFi.
• Travel with a Mexico phrasebook: This Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook is an Amazon best seller, and a great non-digital language assistant!
• Save this infographic an image on your phone. This way, you have access to these common words, phrases and questions, even when you’re off-WiFi.

The Top 14 Things to Do in Puebla, Mexico

Mexico's fifth-largest city, Puebla de Zaragoza is the capital of Mexico's Puebla state. With well-conserved Baroque-style architecture, a UNESCO-recognized historic center, and iconic regional dishes like mole poblano, Puebla's blend of modernity and rich history make the city a must-visit on any Mexico itinerary. As it lies 80 miles southeast of Mexico City, Puebla is an easy day trip from the country's capital , but it is well worth staying a few days. Here are 15 of our favorite things to do.

Stroll Around the Zócalo de Puebla

Located in the city's historic center is the Zócalo de Puebla, a main square and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formerly a marketplace and bullfighting stage, this large and attractive plaza is now a common gathering ground for cultural and political events. Plan a visit here to see the Catedral de Puebla (Puebla Cathedral), statues and monuments, and San Miguel Arcángel Fountain, which dates back to 1777. The Zócalo can get quite crowded on weekends, but it makes for great people-watching. This is the perfect starting point for a walking tour of Puebla.

Tour the Amparo Museum

Spread across two buildings, the Museo Amparo (Amparo Museum) houses impressive collections of pre-Colombian, Viceregal, 19th-century, and contemporary Mexican art. Among the objects here, you'll find bowls, stelae, figures, and more crafted by civilizations indigenous to Mesoamerica, including the Aztec, Maya, and Teotihuacan cultures. Along with excellent museography and interactive displays, you'll find a variety of temporary Mexican and international exhibits highlighting themes ranging from archaeology and history to architecture and design. Be sure to head up to the café and rooftop terrace, where you'll get a gorgeous view of Puebla.

See the International Museum of the Baroque

 Getty Images / Edmund Sumner/VIEW

The striking architecture of this all-white building, designed by Japanese architect and 2013 Pritzker Prize winner Toyo Ito, is decidedly modern but the exterior belies what you'll discover inside. Spanning seven halls, you'll see a stunning collection of paintings, sculptures, installations, and interactive exhibits that explore the Baroque period, which ran from the early 17th to the late 18th centuries, in Mexico and abroad. A highlight is the Angelopolis exhibit, which features a scale model of Puebla's historical center. It's open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday.

Meet Elephants, Giraffes and Tigers at Africam Safari

Suzanne Barbezat

This wildlife conservation zoo is home to more than 450 species of animals that roam across roughly 500 acres of various habitats, from Botswana's Okavango Delta to the Huasteca. View elephants, giraffes, rhinos, tigers, zebras, and more from the comfort of your own car or via guided tour (4x4, bike, and walking tours available). You can also sign up for fun and educational experiences with the different animals, including drinking cocktails as safari animals roam around you, picnicking with the giraffes, and learning how to track animals. Africam Safari is located 10 miles south of Puebla; buses leave from the Zócalo and the CAPU bus terminal daily.

Visit the Catedral de Puebla

Catedral de Puebla (Puebla Cathedral) is a Roman Catholic church located right in the city's historic center, on the southern side of the Zócalo. Although construction began in 1575, it wasn't completed until the late 1600s. Its two towers, which stand at about 226 feet, are the tallest in Mexico. Admire the cathedral's architectural design, a blend of Baroque and Renaissance-Herrerian styles, before stepping inside to explore its 14 chapels.

Sample Some of Puebla's Delicious Regional Foods

Fonda de Santa Clara / Facebook

Puebla is well-known among Mexicans for its cuisine: Both mole poblano and chiles en nogada are said to originate here. Be sure to try the mole at Fonda Santa Clara , a Poblano landmark with two locations in the historical center, or at Casona de la China Poblana , a boutique hotel whose restaurant serves up a pine nut-based version. Chalupas—mini corn tortillas topped with shredded pork, chopped onion, and red and green chili sauce—are also very popular, and can be best enjoyed at La Casita Poblana . And if you're hankering for some snacks, La Calle de los Dulces (Sweet Street) is the place for treats like camote, muégano, and las tortitas de Santa Clara.

Learn About Cinco de Mayo at the Forts of Loreto and Guadalupe

 Getty Images / Roberto Vaca

The Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, in which the Mexican army led by General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated French forces, is celebrated every year as the Cinco de Mayo holiday —and it took place right here. Overlooking the city atop Acueyametepc hill, the neighboring forts of Loreto and Guadalupe (Fuertes de Loreto y Guadalupe) were originally built as chapels in the 16th century, but both were fortified in the 1800s to protect the city during its independence movement. Wander around Fort Guadalupe to see the remains of its walls and cannons, then visit the Museo de la No Intervención (Museum of Non-Intervention), which showcases weapons, uniforms, documents, and oil paintings portraying the battle. If you take the Turibus city tour, you'll drive by here, but you're better off taking a taxi if you would like to visit the museum.

Take a Day Trip to Cholula

Just 6 miles outside of Puebla, you can see The Great Pyramid of Cholula, the world's largest pyramid by volume. Also known as Tlachihualtepetl, it is said to comprise six structures, which collectively stand at 180 feet tall and have a base of 1,480 by 1,480 feet. Now mostly covered in vegetation, you can explore the archaeological site, including a fraction of its 5 miles of tunnels, on a guided tour before visiting the on-site museum. The church at the top, La Iglesia de la Virgen de Los Remedios, is open and free to the public.

Get Lost in the Stacks of Palafoxian Library

 Getty Images / ​De Agostini / G. Dagli Orti

The oldest public library in the Americas, the original collection of the Biblioteca Palafoxiana (Palafoxian Library) was donated by Bishop Juan de Palafox in 1646 with the stipulation that the books be made available to the public and not just academics. Now boasting more than 45,000 works, the library features not only its original collection of books but also the original shelving, which dates all the way back to the 1770s. Don't miss the splendid 14th-century altarpiece, located at the far end of the library. Biblioteca Palafoxiana is open for guided tours, Tuesday through Sunday.

Sign Up for a Talavera Workshop

Puebla isn't called the "City of Tiles" for nothing. Talavera poblana (Talavera pottery) is a type of hand-painted, tin-enameled earthenware that was first introduced to Puebla in the 16th century by colonizers from Talavera de la Reina, Spain. Today, the city is one of the few places in the world producing authentic Talavera, and seeing some of Puebla's master artisans at work will add a whole new level of interest to your shopping expedition. You can watch the whole process by signing up for a workshop tour of Talavera de la Reyna or Uriarte Talavera , after which you will have the opportunity to purchase some beautiful ceramics to take home.

Shop for Traditional Handicrafts at El Parián Market

Dedé Vargas/Getty Images

Located in the historic center of Puebla, this charming handicrafts market (also known as the Antigua Plaza de San Roque) is the largest in the city. With 112 stands, you'll find a little bit of everything here, from Talavera pottery and traditional clothing to wax dolls, blown glass, and Amozco silverware. Alternatively, you can check out the Mercado La Victoria, a late 19th-century market that's been converted into a modern shopping center with department stores and upscale boutiques, or the Sunday flea market on Callejón de los Sapos (Frog Alley).

Marvel at the Rosary Chapel of Santo Domingo Church

The opulently decorated Capilla del Rosario (Rosary Chapel) inside the Templo de Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo Church) is a dazzling example of the New Spanish Baroque style. The church was built between 1571 and 1611, but the chapel was added later, in 1690, to teach locals how to pray the rosary. At one time called the Eighth Wonder of the World , it is adorned in a dazzling display of 24-carat gold leaves as well as stucco and onyx work. It's located just three blocks from the Zócalo; admission is free.

Hike One of the City's Nearby Volcanoes

About 28 miles from Pueblo is Lq Malinche National Park, home to the sixth-tallest mountain in Mexico. The 14,566-foot peak of La Malinche volcano (also known as Matlalcueye or Malintzin) can be reached by trekking the difficult 7.6-mile summit route. Passing through thick forests and winding up a rocky ridgeline, the trail is no easy feat (there's a 4,183-foot elevation gain)—but the views are well worth it. Further afield (37 miles) is Izta-Popo National Park , where you'll find Mexico's third-highest peak. IztaccíhuatlIf (Izta, for short) rises more than 17,000 feet above sea level; if you're up for the challenge, take the strenuous 7.6-mile summit trail , which has an elevation gain of 4,537 feet. Note that this trail is recommended for experts only, as the high altitude and icy terrain add an extra challenge to the trek.

Visit an Art Museum Housed in a Former Convent

Getty Images / De Agostini / S. Gutierrez

According to legend, the former convent of Santa Rosa is where mole poblano was first prepared. Although the 17th-century building is now home to the Poblano Museum of Popular Art, you can still step inside the kitchen, which is decked out in nearly 18 thousand Talavera tiles. Elsewhere in the museum, you'll find textiles, silverware, wooden masks, and other folk art created by ethnic groups indigenous to the region, including the Mixtecs, Popolocas, and Totonacs. The Museo de Arte Religioso de Santa Monica (the Religious Art Museum of Santa Monica) is located in a former convent, too, and it is here where the nuns allegedly invented chiles en nogada. Recently renovated and restored, the museum features sacred paintings, sculptures, embroidery, and altarpieces.

World Population Review. "Population of Cities in Mexico (2022)." Retrieved on February 18, 2022.

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Is Puebla Worth Visiting? (2024)

If you’re wondering “is Puebla Worth Visiting?” then you’ve come to the right place!

I lived in Mexico for over a year with my family, and we spent a bit of time in Puebla. We loved it so much that we’re also planning a return trip.

Puebla is statistically one of the safer places to visit in this diverse and exciting country. It’s also less polluted and with better traffic than its much larger neighbor, Mexico City . The capital city of Mexico is also known as CDMX.

This combination makes it great for families to use as a base for exploring. Plus, Puebla is one of the most historic cities in Mexico .

Every time we visit, we find new things to do there. That’s why we had to address whether Puebla is worth visiting!

Is Puebla Worth Visiting?

The short answer is yes, absolutely! It has city amenities like public transit and shopping variety as well as a diverse assortment of restaurants to explore.

Plus there are a ton of really cool things to do there, including cultural and historical experiences.

So let’s break down everything you need to know to make the most of your time so that you also agree that Puebla is worth visiting.

Getting to Puebla

Where is Puebla? It’s only a two-hour drive east from CDMX, although traffic can make it take a little longer sometimes. Because the capital city is so sprawling, some consider Puebla a far suburb. However, I definitely saw a noticeable distinction between the two cities when we drove between them.

The easiest way to get to Puebla and around the city is by car. If you don’t mind driving abroad, then I highly consider renting a car. We’ve found that it’s easier to schlep all the kid-stuff when you have your own vehicle.

👉 I highly recommend Renting a Car for visits to Puebla.

However, if you’re on a budget then the bus system is fairly easy to use. ADO Buses leave at least hourly and tickets only cost 105 pesos (~$5.25 USD).

If you’re traveling from outside Mexico or have a tight travel timeframe, then flying directly to Puebla may be the easiest option.

There are several budget airlines that fly within Mexico for a fairly low price if you’re traveling to Puebla from further away, like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta.

Where to Stay in Puebla

There are plenty of amazing places to stay in Puebla city, Mexico. The main factor you want to consider when choosing a hotel in Puebla is the location.

Many people prefer hotels in Puebla that are in a central location close to the historic center and main square. This is a great choice because it’s a walkable area, so it decreases the number of taxis or tours you’ll need to take.

Pro Tip: Once you’ve started creating your itinerary, you’ll have a better idea of your priorities to ensure you feel Puebla is worth visiting.

Our favorite place to stay is on the west side of the city, in the Angelopolis neighborhood. It’s near Parque del Arte and Parque de la Ninez. Both of these have walking paths and excellent playgrounds. If you’re like our family, you don’t follow a “constant go” type of pace.

In addition, the Puebla Ferris wheel is in Angelopolis. Plus, it has a lot of shopping and dining amenities nearby. The downside is that this area is outside the center so you’ll need your own car or to take Ubers everywhere you go.

Hint: Keep reading for more about the Ferris wheel!

Getting Around Puebla

Puebla is too big to really be walkable. And it isn’t big enough to have a subway system, like Mexico City. It does have a public bus system , called RUTA, but it only runs at limited times and in limited parts of the city.

In our experience, taxis are never your best bet in Mexico. We consistently get overcharged when we’ve tried to take them. Expats have told us this is the “gringo tax” so we try to avoid them whenever possible.

Don’t fret, though. Rideshare services are easily available. Puebla has Uber! And Didi!

Both rideshare services are safer and cheaper than taking taxis. You can take a rideshare car just about anywhere in Puebla city for less than 80 pesos (~$4 USD)!

👉 Even if you already have the Uber app on your phone, also download Didi as well. We prefer it for pricing and availability.

Once an Uber fare was surging to almost 200 pesos while the Didi fare was still only 70 pesos. During our trip to Merida , Didi had more drivers available as well.

Travel Tips for Parents

☑️ leave your strollers at home..

The cobblestone streets in the historic center and the uneven sidewalks around the city are difficult to navigate. You’ll find Puebla much easier to navigate if you invest in a good baby carrier.

👉 I recommend the Tula Carrier for its durability and comfort. Plus it has different carriers that fit little ones from 7-60 pounds.

☑️ Don’t fit too many activities into your day.

Plan for downtime, either in the middle of the day or before dinner. Even though Little Man is beyond needing naps, we still tend to spend a little of every day on unstructured reading or playtime.

I’ve found that kids just seem to do better when traveling if they are able to do their own thing instead of sightseeing all day long.

☑️ Have sun protection handy.

Even in cooler weather, it’s important to have sunscreen. Because Puebla is at a higher altitude, you still need to shade yourself and your kiddos from the sun.

What is the Best Time to Visit Puebla?

Temperatures in Puebla are usually pretty pleasant as they are moderated by the altitude. Puebla is over 6,500 feet above sea level, so it rarely gets too hot there.

In addition, it can actually get a little chilly from evening through the early morning.

When we visited in January, it was cold enough for pants and heavier fall jackets. In March, we were only comfortable in shorts and t-shirts from late morning to early evening.

The dry season is from November to April. In the other half of the year, you’ll see rain more often, especially later in the afternoon.

Pro Tip: Be prepared for all weather by carrying both a light jacket and an umbrella.

10 Things to Do in Puebla with Kids

As the fourth largest city in Mexico , there are a lot of things to do with kids in Puebla. We’ve compiled the best activities for families, based on our exhaustive personal research over multiple visits.

We want you to agree that Puebla is worth visiting. So if we’ve missed a true gem, please contact us so we can add it!

1. Explore the Zocalo

The town square is called a zocalo in Mexico. Pronounced “Zoh-kah-lo,” it is the center of many activities in Mexican towns. Puebla is no different.

The zocalo main square offers a beautiful view of the Puebla Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Mexico!

You can also see one of the sets of rainbow Puebla letters, which are a great family photo opportunity, as well as some cool street art.

If you want to see all the best sights near the Zocalo, sign up for the  free walking tour . This tour runs every day at 11 am and starts in the historic town square! The tour is free but is tip-based, so plan to give the guide a little something for their time.

👉 Another option to see all the main sights without walking everywhere is the hop-on, hop-off bus tour .

The bus tour is only $140 pesos (~$7USD) per person. For families with small children, this may be a better option so little legs don’t get too tired.

2. Go to Church

There are 365 churches in Puebla. One for every day of the year. Unless you move there, you’ll never get to see them all, especially with kids. My recommendation is to pick a couple to explore if you’re really into architecture.

Our top choice is the Capilla del Rosario (Chapel of the Rosary) because it is ALL gold! Little Man’s favorite color is gold, so stopping here was an easy sell for our family.

The opulent Capilla del Rosario (Chapel of the Rosary) is inside the Templo de Santo Domingo (Church of Saint Domingo) is a truly dazzling example of the New Spanish Baroque architectural style.

➡️ Location: 3 blocks from the Zócalo ➡️ Admission: Free ➡️ Note: Adults pay 20 pesos to enter the smaller side chapel with the most gold leaf work. Kids are free.

The church was built between 1571 and 1611. However, the chapel was added later, in 1690, to teach locals how to pray the rosary.

The chapel was once called the  Eighth Wonder of the World because it is adorned with countless 24-carat gold leaves as well as stucco and onyx work.

3. Visit a Museum

There are several amazing museums in Puebla. However, kids (at least our kid) aren’t always excited about walking through endless rooms of artifacts enclosed in glass.

If you choose just one museum to see and ensure that you feel visiting Puebla is worth it, then the Museum of Mexican Railroads is really fun.

Officially called El Museo Nacional de Los Ferrocarriles Mexicanos, this super kid-friendly museum in Puebla is outdoors. It does not feel like a traditional museum at all. Kids can climb on and in the train cars to their hearts’ delight!

Pro Tip : During the dry season, go in the morning before it gets too hot.

Another interesting museum to consider is the Biblioteca Palafoxiana. This isn’t technically a museum, but it is the oldest library in Mexico.

It even has the original bookshelves from the 1700s. Little Man really enjoyed using my phone’s translate app to discover the titles of all the old books.

Note: If you want to feel Puebla is worth visiting, then avoid Museo Amparo.

We heard good things about Museo Amparo (or the Amparo Museum) from other travelers. It did have some cool stuff.

Unfortunately, we were treated really poorly by the security guards. And some of the art there has more mature themes that may not be appropriate for younger kids.

This was my least favorite museum we visited in all of Mexico, and I definitely don’t recommend it for families with kids under 13.

4. See Puebla City from Above

There are two “sky ride” options in Puebla: a Ferris wheel and a cable car. Both are fun but both offer a similar view.

In order to really feel like visiting Puebla is worth it, I only suggest visiting one of these spots because the views are very similar.

Unless you want to experience both for fun, you’d waste your time by standing in line for them if you just want to see a sky view of Puebla city.

➡️ Name: Estrella de Puebla (Star of Puebla) ➡️ Height: 263 feet tall ➡️ Ride Length: 20 minutes ➡️ Cost: 40 pesos (~$2 USD)

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it claims to be the largest portable observation wheel in the world. 

Visitors ride in one of 54 gondolas and are treated to panoramic views of the city as well as both the Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl volcanoes.

Pro Tip: Book a ride in one of the four luxury gondolas to enjoy glass floors and leather seats.

➡️ Name: Teleférico de Puebla (Cable Car of Puebla) ➡️ Height: 190 feet tall ➡️ Ride Distance: 2,250 feet long ➡️ Ride Length: 5 minutes one way 10 minutes round trip ➡️ Cost: 30 pesos one way (~$1.50 USD) 55 pesos round trip (~$3.75 USD)

The cable car has two boarding towers with elevators for a fast ascent. The ride takes approximately five minutes in one direction.

The cabins accommodate up to 22 passengers on each trip, but if you go early on a weekday you may get one to yourself. Like we did!

We took the Teleferico one way, as one entrance was near Fuerte Loreto and the other was near Fuerte Guadalupe.

Pro Tip: Purchasing photos is not mandatory at either attraction.

5. Learn About Cinco de Mayo

The forts of Guadalupe and Loreto (Fuertes de Loreto y Guadalupe) sit practically next to each other atop Acueyametepc hill in Puebla city. Contrary to what many Americans believe, most Mexicans don’t celebrate this date.

Fun Fact: May 5 is not Mexican Independence Day. That’s September 16. Cinco de Mayo is when the Mexican army defeated French forces in the battle of Puebla.

The Loreto and Guadalupe forts were originally built as chapels in the 16th century. However, both were fortified in the 1800s to protect the city during its independence movement.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy seeing the remains of the walls and cannons before wandering through the Museo de la No Intervención (Museum of Non-Intervention).

This museum showcases weapons, uniforms, documents, and oil paintings portraying the battle.

While you’re in the forts, consider visiting the Museum of the Evolution of Puebla, the Regional Museum of Puebla, and the Interactive Museum of the Battle of Cinco de Mayo!

The latter is the most interesting for younger kids since it’s interactive but older kids will likely enjoy all three. Plus, the western slope of the park offers an amazing view over the twin volcanoes of Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl, especially at sunset!

6. Attend a Talavera Workshop

Puebla is called the “City of Tiles,” after the unique pottery it produces.  Talavera poblana  (Talavera pottery) is hand-painted, tin-enameled earthenware.

It was first introduced to Puebla in the 16th century by colonizers from Talavera de la Reina, Spain. Today, Puebla city is one of the last few places on earth that produces authentic Talavera.

Seeing some of Puebla’s master artisans at work may encourage you and your kids to try your hand at designing a piece. 

👉 Talavera Celia offers a kid-friendly workshop for 1,500 pesos per person, in which you can take home your custom-designed work after being taught by a certified Talavera artisan.

If a hands-on workshop isn’t in your budget, then check out Uriarte . They allow visitors to tour the workshop and watch the artisans at work.

It still gives you a good understanding of the expertise required to produce Talavera poblana, and it may inspire you to buy a piece to take home.

Certified Talavera pottery can be pricey. If you want to own the style but don’t care about certifications, you can find some amazing items for a quality price at the Parian Market.

7. Explore Los Sapos

Its official name is Callejon de los Sapos, and Los Sapos is known as the prettiest street in all of Puebla. In English, the name means “Alley of the Frogs.”

Several hundred years ago, there was a pond in this spot that was home to hundreds of frogs and toads.

Nowadays it’s highly popular with Instagrammers and is especially fun to explore on weekday mornings before the IG crowd shows up.

The area is filled with cute cafes, restaurants, high-end boutique hotels, and a lively nightlife scene.

We enjoyed having coffee and playing eye spy with Little Man before heading over to the Zocalo. Los Sapos gives uniquely European vibes mixed with a colorful Mexican flare.

Travel Tip: On Saturdays, there is a cute artisan and flea market set up all throughout the area!

8. Take Your Kid(s) to a Candy Store!

Also known as Sweet Street, Calle de Los Dulces is a place no one with kids should miss. It’s right in the city center on Avenida 6 Oriente and has a seemingly endless variety of stalls and sellers waiting to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Each candy shop offers very similar choices. So don’t feel obligated to enter each store. We walked a bit until Little Man found a window that appealed to him, then wandered in for some fun!

Like Bertie’s Bots in Harry Potter, not all the candies will leave you with a smile on your face. Some are pretty strange tasting. We bought a gummy heart that said “Puebla” on top and tasted like roses.

However, the candies are all really affordable. Be adventurous and try a few!

Pro Tip: Ask the lady at the counter for her recommendations by saying, “Que recomiendas probar? “

9. Learn About Animals

The Aquario Michen Puebla opened its doors in December 2019. It provides great entertainment for young kids and families. The aquarium has over 20,000 animals including fish, turtles, snakes, stingrays, etc.

Tickets start at 199 pesos per person over 1 year old. The aquarium also offers bonus activities for an extra cost including trampolines, indoor zip-lining, and skating.

👉 This combination ticket for riding the hop-on, hop-off bus tour AND visiting the Puebla Aquarium.

Like the aquarium,  Arboterra  is a fantastic family attraction in Puebla that focuses on wildlife and forest conservation. It is located within the Parque Ecologico (which in itself is a fantastic park where to let kids run around and play).

Entry costs just 85 pesos for kids and 95 pesos for adults. The entrance fee includes a guided visit to this simulated tree where kids get to see and learn about birds and other aspects of nature.

10. Eat Mole Poblano

In addition to pottery, Puebla is known for its food. Mole is a Mexican sauce that originated in Puebla. It is usually brown or red. But there is also a green mole that’s pretty darn good as well!

Mole Poblano is a thick, rich sauce made with chilis, fruit, nuts, seeds, and Mexican chocolate. The dish definitely is savory rather than sweet.

If your kid is adventurous, they may want to try mole sauce during your visit. However, make sure you warn them that it won’t be a sweet dish.

We neglected to do that and Little Man was thoroughly disappointed that the chocolate salsa wasn’t sweet at all. Oops!

Amazing Day Trips from Puebla with Kids

Puebla is both a state and a city, which can get a bit confusing. There’s enough to do in Puebla city to enjoy in a long weekend.

However, if you’re staying longer or just want a bit more variety, there are several really great day trips to enjoy from Puebla city. The four trips listed here are all good choices for families to feel like Puebla is worth it.

Hiking Note: Unless you have older teens hiking a volcano isn’t a great option. Most hikes in the Puebla area are a better fit for seasoned hikers.

Cholula is actually a suburb of Puebla city, so it’s a very easy day trip for families with younger kids. The great pyramid of Cholula is also known as  Tlachihualtepetl and is the largest pyramid in the world.

Fun Fact : It’s so old that it’s mostly covered by grass and vegetation, so it looks more like a hill.

On the top of the pyramid is a church, Iglesia de la Virgen de Los Remedios. The walk from the bottom isn’t far but it is steep! It’s worth it to enjoy a great view of Cholula Centro and the Popocatepetl volcano.

After going to the top, don’t miss the tunnels at the bottom. It’s a great way to cool off while exploring tunnels that run throughout the pyramid’s interior.

Despite visiting many ruins before, we’ve never been able to walk around the tunnels inside of a temple. It’s a pretty unique experience!

The entrance fee to the tunnels is 75 pesos and this also includes your entrance to the outside ruin exhibit.

👉 If you take this tour , then you don’t even need to worry about navigating traffic between Puebla and Cholula!

Cholula’s Zocalo is within walking distance from the pyramid. It has a variety of places to eat , from Italian to typical Mexican. Wander around and enjoy this beautiful town before heading back to Puebla!

Val’Quirico

Would you believe that Mexico has a European-style countryside complete with trees, medieval architecture, and restaurants with international cuisine? Well, it’s true! 

Val’Quirico is basically a representation of what a small Italian village may look like today. Imagine a clean town with two-story brick and stone houses as well as pedestrian-only cobbled streets and you’ll probably be spot on.

Val’Quirico can be toured on foot or by bike. We even saw a few golf carts but we couldn’t figure out where to rent them. It’s a photographer’s paradise.

Whether you want to eat in one of the restaurants or simply enjoy ice cream with the kiddos, it’s all possible there. If you eat at one of its restaurants, you can enjoy seafood, pasta, traditional Mexican food, and desserts.

In addition to wandering the cobblestone streets, there’s also a bird sanctuary, playground, Venetian carousel, and little pedal cars for kids. The carousel costs 80 pesos per person and the cars start at 200 pesos for 15 minutes to rent.

👉This Val’Quirico tour includes a lavender farm visit!

Pueblo Magicos

There are over 100 Pueblo Magicos (magical towns) in Mexico. These are small towns throughout the country that have unique features attractive to visitors.

Atlixco, Xicotepec, Cuetzalan, Zacatlan, and Chignahuapan are all popular Pueblo Magicos for day trips further afield from Puebla.

If you’re planning to visit a Pueblo Magico that’s further away, like Xicotepec or Chignahuapan, definitely consider booking a tour.

After driving in the country for several months straight, we can attest that driving in Mexico isn’t for the faint-hearted.

👉 This tour includes visits to both Cholula and Atlixco and is great for people who don’t want to travel too far afield from Puebla.

Seeing at least one Pueblo Magico will make you feel like visiting Puebla is worth it.

Full Disclosure: We haven’t personally had time to see all of them. Yet!

However, we made it a priority to visit Chignahuapan at Little Man’s request. We try to get him involved in travel planning whenever possible.

Chignahuapan is a magical town that is a two-hour drive from Puebla. It’s known for its sulfur hot springs . It also has the largest Christmas ornament factory in Mexico.

Fun Fact: Every day at 2 pm the factory offers a free tour!

While these are great reasons to go here and they make you feel that visiting Puebla is worth it, they aren’t why we visited. They are really fun, though!

Chignahuapan is also home to Casa del Axolte (House of the Axolotl). This sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation and reproduction of axolotls. There are over 100 specimens there.

Any kid who plays Minecraft is likely obsessed with these cute little salamanders. Little Man sure is.

He was over the moon that they even let him feed some of the axolotls! We all enjoyed our visit to Chignahuapan for a variety of reasons. There’s so much to do there that we could easily have spent a couple of days exploring.

👉 This tour combines visits to Zacatlan and Chignahuapan. It’s perfect for families who want to see axolotls as Little Man did!

Ex-Hacienda de Chautla

This extensive former farming estate was built in the 1700s. Its 60 hectares of land has a lake, castle-like mansion, walking trails, and a forest area.

The grounds and buildings have been restored since 2014, and it is now a public park run by the government.

It only costs $40 pesos (~$2 USD) to enter per person, and it’s a great place to let your kiddos stretch their legs and explore outdoors for a while.

In recent years, the government has installed some fun nature activities for people to enjoy. These include zip lining, pedal boats, and canoeing.

Little Man’s favorites are the pedal boats because he doesn’t have to do as much work. Remembering my experiences on pedal boats as a kid, I can’t say that I blame him. They are pretty fun!

👉 This tour includes a visit to Val’Quirico as well as a tour of a nearby lavender farm, where you can try your hand at making soap.

It’s a great hands-on activity for kids. Plus, you can visit multiple cool, historic places in a single-day excursion! Considering that you don’t have to drive to any of these places on your own, the tour is definitely worthwhile.

Pro Tip : If you have some extra time after Puebla, check out Grutas Tolantongo or Oaxaca !

So Is Puebla Worth Visiting?

Yes! Our family has visited Puebla twice and enjoyed it both times. Even after spending a month in Mexico City , we still feel that visiting Puebla is worth it.

There are so many family-friendly activities there that it may take more than a week to get through all the things to do in Puebla.

But don’t worry! If you don’t get through everything on your list, that’s just a great reason to return and continue exploring more.

We haven’t even finished exploring this amazing town yet. Every time we’ve visited, the weather has been too cool to swim at Balneario Agua Azul .

Someday we’ll make it there for a pool day, though! At 85 pesos for adults and 65 pesos for kids, it’s a steal for everything they offer with the entry ticket!

Author: Brodi Cole

Brodi Cole is a full-time digital nomad who travels the world with her family. She made the switch to blogging and content writing after spending more than a decade and a half working as a Human Resources Manager and Director. Since transitioning her family to a digital nomad lifestyle, they've visited over 20 countries together (and counting) in the last ten years! In addition to traveling extensively through Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean, she's also visited Asia, Europe, and South America. She spent most of the pandemic living in Malaysia before living in Mexico for over a year and then driving the Pan-American Highway from the USA to the southernmost tip of Argentina. Brodi is also a freelance SEO writer and editor, sharing her expertise with other companies and bloggers. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management.

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Brodi Cole is a full-time digital nomad who travels the world with her family. She made the switch to blogging and content writing after spending more than a decade and a half working as a Human Resources Manager and Director.

Since transitioning her family to a digital nomad lifestyle, they've visited over 20 countries together (and counting) in the last ten years!

In addition to traveling extensively through Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean, she's also visited Asia, Europe, and South America.

She spent most of the pandemic living in Malaysia before living in Mexico for over a year and then driving the Pan-American Highway from the USA to the southernmost tip of Argentina.

Brodi is also a freelance SEO writer and editor, sharing her expertise with other companies and bloggers. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management.

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• DESTINATIONS
• EXPERIENCES

Puebla Travel Guide: Authentic Masterpiece of a City in Mexico

Hello! I’m Daniel Chazari – a passionate photographer and traveler from Mexico. I grew up in Puebla, a city two hours from Mexico City. My love of travel started when I was a child. I used to travel with my family to the beautiful beaches of Veracruz and Acapulco and absolutely loved it.

My older brother taught me how to use his analog camera and 10 years later my parents bought me my first camera. The rest, as they say, was history. I have been backpacking, traveling and photographing ever since.

Why Visit Puebla in Mexico

Puebla is an amazing place. Mexico (in general) has landscapes full of color, a lot of history and its people are very kind and generous. Puebla is a region with so much history. We have the most beautiful cathedral in Mexico.

The historic center of Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Talavara is a big tradition in the city. The Talvara decorative style is from Spain but evolved in Puebla over the years due to the city’s love of ceramics and clay work. This makes Puebla a fantastic place for shopping.

Near Puebla you can find the city of Cholula which is home to The Great Pyramid of Cholula (Tlachihualtepetl) in the Zona Arqueologica de Cholula. This complex is the largest archaeological site of a pyramid in the world!

Looking over the region is “the guardian” – Popocatepetl Volcano. To photograph and explore Puebla is to find yourself immersed in a diversity of landscapes and sites that include the most stunning cathedral and Popocatepetl. These are just a few of the reasons to visit my hometown.

10 Best Things To Do in Puebla

I love the entire historic center of Puebla but my favorite place would have to be the Artist Quarter. It’s a place where (before the pandemic) all Puebla artists gathered to exhibit and sell their art. There are cafes everywhere and it has a bohemian atmosphere. I call it a kind of “Mexican Montmartre”.

As well as visiting the historic center and the Artist Quarter, visitors should discover the range of stunning cathedrals, get lost down the charming streets, find the best local snacks and foods, and watch a beautiful sunset over the city. Trust me, you will never get bored here! So without further ado, below are my top 10 recommendations for things to do in Puebla.

1. Photograph the Incredible Catedral de Puebla

This stunning cathedral is the centrepiece of the city and is often lit up in lights at night making it a photographer’s dream. While the exteriors are impressive, the interiors are even more dazzling as visitors can take in elaborately decorated fresco paintings. A must-visit in Puebla for sure!

2. Watch the Sunset at Mirador de Los Fuertes

A wonderful place to go with friends or your romantic partner to watch the sun drop majestically over the city. Expect colors of orange, red and pink to encapsulate the sky as the city lights up in preparation for night time. There are a couple of seats you can utilise to be more comfortable.

3. Tour the Historic Palafoxiana Library

Palafoxiana Library is recognized by UNESCO as being the first and oldest library in the Americas. It was founded way back in 1646 and is home to endless books, manuscripts, historical records and some pretty impressive architecture too. Visiting the library is a real treat for history-lovers.

4. Walk through the Callejon de los Sapos

Walking down Callejon de los Sapos is always a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Visit on Friday and Saturday nights for live music and a festive atmosphere at the cafes and bars. On Sunday starting from 10am you will find a vibrant street market with antiques and handicrafts.

5. Enjoy a Coffee at the Artist Quarter

The Artist Quarter is my favorite place in Puebla with its narrow alleys, artist zone, market stalls and trendy cafes. Just wandering the streets is a good time but make sure you pop into a cafe as well to enjoy a coffee and take in the atmosphere. Trust me – you will fall in love with this area!

6. Eat Mexican Snacks at Parian Market

For the best Mexican snacks in Puebla head to Parian Market where you will find food with the true Mexican essence. The snacks in restaurants won’t compare in terms of authenticity. Parian Market is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the city with great food and fantastic Talavera.

7. Visit Rosary Chapel – “Eighth Wonder of the World”

Entering this 17th-century golden chapel will leave you awestruck and not surprised at all how it gained the reputation of being the “eighth wonder of the world”. The chapel is located inside the Church of Santo Domingo. Many claim it to be the best example of New Spanish Baroque style.

8. Try a Traditional Cemita from Puebla

Cemitas originate from Puebla and while you can find versions of the sandwich in other parts of the world this is where you will find the real Cemita! These sandwiches are sold by street vendors who dedicate themselves to the preparation of the sandwich. A great option for lunch!

9. Sing with the Mariachis of the El Alto Market

Mercado el Alto is one of the oldest markets in Puebla and is a wonderful place to explore in the evenings. One of the highlights here is listening to the local mariachis play music which adds so much vibrancy to the market. Even better, pay the mariachi bands to serenade you or your loved one!

10. Take in the Views on the Estrella de Puebla

For something completely different, hop on the Estrella de Puebla and take in panoramic views of the city. You will be able to see a number of the city’s landmarks from the observation wheel including the volcano, cathedral and city sprawl. This is a fun activity which the whole family can enjoy.

Bonus Experience: Have a Few Drinks at La Pasita

The people of Puebla are conservative and religious but they are friendly. The best way to get to know the locals is to chat with them. Many of the artisans and tourist workers speak English and can tell you stories about this city. If you want a real Puebla experience then visit La Pasita – a Mexican cantina where you will find the essence of a cantina from the 40s.

Phenomenal Gastronomy of Puebla

Puebla has one of the best gastronomies in Mexico. Some of the best local dishes have been mentioned in this article already (for example Cemitas) but there is plenty more authentic cuisine to try including:

Tacos Arabes and Tacos al Pastor (originally from Puebla, you can try them in other places throughout Mexico but they don’t have the same taste), and Chiles en Nogada which is chiles stuffed with picadillo topped with a walnut-based cream sauce called nogada. The latter isn’t spicy but tastes sweet and is only eaten seasonally, in August/September to be precise.

Mole Poblano is another quintessential Mexican food found in Puebla. You can even visit the convent where the nuns invented it. I recommend eating these foods in markets or stalls like Parian Market. In restaurants, these dishes become gentrified and lose that authentic flavor. However, if your stomach is sensitive then you can always eat at restaurants.

Best Places to Stay in Puebla

I highly recommend staying at Azul Talavera Hotel and Cartesiano Hotel , although they are both expensive. Another option may be the Leones Hotel which has a direct view of the cathedral. If you want something historical then the Colonial Hotel is a great option too. Many historical Mexican figures have stayed at this hotel throughout the years.

Need to Know Before you Go

Before you visit Puebla there are a couple of key things to remember in order to enhance your experience. First of all, only eat at local restaurants. As mentioned before, the touristy restaurants serve food that is not authentic. For the most authentic food head to the markets and stalls.

I also suggest heading to the attractions early so you don’t encounter large crowds. But when you do go exploring be careful! Although I wish it wasn’t so, Puebla can be a dangerous city. Don’t venture out of the historic center or wander into places with no one else around unless you are accompanied by a local. Write to me before you come. I will gladly show you around 🙂

In conclusion, I love Puebla and believe you will too. I have had many amazing experiences here including photography missions for sunrise and sunset, and partying in Cholula where I was walking around with friends in a place that was buzzing at 3am. I cherish these memories and hope the city recovers from the pandemic and things return to normal soon.

BY DANIEL CHAZARI IG: @DANNYCHAZARI

Author:  Daniel Chazari

Daniel Chazari is a Graphic Designer and Photographer who grew up in Puebla, Mexico. He has been backpacking, traveling and photographing for many years now.

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Is Puebla, Mexico Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons You Should Visit

Is Puebla in Mexico worth visiting? There’s no doubt that it is! This town is often overlooked because of the totemic nature of the attractions in nearby Mexico City . Don’t fall into that trap – a mere two hours’ drive to the southeast of the capital and there’s oodles more on the menu…

Most of all, Puebla is known as a culinary hub. That means it’s the place to go to sample those dark and flavorsome mole sauces, packed tacos with spicy salsa on the side, and even the height of the current Mexican haute cuisine boom.

And it doesn’t end there. From soaring mountains (some of the highest in the country, no less) to enthralling historical sites to some lovely colonial-era towns in the nearby vicinity, there’s oodles of things to do in the oft-ignored Puebla.

Table of Contents

Because it’s super easy to reach

One of the most tempting reasons to add Puebla to your Mexico itinerary is the simple fact that it’s kinda’ easy to reach compared to many other places in the country. You don’t need any long-haul flights or annoying connections through CDMX to get here.

Simply get off the plane in the capital and hitch a ride on one of the uber-frequent buses that make the trip. In all, it should take no more than two hours to transport you down to the culinary hub of central Mex. Simple.

And there’s more good news. The route there is a pretty one. It weaves and winds through the heart of a low mountain range in the center of the Iztaccihuatl National Park – Popocatépetl. You’ll see wild forests of tall pines rising against the side of the highway, and there are all manner of pitstops you can make to wonder at the snow-capped volcano in the heart of the reserve.

For the food

For most travelers who put Puebla high on their to-do list in Mexico, it’s the food that’s sealed the deal. Yep, this midsized city to the southeast of Mexico City is known as one of the hubs of traditional Mexican cooking, and it’s recently been on the forefront of the country’s nouveau cuisine revival to boot.

The town is packed to bursting with eateries. They run the gamut from casual street eats to sleek bistros of MICHELIN Guide fame. The latter hit a zenith with the likes of La Purificadora, the edgy kitchen of an award-winning design hotel, and Casa Barroca, a fine-dining joint that does creative takes on Mexican classics.

The dishes you simply have to try while in Puebla include:

• Mole poblano – The iconic dish of the city, mole poblano is a viscous sauce that’s made to cover quesadillas or chicken, packed with chocolate and chilli peppers.
• Pipián rojo – A red salsa sauce that’s served on the side of rice and roasted nuts.
• Tacos arabes Tacos – No trip to Mexico could be complete without a sampling of the tacos. These are the ones you get in Puebla and they are fantastic, combining the Middle Eastern flavors of shawarma with chili and pineapple.

The national parks

Aside from its reputation as a culinary capital, Puebla is also known as a gateway to some of the most incredible natural reserves in the central region of Mexico. They’re the stuff of superlatives, encompassing the mighty Pico de Orizaba – a 5,600-meter-high monster that’s also the tallest peak in the country. Plus, they offer ample opportunities for adventure seekers.

The closest national park of the lot is actually the Iztaccihuatl National Park – Popocatépetl. That’s en route from Mexico City , so you’ll probably pass through when you come to Puebla. It’s anchored on the volcano of Popocatépetl itself, an active stratovolcano that clocks up a mega 5,426 meters above sea level.

Keep going southeast and you’ll come to the National Park Pico de Orizaba. It’s around 1.75 hours’ drive onwards from Puebla city. A relatively small national park, it encircles a great mountain summit that’s capped with a rare tropical glacier. The climb to the top is challenging, but there are other walks to do in the surrounding pine forests and hills.

For the history

Puebla, unlike Mexico City just up the road, wasn’t even founded until the Europeans came to conquer the Americas. The official start date for the town is 1531, after which it rose to prominence as a major stopover on the route from the coast to the capital of New Spain, and as a center of production for textiles and crafts.

Later on, Puebla was actually taken by the USA army during the Mexican-American wars of the 1840s and became besieged. Even later again, it was a flashpoint in the Mexican Revolution, changing hands between the various forces a number of times.

Today, all that history and more is chronicled at a number of museums across town. The very best of them include the Museo Amparo , where you’ll find a rich collection of 3,500 pieces of Pre-Colombian art.

The architecture

Although it might not be quite as old as other cities in Mexico, Puebla has still managed to earn itself one of those coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site tags for its rich architectural makeup. The designated heritage zone covers the whole of the historic core of the town, which is also known as the Baroque district of Puebla .

You simply HAVE to dive in there and explore. Streets spread out in all directions from the beautiful central plaza known as Zócalo. The most notable attraction that rises up overhead has to be the Puebla Cathedral, a 16 th -century building that sports two grand towers that also happen to be among the tallest in the nation.

The exquisite roofs of the Capilla del Rosario Templo de Santo Domingo are also unmissable. Just look how they glow gold and orange as the light filters through the high windows. After, check out the painted facades of the Teatro Principal and the tiled exteriors of the Museo San Pedro de Arte. It’s all photo-worthy.

For the day trips you can do

We’ve already mentioned the eye-watering natural parks that await on the edges of Puebla. They offer some seriously wild and adventurous day trips for folks traveling here, including multi-day climbing expeditions to glaciers on the very roof of Mexico. But there are plenty more options open to folks who don’t take after Edmund Hilary, including:

• Cuetzalan – A stunning highland town with Baroque architecture in the sierras above Puebla. Come here on Sunday to shop through the tianguis – old-school street markets where you can purchase local wares and food.
• Atlixco – They call Atlixco the flower town because it hosts some of the most amazing urban displays of flowers in the country.It’s also home to the amazing Ex-Convento Santa Rosa, an old nunnery that’s hardly changed since the 1600s.
• Chipilo – A nearby town that’s famed for its Italian population, and the cuisine to match. Best pizza in Mexico, don’t mind if I do!

The nightlife

Puebla is a buzzy little place. The old town center has more bars and restaurants than you can shake a plate of mole sauce at, and backs all that up with a mix of theatre houses and music venues that offer everything from late-night jazz shows to local performance art. Put it this way – there’s plenty to do after your hit of fine-dining.

However, real party buffs should make the hop over to the out-of-town district of Cholula. That’s got arguably the wildest nightlife in the whole of Mexico (move over Cancun!). It’s all down to the fact that it’s a major student hub, which means the venues and the bars are filled to bursting most weekends (and most week nights too).

The best of the places to hit the tiles are:

• Jazzatlan club de jazz cholula – A moody jazz bar with live music most of the time.
• ZUNTRA Pop Club – A kitschy dance venue with a – you guessed it – pop music backing track.
• Cervecería Cholula – A stripped-down, hipster drinking hole with craft beers made in the region and in Puebla itself.

Is Puebla, Mexico, worth visiting? Our conclusion

Is Puebla, Mexico, worth visiting? Yes, yes, and yes again.

While we can see why this town rarely makes it onto Mexican bucket lists, we also think it’s criminally overlooked all too often. There’s so many tempting facets to it.

Take the UNESCO-tagged old center, which boasts arguably the most majestic Baroque building work in the country. Then there’s the food – Puebla is a real culinary mecca, home to the famous mole sauces with their chili and choco mix. Finally, the city is a gateway to the volcanoes of the central highlands, which adds hiking and climbing to the range of to-dos.

For more than 11 years, Joe has worked as a freelance travel writer. His writing and explorations have brought him to various locations, including the colonial towns of Mexico, the bustling chowks of Mumbai, and the majestic Southern Alps of New Zealand. When he's not crafting his next epic blog post on the top Greek islands or French ski resorts, he can often be found engaging in his top two hobbies of surfing and hiking.

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Puebla: The Heritage of Mexico The volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl guard Puebla from The Sierra Norte with its foggy and colorful atmosphere to the south in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán valley with its landscapes full of cacti. For this and many other reasons, Puebla is the best option for your next trip. In 1987, the UNESCO declared The Historic Centre of Puebla as Cultural Heritage of Humanity due to its construction with domes, towers, bells, Talavera, brick and white mortar. Puebla handicrafts have honored the name of Mexico through the magical hands of the indigenous people whose tradition and customs are a mystical legacy. The Talavera represents Puebla around the world. The UNESCO declared (the artisanal Talavera / the processes of making the artisanal Talavera) of Puebla as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Its 10 Magical Towns will delight you with waterfalls, lagoons, national parks, trails and the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán biosphere reserve. People around Mexico recognize the gastronomy of Puebla as a result of the culinary skills from religious women from the state convents.

The Volcán Popocatépetl has a magnificent as it guards Atlixco. Come and spend time with your family with all the activities this municipality offers among its streets.

Cuetzalan will amaze you with its waterfalls, caves and mountains. Furthermore, you will learn about its traditions and rituals.

Chignahuapan has a contagious calm spirit, as well as beautiful hot springs. The most famous and traditional activity in Chignahuapan is the elaboration of Christmas spheres; so come and learn about this process!

Cholula is the house of the biggest Mesoamerican pyramid. However, it is also well-known for its pre-Hispanic sanctuaries and diverse colonial temples.

As different hills guard Huachinango, this place will give you an unforgettable experience due to its abundant nature that surrounds the environment.

Pahuatlán, also known as the guardian of the traditional pre-Hispanic Amate, will lead you to learn about and be in contact with the Náhuatl and Otomí cultures.

Tlatlauquitepec is an ideal place to enjoy new experiences.

Tlatlauquitepec es el lugar ideal para vivir nuevas experiencias.

If you have a refined palate that is looking for natural flavors, Xicotepec de Juarez is waiting for you in order to persuade you with a coffee and nature aroma.

Zacatlán has a mysterious fog that will make you experience heaven on Earth.

Tienes Ganas de Puebla

In Puebla State

The state of Puebla owns the International Safe Travel stamp as a result of fulfilling all the sanitary measures to make your stay a safe one.

titulo de artículo 1

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Rent a car or moto to move around Puebla and its surroundings more comfortably by dismissing predicament and avoiding traffic jams.

Searching for where to stay in Puebla or surrounding towns? Check these hotels and hostels in Puebla for all budgets and all tastes.

Puebla is known for its gastronomy, deliciously diverse cuisine. Check out these bars, cafes, and restaurants in Puebla and around.

Discover the best nightclubs and bars in Puebla. Here are some of the places for rambling around the town, letting loose, and dancing.

Find popular guided tours and excursions in Puebla and its surroundings. Book your transfer from the airport to Puebla or vice versa.

Language schools and other educational institutions & centers offering Spanish language courses and cultural programs in Mexico.

Tourist attractions and sightseeing in Puebla City

The historical and cultural value of the city of Puebla architecture is a major reason the city was chosen as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Various styles and techniques such as Baroque, Renaissance, and Classic are represented here in over 5,000 buildings included in the catalog.

Places to visit in Puebla City

The Historic Center of Puebla is full of churches, monasteries, and mansions. All this historic area of the city of Puebla is mostly built of gray cantera stone, and red brick, and decorated with multicolored tiles in the Talavera style.

Puebla is also considered the “cradle of Mexican Baroque” both in architecture and in the decorative arts, and one of the five most important colonial cities in Mexico.

The Main Square (Zocalo) of Puebla

The Main Square of Puebla remains the cultural, political, and religious center of the city. This area was the first quarter to be laid out, from which the rest of the Historic Center was staggered.

Until the end of the 18th century, this place was the main market of the city of Puebla, and for most of the Colonial Period, it was the main source of drinking water through a fountain installed in the center o the square in the middle of the 16th century.

Many political and cultural events have been and continue to be held on the Main Square of Puebla City.

Bullfights were held in the Main Square from 1566 to 1722.

Today, the Zocalo is a forested square with a number of sculptures, but the most famous is the sculpture of the Archangel Michael, an 18th-century fountain installed here in 1777.

Most of the streets in Puebla City are named on a numbering system, which centers on the northwest corner of the Main Square.

The Cathedral of Puebla

The Cathedral of Puebla City took 300 years to build, partly due to interruptions in its construction. The construction of the Cathedral was begun in 1575 by order of Philip II of Spain by the architects Francisco Becerra and Juan de Cigorondo.

The building was consecrated in 1649, although only half the walls and most of the roofs were missing, and the towers had not yet been built. The north tower was added in 1678 and the south tower in 1768.

The shape of the Cathedral is a Latin cross and consists of five naves.

The complex consists of fourteen chapels in various styles with numerous artistic works such as the main dome and the main altar, both decorated by Cristobal de Villalpando.

The façade is classified as Late Baroque in transition to Neoclassical, with Doric and Corinthian columns.

At just under 70 meters high, its bell towers are the tallest in Mexico.

The seats in the choir are made of wood, onyx, and ivory in Moorish design. Both organs were donated by Charles V. Numerous onyx statues of saints and angels can be seen in the crypt under the cathedral.

Municipal Palace in Puebla

The portal consists of two levels, crowned with a central attic, in which there is a clock and towers on each side.

Casa del Deán in Puebla

The Casa del Deán is the oldest noble house in the city of Puebla, built by Tomás de la Plaza Goes, who was a deacon of Puebla Cathedral. It was completed in 1580. The building remained largely intact until 1953 when it was about to be demolished to build a cinema.

Protests to save the building because of its frescoes and façade were successful. The murals are frescoes that are the only surviving non-religious examples from the 16th century in their original location in Mexico.

The gray stone façade is perfectly smooth to highlight the main portal, of Renaissance style.

Main Theater of Puebla City

The main theater of Puebla was opened in 1761 by Miguel de Santamaria. The theater burned down in 1902 and was rebuilt in 1940 and then again in 1998. The theater hosts cultural events and art shows featuring regional, national, and international artists.

ex Monastery of San Francisco

The Church and ex Monastery of San Francisco has situated on Blvd Heroes del 5 de Mayo. Its elevated four-level tower stands out with its moldings and Ionic and Doric pilasters. The main façade is done of gray cantera stone which is sculpted with large jars and flowers.

The main portal is of Churrigueresque style, flanked by large panels of tilework surrounded by Plateresque decoration. Inside is a Plateresque choir, Neoclassic altarpieces, and the mummified body of the beatified Sebastian de Aparicio.

Handicraft market in Puebla

El Parian handicraft market is an arts and crafts market, within walking distance of the Main Plaza. It consists mostly of permanent stalls but there is an area provided for vendors who visit and sell their wares on blankets spread on the ground.

Church of Santo Domingo in Puebla City

Inside the ceiling consists of two large vaults and contains gilded altarpieces in Baroque, Solomonic, and Churrigueresque styles.

Chapel of the Rosario

The Chapel of the Rosario is located in the Church of Santo Domingo. The Chapel was built between 1650 and 1690 and was the first to be dedicated to the Our Lady of the Rosary.

The chapel is filled with symbolism, as it is filled with images and elements which are representative of the Baroque of New Spain. This symbolism is principally meant to aid with the evangelization process.

The chapel contains three themes important to the Church, the mysteries of the rosary, the virtues associated with it, and the Virgin of the Rosary herself. The cupola is in the shape of the crown of the Virgin Mary.

Fountain of the China Poblana in Puebla

The Fountain of the China Poblana is located on Blvd Heroes de 5 de May. It is a monumental work done in cantera stone and Talavera tile, with a base of about thirty meters in diameter.

In the center is a column that supports two large bowls and a sculpture of the China Pobalana which is over three meters high.

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Top Reasons to Visit Puebla

Tour Guide , Yaren, Nauru

Tour Guide , Puebla, Mexico

01 Jul 2023 | 4 mins read

Admire the beautiful landscapes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes create for us. Be pleased by the exquisite culinary art Puebla boasts about. Taste the internationally famous mole poblano. But most of all, enjoy the hospitality, friendliness, and warmth of the people of Puebla.

Religious tourism

Today, Puebla owns a considerable number of churches and convents, turning into a favourite destination for religious tourists. People from other countries go to Puebla to venerate their saints.  Admire the incredible architecture of each one of its churches, convents, and cathedrals. In Puebla City, visit the Cathedral, the San Francisco temple, Virgen Conquistadora chapel, Espiritu Santo temple, and the old convents Santa Rosa and Santa Monica.  You definitely need to visit the stunning Santa Maria Tonantzintla Temple, an indigenous baroque construction; which easily reflects the indigenous’ way of seeing their own culture.  About 40 kilometres from Puebla, Cuautinchán used to be an ancient ceremonial center famous for its arts, especially maps.

After the Spanish conquest, the Franciscans built the convent of San Juan Bautista, built in the 16th century, nowadays a real jewel of colonial heritage in the state of Puebla. Here we will also see the remains of a mammoth. You can visit two more Franciscan convents; one of them is Tecali de Herrera, which is known as a center of arts and crafts.

Gastronomy of Puebla

Recognized as one of the three states in Mexico with the most vibrant gastronomy, known worldwide for its famous mole poblano and the enticing chiles en nogada, whose original recipes were created by the nuns of Santa Clara Convent. Here you will be tasting different typical dishes such as tamales, tamal torta, cemitas, chalupas, molotes, pelonas, mememlas, moles, pipian, quesadillas and to finish, traditional candies (tortita de Santa Clara, camotes, borrachitos, etc.)

Get to know the places where the ingredients are bought and transformed into incredible dishes: traditional markets, mole mills, and small conventional restaurants. Come and learn more about the culinary richness of this region!

Natural sceneries surrounding Puebla

Puebla owns beautiful settings for being in touch with nature; explore the captivating places this state has to offer.  Just take time to travel along with its “Sierra Magica” to discover exciting and enjoyable natural attractions. Only a few miles away from Cuetzalan, you will find these fascinating waterfall attractions: El Salto, Las Golondrinas, Salto de Quetzalapan, and Corazon del Bosque. Here you can find zip lines and practice abseiling. At Barbas de Carranza waterfall, you may discover incredible jungle vegetation where you’ll have the opportunity to have a picnic while enjoying unforgettable landscapes.

The most crucial waterfall in Puebla, Tuliman, is located just 30 minutes away from Zacatlan. Its fall is about 300 meters, and in this paradisiacal scenery, you will also find a spring.  Be amazed by the incredible cave La Aventura, an incredible underground world where you’ll find adventure and astonishing rock formations. Atepolihui; It is thought that in this particular cave, pre-Hispanic rituals took place. Today, this natural treasure is specially visited by adventurers looking for abseiling destinations.  Without a doubt, Karmidas is the most spectacular and visited cave in Puebla. This impressive cave has five sections, and just in the middle of them, there are located the “Enchanted Lagoon.”

In Puebla, you will also find National Parks: In the Izta-popo National Park, excellent animal diversity may be found, such as rabbit, squirrel, deer, and armadillo. Indeed, the landscapes provided by the volcanoes in this place will be unforgettable.

The forest area of La Malinche National Park shelters a sacred volcano and has a fantastic climate and pine vegetation. Here you’ll find satisfying facilities for the camping experience. Being the tallest mountain in Mexico, Pico de Orizaba creates incredible warm scenery where raccoons, rabbits, weasels, and wolfs may be found. In the winter season, you can admire the beautiful landscape with its snowy top.

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Why Puebla and Guadalajara Should Be Your Next Mexico Trip

By Erin Florio

It’s been more than a decade since Pujol, Museo Soumaya , and the tuna tostadas at Contramar lured us to the quiet beaches of Cabo and Tulum and into sprawling, frenetic Mexico City . Then we ventured deeper into the real Mexico, to the crafts mecca of Oaxaca and the Chiapas countryside. Now we’re eyeing the second cities Puebla and Guadalajara , whose antiques markets, mole, and rich architecture recall Mexico City, though unlike the capital, everything you’ll want to do here is within a walkable city center. Puebla also has two new sleek, high-design hotels that we predict will awaken the rest of the world to the city’s charms, just as Casa Fayette did for Guadalajara three years ago. It gave visitors a chic, ultramodern base from which to explore the cool shops and galleries clustered in the Lafayette arts district. Even better, both cities are entirely doable in a long weekend. Try pulling that off in Mexico City.

Puebla's Capilla del Rosario

Puebla Is a Microcosm of Everything We Love About Mexico

It’s steeped in history

The Spanish conquistadors built the city of Puebla, and their colorful 16th-century mansions still line the city’s center. The green, pink, orange, and purple row houses near the Callejón de los Sapos antiques market stand in line like Crayolas in a box. Many of them open as storefronts selling antique tea sets and pottery when the outdoor market is open, which is only on weekends.

It has the best ceramics (and possibly the greatest chicken sandwich on earth)

On our last trip, we discovered Uriarte Talavera , a nearly 200-year-old ceramics workshop and gallery across from the El Mercado de Sabores street-food market. We loved it so much, we went twice. The first time, we watched the craftswomen hand-painting each piece coming out of the kiln. On round two, we stocked up on teapots, espresso cups, and vases, then popped across the street to Sabores for a cemita de pollo, Puebla’s legendary sandwich of fried chicken, avocado, and queso fresco. It was as good as it sounds.

You haven’t had mole till you’ve had mole here

Perhaps Puebla’s most extraordinary gift to the world is the spicy, saucy, chocolate wonder that is mole poblano, Mexico’s famous dish. Get chef Ángel Vázquez’s sampler at his El Mural de los Poblanos , next to the city’s 17th-century cathedral. The six flavors, which may include mancha manteles or adobo , change daily and are always followed by a shot of local La Pasita liqueur.

We could live in these hotels

The eight-month-old Cartesiano is inside an old tile factory (the walls in its 19th-century annex are original), and its earthy, beige-and-white rooms are a calming contrast to the rest of the city. The Rosewood Puebla has a fantastic rooftop bar with phenomenal views of the smoking Popocatépetl volcano. (Both properties made this year’s Hot List of the best new hotels.)

The classic architecture is as impressive as the modern.

The all-gold Capilla del Rosario, inside the 17th-century Church of Santo Domingo on the main square, is one of the most brilliant chapels we’ve ever seen: The sun bounces off the gold leafing and illuminates the entire space (thankfully, it was left relatively undamaged by the earthquakes last year). And the Japanese architect Toyo Ito’s white, undulating International Museum of the Baroque rivals the modern buildings up in Mexico City.

Tacos from Fat Charlie

Reasons to Love Guadalajara

Dinner at Hueso

Its name means “bone” in Spanish, which makes sense once you see the walls covered in more than 10,000 animal skeletons. Diners sit together at four long tables facing the open kitchen. Communal-dining haters, don’t worry: You’ll be too blissed out by chef Alfonso Cadena’s braised short ribs to care.

Mexico’s greatest architects left their mark here

You’ll see the works of the Guadalajara native and Pritzker Prize winner Luis Barragán all over the cool Lafayette neighborhood—his Art Deco Casa Franco is now the modern art gallery Travesía Cuatro, which perfectly encapsulates the wider art-and-design scene that’s blown up there.

Its bar scene is legit

A day trip to Tequila is definitely worth it to see those bluish agave fields and do tastings at distilleries like La Rojeña (by train it’s just two hours each way). But if you choose to stick around Guadalajara, get a taste of the stuff at Fat Charlie, where apron-wearing bartenders brilliantly pair top-notch tequila with fresh ingredients like ginger, cilantro, and roasted pineapple.

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Top Reasons to visit Puebla

Puebla one of the most vibrant cities in Mexico

Come upon Puebla’s tradition; visit its still alive pre-Hispanic cities, its impressive colonial churches, and its beautiful nature creations. Puebla is also land of seven magical towns and the stunning “Sierra Magica” displaying waterfalls, caves, mountains, and a foggy atmosphere.

Admire the beautiful landscapes Popocatepetl, and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes create for us. Be pleased by the exquisite culinary art Puebla boasts about: taste the internationally famous mole poblano. But most of all, enjoy the hospitality, friendliness, and warmth of the people of Puebla.

Religious tourism

Today, Puebla owns a considerable number of churches and convents, turning into the favorite destination for religious tourists. People from other countries go to Puebla to venerate their saints.

Admire the incredible architecture of each one of its churches, convents, and cathedrals. In Puebla City, visit the Cathedral, the San Francisco temple, Virgen Conquistadora chapel, Espiritu Santo temple, and the old convents Santa Rosa and Santa Monica.

You definitely need to visit the stunning Santa Maria Tonantzintla Temple, an indigenous baroque construction; which easily reflects the indigenous’ way of seeing their own culture.  About 40 kilometers from Puebla, Cuautinchán used to be an ancient ceremonial center, famous for its arts, especially maps.

After the Spanish conquest, the Franciscans built the convent of San Juan Bautista, built in the 16th century, nowadays a real jewel of colonial heritage in the state of Puebla. Here we will also see the remains of a mammoth. You can visit two more Franciscan convents; one of them is one of Tecali de Herrera, which is known as a center of arts and crafts.

Gastronomy of Puebla

Recognized as one of the three states in Mexico with the most vibrant gastronomy, known worldwide for its famous mole poblano and the enticing chiles en nogada, whose original recipes were created by the nuns of Santa Clara Convent. Here you will be tasting different typical dishes such as tamales, tamal torta, cemitas, chalupas, molotes, pelonas, mememlas, moles, pipian, quesadillas and to finish, traditional candies (tortita de Santa Clara, camotes, borrachitos, etc.)

Get to know the places where the ingredients are bought and transformed into incredible dishes: traditional markets, mole mills, and small conventional restaurants. Come and learn more about the culinary richness of this region!

Natural sceneries surrounding Puebla

Puebla owns beautiful settings for being in touch with nature; explore the captivating places this state has to offer.

Just take time to travel along with its “Sierra Magica” to discover exciting and enjoyable natural attractions. Only a few miles away from Cuetzalan , you will find these fascinating waterfall attractions: El Salto, Las Golondrinas, Salto de Quetzalapan, and Corazon del Bosque. Here you can find zip lines and practice abseiling. In Barbas de Carranza waterfall, you may discover incredible jungle vegetation where you’ll have the opportunity to have a picnic while enjoying unforgettable landscapes.

The most crucial waterfall in Puebla, Tuliman , is located just 30 minutes away from Zacatlan . Its fall is about 300 meters, and in this paradisiacal scenery, you will also find a spring.  Be amazed by the incredible cave La Aventura , an incredible underground world where you’ll find adventure and astonishing rock formations. Atepolihui ; It is thought that in this particular cave, pre-Hispanic rituals took place. Today, this natural treasure is specially visited for adventurers looking for abseiling destinations.

Without a doubt, Karmidas is the most spectacular and visited cave in Puebla. This impressive cave has five sections, and just in the middle of them, there are located the “Enchanted Lagoon.”

In Puebla, you will also find National Parks: In the Izta-popo National Park, excellent animal diversity may be found, such as rabbit, squirrel, deer, and armadillo. Indeed, the landscapes provided by the volcanoes in this place will be unforgettable.

The forest area of La Malinche National Park shelters a sacred volcano and has a fantastic climate and pine vegetation. Here you’ll find satisfying facilities for the camping experience. Being the tallest mountain in Mexico, Pico de Orizaba creates incredible warm scenery where raccoons, rabbits, weasels, and wolfs may be found. In the winter season, you can admire the beautiful landscape with its snowy top.

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6 alternative and arty ways to discover Mexico City culture

Amid art deco architecture and Frida Kahlo’s creations, find Mexico City’s pre-Hispanic traditions and an Indigenous crafts scene.

Mexico’s sprawling capital is a gateway to the country’s Maya ruins, miles of beaches, rocky canyons and traditional Indigenous villages. But many travellers find the metropolis has an allure all of its own, and a handful of days can be well spent touring its neighbourhoods and historic centre. Mexico’s best museums are here, and its many galleries and markets help facilitate one of the strongest creative scenes in Latin America. Dig a little deeper to find the city’s pre-Hispanic roots, and discover how many customs are linked to the ancient Aztec and Maya civilisations.

1. Kayak the ancient canals of Xochimilco

Before the Spanish conquest in 1521, Mexico City, then called Tenochtitlán, was built on two small islands inside Lake Texcoco. The Aztecs built canals and floating farms called chinampas to feed its growing population. Today, all that remains of these ancient waterways are in Tláhuac and Xochimilco, a neighbourhood 15 miles south of Mexico City’s Centro Histórico. Flat-bottomed party boats called trajineras cruise Xochimilco’s canals daily, but a guided kayaking trip provides a more tranquil — and environmentally friendly — visit. Tours offer the chance to spot Xochimilco’s wildlife, including the critically endangered axolotl salamander and more than 200 bird species, while learning about the history and science behind chinampas, which still provide food for Mexico City residents.

2. Browse the Museo de Arte Popular

In the historic centre of Mexico City is the Museo de Arte Popular , a beautifully designed handicraft museum housed inside a 1920s art deco building. The museum, which once served as Mexico City’s fire department headquarters, celebrates traditional Mexican craft in all its forms, from textiles and pottery to children’s toys, furniture and giant alebrijes — mythical creatures made from wood or papier-mache. High-quality crafts from almost every Mexican state are displayed thematically over several floors, including ceramics from Jalisco, piñatas from Puebla and ceremonial masks from Chiapas. Particularly striking are the small but impressive Day of the Dead craft collection and the á rbol de la vida (tree of life) pieces – colourful, intricate clay sculptures depicting the creation of life.

3. Sip on pulque, the drink of the Aztec gods

Pulque is a drink made from the fermented sap of agave, the same plant used to make tequila and mezcal. It has been drunk for more than 2,000 years, making it Mexico’s oldest alcoholic beverage. During the Aztec empire, pulque was considered a sacred drink, reserved for gods, emperors and ceremonial events. The introduction of beer and distilled spirits by the Spanish in the 16th century marked the beginning of the end for pulque, with many of Mexico City’s pulquerias — taverns specialising in the drink — closing between the early 20th and 21st centuries. But a recent resurgence has seen several reopen across the city, making it one of the best places in Mexico to try the tipple. La Canica — a pulqueria in the Tabacalera neighbourhood run by a family that has been in the pulque business for five generations — takes a modern approach to the ancient drink, infusing freshly made pulque with dozens of seasonal flavours, from guava and mandarin to marzipan and toasted oats.

4. Try Mexico City’s ancient caviar

Ahuautle — which loosely translates to ‘seeds of joy’ in the ancient Nahuatl language and are also known as ‘water fly eggs’ — were sacred to the Aztecs. During the rainy season, a type of water fly called axayácatl would lay its eggs in Lake Texcoco. These were harvested for Aztec emperors and used as offerings to the gods. Montezuma, one of the last emperors of the Aztec empire, is said to have eaten them every morning to improve his strength. Hard to get hold of and up to four times more expensive a kilogram than beef, the eggs have been dubbed ahuautle , the ‘caviar’ of Mexico, by the capital’s chefs. Only a handful of restaurants in the capital still serve ahuautle, one of which is Ayluardo’s — in the Iztapalapa neighbourhood, in the east of Mexico City. It serves the water fly eggs — which taste intensely fishy, similar to dried shrimp — in pancakes with tomatillo (a bright green, acidic fruit native to Mexico) and serrano chilli sauce.

5. Support indigenous crafts at Mercado de Artesanías de la Ciudadela

Just a few minutes’ walk from Museo de Arte Popular is this hub for artisans, Mexico City’s largest and best arts and crafts market. It is home to 350 stands selling a huge variety of crafts, or artesanias in Spanish, from all over Mexico, including handblown glass from Jalisco, silver jewellery from Guerrero and patterned chaquira beadwork from Jalisco, crafted by the indigenous Huichol people. For beautiful ceremonial Mayan masks made of wood and obsidian, head to stand 104, where you’ll often see the craftspeople at work. Also seek out the artisans selling amate — colourful works painted on to paper made from the pulp of fig and mulberry trees; the same type of paper was once used by the ancient Aztecs and Mayas to produce manuscripts.

6. Experience Mexican folk dance at El Ballet Folklórico de México

Founded in 1952 by choreographer and dancer Amalia Hernández, Ballet Folklórico celebrates Mexico’s diverse folklore traditions through dance, music and traditional dress. The performances take audiences from Mexico’s ancient past up to the revolution in 1910, travelling through the states of Oaxaca, Jalisco, Sonora, Zacatecas, Guerrero and more. Many of the dances take inspiration from Mexico’s Indigenous cultures, such as the Deer Dance (a contemporary piece that depicts a pre-hunting ritual practised by the Indigenous people of Sonora and Sinaloa) and the Guelaguetza, a folkloric ballet inspired by the ceremonial dances of the Mixtec and Zapotec people of Oaxaca. Performances are held at the Palacio de Bellas Artes — a white-marbled, art nouveau palace commissioned by President Porfirio Díaz in 1905 — on Wednesdays at 8.30pm and Sundays at 9.30am and 8.30pm.

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• CULTURAL CONSERVATION
• ART HISTORY
• MODERN HISTORY

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