where to visit in puebla mexico

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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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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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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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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25 Awesome Things To Do in Puebla, Mexico

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Wondering what are the best things to do in Puebla on your visit this year? You’re in the right place!

Hello! I am Isabella and I live in Mexico. I spend 15 days in Puebla wandering around and exploring the colorful city, home to the popular Mole poblano and Chile en Nogada, the Mexican iconic dish.

In this post, I will tell you all the things you must do in Puebla and why it’s one of the most underrated destinations in Mexico.

After reading this post I hope you will be in love with Puebla like I am and will look forward to visiting it.

INSIDER TIP – Puebla is only about an hour from Mexico City, and you can get from Mexico City to Puebla it’s easy to get to by car, ADO bus, or taxi. It’s considered more of a local city, and even though it’s the fourth largest city in Mexico, it feels much more low-key than other bustling cities. Puebla to Oaxaca is almost 5 hours instead.

Let’s go over the best things to do in Puebla, Mexico, to help you plan your trip.

The Best Things To Do in Puebla Mexico

1. spend some time in the zócalo de puebla.

The Zócalo de Puebla, or Puebla’s Historic City Centre, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Latin America’s most well-preserved colonial cities.

The center square, often called “the Zócalo, ” is centered around the Puebla Cathedral.

Around the square are restaurants, bars, cafes, and museums. And on the busy streets branching off the city center, you’ll find streets filled with street food carts, local shops, artisanal gifts, and much more.

The park in the center is also lively, with local weekend performances, children playing around, and tourists taking photos.

It’s a great place to spend an afternoon full of life and excitement, and it’s truly the city’s central hub.

2. Wander around Mercado El Parian

Mercado El Parian (El Parian Market) is located on the southeast corner of Puebla’s Zócalo. It’s one of the top tourist attractions in Puebla and a must-do for anyone in this beautiful city.

Mercado El Parian is a traditional, artisanal market with over 100 stalls of the finest handicrafts at an excellent price.

The market first opened in 1760, where it was a bustling place for traders, travelers, and locals alike. It began to falter and lose popularity with the rise of the railroad in Mexico. But in 1961, it was revamped as a handcrafts market and has remained popular.

You can find almost anything here, including jewelry, pottery, textiles, bags, souvenirs, and woodcrafts.

This is an excellent place in Puebla for souvenir shopping, but also a fun place to visit to admire the beauty of the European-influenced architecture around the Zócalo and the many talents of the local people.

3. Tuneles De Puebla

Tuneles De Puebla (Puebla Tunnels) are a system of tunnels under the city, believed to run for over 10 km (6.2 miles) and date back to over 500 years ago.

These tunnels were long considered an urban legend and weren’t unearthed until 2014, and portions opened to the public in 2016.

You can now walk through a small piece of the tunnels, which are now lined with significant memorabilia from the war of Mexican liberation between Mexico and France.

The tunnels begin at the historic center of Puebla and run to the end of Loreto Fort, where the Cinco de Mayo battle happened.

The tunnels represent an essential part of Mexican history and Puebla history. It’s a great learning experience and a must-do activity for history buffs or tourists who wish to understand more about the city they’re exploring.

4. Templo de Santo Domingo – Capilla Del Rosario

Templo de Santo Domingo (Convent Church of Santo Domingo) is a large temple in Puebla. Capilla Del Rosario (Rosary Chapel) is attached to the temple.

The Santo Domingo Church dates back to the 1500s, and the Rosary Chapel was added between 1650 and 1690. It’s the first chapel in Mexico dedicated to the Lady of Rosary.

The outside of the church is rather unimpressive, but the Rosary Chapel is something else. The inside is filled with beautiful paintings, sculptures, small shrines, and gold.

Most surfaces are covered with gold leaf; when the light shines on it from above, it’s one of the most magnificent sites.

Regardless of your religion and beliefs, it’s a beautiful piece of art worth visiting in Puebla.

5. Museo Amparo

Museo Amparo (Amparo Museum) is one of Mexico’s most important, yet least visited, historical museums.

It’s located between two colonial-era buildings in the city center of Puebla, and it’s relatively small for a museum. But it’s filled from start to finish with fascinating, authentic artifacts from Mesoamerica’s indigenous civilizations.

You’ll find artifacts from the Aztecs, Maya, Zapotecs, and Olmecs. Additionally, there’s a small section dedicated to Mexico’s colonial and post-colonial history.

Even though you don’t need much time for the museum, you’ll see things you can’t find elsewhere. It’s well worth a quick stop while exploring Puebla’s Zócalo.

6. Biblioteca Palafoxiana

Biblioteca Palafoxiana is a library in Puebla’s historic center across from the Puebla Cathedral. It’s said to be the first-ever public library in the Americas and is considered the most crucial library in Mexico.

As expected, it’s a small library for something that dates back to 1646. However, it has about 15,000 books and manuscripts from the 15th and 20th centuries.

You can’t take out books here anymore. It’s more of a museum, with many books and artifacts behind glass, but it’s a beautiful site.

The library room is small but goes up high with multiple closed-off floors. You can imagine people bustling around in the 1600s, climbing narrow staircases to reach a research book on the third floor.

7. Calle De Los Dolce

If you have a sweet tooth, Calle de los Dolce (Sweets Street) is the place to go. It’s a three-block street near the city center lined with sweets and sugar spots on both sides of the road.

You’ll find local favorites, like camotes, and all other sweet and chocolate classics.

You can get a handful of sweet snacks or a larger gift basket. It might be hard to take back home, but it will keep your taste buds happy for your trip to Puebla!

If you aren’t in the market for confections. Several bakeries will leave your mouthwatering.

Puebla is known for its incredible food, and the sweet treats and desserts are no exceptions, as Calle de los Dolce made clear!

8. Pyramid of Cholula

Cholula is a small city, pueblo magico (magic town), and UNESCO World Heritage Site northwest of Puebla . It’s most known for the Great Pyramid in the town center, representing a fascinating piece of pre-colonial and colonial history.

The Great Pyramid was likely built in several stages, starting in the 3rd century BC. The pyramid was dedicated to the deity Quetzalcoatl, and it is connected to rain, science, and agriculture.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (Church of Our Lady of Remedies) was built on top of the pyramid during the Spanish conquest in 1954.

Now, you can climb to the church through ancient Aztec ruins. It’s an exciting blend of Spanish conquest times and the ancient civilization that once ruled the area.

Around the Pyramid of Cholula, there’s a beautiful city center with plenty of restaurants, bars, craft stalls, street vendors , and more. So, it’s an enjoyable place to explore for a day from Puebla.

👍🏼 Tour To Cholula From Puebla

4.5 ⭐️ 18 Reviews

Cholula is only about 13 km (8 miles) from Puebla, but public transportation can be challenging. The easiest way to get there from Puebla, and the most educational, is with a guided tour to Cholula .

The tour includes a guide who can explain the significance and history of the Pyramid of Cholula.

On this tour, you’ll visit the Temple of San Francisco Acatepec, Temple of Santa Maria Tonantzintla, Archaeological Zone of Cholula, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, Convent of San Gabriel, San Pedro Market, and Cholula Regional Museum .

It’s the best way to experience the most of Cholula while learning a lot along the way.

We enjoyed a pleasant and informative tour of Cholula! Our guide Bruno was excellent and very informative.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Douglas_S , Apr 2023

9. Museo Regional de la Revolución

The Museo Regional de la Revolución (Regional Revolution Museum) is another fascinating way to learn about Puebla’s history and the revolution.

Puebla is a very naturalistic city with a rich history in the revolution and the location of many important battles.

This is a small museum near downtown Puebla, but it has very well-written exhibits that enlighten guests on the years surrounding the revolution and the role Puebla played in it.

The years between 1910 and 1917 were significant for Mexico as they were still discovering their identity and finding out how they fit. The museum does a great job of illustrating this, as well as other significant periods.

10. Estrella de Puebla

Estrella de Puebla (the Star of Puebla) is a tourist Ferris wheel that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding area.

The Ferris Wheel has a diameter of 70 meters and a height of 80 meters. The ride on the Ferris wheel only takes about 20 minutes, but don’t worry; there are many other things to do in this area.

The Star of Puebla is a part of the Parque Lineal Complex that houses the Art Garden, Metropolitan Ecopark, and the Atoyac River Walk. There’s a 2.8-mile Parque Lineal Path that’s fun to explore.

I recommend riding the Star of Puebla around sunset or just after sunset for some of the best city views and good lighting.

The Star of Puebla suspended its operations in 2021, possibly due to Covid-19. It’s said to be finishing some renovations and returning to action in 2024.

11. Fuertes de Loreto

Fuertes de Loreto (Loreto Forts) are a significant site in Puebla. They were once chapels built on the top of an Acueyametepec hill but were reconstructed into military buildings at the beginning of the 19th century.

The forts were crucial in several battles, including the Siege of Puebla (or Battle of Puebla) and the Second French Intervention in Mexico.

The forts are in Zona Historica de los Fuertos (Historical Zone of the Forts). It’s a large park with several forts, museums, and other historically significant monuments.

There are also small, renovated tunnels under the park, where you can learn more about the battles and significance of the forts.

You can visit the park, walk around, learn a little about these battles, and enjoy a sunny afternoon outside Puebla’s city center.

12. Callejon de Los Sapos

Callejon de Los Sapos (Alley of the Frogs) is a quintessential colonial alleyway about a 10-minute walk from the Puebla City Center.

The alleyway has quintessential European architecture, cobblestone streets, lively water fountains, street musicians, and European restaurants blended with Mexican cuisine .

Some souvenir shops, handicraft stalls, street foods, and other performances are also around the alley.

It’s a small, walking street worth visiting for a fresh coffee or lunch.

13. Catedral de Puebla

The Catedral de Puebla (Puebla Cathedral) can’t be missed. It’s at the heart of the city in the Zócalo.

It’s a Baroque-style cathedral with beautiful designs inside and out. The cathedral is still used despite being completed in 1737. But you can also walk through the cathedral and admire the beautiful artwork and designs.

It also makes for a great photo spot, especially around sunset when Puebla’s sky lights up with an array of hues and colors.

14. Barrio del Artistas

Barrio del Artistas (or the Artist Quarter) is another quintessential piece of the city and one of the best things to do in Puebla for artists and art enthusiasts.

The corridor began as a workshop for artists but has grown to include dance, music, theatre, and other artistic disciplines.

Tourists and visitors can walk through the corridor, admire the art for sale, or even purchase something to bring home. There are also a few cafes and small bakeries scattered around the corridor.

15. Volcano Cuexcomate

Volcano Cuexcomate, often called “the world’s smallest volcano,” is an inactive geyser, not a volcano. The geyser was born from an eruption from Popocatépetl Volcano, the giant volcano looming over the city.

Today, you can visit the geyser and go inside the little 43-foot volcano. The inside is cooler; you can see a small waterfall and stream.

Its last eruption was sometime in the 1600s, though it technically could still erupt, and sometimes locals are evacuated in preparation.

16. Popocatépetl Volcano

Izta-Popo National Park is a large national park near Puebla, where you can hike up a volcano and explore the base of an active volcano. This is one of the best things to do in Puebla for active travelers, but you must also be careful.

You’ll begin your hike around Paso de Cortes, where several trails are going up to Izta volcano, and maybe even watch Popo Volcano erupt afar.

Remember that Puebla is high, so hiking and physical activity may feel more challenging. Make sure to give yourself a few days in Mexico City or Puebla before spending an entire day hiking.

17. Arqueológica de Cantona

Cantona Archeological Ruins are some of the lesser-visited ruins in Mexico , and for this reason, it’s one of the best things to do in Puebla.

You’ll need your car, however, as there are few tours and no direct buses to the ruins. But once you get here, it’ll feel well worth it.

There are hardly any other tourists at the ruins, so you’ll have the place yourself. The ruins are sprawled out, so there’s a lot to see and do. And you can even climb to the top of the small pyramids and buildings for great views of the valley beyond.

It’s believed the first settlers of Cantona were the Olmeca-Xicallanca people. At its peak, there were over 80,000 people here.

It’s also not clear what led to the fall of the civilization, but it’s possibly due to the harsh and arid climate of the region, which made agriculture particularly challenging.

18. Arbo Terra (Parque Ecologico)

The Arbo Terra is an animal conservation theme park in Parque Ecológico Revolución Mexicana. It’s an extension of Africam Safari, though in a completely different part of the city.

The Arbo Terra houses thousands of birds and small mammals, all roaming around free. It’s an exciting learning experience, and jump into nature.

The Arbo Terra is also located in a massive park, Parque Ecologico. And it’s worth it just for this reason. The park has soccer fields, a beautiful lake, a skate park, a mini-golf course, an outdoor concert venue, a little snack shack, and several playgrounds.

It’s an excellent place for a picnic after walking through the Arbo Terra at the end of the park.

19. Santa Monica Convent

The Santa Monica Convent is an interesting convent that has since become a museum. This place was a secret convent during the 19th century when convents and monasteries were banned.

The museum is filled with religious art, many of which were made by the nuns at the time. There are placards throughout in English that explain the history and importance of the Santa Monica Convent.

20. Do a Talavera Workshop At The Interactive Museum Casa Celia

One of the best ways to learn about a region is by learning about the regional art. The Casa Celia Museum is the perfect place in Puebla to do just that.

Puebla’s signature pottery is the Talavera ceramics, which can be identified by its unique and striking designs. Often, it’s a white backdrop with colorful designs (predominantly blue) of intricate lines, swirls, and small flowers.

You’ll find these ceramics all over Puebla, but you can try out a Talavera workshop at Casa Celia to learn more about the process.

The museum believes education is the key to keeping culture alive, and it aims to preserve the ancestral technique by offering workshops. 

21. Try Local Dishes and Drinks

Puebla has arguably the best and most authentic Mexican cuisine in the country. Many signature dishes reign from Puebla, including the famous Mole Poblano.

You should try out some of the classic Pueblan dishes while you’re in the city, as the food is undoubtedly one of the best things in Puebla.

Here are some classic Mexican dishes to try:

🍽 Mole Poblano : This is a thick sauce typically made from Mexican chocolate, nuts, seeds, chilis, and fruits. It’s traditionally served with chicken and rice.  It has a unique taste that means people either love or hate it, but Puebla is the place to decide that.

🍽 Chiles en Nogada : This is another Mexican national dish from Puebla. It’s poblano chile stuffed with picadillo and topped with a walnut-based cream sauce (nogada) and cranberries.

🍽 Tacos Arabes : This is like a Middle Eastern-influenced taco. It’s usually cumin-marinated pork or goat meat served in a folded pita taco. The meat is generally juicy, an exciting variation of the classic taco el pastor.

🍽 Pasita : This is a type of alcohol from Puebla. It’s a shot of raisin-liquor served with a small cube of cheese as the chaser.

🍽 Rompope : This is another beverage and a Latin American variation of eggnog. It has eggs, ground almonds, milk, and vanilla flavoring. It’s believed to have come from the Santa Clara convent in Puebla.

22. Take a Delicious Culinary Tour in Puebla

5.0 ⭐️ 9 Reviews

Of course, there are a lot of different foods in Puebla you must try. This excellent walking food tour will show you the best of the best.

The tour includes stops at some of the best street food vendors, restaurants, cafes, and bars. You’ll even walk through markets and learn about the origins of some of the local cuisines and some history about the city.

I’m a vegetarian and was wondering if they would be able to accommodate me. And I was surprised how professional the tour guide was! Miguel was very flexible and even went beyond his normal routine.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amado_R , Jul 2021

23. Museo Internacional del Barroque

Museo Internacional del Barroque is an art museum showcasing Barroque art. One of the most interesting things about this museum is the building, designed by a renowned Japanese architect.

The museum’s exterior has striking, tall, white walls bending in different directions.

The museum’s interior is also lovely, and the wide range of art and artists is impressive and worth visiting while in Puebla.

24. Puebla Planetarium

The Puebla Planetarium is your classic planetarium, with extensive IMAX showings of all things outer space and interactive exhibits. It’s one of the best things to do in Puebla for families, as there’s something for everyone.

Almost every major city has a planetarium, so this doesn’t have to be high on your list. But it’s a good activity for a rainy day or something nice.

The entrance fee is also relatively low, especially compared to larger United States or European planetariums.

25. Teleférico de Puebla

Teleférico de Puebla (or Puebla Cable Cars) are located near the los fuertes (the forts) in the park in Puebla.

This popular tourist attraction is an easy way to get great city views. The cable cars run over the forts and large park surrounding it, up to a large hill.

The cable cars run throughout the day and into the early evening. Sunset is a great time to do this if it’s a clear day.

Because of its location, you can easily visit the forts around Puebla and do all these things in one outing.

Where to Stay in Puebla, Mexico

Wondering where to stay in Puebla, Mexico ? Here are my top recommendations for every budget level in Puebla!

🛏 Budget: Collexion O al Otro Lado del Rio

Collection O Al otro lado del Rio is an affordable hotel near the city center of Puebla. It’s a tranquil hotel with beautiful architecture and colors. The hotel and rooms are a little plain, but it’s affordable and has an unbeatable location.

I have stayed at this hotel before and enjoyed it again this time! The staff are very kind and efficient and my (superior) room is very well appointed. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ michael , january 2024

🛏 Midrange: El Sueno Hotel & Spa

El Sueno Hotel & Spa is a beautiful hotel only a few blocks from Puebla’s city center. The rooms feel luxurious, some even having a large hot tub in the bathroom.

The hotel also has a small pool, lavish decorations, and an excellent on-site restaurant. The restaurant has a terrace looking out over the streets, and it’s a great spot to unwind with a glass of wine or light snacks.

A beautiful colonial house with fountains and plants. Nice details to the rooms like fresh flowers and beautiful decor. Very close to Zócalo! The spa massage was very good! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ LAURA , JANUARY 2024

🛏 Luxury: L Hotel La Perla Boutique

L Hotel La Perla Boutique is a beautiful luxury hotel in the heart of Puebla. Despite being in the middle of all the main tourist attractions, it has a quiet and low-key vibe.

The rooms are plush and comfortable, with everything you need. The hotel boasts friendly staff and extra amenities. One of the best things about the hotel is the charming rooftop pool, with great city views if the weather permits.

The room was gorgeous. Excellent location in the middle of everything, shops, cafes, restaurants – Zocalo is just a couple of blocks away! Staff was super friendly. Highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ JEAN-PAUL , NOVEMBER 2023

Where is Puebla, Mexico?

📍 puebla mexico map .

🚘 How To Get To Puebla, Mexico

Puebla, Mexico, is 132 km (82 miles) from Mexico City. The trip takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic.

There’s a small airport in Puebla, but there are few direct flights here.

The easiest way to get to Puebla is from Mexico City. Buses from Mexico City to Puebla and back leave frequently from all major bus terminals in Mexico City. There are even buses directly from Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (Mexico City International Airport) to Puebla.

Alternatively, you can also drive yourself to Puebla. You’ll take Highway 150D, which connects Mexico City and Veracruz most of the way there.

Is Puebla Worth Visiting?

Yes, Puebla is worth visiting! Puebla is home to some of the best food in Mexico, beautiful colonial architecture, and plenty of museums, parks, and nature trails to keep you busy.

Most people look past Puebla, which isn’t as popular as Mexico City. But the city has a lot to offer and many great things to do in Puebla.

Getting Around Puebla

There are local buses and vans connecting much of Puebla and Cholula. Google Maps typically has somewhat accurate descriptions and directions.

However, taxis and rideshare apps are much easier to get around Puebla. Uber works in Puebla, and people use DiDi to get around the city.

Many of the main tourist attractions in Puebla are centered around the city center, so it’s also pretty easy to walk most places.

The Best Time To Visit Puebla

The best time to visit Puebla is from October to March during the dry season. The wet season is from April to September, and it can rain on and off throughout the day.

How Much Time Do You Need in Puebla?

2-3 days is plenty of time for Puebla, though you can get much more done if you have a few more days. Puebla isn’t as action-packed as other popular tourist destinations, so you don’t necessarily need an entire week.

If you want to explore Puebla, Cholula, the surrounding volcanos, and all the museums, you might want to set aside a little more time.

Puebla Mexico Travel Tips

📌 Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during popular holidays and weekends. Puebla is still a big city, and plenty of people travel there each year.

📌 Prepare for the altitude . Puebla sits 2,135 meters (7,005 ft) above sea level; altitude sickness could be a pain during your travels.

📌 Bring layers of clothes , especially if visiting Puebla during the rainy season. It’s high elevation and can get cold in the evenings.

📌 Step out of your comfort zone with all the incredible food in Puebla . The food is unique, some of it you’ll only find here. Try as much food as you can, and you’ll truly understand why it’s considered the culinary source of Mexican food.

📌 Always watch for pickpocketers and scammers, especially when taking public transportation around the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is puebla best known for.

Puebla is the capital city of the state of Puebla.

Puebla is best known for its food, which draws from various flavors and has made a considerable impression on Mexican cuisine.

But it’s also known for its Talavera ceramics, the beautiful backdrop of Popo Volcano, its proximity to Cholula, and home to the first public library in the Americas. It’s earned quite a positive reputation.

What Is The Magic Town In Puebla?

There are ten popular magic towns in Puebla state, but Cholula is the most well-known magic town. Cholula is just under an hour from downtown Puebla, and it’s a beautiful pueblo magico .

Atlixco is another magic town near Puebla, about a 40-minute from the city center. Atlixco is called “ the city of flowers ” on the hill leading up to the Popocatépetl volcano.

Why Is Puebla Called The City of Angels?

Puebla City was founded as “ Puebla de los Angelos ” or “ The City of Angels .” Some believed that angels laid a rope to outline the center square and the downtown streets because the city’s design was perfectly executed.

How Expensive is Puebla, Mexico?

Puebla is considered one of the most affordable cities in Mexico. It’s not an expensive city; most things are reasonably priced, especially food and souvenirs.

Is Puebla a Day Trip from Mexico City?

Yes, Puebla is a good day trip from Mexico City . Getting to Puebla only takes around two hours, so you can easily spend one day here.

However, if you’re interested in history and food, you should try to spend more than one day in Puebla.

Wrapping Up: Things To Do in Puebla, Mexico

There are many great things to do in Puebla City or the City of Angels . It’s a beautiful city with colonial architecture, large parks, great cultural and historical significance, heavy influence on Mexican cuisine, and eye-catching art.

Many people take a day trip from Mexico City, but you can easily spend a few days roaming the streets designed by the angels.

Before You Go…

Here are some useful posts that you might be interested in:

• Mexico Travel Guide
• What is Mexico Known for? 51 Famous Things About Mexico
• Is Mexico Safe to Travel Right Now?
• How Not to Get Sick in Mexico: 5 Tips on How to Stay Healthy
• The 17 Best Surf Spots in Mexico: The Ultimate Guide

Isabella is traveler and animal lover, a former tourism professional with an multinational background that lead her to Mexico, that she can proudly call home. After seven years in Cancun where she's still a resident, she took a bold leap, leaving her fancy job to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. She traveled all over Mexico, from Baja California to Ciudad Juarez, Oaxaca, Chiapas Hidalgo exploring and living like a local. Isabella founded Let's Travel to Mexico to help travelers plan their own trip on and off the beaten path in this beautiful land that she loves so dearly.

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28 Best Things To Do In Puebla, Mexico For 1-2 Days

Table of Contents

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Planning a trip to Puebla? I’m jealous because, even though I just got back, I’m dying to go again. There are so many ways things to do in Puebla Mexico including simply wandering and soaking up the vibe of this charming city. Puebla is one of my favourite places in Mexico so far. I couldn’t help but compare it to Oaxaca with its colourful colonial buildings and local markets serving regional delicacies like mole . But Puebla is quieter, making it one of the best places in Mexico to experience the culture without feeling OTT touristic. It’s worth noting that as a solo traveller in Mexico , I felt totally safe during my trip.

PUEBLA ESSENTIALS Accommodation: Booking.com / Hostelworld   Copy of Lonely Planet Mexico Activities in Puebla: GetYourGuide Getting there: Rentalcars.com / Busbud

Puebla intro

Puebla is the name of the state as well as its capital city. I’ll be talking about the city in this Puebla travel guide. Aside from nearby Cholula in Puebla state, I didn’t have time to explore other places in the region but there are plenty of destinations to check out. The other great thing about visiting Puebla is its close proximity to Mexico City. It only takes 2 hours by bus from the capital. Along with Taxco and Tepoztlan, it’s one of the best short trips from CDMX. I’ll explain what to do in Puebla whether you have either 1 day or 2.

Getting to Puebla

Getting to Puebla by bus – Simply board a bus from Tapo (Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente) in Mexico City. You can catch a taxi there from your accommodation or catch the Metro for 5 pesos to San Lazaro Station which connects to the bus terminal. Buses to Puebla from Mexico City depart every 30 minutes and cost around 250 pesos ($13) each way when booking on Busbud . The journey takes just 2 hours. Getting to Puebla by day tour – while are many things to see in Puebla Mexico and I’d recommend spending 2 days if possible, you can take an organised day tour if time’s tight. I’d opt for this full-day tour from CDMX to Puebla and Cholula .

Where to stay in Puebla

• Budget hotel – Hotel Isabel ($39)
• Splash out hotel – Hotel Boutique Casareyna ($97)
• Hostel – I stayed at Posada Vee Yuu (from $8) which is a lovely, colourful hostel with spacious rooms. They organise walking tours and games nights to get to know new people.

History of Puebla

Puebla is a city with little indigenous history: it was built by the Spanish to connect their government of Vera Cruz with the capital of Mexico City. Designed and planned by the bishop (apparently based upon messages from angels, earning the nickname Puebla de los Angeles AKA City of the Angels), it’s an organised city built upon a grid of 100 blocks with many, many grand churches. The other historic event that puts Puebla on the map is the Battle of Puebla in 1862 which saw the Mexican army defeat the French, under orders of Napoleon, who were trying to capture Mexico. They were defeated on the 5th of May or Cinco De Mayo, an event now celebrated annually in Puebla and the USA.

2 days in Puebla

While you could spend way longer, many travellers visit for two days. It’s a small city yet there’s plenty to fill your Puebla itinerary. If you’ve got two days, I would recommend one of the following options:

• Spend a busy day seeing Puebla and a second taking a day trip to Cholula
• Spend both days wandering beautiful Puebla at your leisure with more time for eating and museums.

Keep reading for my ultimate 2 day Puebla itinerary.

28 things to do in Puebla Mexico

Time for me to tell you about all the very best places to visit in Puebla! I managed to squeeze all the below Puebla activities into 2 days so I can vouch that it’s possible. Here’s what to do in Puebla Mexico for foodies, culture lovers and history buffs! I’ll share the main Puebla tourist attractions as well as my favourite hidden gems.

1. Eat mole

Eating mole in its birthplace should be high on your Mexico bucket list ! Poblanos (people from Puebla) will tell you mole was invented here, although people from Oaxaca also lay claim to it. The only thing to do? Try it in both! This delicious sauce made of chocolate, chili, nuts, onion, garlic and spices. It takes an age to prepare but is worth every moment. Eat it drizzled over chicken or enchiladas.

Related tour: Puebla mole poblano cooking class and market tour

2. Take a free walking tour

I booked a fantastic free walking tour of Puebla with Estacion Mexico . It runs every day in English and Spanish from 11am and lasts 2.5 hours. Our guide was fantastic: entertaining and super knowledgeable! Not only will you learn about the history of the city and tour the key things to do in Puebla, but you’ll also learn about the regional foods. We even got to try some samples of mole sauce!

3. Browse Parian Market

This colourful artisan market is one of the best places to visit in Puebla to shop for affordable souvenirs or browse and soak up the atmosphere. Interestingly, the name El Parian is not Spanish but a Filipino word adopted during Spanish colonial rule. The market was still quiet when I walked through at 10am so you should visit after lunch for the best atmosphere. Don’t forget to haggle; the vendors expect it.

4. Visit the Artist’s Quarter

Just across the road from Parian Market is the Artist’s Quarter. Here, small galleries display their work beside a cobbled courtyard. It’s a good spot for people-watching and wandering, especially on a sunny day. For a bohemian night and live music, visit  Cafe Gallery Amparo from 8-11pm on Saturdays (entry 25 pesos).

5. Shop for Puebla Talavera Pottery

Ornate, handpainted glazed ceramics from Puebla are famous around Mexico and the world. You’ll notice beautiful tiles on buildings in the city, earning it the nickname, ‘City of Tiles’. Although Talavera pottery originated in Spain, Poblana Talavera has been mixed with prehispanic tradition and techniques practised before the arrival of the conquistadors. The land in Puebla is some of the most fertile in Mexico thanks to the volcanos surrounding the region, resulting in quality clay. Shop for dishes, plates, vases and countless other Talavera items. There are lots of places to shop for Talavera in Puebla but you can’t do better than Uriarte Factory . Remember to check for the four marks proving it’s real showing the name, factory and location. These are painted and sealed so that if the police (acting under the Mexican Talavera Regulatory Council) rub alcohol across the mark, it doesn’t come off. Vendors can be charged with 3-5 years in jail for selling fake Talavera!

6. Learn at the Amparo Museum

One of the best things to do in Puebla for history lovers is visit the Amparo Museum of Puebla . With over 3,500 items and exhibitions on ancient Mexican, pre-Hispanic culture, and Black history of Mexico, there’s a lot to learn. I would point out that only about half the exhibits are in English. Entry is 35 pesos.

7. More museums in Puebla

Puebla is a cultural city with lots to learn about. A few museums to visit include:

Note – one Saturday, a month, the museums are free from 5-10pm. Check if your trip lines up!

• Revolution Museum – this preserved 19th-century house peppered with pellets was the site of the first battle of the 1910 Mexican Revolution. It’s worth a visit for those with a real interest in this period (and perhaps some pre-existing knowledge) as I found parts of this museum quite dry. Entry is 55 pesos.
• Museo Casa de Alfeñique – this unique Spanish house was built by the owner for his wife featuring a wedding cake-like structure on top. Inside is a small museum with art and artefacts.
• Museo Carolino – an art museum in a beautiful building with a tranquil cafe onsite. I was told it was free but found entry to be 100 pesos, perhaps because there was a Da Vinci exhibition on?
• Museo Casa del Mendrugo – this culture museum holds exhibits of pre-hispanic funeral rites, the remains of Chuchita (the oldest inhabitant of Puebla) and Talavera pottery, protected by UNESCO. Entry is 50 pesos or free on Wednesdays (and free if you eat in the restaurant).
• The museum next to Biblioteca Palafoxiana in Casa de la Cultura – I missed the name of this place but it’s a small, free museum displaying typical Poblano costumes and dress. One with a spectacular headpiece worn by men mimics the style and colour of a local bird.

8. Visit a 100-year-old shot bar

I was advised not to leave without drinking daytime shots at La Pasita . This quirky bar full of antiques and memorabilia has been serving its signature shots for decades. Don’t miss the statue dedicated to the famous local who drank 100 shots and passed away immediately after! He’s remembered as a local hero. Pop into this busy bar and rub shoulders with the locals from 1pm daily. Make sure to try the house namesake shot, a sweet brown liquid with a raisin on top and a cube of cheese inside. Sounds weird, tastes amazing!

Read next: Puebla food guide

9. Indulge on Sweet Street (Calle del Dulces)

What to do in Puebla for foodies? Gorge yourself senseless on sugar, of course! Sweet shops run the length of Calle del Dulce (Sweet Street). They sell a selection of signature sweets so you’ll see the same offerings in each store. You’ll also notice how cheap the prices are in Puebla. I bought a basket containing 12 or so little desserts for 30 pesos. If you’re looking for the best places in Puebla to pick up souvenirs, you’re onto a good one!

10. Go inside Puebla Cathedral

The second-largest cathedral in Mexico, after Mexico City Cathedral, is located in Puebla and took over 100 years to be built between 1575 and 1690. It was once the tallest cathedral in the country, but now it’s only the third tallest. Around the gates can be found 58 cherub statues, a reference to the angles who allegedly helped the Spanish bishop design the city. The Cathedral dome is designed to look like the Church of St Peter in the Vatican. This Roman Catholic church sits at the heart of the Zocalo, opening onto the large central plaza where locals sit and socialise. Visiting is one of the best things to do in Puebla whether or not you’re religious: it’s extremely impressive, laden with gold and other precious materials.

11. Other religious sites

Once the richest city in the Americas, it’s little wonder that Puebla is awash with Catholic monuments. I’m not religious so I had no interest in visiting them ALL but, since they’re some of the top attractions in Puebla, it’s worth seeing a couple even if just from the outside.

Churches to visit in Puebla include :

• Templo de Santo Domingo – the Capilla del Rosario (above right) inside this 17th-century church is even more grand and gold-gilded than the cathedral. It’s worth peeking inside, and arriving there along 5 de Mayo street which is bustling with locals rather than tourists sightseeing.
• La Compañía – a few blocks from the Zocalo, this grand Jesuit church is dedicated to the Holy Spirit. A legend says it’s the final resting place of Catarina de San Juan, an Asian slave credited with inspiring the traditional China Poblana dress style for women in Puebla.
• Church of San Cristóbal – a grand yellow church with a beautiful tiled dome on Calle de Dulces. Sweets and culture in one place!
• Ex-convento de San Francisco de Puebla – a short walk from the city centre, this church is bright and colourful from the outside, unlike the dark stone Cathedral. It was the first convent in the city, built in 1730.

12. Spot street art

For a fun and alternative activity in Puebla, go street art hunting. I was amazed by the urban art I saw in Puebla: I expected a few murals but the art was so detailed, covering whole buildings. You won’t see much street art in the historical streets of the city centre but you will find it a 5-10 minute walk away. Puebla street art locations include the streets surrounding Capilla Ecce Homo Church and the area running from the back of Puebla Secret Tunnels (Calle 4 Nte) towards Xanenetla. A new piece I found when revisiting Puebla in May 2023 is this enormous mural running along Blvd. Héroes del 5 de Mayo .

Related read: Where to find street art in Oaxaca, Mexico

13. Fall in love with Barrio de los Sapos

This beautiful callejon is one of the most attractive places in Puebla. Barrio de los Sapos translates as ‘place of the frogs’ referring to a time when the nearby river would flood, bringing amphibians to the barrio. Today, it’s frog-free and lined with colourful houses. A tour guide explained that, in Puebla, you’re not allowed to paint your house the same colour as your neighbours. The residents of Frog Alley are certainly playing by the rules!

I found a lovely cafe with a balcony overlooking this street. An antique shop hides the entrance to Panalma but, after you’ve made your way up a gorgeous yellow staircase, you reach this peaceful hidden gem.

14. Stay for the weekend markets

What to do in Puebla on weekends? Well, Barrio de los Sapos and the surrounding streets come to life with antique markets. You can buy everything from genuine antiques to tourist souvenirs, jewellery and the like. It’s a lively place with many bargains to be found!

15. Eat churros

Take a break from sightseeing in Puebla and relax with churros and chocolate. You’ll find churros, which date back to Spanish rule, in every Mexican city. Puebla has a particularly good churreria with a totally obscure name which you might struggle to figure out… Puebla La Churreria ! They serve crispy, oozy churros coated in sugar or cinnamon for 4 pesos apiece. Dunk them in hot chocolate to your heart’s content.

Read next: what to eat in Mexico – 36 traditional dishes

16. Ride the Teleférico

When it comes to Puebla sightseeing, you can’t do much better than drinking in panoramic views from a gondola-style cable car. The teleférico is located away from Puebla centre past the neighbourhood of Xananetla. Head to Parque del Paseo del Teleférico and enjoy a 10-minute ride for just 50 pesos.

17. Explore the Historic Zone of the Forts

At the top of the hill reached by the Teleferico, you can explore this large green space home to many Puebla attractions like the Museum of Evolution, the Planetarium, Guadalupe Fort Museum and numerous historical monuments. It would be easy to spend a whole day here, especially given the fantastic views over the city. There are several parks like Parque Lago de La Concordia where you can relax.

18. Estrella de Puebla

Although it’s further from the city, you may want to take a spin on this giant Ferris wheel. The views are impressive, plus you’ll glimpse the famous volcanos in the background. Estrella de Puebla is located as far from the teleférico as you can get, closeby to Angelópolis Lifestyle Center Mall and Parque del Arte. It’s open from 11am on weekends and 3.30pm on weekdays, closing at 10pm. If coming from central Puebla in a taxi, expect to pay around 60 pesos each way.

19. Try cemitas

As you’re probably realising, many of the best things to do in Puebla revolve around food! Cemitas are similar to tortas but made with a type of bread popular in Puebla. These Mexican sandwiches can be filled with a number of ingredients including quesillo (stringy cheese also sometimes known as Oaxaca cheese), milanesa, avocado and chipotle. You’ll find them all over the city but Cemitas y Tortas La Poblanita is an unbeatable spot. Expect to pay 50-90 pesos.

20. Visit Biblioteca Palafoxiana

One of the most popular attractions in Puebla is Biblioteca Palafoxiana, recognised by UNESCO as the oldest public library in the Americas. If you’re a fan of history or literature, you can pop inside this decadent library home to 45,000 books. These range from the 15th to the 20th century but the library itself was built in 1646. Entrance to Biblioteca Palafoxiana is 50 pesos or 30 for students. I wasn’t totally blown away and you’d be hard-pushed to spend more than 20 minutes here, but it’s an interesting thing to do in Puebla nonetheless. Find it upstairs in the  Casa de la Cultura .

21. Catch live music in Casa de la Cultura

At weekends, there’s live music and events in this colourful house of culture. When you enter, you can scan a QR code that will tell you the schedule for the rest of the weekend. I caught a full-scale live band with a super-talented singer during my visit.

22. Sample chile en nogada

Many cities in Mexico have speciality dishes you won’t find elsewhere. During another weekend away, I discovered unique food in Tepoztlan and the same can be said for Puebla. Chile en nogada translates as chili in walnut . As the name suggests, one giant green chili ( non -spicy ) is stuffed with a hash of apple, pear and peach, bathed in a pool of creamy walnut sauce with pomegranate seeds. Chile en nogada is a seasonal dish, usually found between April and October. But keep a beady eye out and you’ll find a few places, like Fonda Tipicana La Poblana , serving it year-round.

23. Take a day trip to Cholula

If you’ve finished sightseeing in Puebla, consider a day trip to Cholula. This small, colourful city a 40-minute drive from Puebla has been voted a Pueblo Magico (magic town). The Mexican Tourism Board have awarded 32 destinations this status as a result of their cultural charm, folklore or cuisine.

Read next: a complete guide to visiting Cholula

In Cholula, you can walk underground through Tlachihualtepetl, the Great Pyramid of Cholula built by indigenous Toltec people. Afterwards, climb up the sunny yellow church (dating back to Spanish rule) on top and look out over colourful Cholula and the volcanos behind. In Cholula Zocalo (part of Cholula San Pedro), there are more churches, museums and traditional markets to be found. In the cooler barrio of San Andrés Cholula, there are speciality coffee shops and bars due to the large student population. I’d recommend spending a whole day in Cholula or staying overnight. Getting from Puebla to Cholula: Travel by taxi (Uber or InDrive for 120-140 pesos) or local bus. Alternatively, take an organised day tour from Puebla to Cholula. Book a half-day Cholula tour or a full-day tour including Cholula and a stop in Atlixco known for chocolate making.

24. Secrets Tunnels of Puebla

One of the more unusual activities in Puebla is walking under the city through hidden walkways. These tunnels are called secret for a reason: they were built in the 1500s but only discovered in 2016. Apparently, there had been rumours of these tunnels for generations but no evidence they actually existed. When they were discovered, there were antiques and weaponry found inside, thought to date back to the Battle of Puebla with France. Walking through the tunnel network is a fun thing to do in Puebla that takes around 10 minutes . I only paid 10 pesos entry with my student card and I believe it was 30 without. You might want to hire a guide otherwise you won’t learn much about the tunnels. On a hot day, you can head inside the tunnels just to escape the heat!

25. Xanenetla

For an unusual place to visit in Puebla, take a trip to Xanenetla neighbourhood after visiting the underground tunnels. You’ll start to see colourful street art and houses, especially along Calle 4 Nte. As you get closer to Xananetla you’ll see even more. Use the Google pin for Murales de Xanenetla to begin. Note – while walking in this area, a local warned me to be careful with my camera. He presumably meant that thieves operate in the area and, while I didn’t see evidence of this myself, I thought I’d pass the message along so you can be aware. Xananetla is a hidden gem so if you’ve got 2 days in Puebla, I’d recommend exploring the area.

26. Cool down at Carmen Sodas

This cute juice bar run by a friendly old man is a lovely place to hydrate and escape the heat. There are endless juices and ice creams to try but I went with maracuya (passion fruit) soda made with fresh fruit. I later learnt that it has more than 50 years of history, open since 1945!

27. Visit Square Carolina

This is a historic corner that may be of interest to historians. It’s where Porfirio Diaz – prior to becoming president of Mexico – was held after being captured during the Battle of Puebla in 1862 before escaping. There’s even a bar named La Fuga de Don Porfirio meaning ‘the escape of Don Porfirio’. Visit for mezcal, beer and Mexcian music.

28. Climb the world’s smallest volcano

Far less volatile than Popocatépetl is Cuexcomate , a tiny inactive volcano in a quiet suburb of Puebla. It’s just 13 metres tall with a small ladder leading up it. If you’re more about tourist sights than hardcore trekking, this is a unique and easy thing to do in Puebla. It’s a 15-20 minute drive from the downtown so, if you don’t have a car, jump in an Uber.

2 day Puebla itinerary

Option #1 including Cholula: Day 1: Explore the main tourist attractions in Puebla Mexico today, starting by wandering the streets and markets around the Cathedral and Church of Santo Domingo. Visit the Amparo Museum and Biblioteca Palafoxiana before stopping for lunch of chile en nogada , a cemita or mole. For the afternoon, buy desserts on Calle de Dulces and stroll the Artist’s Quarter and Parian Market. Finish with sunset views by riding the Teleférico. Day 2: Take a day trip to Cholula. Visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula and walk up the hill to Our Lady of Remedies Church. Explore the Zocalo, eat at Mercado Municipal San Pedro Cholula (the local market) and visit churches including Templo de San Gabriel. If you stay for the evening, there are lots of bars like Jazzatlan with beer gardens for traditional Mexican drinks and spirits.

Puebla itinerary option #2 (not including Cholula) Day 1: Begin your day by wandering the streets and squares of Puebla and getting a feel for the city. Grab chile en nomads for lunch at Fonda Tipicana La Poblana and wander the Artists Quarter and Parian Market. In the afternoon, visit the Secret Tunnels and walk further to Xananetla for street art spotting. Day 2: Indulge in some cultural activities in Puebla by visiting the Amparo Museum and Biblioteca Palafoxiana. Grab a cemita for lunch and indulge in dessert along Calle de Dulces. Take a ride on the Estrella or Teleférico. Try signature shots at La Pasita (before it closes at 5.30pm) and eat mole for dinner somewhere local like Fonda de Santa Clara .

General pack list

• Jeans, t-shirts, dresses, shorts – relaxed summer clothes are appropriate to wear in Puebla
• Layers for the evenings
• Comfy shoes – there are lots of cobbles!
• The latest copy of Lonely Planet Mexico
• A Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary
• A stainless steel reusable water bottle with straw lid to reduce the use of plastic bottles
• Alternatively, a filtering water bottle that allows you to safely drink tap water
• Metal straw kit with straw cleaner and cloth bag
• A handy bum bag with secure zip
• Travel luggage: Osprey Farpoint backpack ( men’s ) ( women’s )
• Solo photography pick: Manfrotto tripod and Joby Gorillapod
• A GoPro if you’re making videos – I use the HERO8 Black

I hope you enjoy these Puebla Mexico things to do!

If you have a better idea of what to see in Puebla and how to plan a trip, please save and share this post!

Check out my other Mexico blogs:

• The ultimate 5 day Mexico City itinerary
• Solo female travel to Mexico City
• How to visit San Miguel and what to do there
• Complete bucket list for Mexico
• Solo female travel in Mexico
• 23 Mexico City travel tips
• Things to do in Coyoacan, Mexico City
• Visiting Xochimilco Mexico City
• Visiting Hierve el Agua from Oaxaca
• Oaxaca Day of the Dead guide
• Best food in Tepoztlan Mexico

VISITING MEXICO? These are my trusted resources: Getting around by air – the quickest (and often cheapest) way to travel between Mexican cities is by flight. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Getting around by bus (environmental option) – buses in Mexico are comfy with free snacks and an in-journey entertainment system. I use Busbud to find the best prices. Driving in Mexico – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in Mexico (and all around the world). For hotels and apartments, I use Booking.com . They have a wide range of accommodation for all budgets, plus the loyalty programme gives you discounts and upgrades. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . Hostels in Mexico are great for meeting other travellers. To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. I use GetYourGuide for tours & activities when I don’t want to travel solo. I also check Viator as they often have fun & unique options. EatWith – your one-stop for Mexico food tours, cooking classes and hosted meals with local chefs and foodies. Pick up the latest copy of Lonely Planet Mexico . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips from 10+ years of travel!

See you next time for more adventures,

Liked these Puebla attractions? Pin this for later !

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

2 thoughts on “ 28 Best Things To Do In Puebla, Mexico For 1-2 Days ”

Thank you Rose for an excellent introduction to Puebla. We now know how to fill our two days there next February. You’ve made it easy!

Hey Eloise. Glad it helped! Puebla is a beautiful city – enjoy !

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Top 15 Best Things to Do in Puebla, Mexico: A Travel Guide

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Looking for the best ideas on what to do in Puebla, Mexico ? Nestled in the heartland of Mexico, amidst the grandeur of Central Mexico, lies the captivating city of Puebla de Zaragoza, commonly referred to as Puebla. As the capital city of Puebla State, Puebla enthralls visitors with its historical splendor and cultural riches. With a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and colonial history , Puebla has charmed travelers for centuries. Discover architectural wonders, indulge in delectable cuisine, and immerse yourself in the profound sense of heritage that defines this enchanting destination. Read on to uncover the top recommendations for what to do in Puebla.

Table of Contents

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Adding to its allure, Puebla has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, a testament to its exceptional cultural and historical significance. Like other UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico such as those found in Guanajuato or Oaxaca , Puebla’s city’s historic center, lovingly preserved, transports visitors to a bygone era, highlighting a colonial past and architectural traditions of the time. As you wander through its cobblestone streets and admire the meticulously adorned buildings, it becomes evident why Puebla holds a prestigious place on the global stage.

Puebla’s rich history and cultural significance

Immersed in Puebla’s historic district, travelers are greeted by an abundance of colonial buildings that paint a vivid picture of the city’s vibrant past. Puebla’s strategic location on the trade route between Mexico City and the port of Veracruz bestowed upon it immense wealth and cultural diversity. The result is an architectural mosaic inspired by various influences, including Spanish, indigenous, and even Asian design elements. Such a harmonious blend has firmly established Puebla as a cultural center and a testament to Latin America’s architectural richness.

Journeying through Puebla is like stepping back in time to the colonial era. Every street corner beckons with a treasure trove of stories, where grand churches, elegant mansions, and palaces evoke the spirit of Mexico’s rich colonial times. The city’s historical tapestry weaves together with the threads of Mexican history, from the Aztec civilization to the Spanish conquest and subsequent independence struggles. Puebla proudly stands as a living testament to the nation’s resilience and heritage.

What to Do in Puebla: Top 15 Ideas

As you embark on your adventure in this remarkable city, we present to you a curated guide to the 15 best things to do in Puebla. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur, or an avid explorer, Puebla offers a myriad of captivating experiences that will leave an indelible mark on your heart. From architectural wonders to gastronomic delights, each recommendation has been carefully selected to provide you with a truly unforgettable journey through Puebla’s cultural tapestry.

Get ready to lose yourself in the beauty of the main square, Plaza de la Constitución, dominated by the awe-inspiring Catedral de Puebla, an iconic symbol of the city. Delve into the pages of history as you visit the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, the oldest library in the Americas, and marvel at the Baroque masterpiece, Capilla del Rosario. Indulge your artistic senses at the Museo Amparo, showcasing Mexican artistry through the ages. Stroll through the lively Parian Market and Callejon de los Sapos, where local markets and antique shops await, offering a glimpse into Puebla’s vibrant present and storied past.

But the charms of Puebla extend beyond its historic center. Venture beyond the city’s boundaries to witness the majesty of the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest pyramid in the world. Ascend the Estrella de Puebla Ferris Wheel to witness breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area, and satisfy your taste buds with the iconic Mole Poblano and Chiles en Nogada, tantalizing dishes synonymous with Puebla’s culinary prowess.

Our guide will also take you beyond the city to explore what to do in Puebla’s enchanting surroundings. Uncover the natural beauty of the Botanical Garden and the awe-inspiring Guadalupe Forts, offering captivating vistas of the landscape. Discover neighboring towns like Cholula and Atlixco, with their own distinct charm and close proximity to Puebla. And for the adventurous souls, witness the power of the mighty Popocatepetl, an active volcano that stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur.

Join us as we unveil the 15 best things to do in Puebla, an ode to a city that proudly embraces its history, culture, and the spirit of Mexico. Let the magic of Puebla unfold before your eyes as you immerse yourself in its architectural splendor, savor its culinary delights, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A Walking Tour of the Historic Center

Embark on a captivating walking tour through the heart of Puebla’s historic center, where centuries of history and architectural marvels await your discovery. The city center, with its cobblestone streets and well-preserved colonial buildings, invites you to wander and immerse yourself in its enchanting ambiance. To truly appreciate the charm and character of Puebla, a walking tour is the perfect way to explore its hidden corners and uncover its captivating stories. Whether you choose a guided tour or decide to venture out on your own, each step will reveal the rich heritage that permeates this remarkable city.

The Main Square and the Cathedral de Puebla

The pulsating heart of Puebla’s historic center is the magnificent main square, Plaza de la Constitución. This bustling square is surrounded by awe-inspiring colonial architecture, creating a stunning backdrop for your exploration. At the center of it all stands the iconic Catedral de Puebla, a masterpiece that showcases the city’s architectural prowess. Gaze in awe at its towering spires and intricate facade as you marvel at the grandeur of this remarkable Roman Catholic cathedral. Step inside to admire the ornate interior, adorned with beautiful sculptures, stunning stained glass windows, and intricate altars. The Cathedral de Puebla stands as a testament to the city’s deep-rooted religious heritage and architectural brilliance.

Visit the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, the Oldest Library in the Americas

For lovers of knowledge and history, a visit to the Biblioteca Palafoxiana is an absolute must. Founded in 1646, this extraordinary library holds the distinction of being the oldest in the Americas. Named after its founder, Bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza, the Biblioteca Palafoxiana is home to a remarkable collection of rare books and manuscripts. Stepping inside this historic institution is like stepping into a time capsule. The hallowed halls and meticulously preserved shelves house countless treasures, each with its own story to tell. Admire the impressive wooden bookshelves and intricate ceiling frescoes as you absorb the wisdom and history that fills the air. The Biblioteca Palafoxiana is a testament to the enduring power of literature and learning.

Discover the Beauty of the Capilla del Rosario

Prepare to be captivated by the ethereal beauty of the Capilla del Rosario, a jewel nestled within the Church of Santo Domingo. This stunning chapel is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, renowned for its exquisite ornamentation and artistic details. As you step inside, you are greeted by a symphony of gold leaf-covered walls, intricate sculptures, and breathtaking frescoes that adorn every surface. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are awe-inspiring, reflecting the dedication of the indigenous and mestizo artisans who brought this chapel to life. The Capilla del Rosario is not just a place of worship but a work of art that transcends time, inviting visitors to marvel at its beauty.

Explore the Museo Amparo and Its Collection of Mexican Art

Art enthusiasts will find true delight in the Museo Amparo, a cultural gem that showcases the rich artistic heritage of Mexico. Housed within two meticulously restored colonial buildings, this museum takes visitors on a captivating journey through Mexican art history. From pre-Columbian artifacts to modern masterpieces, the Museo Amparo offers a diverse and comprehensive collection that spans centuries. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, diverse mediums, and thought-provoking exhibitions that highlight the creativity and cultural depth of this remarkable country. The museum’s innovative displays and engaging narratives provide a deeper understanding of Mexican art’s evolution and its profound connection to the nation’s identity.

Experience Parian Market and Callejon de los Sapos

To truly embrace the spirit of Puebla’s local culture, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Parian Market and the charming Callejon de los Sapos. The Parian Market, located in the heart of the historic center, offers a lively and colorful experience. This vibrant marketplace showcases a variety of traditional handicrafts, vibrant textiles, and unique souvenirs. Take your time to browse through the stalls, interact with local artisans, and find the perfect memento to remember your time in Puebla. Just a stone’s throw away, the Callejon de los Sapos (Alley of the Frogs) beckons with its antique shops, quaint cafes, and intriguing art galleries. This charming alleyway is a haven for collectors and art enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into Puebla’s storied past and artistic heritage.

Puebla’s historic center is a blend of architectural marvels, cultural treasures, and vibrant markets waiting for you to explore. Embark on a walking tour to immerse yourself in the rich heritage that permeates every street, and marvel at the grandeur of the main square and the Cathedral de Puebla. Delve into knowledge at the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, and let the beauty of the Capilla del Rosario leave you spellbound. Immerse yourself in the artistic realm at the Museo Amparo, and indulge your senses in the lively Parian Market and the antique-filled Callejon de los Sapos. Puebla’s historic center is a true testament to the city’s profound cultural significance and its place as one of Mexico’s most remarkable destinations.

Uncovering Puebla’s Cultural and Historical Gems

It was not just the Spanish that held sway over developing the Mexico we know today. And that is evident in Puebla. The French influence in the area of Puebla left a significant mark on its history and culture. One of the most notable events involving the French in Puebla was the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862. During this battle, the Mexican army, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza, successfully repelled a much larger and better-equipped French force. This victory, known as Cinco de Mayo, became a symbol of Mexican resistance against foreign intervention. This is the origin of the Cinco de Mayo holiday that is so often celebrated in the United States.

The French presence in Puebla extended beyond the battle. They also brought with them a culinary influence. French cuisine and culinary techniques made their way into Puebla, resulting in the fusion of French and Mexican flavors. This influence can still be seen today in the regional cuisine of Puebla, with dishes such as Chiles en Nogada, a traditional Mexican dish with French-inspired elements.

Discover the International Museum of the Baroque

For a truly immersive experience in the world of art and culture, a visit to the International Museum of the Baroque is a must. Designed by renowned architect Toyo Ito, this stunning museum showcases the magnificence of the Baroque style in an innovative and contemporary setting. As you step inside, you are greeted by a seamless fusion of art, architecture, and technology that brings the Baroque era to life. The museum’s vast collection spans various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and multimedia installations. Immerse yourself in the opulence and grandeur of the Baroque period as you explore the museum’s thoughtfully curated exhibitions. The International Museum of the Baroque is a true testament to Puebla’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its artistic heritage.

Visit the Templo de Santo Domingo

If you can spare the time, don’t skip out on the rest of the church when you visit the Capilla del Rosario, and be sure to visit the rest of Templo de Santo Domingo, a true architectural gem that exemplifies the city’s rich cultural heritage. This magnificent church, built in the 16th century, showcases an impressive fusion of Baroque and Plateresque architectural styles. Admire the intricate facade adorned with intricate stone carvings and decorative elements that reflect the mastery of Puebla’s artisans. Step inside to be awestruck by the grandeur of the interior, where gilded altars, colorful frescoes, and beautifully crafted sculptures create an atmosphere of reverent beauty. The Templo de Santo Domingo stands as a testament to Puebla’s architectural excellence and its profound religious devotion.

Learn about the Battle of Puebla and the Significance of Cinco de Mayo

Delve into the pages of history as you uncover the story behind the Battle of Puebla, a defining moment in Mexican history. If you live in the U.S. this is the event that led to our annual Cinco de Mayo celebrations so you should be sure to take note. Visit the historic sites and landmarks associated with this significant event, which took place on May 5th, 1862. Learn about the brave Mexican army’s heroic defense against powerful French forces and the subsequent victory that Cinco de Mayo commemorates. Explore museums and exhibitions that offer insights into the battle’s historical context, the valor of the Mexican soldiers, and the impact of this triumph on Mexico’s struggle for independence. Puebla’s connection to Cinco de Mayo is a source of pride, and exploring this historical episode allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Mexico’s rich heritage.

Take a Day Trip to the Great Pyramid of Cholula

When considering what to do in Puebla, it’s not just European influence that takes the stage. You are able to see the remains of indigenous wonders as well. Just a short distance from Puebla lies th e Great Pyramid of Cholula , the largest pyramid in the world. Embark on a fascinating day trip to this archaeological site and uncover the secrets of the ancient Mesoamerican civilization that once thrived here. As you ascend the now-buried pyramid, marvel at its immense size and imagine the bustling city that once surrounded it. The panoramic views from the top offer a glimpse into the region’s history and natural beauty. There was a time when you could explore the network of tunnels that provide another glimpse into the ancient world. But they are currently closed to the public at the time of writing. The Great Pyramid of Cholula stands as a testament to the ingenuity and cultural legacy of the pre-Columbian civilizations that shaped Mexico’s history.

Enjoy Puebla’s Unique Experiences and Culinary Delights

No visit to Puebla is complete without savoring its renowned culinary delights. Indulge your taste buds in the exquisite flavors of Mole Poblano, a rich and complex sauce that blends chocolate, chili peppers, and spices into a tantalizing symphony of tastes. Another must-try dish is Chiles en Nogada, a culinary masterpiece that celebrates Mexico’s independence. This iconic dish features roasted poblano peppers stuffed with a savory mix of meat, fruits, and nuts, topped with a creamy walnut sauce and garnished with pomegranate seeds. The vibrant colors and harmonious flavors of these dishes reflect the diverse influences that have shaped Puebla’s gastronomy.

Stroll along Calle de los Dulces, the Famous Sweet Street

Indulge your sweet tooth as you take a leisurely stroll along Calle de los Dulces, also known as the Sweet Street. This charming avenue is lined with an array of traditional sweet shops, enticing you with an assortment of mouthwatering treats. Explore the colorful displays of candies, chocolates, and traditional desserts, each offering a unique taste of Puebla’s sweet culinary heritage. Sample local favorites such as camotes (sweet potato candies), jamoncillos (milk fudge), and alegrías (amaranth bars). The scents, sights, and flavors of Calle de los Dulces make it a paradise for those with a love for all things sweet.

Explore the Local Markets and Try Traditional Handicrafts

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Puebla’s local markets, where a treasure trove of traditional handicrafts and local specialties awaits. Visit the busy public markets, such as Mercado El Carmen and Mercado de Sabores, where you can browse through stalls teeming with colorful textiles, intricate Talavera pottery, and other handmade crafts. Marvel at the artistry and skill that goes into creating these unique pieces, each representing Puebla’s cultural heritage. Don’t forget to sample local delicacies, such as cemitas (a traditional sandwich), tacos arabes, and artisanal cheeses, which reflect the flavors and culinary traditions of the region. Exploring the local markets allows you to immerse yourself in Puebla’s culture and possibly even take home a piece of its artistic legacy.

Explore the African Safari at Africam Safari

Escape the city for a day and embark on a thrilling adventure at Africam Safari, a unique wildlife experience just outside Puebla. Our hotel shuttle driver recommended this to us and said it was a must-see spot! This expansive zoological park allows you to get up close and personal with a wide array of exotic animals in a natural habitat setting. Drive through the park’s vast savannah and encounter majestic giraffes, towering elephants, graceful cheetahs, and a myriad of other fascinating creatures. The immersive safari experience provides a rare opportunity to witness these magnificent animals in their element. Africam Safari is not just a zoological park; it is a conservation and educational institution that strives to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and the importance of preserving biodiversity.

Admire the Estrella de Puebla Ferris Wheel

For a breathtaking, or anxiety-inducing – depending on how you feel about heights, view of Puebla’s cityscape, head to the Estrella de Puebla Ferris Wheel. This iconic attraction offers a unique perspective as you ascend to great heights and take in panoramic vistas of the city and its surroundings. It’s the largest Ferris Wheel in Latin America and from your elevated vantage point, you can admire the architectural splendor of Puebla’s cityscape as well as the majestic mountains in the distance. Whether during the day or at night when the city is illuminated, the Estrella de Puebla Ferris Wheel provides an unforgettable experience and a bird’s-eye view of Puebla’s beauty.

Venturing Beyond Puebla City

Visit the Beautiful Botanical Garden

Just a short distance from the bustling city, Puebla offers a serene oasis in the form of its beautiful Botanical Garden. Nestled amidst the surrounding area, this lush sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape. As you wander through its well-manicured gardens, you’ll encounter a dazzling array of plant species, including vibrant flowers, towering trees, and exotic foliage. Take a leisurely stroll along the winding paths, inhaling the fragrant scents and admiring the stunning botanical displays. The Botanical Garden is not only a place of natural beauty but also serves as a center for conservation and education, promoting the importance of preserving Mexico’s rich biodiversity.

Explore the Forts of Loreto and Guadalupe and Their Panoramic Views

For panoramic views of Puebla and its surrounding landscapes, a visit to the Forts of Loreto and Guadalupe is a possibility. These historic forts, perched atop hills, played a crucial role in Puebla’s defense during various conflicts. Today, they stand as testaments to the city’s military history and offer visitors a chance to delve into the past while enjoying breathtaking vistas. From the elevated vantage points, gaze out over the cityscape, admire the majestic mountains that encircle Puebla, and appreciate the strategic importance of these fortifications. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking inspiring views, the Forts of Loreto and Guadalupe are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Discover the Charm of Neighboring Towns: Cholula and Atlixco

While Puebla City is a joy in itself, venturing beyond its borders unveils a nearby world of charm. Just a short distance away, you’ll find the town of Cholula, known for its archaeological site and the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. Climb the hill to reach the church and marvel at its striking architecture and the panoramic views it offers. Explore the ancient ruins of the Great Pyramid of Cholula , the largest pyramid in the world, and uncover the history of this great Mesoamerican civilization. Then take the time to explore the San Pedro neighborhood and its market before you head back to Puebla.

Another neighboring gem is Atlixco, a picturesque town renowned for its colorful flower fields and pleasant climate. Stroll through the charming streets, adorned with vibrant facades and adorned with traditional Mexican tiles. Visit the Parque Nacional El Tepozteco and take a hike to the Tepozteco Pyramid, offering not only a glimpse into the region’s history but also panoramic views of the landscape. The close proximity of these towns allows for delightful day trips from Puebla, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the region.

The Active Volcano, Popocatepetl

Photo by Alexander Schimmeck

Puebla’s natural wonders extend beyond its cultural and historical sites. The towering presence of Popocatepetl, an active volcano located in close proximity to the city, adds a touch of drama to the region’s landscape. While reaching the summit is reserved for experienced climbers, the sight of this majestic volcano is a captivating experience in itself. Its snow-capped peak rises proudly against the backdrop of blue skies. Most of the time visitors who get to see it on a clear day will notice harmless steam venting from the top. But Popocatepetl’s occasional eruptions serve as a reminder of the raw power of nature, leaving visitors with a sense of reverence for the forces that shape our planet.

Best Time to Visit and Additional Tips

When planning your visit to Puebla, it’s important to consider the best time of year to make the most of your experience. Puebla enjoys a temperate climate year-round, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season, which typically extends from November to April, offers the most favorable weather for outdoor exploration. During this time, you can expect clear skies, moderate temperatures, and minimal rainfall, allowing you to fully enjoy Puebla’s outdoor attractions and architectural marvels. However, it’s worth noting that Puebla’s charming ambiance and cultural events make it a delightful destination throughout the year, so plan according to your preferences and interests. For example, we visited in July when the weather is a bit warmer. And while there are rain storms and thundershowers in the afternoon, they cool off the day and you still have the majority of the morning to explore.

Getting Around the City and Nearby Attractions

Navigating Puebla and its nearby attractions is relatively straightforward, thanks to its well-connected transportation network. And like Mexico City, Uber is available here. Exploring the city center is best done on foot, as many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Additionally, organized day trips are available to explore the surrounding areas, including Cholula and Atlixco, ensuring a hassle-free and enriching experience. We had the option to join a 13-hour tour of Cholula through our hotel and prices at the time were $200 per adult and $150 per child. We opted to connect with our local Uber driver who provided us with an hourly rate and that way we received a private tour experience at a comparable cost. For those of you who speak Spanish, or are comfortable trying out your learned phrases with your Uber driver, you may want to try this option.

Experiencing the Culture

One of the highlights of any visit to Puebla is indulging in its culinary delights and immersing yourself in its culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample local specialties, such as the iconic Mole Poblano, a rich and flavorful sauce that showcases Puebla’s gastronomic prowess. Be sure to also try Chiles en Nogada, a seasonal delicacy that combines savory and sweet flavors in a unique dish. Puebla’s culinary offerings extend beyond these renowned dishes, so be adventurous and explore the local food scene, savoring the flavors of regional ingredients and traditional recipes. Additionally, take the time to engage with the local culture, attend cultural events, and embrace the warm hospitality of the people, as these experiences truly enrich your time in Puebla.

Take a Walking or Bus Tour to Learn More about the City’s History

To delve deeper into Puebla’s history and gain a comprehensive understanding of its cultural heritage, consider joining a free walking tour or a paid bus tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours offer fascinating insights into the city’s architectural treasures, historical landmarks, and captivating stories. They can sometimes be bilingual and often provide a great overview of key attractions such as the Cathedral de Puebla, the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, and the main square while providing valuable context and engaging narratives that bring Puebla’s past to life. This immersive experience allows you to connect with the city on a deeper level and uncover spots that may go unnoticed without expert guidance.

A visit to Puebla City, the capital city of the state of Puebla, offers a truly unforgettable experience. From its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to its rich history and cultural significance, Puebla captures the essence of a truly remarkable destination. Throughout this article, we have highlighted what to do in Puebla, ensuring that your visit is filled with awe-inspiring sights, immersive cultural experiences, and delectable culinary delights.

As you bid farewell to Puebla, you take with you not only memories of its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and culinary delights but also a deeper appreciation for its place in Mexican history and Latin America. Puebla’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is well-deserved, as its colonial buildings, cultural treasures, and rich heritage make it a destination unlike any other. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, a foodie, or a nature enthusiast, Puebla offers an array of experiences that cater to every traveler’s interests.

As you explore the charming streets, delve into the city’s intriguing museums, and savor the flavors of its local cuisine, you will be immersed in the cultural tapestry that defines Puebla. From its remarkable historic center to its natural wonders, Puebla captivates with its architectural splendor, rich history, and warm hospitality. Whether you spend a few days or a week in this enchanting city, Puebla promises an extraordinary journey filled with unforgettable moments. So pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and discover the magic of Puebla, the city that offers a true feast for the senses and a glimpse into the captivating soul of Mexico.

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Home » Travel Guides » Mexico » 15 Best Things to Do in Puebla (Mexico)

15 Best Things to Do in Puebla (Mexico)

Blessed with exuberant Renaissance and Baroque architecture, Puebla is a World Heritage city on a grid of streets laid out in 1531. This parcel of land, ringed by gargantuan stratovolcanoes, was picked by Mexico’s early colonists as a mid-way point between Veracruz on the gulf and Mexico City.

The Historic Centre is bursting with colonial-era churches, like the Baroque masterpiece the Capilla del Rosario.

Two colonial mansions contain the Museo Amparo, one of the country’s superior museums, documenting 4,500 years of Mexico’s history.

Puebla has its own colourful pottery style, known as Talavera, and is also the place where the sweet and spicy mole poblano sauce was invented.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Puebla :

1. Museo Amparo

Up there with Mexico’s most prestigious museums, the Museo Amparo chronicles the history of Mexico from 2,500 BC to today.

The museum is in two colonial complexes with a modern annexe, an apt setting for a journey through the nation’s past.

Many of the artefacts were curated throughout the 20th century by the entrepreneur Manuel Espinosa Yglesias.

The pre-Hispanic collections are vast and have steles, ceramics, everyday utensils, sculptures and altars from a host of civilisations, including the Mayans, Olmecs, Aztecs and Mixtecs, but also the Totonacs, Teotihuacans, Huastecs and Zapotecs.

The displays offer some extra context by pointing out what was happening in the rest of the world while these cultures were flourishing.

They are also presented by theme, and not culture, so if you’re curious about pre-Columbian history you’ll come away with a complete picture.

2. Capilla del Rosario

In the Templo de Santo Domingo is a chapel that is held as the pinnacle of the New Spanish Baroque.

After it was finished in 1690 the Capilla del Rosario was even touted as an eighth wonder of the world.

Almost every surface of this barrel-vaulted chapel is covered in stucco, moulded in bewilderingly complicated patterns and trimmed with gold leaf.

Ensconced in the decoration are polychrome images of saints, while the altar holds the statue of Our Lady of the Rosary in a Baldachin under Solomonic columns.

The walls of the chapel have Baroque paintings evoking the Nativity scenes: Annunciation, Visitation, Birth of Jesus, Adoration of the Magi, Presentation and Christ among the Doctors.

Below these works the walls are clad with colourful tiles made in Puebla using the Talavera technique.

3. Cathedral

Begun in 1575 and finished in 1690, Puebla’s cathedral is part of the World Heritage Site encompassing the city’s Historic Centre.

The building is in the Herrerian style, at the transition between Renaissance and Baroque and abounds with high-quality wood carving, goldsmithery, painting, liturgical artefacts and stonework.

The magnificent main altar (Altar of the Kings) is the burial site of a number of Puebla’s bishops and was designed by the 18th-century Neoclassical architect and sculptor Manuel Tolsá.

Above this, in the dome of the apse, is a glorious tempera painting from 1688 by the Baroque artist Cristóbal de Villalpando.

Representing the Triumph of the Eucharist, it’s one of the few tempera paintings preserved in Mexico.

4. Zócalo de Puebla

Essentially the place where the city was founded in 1531, the Zócalo is Puebla’s central plaza.

The cathedral is on the south side of the square, while to the north is the Palacio Municipal (City Hall), which is on the shoulder of a delightful shopping arcade, the Pasaje del Ayuntamiento.

On three sides the colonial-style houses and municipal buildings are arcaded, and most of the private properties are restaurants.

You could start the day at a restaurant watching the square come to life over breakfast.

Between the palms, cypresses and formal gardens on the square are balloon-sellers and shoe-shiners, and at the centre is a Baroque fountain from 1777.

5. International Museum of the Baroque

This new museum is all about the Baroque, the style of art, architecture and music that defined much of the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe and the New World.

The museum building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winner, Toyo Ito, taking inspiration from Baroque notions of movement, the contrast of light and shade (chiaroscuro) and the relationship between man and nature.

Don’t expect stacks of Baroque art and artefacts, as the museum is more conceptual, exploring the religious origins (counter-reformation), philosophy and driving forces behind the Baroque movement.

There are studies of Baroque wonders like St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Bavaria’s Ottobeuren Abbey and Puebla’s own Capilla del Rosario.

Also interesting is the model of Puebla as it would have looked in its Baroque heyday in 1754.

6. Fuertes de Loreto y Guadalupe

Protecting the old centre atop the Acueyametepec hill are two 19th-century forts from the time of the Second French Intervention in Mexico (1861-1867). These are named after the Virgin of Loreto and the Virgin of Guadalupe, harking back to the hermitages that had been founded at this location in the 16th century.

They saw action in the Battle of Puebla in 1862 when they successfully helped defend the city against the French army.

The story of that battle is recounted at the museum inside the Fort of Guadalupe, while both buildings are stocked with weapons, documents, portraits and uniform from that time.

The park at Acueyametepec deserves a stroll and has panoramic views of Puebla.

7. Biblioteca Palafoxiana

Established in 1646, the Biblioteca Palafoxiana was colonial Mexico’s first public library, and may well be the oldest in the entire Americas.

In one long hall with cross vaults in its ceiling are carved wooden shelves, three storeys high, laden with 41,000 books, manuscripts and documents like original maps from the days of the conquistador Hernán Cortés in the 16th century.

The library was founded by Juan de Palafox y Mendoza, the illegitimate son of Aragonese nobility, who joined the clergy and rose to become Bishop of Puebla from 1640-1655. Some of the many volumes are out on display.

Due to the great age of the library scholars now need to apply for permits to be able to study in Biblioteca Palafoxiana.

8. Estrella de Puebla

In Puebla de Zaragoza, to the west of downtown Puebla, is a complex that incorporates the Parque Lineal, the Ecoparque Metropolitano and the Jardín del Arte.

The Angelópolis Lifestyle Center here is the largest mall in the city, with more than 150 shops.

But the star of the show is the Estrella de Puebla, officially the largest portable observation wheel in the world.

Put up in 2013, this ferris wheel is 80 metres high, and will take 20 minutes to complete a rotation in one of its sealed gondolas.

If you want to push the boat out you can ride in one of four luxury gondolas, which have glass floors and leather seats.

In clear weather, the natural landmarks to pick out are the Malinche volcano to the northeast and Iztaccihuatl and Popocatépetl volcanoes in the west.

9. Parian Market

The San Roque square northeast of the Zócalo dates to 1805 and in 1961 was turned into a permanent arts and crafts market.

More than just a place to do some souvenir shopping, the Parian Market is somewhere to get in touch with Puebla’s traditional knowhow.

There are dozens of stalls selling Talavera pottery, and Puebla is one of only five places in Mexico (four of which are in the state of Puebla), where these ceramics can be produced authentically.

So if you buy something you’ll be taking a piece of Puebla home with you.

Among the other crafts sold at the Parian Market are leather goods, textiles, candles, pewter, copper-work and puppets.

Follow up with a visit to the adjoining Barrio del Artista (Artist Quarter) which has galleries, art shops and cafes.

10. Iglesia de Santa María Tonantzintla

Minutes west of the centre of Puebla, in the municipality of San Andrés Cholula is a colonial-era church in an extraordinary Folk Baroque style, mixing the indigenous with Catholic traditions.

The Iglesia de Santa María Tonantzintla was built in stages from the 16th century to the 19th century, and its Franciscan clergy gave free rein to its newly evangelised indigenous congregation to decorate the interior.

The result is a mass of polychrome sculpture of faces, fruits, flowers and plants, with not a centimetre left bare.

If you wanted to count the multitude of faces on the ceiling you would be here for days.

As for the meaning, it could be a glorification of the Virgin Mary, but may also be the sky of Tlaloc (the Aztec god of rain). In which case that sea of faces wouldn’t belong to angels, but victims of drowning and lightning bolts reincarnated in the sky.

11. Calle de los Dulces

Avenida 6 Oriente, beginning just after the Templo de Santo Domingo, has been nicknamed Calle de los Dulces (Street of the Sweets) as it has more than 40 shops making traditional sweet treats.

These hark back to the convent of Santa Clara, whose nuns came up with all sorts of recipes in the colonial era.

There are a few delicacies to keep in mind, starting with Los camotes de Puebla.

They are a colourful blend of sweet potato and sugar, rolled into a sausage shape, flavoured with lemon juice and wrapped in wax paper.

Tortitas de Santa Clara are small tarts with a sweet calabaza (winter squash) filling, while muéganos are sweet, crunchy bites flavoured with cinnamon and bound with honey.

12. Casa de los Muñecos

In the first block northeast of the Zócalo is a fine 18th-century Baroque house with a facade adorned with tiles and sculpted reliefs.

The most remarkable feature is the set of 16 mosaics depicting strange characters captured in motion.

All manner of legends swirl around these figures, known as los Muñecos (the dolls). The corbels above the mosaics have busts and atlases holding up the wavelike cornice, which is embellished with gargoyles.

The Casa de los Muñecos is the headquarters of the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla and also hosts the university museum.

In the galleries are antique scientific instruments, furniture, plasterwork and art by prominent painters like José Luis Rodríguez Alconedo and Cristóbal de Villalpando.

13. Museo de la Revolución Mexicana

Also known as the Casa de los Hermanos Serdán, this museum is in the 17th-century home of the Serdán family, who were prominent figures at the start of the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). They were members of the Anti-Reelectionist movement against president Porfirio Díaz and supported the banned candidate Francisco I Madero’s call for an armed uprising.

When the Díaz government found out about the Serdán family’s revolutionary plans they stormed the house, killing the brothers Aquiles and Máximo Serdán and around 12 of their cohorts, taking the women of the family into custody.

The facade of the house is still pocked with bullet holes and the interior is unaltered.

Rooms facing the street have damaged furnishings from the gunfight, and there are modern bronze reliefs of the brothers and their sister Carmen in the house’s underground hideout, the “Sala del Sacrificio”.

14. Africam Safari

Latin America’s largest safari park is under half an hour from Puebla’s Centro Histórico.

The attraction aims to recreate African habitats as closely as possible.

Animals roam freely in huge enclosures and you’ll be able to watch them from your own car or in a guided bus.

The habitat is modelled on Botswana’s Okavango Delta have savannah species like impalas, giraffes, African elephants, ostriches and lemurs.

There’s a Serengeti, reserved for lions, and the Kalahari, for white rhinoceroses, zebras, wildebeests and cape buffalo.

The Adventure Zone is more like a traditional zoo and has X-Mahana, a Mayan-themed butterfly attraction, a botanical garden, enclosures for kangaroos and wallabies and terrariums for reptiles, insects and amphibians.

15. Cantona

An hour on the road northeast of Puebla, Cantona is a compelling archaeological site.

Set on a trading route connecting Mexico’s Central Highlands and Gulf Coast, it was the largest pre-Hispanic city in Mesoamerica.

Cantona was one of an array of regional centres that came to prominence after Teotihuacan had lost hegemony in the second half of the 1st millennium AD. What’s mind-boggling is that even though the site boasts 12 square kilometres of low pyramids, 3,000 patios, homes and an acropolis with temples covers around, as little as 1% of the site is believed to have been uncovered.

A total of 24 ballgame courts have been excavated at Cantona, more than at any other Mesoamerican city.

The full magnitude of the site becomes clear once you scale the acropolis, while there’s a small museum detailing Cantona’s origins and history.

15 Best Things to Do in Puebla (Mexico):

• Museo Amparo
• Capilla del Rosario
• Zócalo de Puebla
• International Museum of the Baroque
• Fuertes de Loreto y Guadalupe
• Biblioteca Palafoxiana
• Estrella de Puebla
• Parian Market
• Iglesia de Santa María Tonantzintla
• Calle de los Dulces
• Casa de los Muñecos
• Museo de la Revolución Mexicana
• Africam Safari

Visit Puebla: Top 25 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in puebla: the 25 best places to visit.

If you’re looking for a great destination near Mexico City , you should visit Puebla de Zaragoza , the capital of the state of Puebla.

This charming colonial city is located at 7,005 ft above sea level and surrounded by majestic volcanoes like Popocatepetl , Iztaccihuatl and La Malinche . It’s famous for its colorful buildings, its traditional talavera pottery , and its rich history and culture.

Puebla has so much to offer that you’ll never run out of things to do!

To make sure you have the best experience possible, I’ve created this guide, with the 25 best places to visit in Puebla and its surroundings.

I’ve also included all the practical information you need to get to Puebla, a suggested itinerary for a day in Puebla , and my recommendations for restaurants and hotels for all budgets.

So, what are the best things to do in Puebla? Where to stay?

1. The Zócalo

2. the cathedral, 3. chapel of the virgen del rosario, 4. biblioteca palafoxiana, 5. amparo museum.

• 6. Barrio del Artista (Artist Quarter)

7. The gastronomy of Puebla

8. calle de los dulces (street of sweets), 9. museum of the revolution, 10. the talaveras, 11. tasting ancho reyes, 12. the parián handicrafts market, 13. callejon de los sapos, 14. explore the secret tunnels of puebla, 15. barrio de analco, 16. the forts of puebla, 17. street art in xanenetla, 18. take a free walking tour of puebla, 19. ride the tourist bus, 20. international museum of the baroque, 21. descend into the world’s smallest volcano, 22. cholula, 23. zacatlan and chignahuapan, 24. cuetzalan, 25. botanical cactus garden, 26. atlixco, where to stay in puebla, 7 best things to do in puebla with kids, what to do in puebla in 1 day, where to eat in puebla : 5 restaurants to try, how to get from mexico city to puebla, how to get from oaxaca to puebla, tourist map of puebla, do you want to rent a car in mexico, how to find the best airline ticket to mexico, you’re traveling in mexico these articles will help you.

One of the must-see places in Puebla is the zócalo, the heart of the historic center and a   World Heritage Site by UNESCO .

This is where Puebla’s history and culture come alive, as you can admire its impressive buildings (the cathedral, the municipal palace), and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the restaurants, shops and cafes that line the square. You’ll definitely want to visit the zócalo during your stay!

If you need tourist information about Puebla, such as maps, guides, etc., you can go to the Palacio Municipal (Portal Hidalgo 14), where you’ll find a helpful staff. Very handy.

You can’t miss the basilica cathedral , also known as Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepción , when you visit Puebla: it’s the second largest cathedral in Mexico !

This magnificent building was constructed from the 16th to the 17th centuries, with a stunning Renaissance-style façade and a lavish Baroque interior. It houses many artworks, such as paintings, sculptures, gold and silver work, three organs and exquisite woodwork.

I was especially captivated by the Altar de los Reyes , which is full of intricate details.

Good to Know There’s an amusing story you might hear about this cathedral.

It goes that the cathedral was originally intended for Mexico City , but due to a mix-up by the architects, it was built in Puebla instead.

While this tale adds a playful twist to its history, it remains an urban legend rather than a fact. 😉  

• Open Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm

If you think Puebla’s cathedral is amazing, wait until you see the Capilla del Rosario del Templo de Santo Domingo (1650-1690), which is even more spectacular!

This chapel is considered the finest example of Mexican Baroque and you’ll be dazzled by its beauty as soon as you enter: everything here is richly decorated from floor to ceiling, with intricate designs and covered with 24-karat gold leaf.

The walls are adorned with large paintings by Jose Rodriguez Carnero and talaveras typical of Puebla.

I’m a fan of churches, I’ve visited many in my life, but I’ve rarely seen one as ornate as this one. The only one that comes close is the  Church of La Compañía , in Quito, which has a stunning interior covered in gold.

• Address: 5 de Mayo esquina 4 Poniente #101, Puebla
• Tuesday to Thursday, from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm and from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, Friday to Saturday, from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm and Sunday, from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
• Free admission

The Palafoxiana Library is a treasure for book lovers and history buffs alike. It’s the first public library on the American continent , and it has a collection of 43,000 volumes , ranging from the 15th to the 20th century , covering various topics such as history, philosophy, theology, and literature.

This library is located on the second floor of the Casa de Cultura de Puebla , in a beautiful vaulted room. It was founded in the 17th century by Bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza , who donated his personal library of 5,000 volumes to the schools of San Pedro and San Juan.

He also made a very progressive decision for that time: he allowed anyone who could read to access his books. 😍

The library became a museum in 1981, and today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Puebla .

• Address: 5 Oriente 5, corner with 16 de Septiembre, Puebla
• Open Tue-Thurs 10am to 5pm, Fri-Sun 10am to 6pm. Admission 45 pesos
• Facebook Page

The Amparo Museum is one of the places you can’t miss in Puebla. It’s located in a historic palace and hospital from the colonial era, and it has a huge collection of Mexican art : 7 rooms dedicated to the pre-Hispanic era, 3 rooms showcasing the colonial era and the nineteenth century, and exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.

There are also temporary exhibitions of national and international artists.

I highly recommend downloading the free Amparo Plus app ( Android , iOS ) which gives you information about the exhibitions (audio, video, etc.).

You can also go up to the terrace where there is a cafeteria with a nice view , perfect for taking photos of the historic center.

You can have breakfast here (Wednesday to Monday from 9am to 12:30pm) or have a drink in the evening (Friday to Saturday until 10pm). There are even concerts sometimes.

• Address: Avenida 2 Sur 708, Downtown, Puebla
• Open every day from 10am to 6pm, except Tuesdays when it is closed
• Admission 85 pesos

6. Barrio del Artista  (Artist Quarter)

Barrio del Artista is a must-visit in Puebla, where art comes alive right on the streets.

Here, you can casually stroll among local artists at work , each piece a unique reflection of the city’s vibrant spirit. It’s also the perfect spot for a relaxing coffee break, either on the quaint plaza or a terrace, as you soak in the artistic atmosphere.

Puebla is famous for its delicious cuisine , which is recognized throughout Mexico. It is the home of the famous mole poblano , a sauce made with different chiles and spices, which is usually served with chicken.

Another iconic dish is the chile en nogada , a chile stuffed with meat and fruit, covered with a nut sauce and pomegranate seeds. The colors are reminiscent of the Mexican flag -green, white and red- and that’s why it is widely offered by restaurants in September, the month of independence .

And, of course, street food in Puebla also has some tasty surprises: cemitas, tacos árabes, chalupas.

Personally, I really like the cemitas poblanas , which are sandwiches with avocado, cheese, onion, meat, papalo , red sauce, all served on a bread with sesame seeds.

If you want to enjoy the best of Puebla’s cuisine, I recommend you take this food tour in Puebla: 

Puebla is not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the taste buds. You have to try its famous sweets , which have been made since colonial times.

Puebla’s sweets are so important that they even have their own street: Calle 6 Oriente, also known as Calle de los Dulces (or Calle del Dulce) in the historic center.

There is a lot to choose from, but the most famous sweets in Puebla are sweet potatoes, macaroons, muégano, jamoncillo, borrachitos, cocadas, coconut-filled lemons, alegrías and tortas de Santa Clara, my favorite.

They are cookies created in colonial times by the nuns of the Santa Clara convent . They are made with flour, butter, sugar and egg yolk, and they have a delicious almond flavor.

If you want to taste these and other traditional sweets in Puebla, you can go to La Gran Fama , the first confectionery that opened in the 19th century, and to Dulcería Santa Clara , another Puebla institution, open since 1907.

They are a perfect souvenir to take home or to enjoy on the spot. 😋

This is the home of the 4 Serdán siblings (Carmen, Natalia, Aquiles and Máximo) who joined the revolutionary movement led by Francisco Madero against Porfirio Díaz in 1910.

The place is considered the cradle of the Mexican Revolution and the facade still has many bullet holes.

There are 26 rooms on 2 floors where you can learn about the family’s daily life and different aspects of the revolution (documents, photographs, weapons, objects)

• Address: Av 6 Ote 206, Downtown, Puebla
• Open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 5 pm; Fridays and Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm
• Admission 40 pesos or 20 pesos for children under 12 years old

Talavera is a type of pottery that has made Puebla famous since the 17th century.

The products are mainly plates, vases, pitchers and figurines, but you can also see Puebla talavera on the walls and facades of buildings (like the famous Casa de los Azulejos in Mexico City ).

A great place to admire the beauty of talaveras in Puebla is the Casa de los Muñecos (2 Norte #4, Puebla (Zocalo).

This building has a stunning façade decorated with 16 images made of talaveras. They depict different scenes from mythology, history, and literature. They also have a hidden meaning: they represent the 16 councilmen who opposed the construction of the building because the owner wanted it to be taller than the city hall.

You can also visit the church of San Francisco (Address: 14 Oriente corner Blvd. 5 de Mayo, Puebla) which is the oldest convent in Puebla, and has a facade with talaveras. It’s stunning!

You can also discover the manufacturing process -which takes an average of 3 months and can take up to 6 months- in some workshops that offer guided tours.

I recommend, for example, Casa Uriarte (4 Poniente #911, Puebla), the oldest workshop in the city, which has been operating since 1824.

It’s a unique drink, with a sweet and spicy taste, a smoky aroma and 40% alcohol. I like to drink it in a cocktail with ice, but you can also enjoy it neat or mixed with other drinks.

Ancho Reyes is inspired by a traditional liquor that was popular among artists and intellectuals in Puebla in the 1920s. It’s a tribute to that creative and rebellious spirit.

If you want to try Ancho Reyes, you can find it in many bars and liquor stores in Puebla. You can also visit the distillery located in downtown Puebla , where you can learn more about the history and production of this liqueur

• Address: Av 12 Pte 912B, San Pablo de los Frailes, Puebla
• Free visit (1h30), Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. You need to make an Online reservation.

If you’re looking for a place to buy some souvenirs in Puebla , you should check out the Parián Market .

It’s the best place in Puebla to buy talaveras (and other crafts), as there are many shops selling all kinds of traditional crafts, such as talaveras, leather, textiles, jewelry, sweets, ceramics, wooden objects, etc.

The Parián is considered the first craft market in Puebla , as it started in 1760.

• Address: Calle 6 Norte #205, Puebla
• Open every day from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

My tip If you’re near the Parián, you should also visit the Casa de Alfeñique (Av 4 Oriente 416, 46 pesos the entrance, from 10h to 17h – closed on Mondays).

It’s a beautiful 18th century colonial house that became a museum in 1926 (the first museum in Puebla !). It’s a great example of the Alfeño style, named after the typical sugar and egg white candy of the same name.    

The Callejon de los Sapos (street of the toads) has a curious name that comes from a flood: they say that in colonial times, the San Francisco River used to overflow often, causing floods.

Some people decided to take advantage of the situation by installing windmills , which attracted many toads because of the stagnant water.

Today, it is a colorful pedestrian street with restaurants, cafes, antique shops, bars and stores.

My tip  If you like nightlife, you’ll enjoy the Callejon de los Sapos on Friday and Saturday nights ; you can have a drink and listen to music at one of the many bars and pubs that line the street.

But, the best day to visit the Callejon de los Sapos is Sunday, when there is a big market (10 am-6pm) with antiques, handicrafts and all kinds of objects.

One of the most unique and fascinating activities in Puebla is exploring the underground tunnels that were discovered in 2014.

These tunnels are part of a network that was built between the 17th and 19th centuries , and that connected different strategic buildings and churches in Puebla. They have a mysterious history, as they were used for various purposes, such as hiding treasures, escaping enemies, or storing weapons and ammunition.

You can enter the tunnels through the Puente de Ovando , then walk through the Puente de Bubas , which is another bridge that was used as a leper hospital in colonial times. You can also visit some rooms that display historical artifacts and information about the tunnels.

You’ll end your tour with the Pasaje Histórico 5 de Mayo , which is a 16 ft deep passage that commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when the Mexican army defeated the French invaders.

The part of the tunnels that is open to the public is called “ The Secrets of Puebla ”, but it is estimated that the whole network extends for 6 miles!

• Admission 30 pesos
• Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm
• Address: Blvrd Héroes del 5 de Mayo 8, Barrio de La Luz, Puebla

Founded in 1560, Barrio de Analco is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Puebla. Its name means “on the other side of the river”.

Today it is best known for its market that you can explore on Saturdays and Sundays, and where you will find mainly handicrafts (wood, silver, etc.), but also clothing, furniture and even several food stalls.

The “ Cinco de Mayo ” holiday honors the Battle of Puebla , which happened on May 5, 1862.

The Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza , beat the French army, who wanted to take over Mexico. The Mexican soldiers were fewer than the French soldiers, but they fought hard and won.

The Fort of Loreto (which houses a museum open Tuesday through Friday, 70 pesos) and the Fort of Guadalupe are symbols of this important battle and allow you to learn more about this part of history.

Also in the same park you can take the Puebla cable car at 58 meters high to see the city. Ticket 57 pesos round trip.

The Xanenetla neighborhood is a place where you can see the power of art and community . It used to be a neglected area, but now it is a safe and attractive zone, with a network of narrow streets filled with colorful murals.

The murals are the work of Colectivo Tomate , a group of artists who have beautified several cities in Mexico. They always involve the local residents in the creation of the murals, and they reflect the cultural elements of each place.

• I was amazed by the murals of Colectivo Tomate in La Paz ( Baja California Sur) , where they painted whales, sea turtles, and other marine animals. Here, in Puebla , they painted roosters, virgins, flowers, and other symbols of Puebla’s identity.

If you want to visit Puebla on a budget , you should take a free tour of Puebla with Estación México. You’ll be able to see its main attractions and learn about its history and culture, without spending a lot of money. You’ll visit the Cathedral, the Chapel of the Rosary, the Palafoxiana Library, the Barrio del artista, the Calle del dulce, the Church of San Francisco, and more.

You just need to give a tip at the end , as a sign of appreciation.

I have taken several tours with them, and I can tell you that they are very informative and entertaining. They also offer different tours for different interests, such as gastronomy, art, or nightlife.

• The tour leaves every day at 11:00 am from the Zócalo –  Book the free tour here

Taking the double-decker bus is a great option if you have limited time in Puebla .

You’ll be able to see the main attractions in 55 minutes: the cathedral, the municipal palace, the library, Los Sapos and Analco markets, the Palacio de Congreso, the forts, the theater and the Calle de los Dulces.

It’s also a good way to start your tour of the city (departure at 10 am) and see what you want to explore more. Plus, it’s very affordable!

You can book your tickets here:

This is the perfect museum for a city with so many examples of Latin American Baroque.

Its amazing structure was designed by Japanese architect Toyō Itō and it has several temporary exhibition halls, as well as 7 permanent halls that explore different baroque themes (architecture, painting, theater, music, clothing, etc.).

This museum is very interactive, with many touch screens and video mapping. It is quite large, so you might need 2 hours to see everything.

• Address: Atlixcayotl Territorial Reserve, 2501, Puebla
• Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm
• Price: 80 pesos

Cuexcomate , the world’s smallest volcano , is only a 15-minute drive from the Zócalo.

But don’t be fooled by its name: it’s actually a geyser that formed after Popocatepetl erupted in 1064. It’s now inactive, but still impressive: it’s 43ft high, 75ft in diameter and 55ft deep.

You can see this unique sight in the middle of the city, and even go inside the crater with stairs!

• Address: 2 Poniente and Ayuntamiento, Colonia La Libertad, Puebla
• Admission: 14 pesos
• Open from Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm

Around Puebla

Cholula is a charming “pueblo mágico” (magical town) on the outskirts of Puebla, split into San Pedro Cholula and San Andres Cholula . It was once a sacred site for the Toltecs , who built the largest ceremonial center in the region around 500 BC.

In Cholula, you can visit:

– The Great Pyramid of Cholula : this is the world’s largest pyramid by base (over 1300 ft on each side!) and volume (4,500,000 m³). It has 5 miles of tunnels that reveal its different stages of construction and its murals.

– The Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios: this is the church that stands on top of the pyramid, built in the 16th century and remodeled in the 19th century.

– The site museum : this is where you can learn about the history and culture of Cholula since pre-Hispanic times, through an exhibition with ceramics, models, paintings, artifacts, etc.

• How to visit Cholula from Puebla : 20-30 minutes by car, cab (from Terminal CAPU or Terminal 4 Poniente) or bus (from Terminal 6 Poniente)
• How to visit Cholula from Mexico City : you can join a tour that includes Puebla and Cholula. Book the tour here :

You can enjoy the beauty of the Sierra de Puebla by visiting these two towns, which are only 2h15 away from Puebla.

I suggest stopping on the way at the Salto de Quetzalapan waterfall , one of the highest waterfalls in the state of Puebla (330 ft).

A little further on is the Cascadas Tulimán Recreational Center , which has 3 areas with different activities: hiking trails along the two rivers, waterfalls, local food, hanging bridge, natural hot water pools, zip line.

You can also see the Barranca de los Jilgueros , a 440 yards deep ravine from its glassed-in viewpoint. Green and misty due to its tropical climate, it offers a beautiful natural spectacle.

In Zacatlan you can learn about the process of making local fruit wines, cider and taste its famous traditional cheese bread.

There is also the Clock Museum , the wine museum and the old Franciscan convent.

Chignahuapan is known for its handmade Christmas spheres , which are a great souvenir to buy.

Another attraction is the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception , which has a 40 ft high Virgin statue and a colorful Moorish style kiosk in its main square.

Its name means “the place where the quetzals are abundant”.

Quetzals are colorful birds that were sacred to the ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations. They have long green tail feathers and red chests. Maybe that’s why the typical clothing of the local women is one of the most beautiful in Mexico. 🙂

What to see in Cuetzalan:

-The Parish of San Francisco de Asis , built in the 17th century, which is the symbol of the town

-The Church of the Jarritos or Sanctuary of Guadalupe, a neo-Gothic building decorated with clay pots, whose construction was inspired by those found in Lourdes in France

-The archaeological site of Yohualichan: it was inhabited by several cultures, among them the Totonacs , who later built El Tajin ( State of Veracruz ) on the same model and became one of the most important cities in Mesoamerica. Admission 70 pesos, open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm

-Its numerous waterfalls (there are about 30!): there are several activities to do such as rappelling or zip-lining at Cascada El Salto , hiking to the magnificent Cascada de Las Golondrinas (Swallow waterfall)

-Poza Pata de Perro : you can swim in this rock formation with natural pools full of water

-The local market: held on Sunday mornings in the Plaza de Cuetzalan. The Nahua people, mainly women, sell all kinds of products (fruits, vegetables, etc.). Look closely and you will notice that the locals use barter among themselves.

How to get to Cuetzalan

• By bus there are several departures from Mexico City per day (6h trip with ADO or AU – leaving from TAPO ), and every hour from Puebla (3h trip with VIA)

The Helia Bravo Hollis Botanical Garden is a natural wonder in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve , 2 hours away from Puebla. It is named after a Mexican botanist who devoted her life to studying cacti.

This garden is home to more than 100 species of cacti , some of them rare and endangered. Some are as tall as 33 ft and as old as 200 years! You can learn about their medicinal and nutritional uses, and how they were valued in ancient times.

You can also admire the birds that live in this area, such as eagles that soar in the sky looking for their prey. You can watch them from the bird watching towers in the garden.

Atlixco is a town at the foot of the Popocateptl volcano , known for its mild climate and its large flower production. That’s why it’s also called “ Atlixco de las Flores ”!

You can enjoy the beauty and color of this town as you stroll through its streets, markets, craft stores and restaurants with terraces. You can also admire the view of the volcano from different spots in the town.

In the main square you can see the Ex-Convento del Carmen , which dates back to the 16th century.

Along with the convents of San Francisco and Santa Clara, they are the three most important religious buildings in Atlixco, but my favorite is the Church of La Merced with its stunning baroque facade.

There are hotels for all budgets in Puebla, but it pays to book in advance , as its proximity to Mexico City makes it a major tourist destination on weekends and holidays.

Hotels that offer good value for money fill up very quickly.

• Hotel Santiago : the ideal hotel for a cheap stay in Puebla , practically on the corner of the Zocalo, with a rooftop terrace offering a beautiful view of the cathedral . Rooms are only 30 $usd per night!
• NH Puebla Centro Historico : a hotel in the historic center of Puebla,  with a rooftop terrace that has a swimming pool , a gym, available parking, good wifi and a buffet with breakfast included , starting at 48 $usd per night!
• Hotel Boutique Casareyna : a 16th century mansion next to the Bubas Bridge, converted into a luxury hotel that offers spacious rooms, a rooftop pool and jacuzzi , a gym and spa, parking and a hearty breakfast. Rooms with parking and breakfast start at 105 $usd per night!
• Banyan Tree Puebla : this is my favorite hotel in Puebla , the perfect choice for a romantic stay or to enjoy real luxurious comfort in the heart of the city. There’s a terrace garden, a rooftop , a pool and spa overlooking the volcanoes, a restaurant with a terrace, and a good breakfast. For 226 $usd per night.

To see all hotels in Puebla you can also click on the green button:

There are also many things to do in Puebla with your family , here are some suggestions:

1. Museum of Viennese Music : it is a replica of the Vienna House of Music (Haus der Musik) with 16 rooms dedicated to music, sound, great international and Mexican composers, 2 rooms with interactive games. Don’t miss the Virto Stage, where you can “conduct” a virtual orchestra. – Temporarily closed

2. Africam Safari:  a fun and educational activity for kids in Puebla . You can see 350 different species of animals living in (semi) freedom and drive along paths, without disturbing them. You can also explore a botanical garden and an insectarium on foot, where you can learn about plants and insects. –  Buy your tickets here!

3. ArboTerra : it is an interactive conservation project with about 50 different species, mainly birds. There is also a tree house. The visit takes about 1 hour. This is a great place to visit with the family in Puebla , as there is also a themed restaurant on site. Website , open Wednesday to Monday from 10am to 5pm

4. Tactical Rescue : This is a laser tag game where you can choose to be an elephant protector or a poacher. The goal is to either save the elephants or capture them for their tusks. It’s just a game, but it feels very realistic. Website , open Monday to Friday from 1pm to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 9pm

5. Estrella de Puebla : with its 260 ft it is the biggest Ferris wheel in Latin America . When the sky is clear you can even see the volcanoes Popocateptl, Iztaccihuatl, Pico de Orizaba and La Malinche. Admission 40 pesos, open from 4 p.m. – Temporarily closed

6. Museum of Evolution : a museum that explores science, technology and ecology. You can learn about the universe, dinosaurs and human evolution in different thematic rooms. Admission 45 pesos for adults and 23 pesos for children under 12 years old, open Tuesday to Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm

7. Planetarium : right next to the museum of evolution, with interactive games, and an OMNIMAX dome that shows projections from Tuesday to Sunday at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. Facebook page

How much time to visit Puebla?

If you want to see the best of Puebla , you should spend one or two days in the city , but you will need more time to discover the other attractions of the state.

Here is my suggested itinerary to see as much as possible in 1 day in Puebla .

You can easily visit Puebla in one day , at least its historic center, since the main tourist attractions are within walking distance.

• In the morning, start at the Zocalo and the cathedral
• Continue to the Biblioteca Palafoxiana
• Continue to the Amparo Museum . You should also go up to the terrace to enjoy the views. And why not have a coffee while you’re there?
• Discover the Callejón de los Sapos
• To buy a souvenir, go to the Mercado del Parián
• Stroll through the Barrio del Artista
• Buy some typical Puebla sweets on the Calle de los Dulces
• Finish at the magnificent Capilla del Rosario 

My Advice Check out my article for the perfect one-day itinerary in Puebla (click here!) with all the top sights and activities!

Mercado de Sabores : this is the best place to eat on a budget in Puebla . You can try the cemitas, those huge sandwiches I mentioned before, there are several places, but I recommend Super Cemitas Alex!

Los Globos : located right next to the zocalo, this is a good cheap restaurant in Puebla where you can try some typical dishes (like mole poblano). Calle 2 Sur 509, Puebla.

Clementina cocina Poblana : my favorite place in Puebla ! It is a small local restaurant run by very friendly young people, with very good quality and affordable prices. I went with my family and we all loved the different dishes. Personally, I ordered the enchiladas tres moles (159 pesos) and LOVED it!

Augurio : a good restaurant in Puebla, to try to discover the regional cuisine if you have a little more budget. It is best known for its moles and won the 2017 Gourmet Award for best new restaurant in the state. Calle 9 Oriente 16, Puebla.

El Mural de los Poblanos : it isn’t just Puebla’s most famous restaurant; it’s a celebration of the city’s history and cuisine.

Named for Antonio Álvarez Morán’s artwork depicting key historical figures, it’s where I first fell in love with authentic Pueblan food.

Definitely try their ‘degustación’ de moles – it’s a fantastic way to experience the variety of Puebla’s famous sauces, including mole poblano, pipian verde, pipian rojo, adobo, and manchamanteles. And for someone who enjoys mezcal, their selection was just perfect!

How to get to Puebla

The trip from Mexico City to Puebla takes 2h30.

There are several bus companies to Puebla but I recommend ADO , as it is safe, comfortable and reliable in terms of schedules.

There are departures every 20-30 minutes, so it is not necessary to book in advance (but it is a good idea on holidays and weekends), and the price varies depending on the departure time (ticket between 180-220 pesos each way).

There are several bus terminals in Mexico City , but I recommend leaving from TAPO in the center because it is better located to avoid traffic to Puebla.

You will arrive at the CAPU bus station in Puebla which is 20 minutes from downtown.

Here is how to get from the terminal to the Zocalo in Puebla :

• By official cab: there are counters inside to request the service, about 100 pesos. The uber costs a few pesos less.
• By bus: in front of the station you have to take bus 44 (white and yellow) or the one that goes from Boulevard – CU – Xilotzingo (cream and blue), ticket 6 pesos

It takes 2 hours (140 km) to drive from Mexico City to Puebla .

• From the historic center: take Calzada Ignacio Zaragoza which becomes Highway 150 Mexico-Puebla
• From the south: the easiest way is to take the Periferico to the highway

There are two tolls:

• Between Mexico City and San Martin Texmelucan (140 pesos)
• Between San Martin Texmelucan and Puebla (44 pesos)

To know the tolls, it is best to visit the Traza tu Ruta website

3. By plane

I don’t think it is the best option for such a short trip, but Volaris and Aeromexico offer a few flights a week.

There are no direct flights, there is always a stopover (Monterrey, Tijuana, Cancun ). Sometimes there are even two stops, so be careful when comparing prices.

The shortest trip I found was 4 hours, so arriving by plane is longer than the bus .

Hermanos Serdan International Airport is 15 miles from downtown Puebla. A cab should costs between 330 and 400 pesos

The trip from Oaxaca City to Puebla takes 5 hours.

Several departures with ADO and AU. Prices vary a lot (between 427 pesos and 676 pesos) depending on the time of day and the length of the trip, as some trips are direct and others are not.

To get from Oaxaca to Puebla by car, it takes 4 hours and 15 minutes.

From Oaxaca, take highway 135D to Mexico City, then follow the signs to Puebla/Mexico City to take highway 150D (Orizaba – Puebla/Córdoba – Puebla/Mexico City)

There are five toll booths on the highway:

• Huitzo: 93 pesos
• Suchixtlahuaca: 80 pesos
• Miahuatlan: 33 pesos
• Tehuacan: 46 pesos
• Amozoc: 75 pesos

For updated rates, don’t forget to check the Traza tu Ruta website

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore Puebla and make the most of your stay!

To rent a car, personally, I always use Rentalcars.com, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Rentalcars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies , so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

To find your cheap flight to Mexico I recommend you to use our flight comparator in partnership with Skyscanner, it’s the guarantee to pay the best price for domestic and international flights !

Discover all my articles about Mexico : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico
• Mexico City: The 31 Best things to Discover
• Oaxaca : Top 20 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions !
• Itinerary : 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary : 2 weeks in Mexico   – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary : 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche , Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary : 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico : The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month
• Itinerary : 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary : 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary : 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary : 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary : 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan : The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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I have created this blog to give you all my best tips to plan your next trip to Mexico, regardless of your budget. I share detailed itineraries, advice about places to visit as well as recommendations for transportation, hotels and restaurants. I hope I will also help you to discover amazing off the beaten path destinations in Mexico!

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3 weeks in Mexico: The Perfect 20-21 Days Itinerary + My Best Tips

Day of the Dead in Mexico: The Ultimate Travel Guide + Best Tips!

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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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1 Day in Puebla, Mexico: Itinerary with Top 25 Things to Do

Table of Contents

What to do and see in Puebla

Just 1.5 hours from Mexico City ,  Puebla  sits  at an altitude of 2,135 m in the mountains between the Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl and La Malinche volcanoes.

Also called   Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza –  in reference to its important historical past  –  or  Puebla de los Angeles , it is the capital of the  state of Puebla .

It is a pretty  colonial town  known for its colorful facades, its typical pottery, as well as its historical and cultural wealth. There is so much to see and do in Puebla!

So that you don’t miss anything during your stay, here is my ultimate guide with the  25 must-see places of interest in Puebla  and its surroundings, the best  activities to do with children .

To help you organize your stay, I have also added all the practical information for  getting to Puebla , a suggested itinerary for  a day in Puebla,  and my recommendations for restaurants and  hotels for all budgets .

So what to do in Puebla?

1. The Zocalos 

Of course, it is impossible to miss the  zocalo of Puebla  which is the heart of the historic center, declared  a World Heritage Site by Unesco .

Since the founding of the city in the 16th century, it has always represented the center of  Puebla,  as evidenced by the important buildings found there (the cathedral, the municipal palace), as well as the restaurants, shops, cafes that surround.

The square also regularly hosts various events and shows. One way or another, we eventually arrive at the square!

At the  Municipal Palace  (Portal Hidalgo 14) you will also find  tourist information about Puebla  with maps, etc. Practical!

2. The Cathedral

The  cathedral-basilica , of its full name  Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepción , is to be visited in Puebla: it is still the  2nd largest cathedral in  Mexico !

Built between the 16th and 17th centuries, with a Renaissance-style facade and a Baroque interior, there are numerous paintings, sculptures, goldwork objects, three organs and impressive woodwork.

The  Altar de los Reyes  altar particularly impressed me for the richness of its details!

• Mon-Sat 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Free admission

3. Chapel of the Rosary

In  Puebla , more than the cathedral, it is the  Capilla del Rosario  of the  Santo Domingo Temple  (1650-1690) which is a real gem.

It is considered  the finest example of Mexican Baroque  and you quickly understand why upon entering: here everything is richly decorated from floor to ceiling, very laden and covered with  24-carat  gold leaf .

The walls are decorated with large paintings by José Rodriguez Carnero and talaveras typical of  Puebla .

I love churches, I have visited many in my life, but rarely one as  richly decorated  as this one. With the exception of the  Church of the Company of Jesus  in  Quito  , it still offers strong competition with its gold-covered interior.

• Address: 5 de Mayo coin 4 Poniente #101, Puebla
• Tue to Thu 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• FREE ENTRANCE

4. Palafoxiana Library

On the 2nd  floor  of the  Casa de Cultura de Puebla , in a magnificent vaulted  room , is the  Biblioteca Palafoxiana   : with its  43,000 volumes  (from the 15th  to  the  20th century), it is the  1st public library on the American continent.

Indeed, Bishop  Juan de Palafox y Mendoza  donated his personal library of 5000 volumes to the schools of San Pedro and San Juan, on the condition that the collection be  accessible to anyone who can read . A very modern decision for the 17th  century !

It was in 1981 that the library ceased to be public to become a museum, it is definitely  worth seeing in Puebla  for its historical importance and the beauty of the place.

• Address: 5 Oriente 5, coin September 16, Puebla.
• Tue-Thu 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fri-Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance 45 pesos
• Facebook page 

5. Amparo Museum

The Amparo Museum is  a must in Puebla . Located in a palace and a hospital from the  colonial era,  it houses a  large collection of Mexican art  : 7 rooms on the pre-Hispanic era, 3 rooms on the viceroyalty era and the 19th  century , as well as exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.

There are also temporary exhibitions of national and international artists.

I really recommend that you  download the free Amparo Plus application  (  Android ,  iOS  ) which provides information on the exhibitions (audio, video).

You can also  go up to the terrace . There is a café with a beautiful view, ideal for  taking photos of the historic center!

You can eat  breakfast  there (Wed-Mon 9am to 12.30pm) as well as  have a drink in the evening  (Fri-Sat until 10pm). There are even  concerts  from time to time, check the museum’s website.

• Address: Avenida 2 Sur 708, Centro, Puebla.
• open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Tuesday closed.
• entry 85 pesos

6. The Gastronomy of Puebla

Puebla cuisine  is famous throughout  Mexico!  It is the place of origin of the famous  mole poblano , a sauce made from different chili peppers, chocolate and spices, and usually served with chicken.

Another iconic dish is  chile en nogada , a chili pepper stuffed with meat and fruit, topped with a walnut sauce and sprinkled with a few pomegranate seeds. The colors are reminiscent  of the flag of Mexico  – green, white, red – and are therefore widely offered by restaurants in September, independence month.

And of course the  street food of Puebla  also has some nice surprises in store:  cemitas , Arabic tacos, chalupas.

Personally I particularly like  cemitas  which are tortas (sandwiches) with avocado, cheese, onion, meat, papalo (a very common herb in Mexico), red sauce, all served in a bun with sesame seeds.

To get the  full experience , I recommend taking this   food tour of Puebla.

7. Sucreries of Sweets Street

Impossible to visit Puebla without tasting its famous sweets!

Made since colonial times, “dulces de Puebla” are so important that they even have their own street: Calle  6 Oriente , nicknamed Calle de los Dulces (or Calle del Dulce) in the historic center.

There is a very wide variety of sweets, but the most famous in Puebla are camotes, macarrones, muégano, jamoncillo, borrachitos, cocadas, limones rellenos de coco (lemons with coconut), alegrias and tortas de Santa Clara, my favorites.

These are tartlets that look like biscuits, created during the colony by the nuns of the Santa Clara convent.

Go take a trip to  Gran Fama , the first confectionery to open its doors in the 19th century and  Dulceria Santa Clara  which is another Puebla institution, open since 1907.

8. Museum of the Revolution

It is the house of the 4  Serdan  brothers (Carmen, Natalia, Aquiles and Maximo) who joined the revolutionary movement led by Francisco Madero against Porfirio Diaz in 1910. The place is considered the  cradle of the  Mexican Revolution  and the facade still preserves numerous bullet marks.

There are 26 rooms on 2 floors where we discover the daily life of the family and different aspects of the revolution (documents, photographs, weapons, objects)

• Address: Av 6 Ote 206, Centro, Puebla
• Tue-Thu 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fri-Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Entrance 40 pesos or 20 pesos for ages 12 and under

9. The Talaveras

It’s impossible to miss talavera  ,  this  Puebla pottery  that has made the city famous since the 17th  century . The creations are mainly plates, vases, jars and figurines, but we also find talavera  de Puebla   in the form of   earthenware   for walls and facades (like the famous   Casa de los Azulejos  in  Mexico City  ).

For a fine example of a  building with talaveras in Puebla , take a trip to the   Casa de los Muñecos , “the House of the Dolls” (2 Norte #4, Puebla). The 16 ceramic  images  that adorn the facade are said to represent the councilors of the time who opposed the construction of the building because the owner wanted it to be higher than the town hall.

You can also go to the  San Francisco Church  (Address: 14 Oriente corner Blvd. 5 de Mayo, Puebla) which is  the oldest convent in Puebla , and whose facade is covered with it. It is surprising!

You can discover the  manufacturing process  – which lasts on average 3 months and can even go up to 6 months! – in certain  workshops  which offer  guided tours . For example, I recommend  Casa Uriarte  (4 Poniente #911, Puebla), the oldest workshop in the city, which has been operational since 1824.

10. Taste the Ancho Reyes

Ancho Reyes  is a liqueur made in  Puebla  made from  chile ancho , the dried poblano pepper.

It’s a product that I find interesting, both sweet and spicy, with a smoky taste. At 40% alcohol, I prefer to drink it in a cocktail rather than on its own or over ice, but that’s a matter of taste.

In the 1920s, artists and intellectuals consumed a similar liquor in Puebla. It is therefore a kind of homage to this tradition.

Ancho Reyes is quite easy to find if you want to taste it, but to learn more it is possible to visit the distillery which is located in the very center of  Puebla !

• Address: Av 12 Pte 912B, San Pablo de los Frailes, Puebla
• Free visit (1h30), Wednesday, Thursday and Friday  by booking on the website

11. El Parian Handicraft Market

El Parian is  the best place in Puebla to buy talaveras  (and even handicrafts in general) while there are around a hundred small shops offering all kinds of traditional handicrafts, talaveras, leather, textiles, jewelry, sweets, pottery, wooden objects, etc.

It is considered the  very first craft market in Puebla , while its first activities date back to 1760!

• Address: Calle 6 Norte #205, Puebla
• Every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

I advise you to take the opportunity to see the  Casa de Alfeñique  (Av 4 Oriente 416, 46 pesos entry, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – closed Monday) which is very close to  Parian .

It is a large 18th century colonial house converted into a museum in 1926 (the first museum in Puebla!). It is a very beautiful example of the  Alfeñic style,  which owes its name to the typical sweet of the same name made from sugar and egg white.

12. Street of Toads

Toads  ‘ Alley owes its funny name to a flood: it seems that at the time of the colony, the waters of the  San Francisco River  regularly overflowed, which caused flooding.

Some then decided to take advantage of the situation by installing windmills, which ended up attracting a lot of toads because of the stagnant water!

Today, it is a charming little pedestrian street lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.

Friday and Saturday evenings it’s a good place to  have a drink  and listen to music, but  Sunday  is the unmissable day: from 10 a.m., it’s the big  market  with antiques, crafts, and all kinds of ‘objects.

13. Explore the secret tunnels of Puebla

This is an absolutely must-do activity  in Puebla !

It is an  underground network built between the 17th and 19th centuries.  composed of several tunnels and which was only discovered in 2014.

It is believed that it would have connected different strategic buildings and churches, and served for the transport of treasure, a hiding place, a discreet passage for politicians, etc.

The hypotheses are rife. What is known is that a portion was used as a weapons and ammunition warehouse by Mexican troops during the French  intervention in Mexico  in 1862.

It has been partly renovated and is now  open to the public.

Today we enter by the  Puente de Ovando , we pass by the  Puente de Bubas , we visit a few rooms and we end with the  Pasaje Historico 5 de Mayo  which is 5m deep. It is this set that has been nicknamed “Los Secretos de Puebla”, but it is estimated that the network in its entirety should be spread over  10km .

• Entrance 30 pesos
• Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Address: Blvrd Héroes del 5 de Mayo 8, Barrio de La Luz, Puebla

14. Analco Neighborhood

Founded in 1560, the  Barrio Analco  is one of the oldest in  Puebla . Its name means “across the river”. It is now best known for the  tianguis , its  market  held there on Saturdays and Sundays.

There are mainly crafts  (  wooden, silver, etc.) but also clothing, furniture, and even several food stalls.

This is the place where many Poblanos, but also Mexican tourists, meet.

15. Forts of Puebla

The famous  “Cinco de Mayo”  celebration commemorates the  Battle of Puebla  which took place on May 5, 1862, when the Mexican forces led by Ignacio Zaragoza won against the French who were much more numerous.

Fort  Loreto  (which hosts a  museum  open Tuesday to Friday, 70 pesos) and  Fort Guadalupe  are two must-see buildings in Puebla. These are emblems of this important battle which allow us to learn more about this part of history.

Also in the same park you can take the  Puebla  cable car  at 58m height for a view of the city! Ticket 57 pesos round trip.

16.  Street Art in Xanenetla

The  Xanenetla neighborhood  has undergone quite a transformation!

A few years ago, it was better to avoid it because of the insecurity, but today it is a tourist area, clean, and which is a real labyrinth of small streets with some 75 colorful murals  !

We owe the initiative to  Colectivo Tomate , a group of artists who have beautified several cities in  Mexico  through their  Ciudad Mural  project . And what’s fascinating is that they always incorporate local cultural elements.

I was also very impressed by their intervention in  La Paz in Baja California Sur   with whales, sea turtles, etc. Here in  Puebla , we find roosters, virgins, flowers for example.

17. Take a Free Tour of Puebla

There is a  Free Walking Tour  which allows you to take a  free  overview of the  must-see attractions of Puebla  (the cathedral, Capilla del Rosario, Biblioteca Palafoxiana, Barrio del artista, Calle del dulce, Church of San Francisco, etc.),  in exchange for a tip  of course!

It’s a good way to  visit Puebla on the cheap , and having made several visits with  Estacion  Mexico , I can confirm that it’s always full and you don’t have time to get bored.

• Departure every day at 11 a.m. from the Zocalo –  Book here

18. Take a Tour Bus Ride

If you only have  a short time in Puebla , taking the  tourist bus  is a very good option to see as much as possible!

It’s a 55-minute tour, which passes by the  main attractions of Puebla  : the cathedral, the municipal palace, the library, the Los Sapos and Analco markets, the Palace of Congresses, the forts, the theater and the Calle de los Dulces.

It’s also a good way to  start your visit to the city  (departure at 10am) to identify what interests you. And what’s more, it’s  really not expensive !

19. International Baroque Museum

It’s the dream museum in a city that contains so many beautiful examples of  Latin American Baroque !

Its surprising structure was built by the Japanese architect  Toyō Itō  and contains several temporary exhibition rooms as well as  7 permanent rooms  which address different Baroque themes (architecture, painting, theater, music, clothing, etc.).

It is a modern museum that is far from boring, there are several touch screens and video mapping to make everything more interactive. I recommend that you allow around  2 hours for the visit  because it is large.

• Atlixcayotl Territorial Reserve, 2501, Puebla
• Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Prix: 80 pesos

20. Descend into the Smallest Volcano in the World

A 15-minute drive from the  Zocalo , in Colonia Libertad, is  Cuexcomate  : the  smallest volcano in the world !

At least that’s what everyone says, but this small volcano is actually a  geyser  (13m high, 23m in diameter and 17m deep), created following an eruption of  Popocatépetl  in 1064, and which is today inactive today.

It is surprising to see this mound in the middle of the city, and it is even possible to go down to the bottom of the crater with stairs!

• Address 2 Poniente and Town Hall of Colonia La Libertad
• Admission: 14 pesos
• Open Monday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Around Puebla

21. cholula.

Cholula  is on the outskirts of the  city of Puebla , between  San Pedro Cholula  and  San Andrés Cholula . It was an important place for the  Toltecs  who built  the largest ceremonial center in the region there  around 500 BC.

Today Cholula has been recognized as a “ magic pueblo ” for its various tourist attractions and its charm.

What to see in Cholula:

-Great Pyramid of Cholula  : also known as the Tepanapa or Tlachihualtépetl pyramid, it is the pyramid with  the largest base in the world  (400m side!) and  the largest volume in the world  (4,500,000 m³). It is crossed by 8km of interior galleries that you can walk through to discover the different stages of construction and its murals.

-Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios  : it is the religious building built in the 16th century above the pyramid and remodeled in the 19th century.

-The site museum  : located on one side of the pyramid, it presents the development of the city since pre-Hispanic times, as well as an exhibition with ceramics, models, paintings, artifacts, etc.

• How to visit Cholula from Puebla  : 20-30 min by car, taxi (from Terminal CAPU or Terminal 4 Poniente) or by bus (departure from Terminal 6 Poniente)
• How to visit Cholula from  Mexico City  : You can also take a tour that includes   Puebla and Cholula .  Book the visit here.

22. Zacatlan and Chignahuapan

These are two villages located 2h15 from Puebla which are also worth the detour for the surrounding landscape because the  Sierra de Puebla  is magnificent!

I suggest you make a stop along the way at the  Cascada de Quetzalapan , also called “Salto de Quetzalapan” because it is one of the highest falls in the state of Puebla (100m).

A little further away is also the  Centro Recreativo Cascadas Tulimán  divided into 3 areas with different activities: hiking trails that run along the two rivers then arrive at the waterfalls, local food, suspension bridge, natural hot water pools, zip line.

Also, you can observe the “   Barranca de los Jilgueros   ” a 400m deep ravine from its glass viewpoint. Green and covered in mist due to its tropical climate, it offers a very pretty natural spectacle.

In  Zacatlán  you can learn about the process of making  local fruit wines , cider, and taste its famous  traditional  cheese  bread .

There is also the “   Museo del Reloj  ”, the Wine Museum, the former Franciscan convent.

Chignahuapan  is mainly known for its  Christmas ornaments ! In fact they are made here by hand and it is an opportunity to bring back a nice souvenir.

You can also see the  Basilica of the Immaculate Conception  with its 12m virgin and  its main square  with a colorful Moorish style kiosk.

23.  Cuetzalan

3 hours from  Puebla  is the picturesque village of  Cuetzalan . Its name means “the place where  quetzals  are numerous”. This is perhaps why the typical clothes of the region’s women are among  the prettiest in Mexico!

Here’s what  to see in Cuetzalan :

-The  parish of Francisco  built in the 17th century, and which is the emblem of the city

-The  Church of los Jarritos or Sanctuary of Guadalupe , a neogothic building decorated with clay pots, whose construction was inspired by those found in Lourdes in France

-The  archaeological zone of Yohualichan  (3rd-9th century) means “the house of the night” in Nahuatl. The site was inhabited by several cultures including the Totonacs who then built El Tajin (State of Veracruz) on the same model and which became one of the most important cities in Mesoamerica.

-Its  many waterfalls  (there are about thirty!): there are several activities to do such as abseiling or zip-lining at Cascada El Salto, walking to arrive in front of the magnificent waterfall of Las Golondrinas

–  Poza Pata de Perro  : you can swim in this rock formation with natural wells filled with water

-The  local market:  it is held on Sunday mornings in the Plaza de Cuetzalan. The Nahuas, mainly women, sell all kinds of products (fruit, vegetables, etc.). Look closely and you will notice that the locals use barter among themselves!

Go to Cuetzalan

• By bus there are several departures from Mexico City per day (6 hour journey with ADO or AU – from TAPO  ) , and every hour from Puebla (3 hour journey with VIA)

24. Cactus Botanical Garden

In the  Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve , in the community of  Zapotitlán Salinas  2 hours from the city of Puebla, is the  Helia Bravo Hollis Botanical Garden .

It was named in honor of  Helia Bravo Hollis , a great Mexican botanist who dedicated her life to the study of cacti.

It is a  protected natural area  of ​​100 hectares which contains more than  100 species of cacti , several of which are endemic and threatened with extinction. Some reach up to 10m in height and are 200 years old!

On site, you can follow  interpretive trails  that allow you to discover their medicinal and food properties, and what their use was in pre-Hispanic times.

There are also several bird  watching excursions , among other things to be able to spot the  eagles  which patiently fly around while waiting to spot their food.

25. Atlixco

Located at the foot of the  Popocatéptl volcano , Atlixco is known for its temperate climate and its important  floral  production . It is not for nothing that it is also called “Atlixco de las Flores”!

We walk with pleasure in its small streets with pretty colorful buildings, its markets, its craft shops, its restaurants with terrace.

In the main square is the  Ex-Convent del Carmen  which dates from the 16th century. Along with the San Francisco and Santa Clara convents, these are the three most important religious buildings in Atlixco, but my favorite is the  Iglesia de la Merced  for its superb Baroque façade.

What to do in Puebla with children

There are also several activities  to do with the family in Puebla , here are some suggestions:

1. Viennese Music Museum  : This is a replica of the  House of Music in Vienna  (Haus der Musik). There are 16 rooms dedicated to music, sound,  great international and Mexican composers , and 2 rooms with interactive games. Don’t miss the Virto Stage where you can “direct” a virtual orchestra. – Temporarily closed

2. Africam Safari  : this is the  best activity to do with children in Puebla . There are 350 different species in (semi) freedom and you can cross the land peacefully by car, following the paths, and above all avoiding disturbing them. There is a section accessible only on foot to discover, among other things, a botanical garden and an insectarium. – You can  buy your tickets here !

3. ArboTerra  : it is an interactive conservation project that is home to around fifty different species, mainly birds. There is also a tree house there. Total visit about 1 hour. It is an ideal place to  visit with the family in Puebla , because in addition there is a thematic restaurant on site.  Website , Wednesday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4. Rescate Tactico  : This is a laser tag game in which two teams compete to defend elephants or steal them to resell the tusks in Asia. Of course it’s only a game, but the decor is well done!  Website , Mon-Fri 1pm-9pm, Sat-Sun 11am-9pm

5. Estrella de Puebla  : 80m tall, it’s   the biggest Ferris wheel in Latin America ! When the sky is clear you can even see the Popocatéptl, Iztaccíhuatl, Pico de Orizaba and La Malinche volcanoes! Admission 40 pesos, open from 4 p.m. – Temporarily closed

6. Museo de la Evolución  : This is a large museum dedicated to science, technology and ecology. There are around twenty exhibitions in several thematic rooms which deal with the universe, dinosaurs and the evolution of human beings. Admission 45 pesos adult and under 12 23 pesos, Tue-Thu 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fri-Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

7. Planetarium  : right next to the Museum of Evolution, with interactive games, and an OMNIMAX dome showing screenings Tuesday through Sunday at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm.  Facebook page

Accommodation in Puebla – The best hotels

There are hotels for  all budgets in Puebla , but know that it’s a good idea to  book in advance  as its proximity to Mexico City makes it a major tourist destination on weekends and holidays.

Hotels that offer good value for money fill up very quickly!

• NH Puebla Centro Histórico : here is a hotel in the historic center, roof terrace with swimming pool, gym, parking, good wifi and buffet breakfast included.  From 45 euros per night!
• Hotel Santiago : practically around the corner from the zócalo, with a roof terrace that offers a beautiful view of the cathedral.  Room from only 52 euros per night!
• Hotel Boutique Casareyna : this is a good option if you are looking for more comfort. It is a  16th century mansion  located just off the Puente de Bubas, transformed into an  upscale  hotel that offers spacious rooms, a  swimming pool and jacuzzi on the roof,  a gym, and a spa.  Free parking  and hearty breakfast included.  From just 107 euros per night!
• Banyan Tree Puebla : this is my  favorite hotel in Puebla , perfect for a  romantic getaway  or simply to enjoy luxury comfort in the heart of the city. Terrace with garden, swimming pool and spa on the roof with views of the volcanoes, elegant restaurant, very good breakfast. From  208 euros per night

To see all  hotels in Puebla , you can also click here.

How long to visit Puebla?

The ideal is to spend  one or two days in the city of Puebla . If you want to discover the other attractions in the state of Puebla, you will of course need more time.

Here is my itinerary suggestion to  see the maximum in 1 day in Puebla.

What to do in Puebla in 1 day?

It is easy to  visit Puebla in one day , at least its historic center, since the  main tourist attractions  are all nearby.

• Morning start with the  Zocalo  (main square) and the Cathedral
• Continue to  Palafoxiana Library
• Continue to the  Amparo Museum . Don’t forget to go up to the terrace for the view, and why not, for a coffee
• Discover the  Callejon de los Sapos
• To buy some souvenirs, you can then go to the  Marché el Parian
• Walk through the  Barrio del Artista
• Buy some typical sweets on  Calle de los Dulces
• Finished for the magnificent  Capilla del Rosario

To better understand, here is the  1 day itinerary in Puebla  plotted on the map:

Where to eat in Puebla

Mercado de Sabores   : it is a market with many cheap stalls that serve local food. It’s a good place to try las  cemitas,  those huge sandwiches I mentioned above. There are several places, but I recommend  Super  Cemitas Alex!

Los Globos  : located very close to the zocalo, this is an inexpensive restaurant in Puebla where you can taste typical dishes (like mole  poblano  ). Calle 2 Sur 509, Puebla.

Clementina cocina Poblana  :  it’s  my big favorite in Puebla ! It’s a  small neighborhood restaurant,  run by very friendly young people, with very good quality and affordable prices. I went there with my family and we all loved our different dishes. Personally I ordered the  enchiladas tres moles  (159 pesos) and I didn’t leave a drop.

Augurio  : a nice restaurant in Puebla, to try to discover regional cuisine if you have a little more budget. It is best known for its  moles  and won the  2017  Gourmet Award  for best new restaurant in the state. Calle 9 Oriente 16, Puebla,  Website

How to get to Puebla

Aller from mexico to puebla.

The trip from  Mexico City to Puebla  takes 2.5 hours.

There are several bus companies to Puebla but I recommend  ADO  because it is safe, comfortable and reliable in terms of schedules.

There are departures every 20-30 minutes so it is not necessary to book in advance (but it is a good idea on public holidays and weekends), and the price varies depending on the departure time (between 180-220 pesos one way)

There are several stations to catch the bus in Mexico City, but I recommend the  TAPO station  in the center because it is better located to avoid the traffic to Puebla.

You will arrive at the  CAPU bus station (Puebla)  which is 20 minutes from the center.

Here’s how to get from the terminal to the Zocalo:

• By official taxi: there are counters inside, around 100 pesos. The Uber costs a few pesos less.
• By bus: in front of the station you have to take the bus 44 (white and yellow) or the one that makes the route Boulevard – CU – Xilotzingo (beige and blue), 6 pesos the ticket

To  get from Mexico City to  Puebla by car  it takes 2 hours (140km).

• From the historic center: take Calzada Ignacio Zaragoza which becomes Autopista 150 Mexico-Puebla
• From the south: the easiest way is to take the Periférico to the highway

There are two tolls:

• Between Mexico and San Martin Texmelucan (140 pesos)
• Between San Martin Texmelucan and Puebla (44 pesos)

To find out the up-to-date tolls, it is best to go to the  Traza tu Ruta website

3. By plane

I doubt this is the best option on such a short route, but  Volaris  and  Aeromexico  offer a few flights per week.

There is no  direct flight , there is always  1 stopover  (Monterrey, Tijuana,  Cancun  ). Sometimes there are even 2 stopovers so be careful when comparing prices.

The shortest journey I found is 4 hours, so the  plane is longer than the bus .

Hermanos Serdán International  Airport  is located 20km from the center of Puebla. Taxi costs around 330 – 400 pesos

Go from Oaxaca to Puebla

The  journey between the  city of Oaxaca  and Puebla  takes 5 hours.

Several departures with ADO and AU. Prices vary greatly (between 427 pesos and 676 pesos) depending on the schedule and duration because some routes are direct and others are not.

To  get from  Oaxaca  to Puebla by car , it takes 4 hours 15 minutes.

From  Oaxaca , take highway  135D  towards  Mexico City , then follow the Puebla/Mexico signs to take  150D  ( Orizaba – Puebla / Cordoba – Puebla / Mexico)

There are five toll booths on the road:

• Huitzo: 93 pesos
• Suchixtlahuaca: 80 pesos
• Miahuatlan: 33 pesos
• Tehuacan: 46 pesos
• Amozoc: 75 pesos

For up-to-date tolls, be sure to check out the  Traza tu Ruta website

Tourist map of Puebla

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Puebla Travel Guide: Discover the Cultural Wonders of Puebla City, Mexico

I’ve explored many cities and small towns in Mexico and Puebla remains one of my favorites. In my opinion, it’s one of the most underrated cities in the country.

It’s surprising to me that Puebla doesn’t get as much attention as Oaxaca or Mexico City. It has so much to offer in regards to culture, history, and food. From its colonial buildings to its Talavera pottery and rich gastronomy, I found Puebla to be one of the most fascinating cities in Mexico, which is why I sought to create this guide and website, to help bring more attention to this city and state in east-central Mexico.

If you’re planning a trip to Puebla City, then I hope this travel guide helps you make the most of your time there.

VISIT PUEBLA QUICK LINKS

To help you explore the city of Puebla, we’ve compiled links to recommended tours here.

• Puebla and Cholula Day Tour From Mexico City
• Authentic Street Food Exploration & Dessert

Top-rated hotels in Puebla

• Luxury: Casona de los Sapos Hotel Boutique
• Midrange: Hotel Boutique Casareyna
• Budget: Hostal Casa de Arcos

OTHER SERVICES

• Mexico Tourist Card (FMM)
• Travel Insurance (with COVID cover)
• Mexico SIM Card / eSIM
• Mexico Bus Tickets

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mexico tourist card (fmm).

I didn’t need one but depending on your passport, you may need a visa to enter Mexico. You can go to iVisa.com for more information on tourist visas to Mexico.

Even if you don’t need a tourist visa, all visitors are still required to get an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) to enter Mexico. Often referred to as a “tourist card”, you can get it if you’re entering Mexico by air or by land.

If you’re flying to Mexico, then it’s usually provided by the airline (cost included in the airline ticket). If you’re driving, then you can get one at the border (with a fee).

You can also process the FMM ahead of time online through the INM website or iVisa.com . Click on the link to learn more about the FMM .

PUEBLA AT A GLANCE

Located in east-central Mexico, Puebla refers to both the state and its capital city of the same name. I didn’t know this until recently but the city of Puebla is actually the fourth largest city in Mexico, after Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.

Founded in 1531, Puebla is one of the oldest cities in Mexico. It was also one of the most important colonial cities of New Spain. Its strategic location between the Viceregal capital (Mexico City) and the port of Veracruz led to its rapid rise as the second-most important city in colonial Mexico.

Today, Puebla is renowned for its Spanish baroque architecture, Talavera pottery, and rich gastronomy. It’s ground zero for the Cinco de Mayo celebrations and boasts two of the most important dishes in Mexican cuisine – mole poblano and chiles en nogada (pictured below).

When you visit Puebla, you’ll spend most of your time in its historic center. It’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many interesting museums, including the first public library opened in the Americas.

IS PUEBLA SAFE?

Some states in Mexico have a reputation for being unsafe, but for the most part, that isn’t the case with Puebla. According to multiple sources, it’s one of the safest states in Mexico . Google “safest destinations in mexico” and you’ll find Puebla on many lists.

Puebla has largely escaped the narco-violence in Mexico but that doesn’t mean bad things can’t happen there. As long as you prioritize safety and observe the usual precautions – ie don’t wear flashy clothing or jewelry, stay in populated areas, don’t walk alone at night, etc – then you should have an incident-free time in Puebla.

The US , Canada , and UK governments offer general travel advisories to Mexico but I strongly recommend bookmarking the Puebla forum on Tripadvisor as well. Locals and expats are active on those forums so if there are any recent events that you should know about, then you’ll probably learn about them there.

BEST TIME TO VISIT PUEBLA

The city of Puebla experiences mild weather year-round so there really is no bad time to go. If you want to visit Puebla when precipitation is historically at its lowest, then it’s best to go from November to March . Click on the link for more on Puebla’s climate .

HOW TO GET TO PUEBLA

There are many ways to get to Puebla City depending on where you are. I’ve flown into Puebla once but most of the time, we travel by bus. Here’s how you can get to downtown Puebla from the airport in Huejotzingo (PBC) or from Mexico City.

If you’re traveling to Puebla from a different city in Mexico, then you can search for bus routes on busbud .

From Puebla International Airport (PBC)

BY BUS: This is the cheapest way to get to the city center from the airport. You can catch an Estrella Roja bus that will take you to CAPU, the main bus station in Puebla. From there, you can take an Uber to your hotel.

I purchased a ticket from the kiosk inside the airport upon arrival but you can book one in advance through the Estrella Roja website . Under origen (origin), select “Aeropuerto de Huejotzingo”. The one-way ride costs MXN 110 and takes about 40 minutes.

BY UBER/TAXI: This is more expensive than the bus but if you’re traveling and sharing the ride with other people, then it may be worth it. Depending on the time, an UberX ride to the zocalo will run you anywhere between MXN 250-450 .

If you go by Uber, then please note that there’s a designated pickup point so you may have to walk there with your luggage. If you decide to go by taxi, then be sure to book one at the official taxi stand inside the arrivals lobby.

BY PRIVATE TRANSFER: This is the most expensive option but it’s also the most comfortable and convenient. You can book a private transfer to your hotel in Puebla City or Cholula on Bookaway .

From Mexico City

BY BUS: The ADO and AU bus companies offer routes to Puebla CAPU from Mexico City, either from the airport or from the TAPO bus terminal in the city center. The one-way journey takes about 2 hours. We’ve ridden many first-class intercity buses throughout Mexico and have found them to be safe and very comfortable.

You can buy tickets at the bus terminal but if you’re traveling on a tight schedule, then you may want to book them in advance through busbud . This is highly recommended if your trip falls on a peak travel day in Mexico.

BY GUIDED TOUR: Thanks to its proximity, Puebla can be visited from Mexico City on a day trip. You can do this on your own but it may be easier and less stressful to do it on a guided tour so you don’t have to worry about transportation. You can choose from a range of guided tours to Puebla from Mexico City through Get Your Guide .

By Rental Car

If you’d prefer to drive yourself and visit Puebla in a private car, then you can rent one through rentalcars.com .

WHERE TO STAY IN PUEBLA

Many people visit Puebla on a day trip from Mexico City but if you have the time, then we recommend staying 1-2 nights to give you a better appreciation for the city. Here are a few of the most highly-rated hotels in Puebla:

If you don’t think any of these hotels are right for you, then you can check out more hotel suggestions in our guide to some of the best hotels in Puebla City . You can also do a search on Booking.com , Airbnb , or use the handy map below for more listings.

THINGS TO DO IN PUEBLA

Listed below are the city’s top attractions but be sure to check out our guide on the best things to do in Pubela for more suggestions.

1. Visit Puebla Cathedral and Other Notable Churches

You’ll find many beautiful churches in Puebla City, but none are more impressive than Puebla Cathedral. It’s the focal point of the historic center with its two towers measuring 230 ft (70 m) each.

The cathedral is located right next to the zocalo so it’s a great place to start your day of exploration in Puebla. I don’t think you can climb the towers but keep an eye (and ear) out for Campana Maria. It’s the largest of the ten bells in the Old Bell Tower, weighing in at a whopping 8+ tons.

Located not too far from Puebla Cathedral, Templo de Santo Domingo won’t impress you with its size but it’ll wow you with its incredibly ornate interior. Featuring 24K golden stucco, the Capilla del Rosario or Rosary Chapel has to be one of the most visually striking chapels in all of Mexico.

Puebla Cathedral and Capilla del Rosario are the most famous but be sure to check out our article on the most beautiful churches in Puebla City . You can easily visit both on your own but if you’d prefer to go with a guide, then you may be interested in this walking tour .

2. Visit Museo Amparo and Other Museums

You’ll find a surprisingly large number of museums in the historic center but the best and most interesting is Amparo Museum. It’s a large modern art museum featuring an extensive and diverse collection of contemporary art, installation pieces, religious paintings, and pre-Hispanic art.

I’ve visited over fifty museums in Mexico and Amparo Museum is easily one of my favorites. If you could visit just one museum in Puebla, then it should definitely be this one.

If you’re a fan of the Baroque, then one museum you need to make time for is the International Museum of Baroque Art (Museo Internacional del Barroco). It boasts an impressive collection of baroque art, architecture, music, and fashion housed in an ultramodern building designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito .

Museo Internacional del Barroco is located about a 20-minute Uber ride from the zocalo so I suggest visiting this museum only if you’re staying long enough in Puebla and have a keen interest in Baroquism.

3. Make a Stop at Biblioteca Palafoxiana

As previously described, Puebla is home to the oldest library in the Americas – Biblioteca Palafoxiana. Established in 1646, it’s a small but beautiful baroque library that houses a collection of over 45,000 books and manuscripts published between the 15th and 20th centuries.

The library is located on the second floor of Casa de la Cultura, across the street from Puebla Cathedral. You can check out our article on Biblioteca Palafoxiana for more information.

4. Try Mole Poblano and Other Local Specialties

Puebla state is home to one of the most celebrated regional cuisines in Mexico. It boasts many interesting and delicious dishes, at the very top of which is mole poblano. A Mexican national dish, it refers to a thick, dark, and ultra rich sauce made with over twenty ingredients. If you had time to try just one dish in Puebla, then it should be mole poblano.

Check out our picks for the best mole poblano restaurants in Puebla City . Alternatively, you can try it on a food tour ( Option 1 | Option 2 ).

5. Have a Welcome Shot at La Pasita

If you enjoy a good drink, then I recommend trying a shot of pasita at the cantina (bar) of the same name – La Pasita. Open since 1916, this Puebla institution invented this raisin-flavored liqueur served in a slender shot glass with a raisin and a cube of goat cheese. Welcome to Puebla!

La Pasita has two branches in the historic center but I recommend going to the small standing-room-only bar just off Callejón de los Sapos.

6. Buy Talavera Pottery

There are many souvenirs you can buy in Puebla , but if you want something that’s truly emblematic of the city, then two items come to mind – takeaway packs of mole poblano and Talavera pottery.

Talavera refers to a Mexican pottery tradition that originated in Spain but thrived in the Puebla area due to the region’s abundance of high-quality natural clay. You’ll find cheap Talavera pottery everywhere in downtown Puebla but the best pieces come with a special hologram that certifies their authenticity.

Check out our article on Talavera pottery to learn where to find the best pieces of Talavera in Puebla.

DAY TRIPS FROM PUEBLA

As of 2024, the state of Puebla is home to 12 pueblos magicos , tied with Jalisco and Estado de Mexico for the most in Mexico. Pueblo magico literally means “magical town” and is a tourism designation awarded to small towns that offer visitors a unique experience. Of the 12 pueblos magicos in Puebla state, Cholula is the most visited thanks to its proximity to the capital city.

There are quite a number of things you can do in Cholula but its most famous attraction is Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (pictured below). Built during the Spanish conquest, it’s a 16th-century Roman Catholic church that sits on top of the largest pyramid in Mesoamerica.

Located just 9 miles (15 km) west of downtown Puebla, Cholula is easy enough to visit on your own. Check out our detailed Cholula travel guide for more information. Alternatively, you can visit Cholula on a guided tour ( Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 ).

Like Cholula, Atlixco is a pueblo magico in the state of Puebla that’s easily accessible from the capital city. Located about an hour away by bus, it’s famous for its natural scenery and mild climate that makes it ideal for cultivating a wide range of flowers.

Check out our Atlixco travel guide for information on how to visit this pueblo magico on your own. Altenratively, you can also visit on a guided tour ( Option 1 | Option 2 ).

3. Val’quirico and Ex-Hacienda de Chautla

If you’d like to visit Italy from Mexico, then make your way to Val’quirico, a tourist development in neighboring Tlaxcala state. It’s known for its cobblestone streets and stone houses that make it to look like a medieval village in Tuscany.

Located about 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Puebla, Val’quirico isn’t as easy to get to using public transportation so it’s best visited using a rental car or on a guided tour .

Manoro82 , CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED , via Wikimedia Commons / Processed in Photoshop and Lightroom

The same tour that takes you to Val’quirico will also take you to Ex-Hacienda de Chautla and the lavender fields at San Martin ranch.

Ex-Hacienda de Chautla is a former agricultural estate that was established in the 18th century. Today, it’s a cultural and recreational center that features an English-style mansion (pictured below), expansive gardens, orchards, and a reservoir.

AlejandroLinaresGarcia , CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED , via Wikimedia Commons / Processed in Photoshop and Lightroom

4. Cantona Ruins and Laguna de Alchichica

Most tourists to Mexico know about Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza, but if you’d like to visit an archaeological site that fewer people have been to, then you may want to spend the day at Cantona.

Located in the town of Tepeyahualco, the Cantona ruins are a remarkably well-preserved site that’s believed to be one of the largest and most urbanized cities in pre-Columbian Mexico. It’s a fascinating site that gets few visitors due to its remote location in northeastern Puebla. When I went, my guide and I were literally the only visitors there.

Unless you have your own rental car , Cantona ruins is almost impossible to get to on your own so it’s best to go on a guided tour . You can refer to my article on the Cantona archaeological site for more pictures and information.

The same private tour to Cantona will make a stop at Laguna de Alchichica, a volcanic crater lake known for its thick buildup of coral-like deposits. It’s an otherworldly sight that’s inspired many local legends, including a tale about a silver-haired siren that lures men to the bottom of the lake.

You can refer to my article on Laguna de Alchichica for more pictures and information.

5. Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park

Look west from Puebla or Cholula and you may catch a glimpse of two snow-capped mountain peaks. What you’re looking at are Mexico’s second- and third-highest peaks – Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes. They’re located in Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park and make a great day trip destination for adventurous travelers.

If you’re looking to scale a mountain on your trip to Puebla, then you can book an Iztaccíhuatl hike through Get Your Guide ( Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 ).

Haakon S. Krohn , CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED , via Wikimedia Commons / Processed in Photoshop and Lightroom

POBLANO FOOD GUIDE

As described, Puebla is famous for its food. Mole poblano and chiles en nogada are the most celebrated but there are many more delicious dishes for you to try in Puebla. Check out our Poblano food guide to know what other dishes to look for and where to try them.

WHERE TO EAT IN PUEBLA

We’ve eaten at many delicious restaurants in Puebla. These are three of our favorites but do check out our Puebla restaurant guide for more recommendations.

1. Antojitos Tomy

Antojitos Tomy is one of our favorite restaurants in Puebla. It’s a simple eatery that serves many local specialties like chalupas, chanclas, and one of my favorite sandwiches in the world – the cemita poblana. It’s an irresistible Mexican sandwich made with chicken or pork milanesa, quesillo (Oaxacan cheese), avocado, onions, papalo , and chili peppers served on a sesame-seed-crusted roll. ¡Que rico!

If this sandwich looks good to you, then be sure to check out our article on the best cemitas in Puebla for more suggestions.

2. Antojitos Mellos

We lived in the Azcarate neighborhood of Puebla and Antojitos Mellos was our go-to restaurant. They serve many tasty Pueblan and Mexican dishes like mole poblano, pipian, pozole, and mole de panza (pictured below). We’ve tried almost every dish on their menu and have never been disappointed.

Antojitos Mellos is located about a 20-minute walk east of the zocalo.

3. El Mural de los Poblanos

To be honest, I’m more of a street food and rustic eatery type of guy but for special occasions, there are few restaurants better than El Mural de los Poblanos. In fact, ask any local what the best restaurant in Pubela is and most will point you to El Mural.

Located in the historic center, El Mural de los Poblanos is a more upscale eatery that serves more refined versions of Mexican classics. It’s the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a special meal in Puebla.

If you’re an adventurous eater and visit Puebla between February and May, then you need to try escamoles (pictured below). Known as “Mexican caviar”, it’s an interesting dish made with ant larvae and pupae. As far as I know, El Mural is one of the very few restaurants in Puebla that serves this delicacy.

POINTS OF INTEREST IN PUEBLA

To help you find these museums, hotels, restaurants, and other attractions in Puebla, I’ve pinned them all on this map. Click on the link for a live version of the map.

PUEBLA ITINERARY

Many visitors will only stay for the day so I’ve come up with this sample 1-day Puebla itinerary to help you plan your trip. One day is enough to see the top attractions in the historic center but if you’d like to experience more of Poblano culture and its cuisine, then longer stays are recommended.

PUEBLA TRAVEL TIPS

1. stay connected with a mexico sim card or esim.

A reliable internet connection is a must when traveling. You’ll need it to navigate, translate, and do last-minute research.

In my experience, pocket wifi devices don’t work as well in Mexico so you’ll need a SIM card during your trip. There are a few ISPs in Mexico but Telcel is generally regarded to be the best while airalo is a trusted provider of eSIMs.

You can buy a Telcel SIM card in Mexico but I strongly recommend getting one before your trip. You can order one online through Amazon (affiliate link). It’ll come pre-loaded with 3GB of data so you’ll be connected and ready to explore as soon as you get off your plane in Mexico.

If you’d rather get an eSIM, then you can buy one in advance through airalo .

2. Learn Basic Spanish

Many people in Mexico don’t speak English so it helps to know a few of these useful phrases in Spanish:

(Muchas) gracias : “Thank you (very much)” Por favor : “Please” Buenos dias : “Good morning” Buenas tardes : “Good afternoon” Buenas noches : “Good evening” Con permiso : “Excuse me” (when passing someone on the street) Perdon/Desculpe : “Sorry” or “Excuse me” (when you didn’t hear what someone said) La cuenta por favor : “The bill please” ¿Cuanto cuesta? : “How much does it cost?”

3. Bookmark the Puebla Travel Forum on Tripadvisor

Although Puebla is considered one of the safest states in Mexico, safety can be a concern in other parts of the country so it’s important to always be informed. In my experience, the best way of doing that is to monitor the city forums on Tripadvisor. If there are any recent incidents that you should know about, then chances are, people will be talking about them there.

Click on the links to open the Puebla travel forum on Tripadvisor. These forums are frequented by locals and expats so it’s a great place to ask questions too.

4. Start at the Tourist Information Center

A good place to start your visit to any city in Mexico is the zocalo, and a great place to get information is at the Tourist Information Center, which is usually located around or near the zocalo. You can ask questions and pick up brochures, maps, and other helpful information on tours, transportation, and other travel-related services.

If you arrive in Puebla without a clear idea of how you want to spend your day, then the Tourist Information Center is the best place to start.

5. Take Uber

Uber is available in Puebla so take it if you ever need to catch a ride somewhere. Unless it’s from an official taxi stand at the airport or bus station, I’m extremely wary of taking taxis in Mexico, especially after reading about this express kidnapping incident in Puebla.

6. Don’t Drink Tap Water

Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Mexico so you should always buy bottled water or drink from a filtered water bottle . Diarrhea is never fun, especially on a trip, so check out my article on the drinking water in Mexico for more helpful tips.

7. Leave a Tip

There’s a tipping culture in Mexico so expect to pay a tip at restaurants and at other places that offer you a service. Personally, I always leave a tip of around 10% of the total bill. You can read my article on tipping in Mexico for more information.

8. Get Travel Insurance

In my opinion, getting travel insurance is a must when traveling. Frankly, you never know what might happen on a trip so it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

For peace of mind, we purchase travel insurance policies from SafetyWing before every trip. Click on the link to learn more and get a free quotation.

9. Bring the Right Power Adapter

Mexico has Type A or Type B electrical outlets so be sure to bring the right power adapters for your devices. Electrical voltage is 127V and the standard frequency is 60Hz.

OUR TRAVEL GEAR

Here’s some of the travel equipment and gear that proved very useful on our trip to Puebla and Mexico. (Amazon affiliate links)

Some of the links in this travel guide to Puebla, Mexico are affiliate links, meaning we’ll make a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As always, we only recommend products and services that we use ourselves. We really appreciate your support as it helps us keep this free Puebla travel website going. ¡Muchisimas gracias!

Thank you for sharing!

Stories by Soumya

The Travel Blog of a Culture Addict

35 Amazing Things To Do In Puebla Mexico In 2024

Last Updated on February 6, 2024 by Soumya

Are you looking for the best things to do in Puebla Mexico ? Wondering what to add to your Puebla sightseeing trip ? Visiting Puebla for the first time and clueless about what to see?

I get it. I was in the same boat a few weeks ago until I decided to spend a month in Mexico City and go, see Puebla City for myself.

Located just 2.5 hours from Mexico City , Puebla is a wonderful day trip destination but I highly recommend that you spend at least a couple of days here to experience all (well most!) Puebla attractions .

I spent a few days in Puebla simply wandering through its quaint streets and clicking pictures of colorful, tile-laden buildings. Of course, there are more amazing things to do in Puebla than just wandering around.

Visiting the impressive Puebla Cathedral, checking out the unique Palafoxiana Library, taking a day trip to the Great Pyramid of Cholula, and stuffing yourself with mole poblano and dulce tipicos are just a few of them!

So, are you excited to know all about the best things to do and places to visit in Puebla, Mexico ? Then let’s get started!

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!

Visit Puebla Quick Links

If you are booking your trip to Puebla City, Mexico last minute, don’t worry. We have you covered. Here are some of the best tours, hotels, and other helpful links.

Top Experiences and Tours in Puebla, Mexico

• Puebla & Cholula Small Group Tour from Mexico City (Bestseller!)
• Puebla Historic Center Walking Tour (Viator Badge of Excellence!)
• Cholula Day Trip from Puebla (Bestseller!)
• Taste of Puebla Food Tour (Highly Recommended)

Top Hotels in Puebla, Mexico

• Casona De Los Sapos Boutique Hotel (Luxury) – Expedia | Booking
• Quinta Real Puebla (Mid-range) – Expedia | Booking
• Hotel Casa De La Palma (Budget) Expedia | Booking

Other Helpful Links

• Book Your Bus Tickets Here
• Puebla Tripadvisor Forum

Table of Contents

About Puebla, Mexico

• Puebla is a state located in east-central Mexico. The capital city of this state is known by several names – Puebla de los Angeles, Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla City, and more commonly just Puebla. In this travel guide, we’re going to talk about Puebla City and will refer to it as just Puebla.
• In 1531, the Spanish formed the city of Puebla over an existing native town called Cuetlaxcoapan. Puebla was strategically important to the Spanish because it lay right in the middle of the trading route between Port of Veracuz and Mexico City.
• Over time, Puebla City prospered and became home to many ornate baroque churches and plush residences that were almost inevitably covered in Talavera tiles , giving them a classic Puebla look.
• Puebla gained national importance when it became the site of the Battle of Puebla on 5th May, 1862. Mexicans defeated the French in this battle and the day came to be celebrated as Cinco de Mayo . Today, Cinco de Mayo is mostly celebrated in Puebla and in the USA as a recognition of Mexican heritage.
• The Historic Center of Puebla was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1987.
• Puebla City and the state are rich in cultural heritage. It is the hometown of mole poblano, chiles en nogada, cemita sandwiches, china poblana dresses, Talavera tiles , and so much more that we’re going to talk about in this ultimate Puebla bucket list.

How to get to Puebla from Mexico City?

Getting to Puebla from Mexico City by bus, car, or by a guided tour is easy.

Taking an ADO or AU bus from TAPO bus station / Mexico City Airport / Terminal Santa Maria Acatitla is the cheapest way to get to Puebla. Buses leave several times every hour, every 10-15 mins if I remember correctly. You can check schedules & availability and book your bus tickets on the busbud website here .

If you’d prefer to drive to Puebla on your own, go on and rent your car here .

Visitors often visit Puebla on a day trip from Mexico City. Therefore, Puebla guided day tours are extremely popular in the market. Honestly, this is the least stress option if you ask me. I love the fact that I don’t have to bother about logistics and can just enjoy the place.

Here are some great day tour options from Mexico City to Puebla.

• This small-group tour from Mexico City shows you the best that Puebla and Cholula have to offer. You’ll enjoy a walk through Puebla downtown, take in the beauty of Capilla de Rosario, and sample special Puebla sweets at Calle de los Dulces. The tour also takes you to the Great Pyramid of Cholula and the two beautiful churches of Santa Maria Tonantzintla and San Francisco Acatepec. ↳ CHECK REVIEWS HERE
• On this full-day, budget-friendly tour , you’ll see all the major attractions of Puebla, Cholula, and Santa Maria Tonantzintla. ↳ BOOK NOW

Top things to do in Puebla Mexico

Marvel at the basilica cathedral of puebla.

The most unmissable thing to do in Puebla is to visit the Basilica Cathedral of Puebla or the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception or just Puebla Cathedral. Located right in the heart of the city, this massive cathedral is the most famous landmark in Puebla and a most visited attraction .

Puebla Cathedral is a stunning example of Mexican Baroque architecture built between the 16th – 17th centuries. It is huge and has numerous chapels adorned with sculptures and paintings that tell stories of faith and religion.

The cathedral is located on the southern edge of the Zocalo and pretty much fills it up. It is beautiful during the day but try and come here at night when the cathedral lights up revealing its many colors. That’s a pretty sight to see.

Soak in the vibe of the central plaza

Spend some time soaking in the vibes of the Zocalo, Puebla’s central plaza.

Puebla’s Zocalo is a happening place with both locals and tourists frequenting it throughout the day. Several monuments and sculptures also dot the central square including the majestic San Miguel Arcangel Fountain, a contemporary kiosk, and the Monument of Siege.

Located right next to the Puebla Cathedral, the Zocalo is always abuzz with activity by visitors, street food vendors and musicians. When I last visited in May this year, Cinco de Mayo celebrations were in full swing and I quite enjoyed the festive vibe.

You’ll also see numerous restaurants and cafes surrounding Puebla’s Zocalo making it the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by.

Take a Historic Center Walking Tour

Taking a walking tour through the historic heart of a city is the best way to get introduced to the city – its people, their history and culture. Puebla de Zaragoza is no different.

If you are visiting Puebla for the first time, then I highly recommend signing up for this 3-hour walking tour of the historic center .

This highly-rated guided tour takes you through some of the most iconic attractions of Puebla including the Cathedral, Palafoxiana Library, and the Museum of Revolution. You’ll also walk through the Frog Alley, sample typical Puebla sweets at the Candy Street, and explore the El Parian Handicrafts Market. This is one of my favorite tours in Puebla because it gives deep insights into the history and culture of the city while taking us on a tour of the most famous places.

Priced at $45+, this Puebla walking tour is good value for money. However, if you’re looking for something cheaper, I suggest you try the free Puebla walking tour from Civitatis. You’ll love the tour for its knowledgeable tour guides and can pay a tip at the end.

Head to Museo Amparo

One of the best historic things to do in Puebla City is to visit the famous Museo Amparo.

Founded in 1991, the Amparo Museum is an absolute treasure house of Mexican art from all eras – the pre-Hispanic civilizations, the Viceregal (19th and 20th centuries) times, and the contemporary. The Viceregal display is especially fascinating because it depicts a 19th-century Puebla mansion with its exquisite collection of silverware, furniture, porcelain, and art.

Apart from all these exciting art displays, the Amparo Museum also has a terrace cafe which gives you the most stunning view of the city of Puebla and beyond. If you want, you can only pop in the restaurant for a drink and the view.

Museo Amparo is open from 10:00am – 6:00pm, Wednesday – Monday.

✦ Pro Tip : Schedule an English guided tour with them on their official website here because most signs and labels are in Spanish.

Marvel at Biblioteca Palafoxiana

Visiting Biblioteca Palafoxiana or the Palafoxiana Library is one of the best things to do in Puebla.

Dating to 1646, Palafoxiana Library is America’s oldest public library and has a treasure house of more than 45,000 books from the 15th – 20th centuries.

The library’s Mexican Baroque architecture coupled with the fact that this was the only religious-order library that was continuosly conserved since its inception make Biblioteca Palafoxiana an unmissable place to visit and worthy of being listed as a UNESCO Memory of the World .

Biblioteca Palafoxiana is located in the historic center in the Casa de Cultura building. They are open 10:00am – 5:00pm, Tuesday – Sunday.

You can visit Palafoxiana Library on your own – tickets cost around 45 pesos. If you’d like to take a guided tour instead, this private city tour shows you the best that the library holds.

✦📖 Related Read : Mexico City also has a unique library called Biblioteca Vasconcelos . If you love visiting libraries and checking out interesting architecture, you can learn all about Biblioteca Vasconcelos in my post on 20 Non-Touristy Things to do in CDMX .

Learn at the Museum of Mexican Revolution

A small but interesting museum that delves into the history of Mexican Revolution.

The House of the Serdan Brothers or the Regional Museum of Mexican Revolution in Puebla is a 19th-century house that was the site of the first revolutionary battle that happened on the 18th of November, 1910.

Step in to see exclusive war memorabilia such as documents, weapons, and photographs as well as interesting recreations of the rooms that were once home to the Serdan family. Perhaps the most moving display is the room that has a broken mirror and walls pockmarked by bullet holes , heralding the beginning of the revolution.

Visit Capilla del Rosario

Of all the things that I did in Puebla City, a visit to Capilla del Rosario, the chapel attached to the Santo Domingo Church was a highlight. I had never seen anything so beautiful in my life.

The chapel is a stunning example of Mexican Baroque architecture with a breathtaking interior . Each and every corner of the chapel is covered in golden leaf and the detailing in the sculptures is mind-blowing. Unfortunately, taking pictures inside the chapel is not allowed but you can look at some pictures on the official website here .

The front facade of the church (baroque wall in gray) is quite plain when compared with the inside. But the red and white side walls add a zing of color to the church, thus making it the perfect photo op.

The church is closed on Mondays and open 9ish to 6ish every other day with a break in between. Hours are available on the above link.

Visit the ex-convent of San Francisco

Located at a walking distance from the historic center, the Convent of San Francisco is an architectural masterpiece that’s often skipped. Therefore, you’ll find this church virtually empty or filled with a few locals.

With a red facade covered in tiles and bright yellow side walls, the Convent of San Francisco is one of Puebla’s most beautiful buildings . It is dedicated to Franciscan Apostles and is believed to be one of the first baroque churches of Puebla. The colors of the church, its architecture, and a rich collection of frescoes inside are definitely worth a look.

Check out some more beautiful Puebla churches

Puebla is the city of churches. Legend has it that Puebla was built by angels, after all. A study tells us that there are nearly 300 churches in Puebla. Wow!

If you love old baroque churches, then Puebla is the perfect place to go church hopping. We stepped into several churches while wandering the colorful streets of Puebla. Two churches that really caught my eye (because of their stunning architecture) were Templo San Felipe Neri La Concordia ( Google Maps ) and Templo de la Compania ( Google Maps ).

Explore the Regional Museum of Puebla

The Regional Museum of Puebla, often skipped for the more popular Museo Amparo, is the largest ethnographic museum in the city, dedicated to the preservation of Mexican culture and history.

Run by INAH, Puebla’s Regional Museum has four large galleries that hold thousands of artifacts and artworks related to Pre-Columbian cultures, the Viceroyalty period, and the Mexican War of Independence. They have a nice virtual tour here that you can refer to before visiting.

Walk through the colorful Los Sapos

Enjoy a walk through the charming Los Sapos street dotted with quaint houses featuring colored facades, wrought-iron balconies, and impressive doors. Come weekend, the entire street turns into an antique market filled with old coins, vinyl records, and decorative handicrafts.

The name “Los Sapos” literally translates to the Alley of Frogs. Don’t know why it is named that way but everything that you see here is perfect and beautiful. Possibly, the frog changed into a handsome prince!

If you’re looking for a relaxing activity in Puebla, take a stroll through the charming Los Sapos.

Click a picture or two at the Puebla letters

A fun thing to do in Puebla is to click amazing pictures at the Puebla letters . There are several versions around the city including one very colorful letter set at the Zocalo, right in front of the Cathedral. If you’re looking for that perfect picture for your gram, then Puebla colorful letters might just be the best spot to get that.

Try local candies at Calle le los Dulce

Puebla is known for its traditional sweets called dulces tipicos (translation – typical sweets). It would be a crime to leave Puebla without picking up some dulces tipicos for your stash of foodie souvenirs. And there’s just the perfect place to do that – Calle de los Dulce or the Sweet Street of Puebla.

Some of the must-try dulces tipicos in Puebla are camotes (sweet potato candies – the most popular Puebla sweet), Santa Clara cookies (made from flour, water, sugar, and butter), cocada al horno (shredded coconut sweet), and palanqueta (candied peanut brittle).

History tells us that the art of Pueblan confectionery making originated in convents where nuns often tried their hands at making different kinds of sweets. Isn’t that so similar to the history of Portuguese desserts which also originated in convents and monasteries? Food for thought!

Dig into some mole poblano

The best food to try in Puebla, Mexico is to try mole poblano, of course.

Mole Poblano is a thick chocolate sauce that is made with chocolate, chillies, and nuts. The good news is mole originated in the state of Puebla . (Though, Oaxaca also claims mole as their own!! ;)) So, you know the rich red mole that you’re having in Puebla is the real deal.

You’ll find the best mole in Puebla at El Mural de los Poblanos , Fonda de Santa Clara , and El Anafre Rojo . Or take this delicious culinary tour to try the best mole that Puebla has to offer.

Don’t forget to taste Chiles en Nogada

A traditional Mexican dish invented in Puebla, Mexico in the 19th century, Chiles en Nogada is made from green poblano pepper or chile stuffed with a mixture of spicy ground meat, fruits and spices, topped with a creamy walnut sauce (called “nogada”) and garnished with pomegranate seeds.

If you notice, Chiles en Nogada has exactly the same colors as the Mexican National Flag – green, white, and red. Therefore, it is often called the “most patriotic dish of Mexico” and you’ll find it being sold in all popular restaurants in Puebla around the time of the Mexican Independence Day in September.

The best places to try chiles en nogada in Puebla are El Mural de los Poblanos and El Sombrero Restaurante .

📖 Related Read : Are you a foodie and looking for exciting foodie experiences? Then, check out our exclusive Puebla Food Guide with the 17 best things to eat in Puebla .

Try local Puebla flavors at Mercado de Sabores

Want to visit a local market in Puebla? Try Mercado de Sabores or the Market of Flavors.

Visiting Mercado de Sabores is absolutely one of the best things to do in Puebla because this place is an absolute haven for foodies like you and me.

Set up by the government for the promotion of Pueblan gastronomy , the Flavors Market features several counters offering all kinds of local food – tamales, cemitas, molotes, and the more common mole and chiles en nogada. You’ll find all kinds of drinks here too – juices, horchata, pulque – you name it.

Just order what you like, pick your food, seat yourself at a table, and enjoy your food.

Sign up for a food tour

All this food talk has made me hungry and now I am itching to go on a Puebla food tour with a local. Aren’t you too?

The best food tour to sign up for is this Taste of Puebla Food Tour that includes sampling various poblano dishes such as mole, cemitas, tacos, dulche tipicos, and pasita (a local alcoholic drink). Listen to your guide explaining the preparation processes and learn all about local poblano ingredients that you’ll never spot in any other Mexican city.

Uncover the secrets of Puebla Tunnels

A recent discovery, the Puebla Tunnels are a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Dating back 500 years, the Puebla Tunnels ( Google Maps ) are an extensive network of underground passages that were probably used during the Inquisition and/or the Mexican Revolution. Archaeologists have discovered numerous artifacts buried on the tunnel floor including kitchen equipment, toys, and weapons.

Join this highest-rated, half-day private tour of Puebla Secrets to visit and learn all about the Puebla Tunnels as well as other iconic Puebla attractions such as the Cathedral, Temple of Santo Domingo, and Biblioteca Palafoxiana.

Watch a play at Teatro Principal

The main theater at Puebla or Teatro Principal is an impressive yellow building that’s been hosting plays since ages. In fact, it is the oldest theater in the Americas that’s still active now!

Dating to late 18th century, Puebla’s Teatro Principal was first known as Corral de Comedias. Fires, destructions, and multiple names later, Teotro Principal is a lively place today and the most happening spot in Puebla. Plays, operas, musical concerts, dances, and local festivals – you can experience all of that here. Check the latest play schedule on their twitter page here .

Shop at the Parian Artisan Market

With its long history of talavera tiles, textiles, and delicious sweets, Puebla offers every traveler countless opportunities to shop. And the Parian Artisan Market is the best place to pick some cool Puebla souvenirs. Spread over two streets, this is one of Puebla’s oldest artisan markets and a must-have on your Puebla bucket list.

At the El Parian, you’ll find all kinds of Mexican crafts including the traditional Puebla dresses called the China Poblana and silver jewelry. You’ll also find many shops selling Talavera pottery though I highly recommend that you purchase those from authentic shops (the ones that give you certificates).

Eat at a museum restaurant

I had a pleasant dining experience at a museum restaurant in Puebla called Museo Casa del Mendrugo ( Google Maps ). They serve some good food and the small museum attached to it tells a great story .

An ancient burial site, over 3,500 years old, was found underneath the building that houses the restaurant and museum. Thanks to the discovery, you can see the skeletal remains of Chuchita, Puebla’s oldest resident here. The museum’s collection of intricately-carved Zapotecan skulls is eerie but interesting.

They are open 10:00am – 6:00pm, Monday – Sunday. If you’re dining here, you can visit the museum for free. Otherwise, there’s a small charge of 50 pesos which is waived off on Wednesdays!

Stay in a historic mansion

One of the best attractions of Puebla that was also an important reason for me to visit the city was the opportunity to stay in a heritage mansion in the city center.

The Historic Center of Puebla is chockfull of historic buildings that are architectural masterpieces. These buildings have facades covered with Talavera tiles and sport a unique fusion of European and American architectural styles . Many residential buildings have now been converted into boutique hotels that provide their guests with an exclusive experience of colonial Puebla.

It was my dream-come-true to stay in one such Puebla mansion called Casa de la Palma . With elegant wooden furnishings, winding staircases, and a balcony that opened up to a bustling Puebla street, Casa de la Palma ( Expedia | Booking ) took me right back to Europe!

Visit the National Museum of Mexican Railroads

Mexico has a long history of railways but not everyone knows about it.

Ferrocarriles Nacionales was Mexico’s state-owned railway company that closed its doors in 1997. The only long distance train that runs in Mexico now is the Copper Canyon Train or El Chepe that rides through some of the most scenic landscapes in the country. All other passenger train services have shut down.

If you’d like to find out more about the railway industry in Mexico, its rise and demise, there’s no better place to visit than the National Museum of Mexican Railroads .

Located in Puebla City, the Mexican Railroad Museum is an open air museum with a variety of trains on display. From passenger coaches of different classes to steam locomotives and freight cars , you’ll find all kinds of trains here. This place is a true haven for all locomotive enthusiasts.

Ride the Puebla Ferris Wheel

Did you know that Puebla has a ferris wheel? Yes, a really big one too. With a height of over 250 feet, Estrella de Puebla is the world’s tallest ferris wheel that is surprisingly portable too.

From the Ferris Wheel, you can get some amazing views of Puebla city including those of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl twin volcanoes. The ride last approximately 20 mins and gives you the right amount of time to explore the stunning views from above.

If you come here at night, you can catch the twinkling lights of the city from above and enjoy the nightlife in the restaurants and clubs surrounding the wheel. There’s also a set of colorful Puebla letters here for you to snap some great pictures.

Update : Unfortunately, the Puebla Ferris Wheel has been closed to public since the pandemic . There’s no news when it will open up. My sources tell me that it is permanently closed now !

Best things to do near Puebla

Visit the great pyramid of cholula.

One of the best things to do in Puebla is to visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula or Tlachihualtepetl located less than 10 miles away.

You’ll be surprised to know that Great Pyramid of Cholula is actually the largest pyramid in the world by volume with a base many times larger than that of the Pyramid of Giza. Built around 300 BCE, this massive pre-Columbian pyramid was a shrine dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, Aztec God of Wind.

Today, the pyramid is overgrown and looks like a hill on the top of which sits the beautiful Church of Our Lady of Remedies . It is difficult to imagine the towering structure that it would have been in its heyday.

But a walk around the archeological site and a look at the numerous patios and altars gives you a sense of its size. There’s a small pyramid at the end of the trail that you can still climb. The Great Pyramid is one of Mexico’s most iconic landmarks that you cannot miss when visiting Puebla.

Hike up to the Church of Our Lady of Remedies

The beautiful yellow church on the top of the Great Pyramid of Cholula is the Church of Our Lady of Remedies or Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de los Remedios .

This neoclassical church was built by the Spanish in 1570s and is adorned with real gold panels and leaves . It is dedicated to Our Lady of Remedies and attracts devotees from all over the world. If you get lucky like we did, you’ll catch a local procession on the way.

It takes a 15-min hike to get to the church from the Cholula Archaeological Site but is well worth it. The views of Puebla City and its pretty churches from the top are stunning and the church is an absolute masterpiece.

Take a Talavera factory tour

You cannot leave Puebla without buying some Talavera pottery. Or even better, without doing a Talavera factory tour.

I did a tour with the team at Talavera Santa Catarina. The owner, Simona Capasso was kind enough to show me around the factory and explained all about the art of Talavera pottery making.

The tour is free and you can book a slot with Simona here . It is a nice gesture to buy something from their showroom after the tour ends. They have a wonderful collection of authentic Talavera pottery (I picked up a really pretty fruit bowl for my home).

Experience the magic of a hacienda

Haciendas are huge estates that were prime production centers in Spanish America. Plantations, mines, factories, animal farms – there were haciendas for everything. Sometimes, haciendas encompassed entire towns, including churches, schools, workshops and other amenities for the peasants living in them.

Over 8,000 haciendas flourished in Mexico during colonial rule but their influence declined after independence. Haciendas often included a sprawling mansion with other buildings such as kitchens, servants quarters, and barns. Many even had their own churches!

Today, many of these haciendas have been renovated and opened as luxury hotels and wedding venues. Staying in a hacienda is one of the most luxurious things to do in Mexico .

I did not know that haciendas were a vibe in Mexico until I stayed at the very regal Hacienda San Gabriel de las Palmas .

On my next Puebla trip, I would love to visit Chautla Hacienda , a huge 18th-century plantation estate that features English gardens, a Talavera-adorned kitchen, chapel, and a museum. Check out this private excursion that takes you on a tour of the beautiful Chautla Hacienda from Puebla.

Take a day trip to see more churches

A visit to Puebla City is incomplete without visiting some extraordinary churches. I am not talking about the Puebla Cathedral or the Temple of Santo Domingo here, rather some exquisite Talavera-clad churches that lie outside the perimeter of the city.

The three most amazing churches that I visited from Puebla were the Temple of Santa Maria Tonantzintla (a beautiful Baroque church with an indigenous twist), San Francisco Acatepec (known for its red brick facade covered all over with Talavera tiles), and Parroquia San Bernardino (an exquisitely ornamented church in red).

Keep an eye out for my article on Puebla churches coming up real soon.

Discover the Cantona ruins

If you’d like to see more historic things in Puebla, I recommend that you head to the Archeological Site of Cantona.

Located about 62 miles northeast of Puebla, Cantona is pre-Hispanic archeological site that was once a sprawling city with tens of thousands of residents.

Dating to 50 CE, the ancient city Cantona, is home to an acropolis, several ball courts, and over 2500 private homes. History tells us that the residents were prosperous traders who made lots of money by trading in obsidian, a commodity that was in high demand in Teotihuacan .

You can go to Cantona from Puebla by taxi or drive your own car. The best (and the safest) way to do it is by taking a guided tour to Cantona ruins from Puebla that includes a knowledgeable tour guide and hotel pick-up and drop off.

Hike a volcano

If you’re looking for the best adventurous things to do near Puebla, I would suggest go hike a volcano. Why? Because the Popocatepetl active volcano is located right next to Puebla City.

Hiking in the Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl National Park is an exciting thing to do. On this highly-recommended hiking tour from Puebla , you’ll hike to more than 10,000 feet on the twin volcanoes, explore the unending wilderness of Mexican mountains, and also get a chance to go zip-lining or immersing yourself in eco-tourism activities. ↳ Check tour reviews here before booking .

I always recommend checking Tripadvisor’s Puebla Travel Forum for latest volcanic activity in the area before planning your trip.

Enjoy an African safari experience

Looking for an African safari experience in the heart of Mexico? Head to the Africam Wildlife Park.

One of Mexico’s best wildlife parks , the Africam Safari is home to over 350 species of animals including elephants, zebras, giraffes, and rhinos. They have different kinds of experiences available such as picnicking in the wild, open jeep safaris, and intimate experiences with elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and more.

A percentage of all purchases at the safari park goes towards conserving wild animals in Africa. The team at Africam Safari aims to give its visitors an immersive wildlife experience in an environment that’s safe for both the animals and the visitors.

Book your Africam Safari admission ticket and transportation from Puebla here .

Head to the magical town of Cuetzalan

A pueblo magico in the Sierra Norte mountains, Cuetzalan is a small hilly town featuring a quaint historic center, cobbled streets, and hundreds of traditional Mexican houses . The archeological zone of Yohualichan, a pre-Hispanic site built by the Totonac people, and Cascada las Brisas waterfalls add to the touristic appeal of Cuetzalan.

UNWTO recently declared Cuetzalan one of the best tourism villages in the world because of the village’s focus on social and environmental sustainability. An important part of these efforts includes the preservation of mountain gastronomy that’s prevalent in the town of Cuetzalan. Consumption of wild herbs, shade-grown coffee, smoked meat, and the age-old production of Melipona honey are an integral part of Cuetzalan gastronomy.

Explore the charming town of Zacatlan

One of the prettiest magical towns to visit near Puebla is Zacatlan de las Manzanas.

Nestled cozily in the Sierra Norte Mountains, Zacatlan de las Manzanas is famous for apple production and is often called the birthplace of cider.

Zacatlan also has a long tradition of watchmaking. It is home to Relojes Centenario, Latin America’s first clock factory. There’s a huge and impressive floral clock in the historic center which is a must-see. The last floral clock that I saw was at the Harry Leu Gardens in Orlando, Florida . Have you seen any? Let me know in the comments.

Other Zacatlan attractions include an old Franciscan Convent, unending rows of murals, and several waterfalls and zip-lining activities in the forests surrounding the town. Zacatlan also works as a good springboard for day trips to other pueblo magicos such as Chignahuapan, Tlaxco, and Huauchinango.

The cheapest way to get to Zacatlan is by boarding an ATAH bus (they have 2 kinds of buses – Ejecutivo and Supra) from Puebla CAPU Bus Station (Google Maps). You can find the latest bus schedules here .

Alternately, you can book this guided tour from Puebla that covers the unique towns of Zacatlan and Chignahuapan and lets you see a lot more than you can accomplish on your own.

Discover Atlixco and Atlimeyaya on a private tour

Want to get out of Puebla City and do something different? Sign up for this private tour to Atlixco and Atlimeyaya that includes a trout farm and nursery visit as well as some incredible tastings of mezcal and local ice cream.

Located just 20 miles from Puebla, Atlixco is a charming pueblo magico is known for its flower industry . The city specializes in the cultivation and export of ornamental plants and flowers such as roses and geraniums. The town is located at the foot of Mt. Popocatepetl (bestowing stunning views over the town) and has a lively zocalo.

Atlimeyaya is a small town with just a little over 1500 inhabitants, majority of whom are indigenous people of the land. The town is full of trout farms which makes it an attractive stopover.

Where to stay in Puebla, Mexico?

The Historic Center of Puebla is the best place to stay , especially if you’re visiting Puebla for the first time. All Puebla attractions are close by and you can walk to many places on this bucket list. Staying close by makes exploring Puebla more fun and less stressful.

Here are my top recommendations of the best hotels in Puebla, Mexico.

• Quinta Real Puebla – This 4-star historic hotel in the heart of Puebla City is everything that a traveler dreams of . With plush rooms, hardwood floors, a stunning courtyard to marvel at, Quinta Real is one of the best places to stay in Mexico. Book your stay at Expedia | Booking .
• Hotel Casa De La Palma – If you’d like to stay in a historic mansion but traveling on a budget, then I highly recommend Hotel Casa De La Palma. It is an old residential building with colonial rooms and balconies with the best views of the city. Entering the building feels like entering a time-warp . Even the creaking floorboards remind us of Puebla’s bygone era. We stayed here and absolutely loved it. Book your stay now at Expedia | Booking .
• Casona de los Sapos Boutique Hotel – Located in the Historic Center of Puebla, Casona de los Sapos Boutique Hotel is a luxury hotel featuring a sun terrace, tastefully decorated rooms, and excellent spa services . Book your stay at Expedia | Booking

Interactive Map of Puebla Attractions

Best time to visit Puebla, Mexico

Puebla has a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 55-70 throughout the year. Dec – Feb are the coldest months of the year whereas Jun – Sep are the wettest.

The best time to visit Puebla is from Mar – May or mid Sep – Oct when temperatures are ideal and days are dry. If you don’t mind the cold, then Nov – Feb also works.

How to get around Puebla, Mexico?

The best way to get around Puebla is by walking . The historic center is laid out in a grid and most attractions are located within walking distance of the Zocalo, making Puebla a perfectly walkable city .

You can also do the Hop-on Hop-off City Bus Tour that runs from 9:00am – 9:00pm, Monday – Sunday.

If you’d like to visit places like the Great Pyramid of Cholula, Zacatlan, Atlixco, and Cuetzalan, you can either hire a car or sign up for a guided tour . Local buses also run in these routes but I wouldn’t really recommend those because there are no fixed schedules.

Puebla Mexico Travel FAQ

You need at least two days in Puebla to see the main churches and museums of the historic downtown and visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula as well as the beautiful churches of Santa Maria Tonantzintla and San Francisco Acatepec. If you’re short on time, you can squeeze most of it into one day too.

Puebla is best known for mole poblano and chiles en nogada, an atmospheric downtown (also a UNESCO heritage site) that is full of stunning baroque churches and colorful colonial buildings, and for being the site of the Battle of Puebla – the victory of which led to Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Yes, Puebla Mexico is a touristy town with several tourist attractions in and around the place. Some of the must visit tourist places in Puebla include the Puebla Cathedral, Palafoxiana Library, Los Sapos Street, Parian Artisan Market, Great Pyramid of Cholula, and the churches of Santa Maria Tonantzintla and San Francisco Acatepec.

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4 Picturesque Towns in Puebla, Mexico, That Prove You Need to See This Lesser-Visited State

T he state of Puebla gets less attention from tourists than Quintana Roo, Baja California Sur, or Oaxaca. However, located just south of Mexico City in the center of the country, Puebla should be on every travelers list for its food (the birthplace of mole poblano), its architecture, and it’s pre-Hispanic history.

Puebla is full of destination-worthy and picturesque towns to visit regardless of what you’re looking to experience. Here’s where to go whether it’s your first trip or thousandth.

Photo: Gianfranco Vivi /Shutterstock

Cholula is located on the outskirts of the city of Puebla and is not only one of the most picturesque towns in Mexico, it is also one of the places with the most history in the entire continent. This place has been continuously inhabited for more than 2,500 years. A visit to Cholula begins with the greatest of its attractions: Tlachihualtepetl, or the Great Pyramid of Cholula, is the largest pyramid ever built. Access to the archaeological site only costs 70 pesos (about $3.50) and the same ticket grants you entry to the site museum and to the tunnels that go deep inside this monumental structure.

Above the pyramid is the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios and a viewpoint from which you can admire the whole city. From here, you’ll have a privileged view of the volcanoes Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl. You’ll also be able to admire one of the distinctive characteristics of Cholula: the city has so many churches that people commonly say there’s one for each day of the year. Once you’re back at street level, head towards Plaza de la Concordia, the town center, and go to the Ex-Convent of San Gabriel, an impressive 16th-century construction, or to the church of Santa María Tonantzintla, which probably the most colorful Catholic temple you’ll ever see.

If you want to get away to the center of Puebla, you can do it through the Puebla-Cholula Tourist Train . The train station is next to the pyramid and you can board it with your bike.

When to visit Cholula: The festival of the Virgen de los Remedios is the most important festival in Cholula and takes place in the first week of September. Another good time to visit Cholula is during the vaniloquy (a concert in which the bells from all the town’s churches participate) which is held every November.

Photo: Luis I. Sanchez /Shutterstock

Cuetzalan is tucked in the misty mountain tops of the Sierra Norte de Puebla. This small town of white houses with red tiles and cobblestone streets is a good spot to experience the Indigenous culture that still prevails in the central areas of Mexico. Walking through Cuetzalan on market day (the main flea market takes place every Sunday) is a true journey through time. Men and women dress in their traditional white attires to buy and exchange local products that range from wild herbs and mushrooms to tlayoyos (a corn cake stuffed with split peas and avocado leaves) and the famous Yolixpa (an alcoholic drink with medicinal properties that is prepared with more than twenty different herbs).

The Cuetzalan main square houses the impressive temple of San Francisco de Asís. Its tower is about 230 feet tall, which makes it the tallest church in the state that’s only rivaled in size by the gigantic pole that stands in the center of its atrium. This pole is used to perform the ritual dance of the flying men, which some people think originated in this town. If you want to know more about the Indigenous history of the region, visit the Calmahuistic Ethnographic Museum inside the House of Culture, as well as the archaeological zone of Yohualichan, less than half an hour away from Cuetzalan.

When to visit Cuetzalan: The best time to visit Cuetzalan is during the festival of San Francisco de Asís in the first days of October. The identity of the town and its surrounding regions becomes even more present during these festivities full of music, dance, and shows. The festival also hosts the National Huipil Fair, a celebration of Indigenous identity through its traditional garments.

Photo: Lino Carapucheta /Shutterstock

Atlixco, the City of Flowers, is one of the closest inhabited regions to the foothill of the Popocatepetl volcano and is a place where local identity is continuously celebrated. The nickname comes from the production of flowers and ornamental plants. Flora is the most important economic activity in the town since the 16th century, when Atlixco was called The Barn of New Spain. The center of Atlixco is full of striking colors and Moorish-influenced buildings that make it one of the most colorful towns in Mexico.

Start exploring Atlixco from the main plaza. The ice cream stalls found in and around the square seem ordinary, but they are famous for flavors such as grasshopper, rosemary, VapoRub, and chile en nogada (chiles in walnut sauce). You can find the latter during the months of August and September in artisanal ice cream parlors such as Ximitl . From the main plaza, walk down Avenida Hidalgo until you reach the clock. From here, you can go up to the viewpoints of Cerro de San Miguel, from where you’ll have an impressive view of Atlixco and one of the best views of Popocatepetl. On your way up you will come across the Temple of San Francisco, an impressive Franciscan construction from the 16th century.

When to visit Atlixco: If you visit Atlixco near the end of September, you’ll probably be in time for the Fiesta Grande or Huey Atlixcayotl, a festival in which representatives of the 11 regions of Puebla come together to celebrate their identity with dance, food, and music. It’s similar to what happens in the neighboring state of Oaxaca during Guelaguetza, but without the crowds that attend the better-known Oaxacan festival. Atlixco also celebrates a Fiesta Chica (Small Party), or Atlixcayotontli, in early September. During the holidays, Atlixco shines with a show of lights and decorations that transform the town center into a Christmas village.

Photo: JAVI22 /Shutterstock

The Sierra Norte de Puebla is a place that adds mysticism to each of its towns, and Zacatlán is no exception. The town is near the edge of a large ravine called Barranca de los Jilgueros, and most afternoons it gets completely covered by a thick fog that completely transforms its looks. The name Zacatlán de las Manzanas comes from colonial times, when the Franciscan missionaries realized how good the region’s climate was for the production of apples. To this day, Zacatlán is the main producer of striped apples in Mexico.

The charm around the squares, temples, and streets of Zacatlán is undeniable, especially when the fog falls and transforms Zacatlan into an enchanted town. But the surroundings have first-class natural attractions. Less than fifteen minutes from the town center there are spectacular waterfalls such as San Pedro and Tulimán, the latter of which has three jumps that together reach nearly a thousand feet, making it one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Mexico. A little farther away are the famous Piedras Encimadas, a valley full of gigantic basalt columns with the most peculiar shapes. Both Tulimán and Piedras Encimadas have trails to explore and tourist infrastructure to enjoy a day in nature.

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10 Best Places in Mexico to Visit on Your Next Trip

W ith centuries of Indigenous cultural history, ancient ruins , and resplendent cities, Mexico is brimming with beautiful places. But this can make choosing a place (or several places) to visit in Mexico a challenge. Do you want to spend your days stretched on a beach in the Yucatán Peninsula or in idle relaxation sitting beside a pueblo plaza? Then again, why not both?

To help you decide, here are our top picks for the best places to visit in Mexico.

• Location: Oaxaca
• Come for: a heady mix of traditional and experimental cuisine, ancient ruins, and a vibrant arts scene
• Where to stay: Hotel Sin Nombre

Tucked high up in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, Oaxaca is a place where overflowing baskets of spices and textiles sit beside cafés serving up artisanal coffee. Cuisine is a pillar of the city's soul, whether in the form of crispy, coal-grilled tlayudas on the street or high-brow rooftop cocktails.

A capital for mezcal artistry, Oaxaca is known for its dozens upon dozens of mezcalerias . Pull up a chair at La Mezcalerita , a veritable library of mezcal, with three downstairs rooms and an appealing rooftop patio-perfect for sunset.

How to get to Oaxaca

The most direct way to get to Oaxaca is to fly into the Oaxaca International Airport (OAX). Travelers can also connect in Mexico City for the nearly 90-minute flight.

• Location: Quintana Roo
• Come for: tranquil lagoon life that is still flying relatively far below the typical tourist radar
• Where to stay: Hotel Makaaba Eco-Boutique

Laguna de Bacalar is the second largest lake in Mexico, with colors that change from aquamarine to cobalt because of the different depths of the water, earning it the nickname "The Lake of Seven Colors." Bacalar has a reputation for eco-friendly resorts, hidden cenotes, and mangrove channels for kayaking. Life is slow-paced here-lights are usually out by 9 p.m., and that's how the locals like it.

How to get to Bacalar

Bacalar is a four-hour drive south of Cancun, which helps it retain its remote vibe. In December 2023 , the opening of the airport in Tulum will cut that drive nearly in half. Travelers can also fly into the city of Chetumal and drive for 30 minutes.

3. Puerto Escondido

• Come for: epic surf and the culture that comes with it, plus undeveloped beaches, bioluminescent bays, and hot springs
• Where to stay: Villas Carrizalillo

Mexico is in a constant state of development and some foreign investors have set their sights on coveted real estate. But in this port town, visitors can still eat fish tacos underneath shady palapas , grab an open-air collective van (a one-way ride will cost roughly 10 pesos), travel to the market downtown, and surf along windswept beaches at dawn, in large part thanks to efforts from tourists, expats, and locals to control development.

How to get to Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido has a very small airport. For an accessible alternative, travelers can connect in Mexico City or Guadalajara. A larger international airport is in Huatulco, which is about 90 minutes away.

4. Isla Holbox

• Come for: idyllic car-free island living with spectacular beaches, yoga, and a growing foodie scene
• Where to stay: Ser Casasandra

This island off the coast of the Yucatan peni nsula feels as much Caribbean as it does Mexican, with a blend of car-free streets and the lilt of steel drums. Though admittedly less Robinson Crusoe–esque than it used to be thanks to an infusion of boutique resorts like Nomade Holbox and NÁAY Boutique Hotel Punta Coco, this remains a place for freshly caught and grilled seafood and beaches that seem to stretch on forever.

How to get to Isla Holbox

Fly into Cancun International Airport and take a two-hour taxi, or hop on an ADO bus up for a four-hour ride to Chiquila. From there, take the 15-minute ferry to Isla Holbox.

5. Puerto Vallarta

• Location: Jalisco
• Come for: a beach-meets-city scene where locals and tourists mingle
• Where to stay: Casa Kimberly

Puerto Vallarta is a city where bars, restaurants, or shops will unlikely accept U.S. dollars, unlike in other resort towns. It buzzes with action from both visitors and locals, whether through the pulse of the Malecon boardwalk until the wee hours or lively cobblestone streets of Zona Romantica. At the end of the day, travelers can enjoy sunset above the Bay of Banderas.

How to get to Puerto Vallarta

Several U.S. airports, including New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), and Los Angeles (LAX) offer direct flights to Puerto Vallarta.

• Come for: all-inclusive hotels, white-sand beaches, and a lively downtown
• Where to stay: Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa

Cancún is what put the Mexican Caribbean on the map, for good reason: Few places offer better white-sand beaches or all-inclusive resorts than this spot on the Yucatán Peninsula. Cancun's once locals-only downtown is starting to gain traction from travelers who want to venture outside the Hotel Zone. Here, visitors can get another taste of the city when encountering its street art, taco trucks, and bustling markets like Mercado 28.

How to get to Cancun

With the second busiest airport in Mexico , it's one of the easiest places in the country to access.

7. Guanajuato

• Location: Guanajuato
• Come for: colorful architecture and growing wine tourism
• Where to stay: 1850 Hotel Boutique

Guanajuato is a great jumping-off point for exploring the state's growing wine route (there are more than 30 wineries in the Guanajuato Grape and Wine Association) as well as regional dishes like enchiladas mineras -head to Enchiladas de Lupe for a delicious one. The city also hosts the annual Festival Internacional Cervantino , which invites musicians, theater performers, and other artists from all over the world to showcase their culture.

How to get to Guanajuato

The main airport in the state of Guanajuato is in Leon, about an hour's drive from the city. It has a few direct flights from the USA, but travelers can get to the airport with direct flights from Tijuana, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and Monterrey.

8. Mexico City

• Location: Mexico City
• Come for: world-class hotels, museums, and restaurants
• Where to stay in Mexico City: Circulo Mexicano

No visit to Mexico is complete without exploring the world-renowned restaurants , Aztec ruins, and 24/7 vibe of its capital city. Walk around Roma Norte and other vibrant neighborhoods, each one offering something different from the next. Thanks to its efficient (and cost-effective) mass transit, devouring everything from Diego Rivera murals to inventive cocktails from the top floors of luxury hotels is possible.

How to get to Mexico City

Mexico City's airport has direct flights from all major U.S. gateways.

• Location: Puebla
• Come for: mole, mole, mole!
• Where to stay: Banyan Tree Puebla

Puebla has fostered a scene that is just as proud of its heritage and tradition (it's said to have a church for every day of the year) as it is of its experimental restaurants, with eateries like Moyuelo and Áttico 303 fusing traditional Mexican ingredients with international techniques and recipes. The city's kitchens and street carts offer temptations like mole (a dried chile sauce) in every shade, overstuffed bread roll sandwiches known as cemitas , and tacos arabes stuffed into fluffy lavash-style bread.

How to get to Puebla

Puebla has its own international airport with direct flights from Houston (IAH), but consider flying into Mexico City, which has ample connections. From the Benito Juarez airport, you can hop aboard an express bus and ride two hours to Puebla.

10. San José del Cabo

• Location: Baja California Sur
• Come for: Cabo beaches and fantastic dining without the overwhelming hum of tourists
• Where to stay: Acre Baja

Los Cabos consists of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, which are connected by a long stretch of resort-lined roads known as the Tourist Corridor. As Cabo San Lucas is the more visited of the two, San José del Cabo is where travelers go to escape the crowds. Those visiting San José del Cabo can experience a thriving farm-to-table scene thanks to organic farms Flora Farms, Tamarindos, and Acre Baja that double as outdoor restaurants.

How to get to San José del Cabo

San Jose del Cabo's international airport is the gateway to Los Cabos. It has direct flights from most major U.S. hubs.