Puebla, Mexico’s fourth-largest city, is a hidden gem to explore. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, Puebla offers visitors exciting activities and attractions. Whether you’re a history buff eager to delve into the city’s colonial past or a food lover looking to indulge in mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, Puebla has something for everyone. From exploring ancient ruins and visiting colourful markets to sampling traditional dishes and admiring beautifully tiled buildings, this article will guide you through the top things to do in Puebla for an unforgettable experience in this captivating city.
Are you planning a visit to Puebla?
Puebla, a popular day trip from Mexico City, is worth more than a day trip.
Wondering what you can see in Puebla? We share with you our 19 fun things to do in Puebla, Mexico.
- 1. Visit the Zocalo
- 2. Explore the Cathedral de Puebla
- 3. Admire the colonial architecture
- 4. Visit the Parian Market (mercado el parian)
- 5. If you have a sweet tooth, visit Calle de Los Dulces
- 6. Plan to spend May 5 at the Cinco de Maya parade
- 7. Spend time at the Museo Amparo
- 8. Visit the Capilla del Rosario
- 9. Take a bus tour of the city
- 10. Try your hand at a local cooking class
- 11. Stroll down Frog Alley
- 12. Spend time at the Church Santo Domingo
- 13. Visit the Fuertes de Loreto y Guadalupe
- 14. Take a tour of the Cholula Pyramid and Churches
- 15. Visit the African safari on a private tour
- 16. Indulge in your passion for books at the Biblioteca Palafoxiana
- 17. Taste the local cuisine, including Mole Poblano, Chiles en Nogada and Cemita
- 18. Ride the Teleferico
- 19. Hike to the two volcanoes – Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl
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Where is Puebla
Puebla is the Capital City of the State of Puebla, located in southern Central Mexico, a 2-hour drive from Mexico City.
Puebla Map
Top Things To Do in Puebla
Some of the top tourist attractions in Puebla are:
1. Visit the Zocalo
The heart of every Mexican town is the Zocalo. The city was founded in 1531 and the Zocalo was the first block built, all other buildings were constructed around it.
You can find the Municipal Palace, Portals, Cathedral, and the San Miguel Fountain in Puebla. The area around the Zocalo contains 2619 monuments distributed across 391 blocks over 6.9 sq km, making Puebla the largest city with the most monuments in the Americas.
The Zocalo was once used for bullfights and hangings; nowadays, buskers, balloon sellers, food vendors, and families enjoy themselves there.
2. Explore the Cathedral de Puebla
In the centre of the Zocalo is the Catedral de Puebla. This beautiful building is considered the most representative icon of Puebla City. The Catedral has the tallest towers on the continent and houses a substantial art collection.
The Catedral was constructed in the Baroque style in 1575, but it was not consecrated until 1649.
Address: 16 Septiembre between 3 and 5 Oriente.
3. Admire the colonial architecture
Puebla boasts over 2,600 historic buildings, and it was named UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage site in 1987. Puebla is famous for using azulejos (colourful glazes) on many of its colonial buildings.
4. Visit the Parian Market (mercado el parian)
Talavera ceramics have been made for over four centuries in Puebla and are recognised as one of Mexico’s most important folk art expressions. They can be found in the Parian Market, established in 1796, plus other souvenirs such as textiles, leather, jewellery and more.
5. If you have a sweet tooth, visit Calle de Los Dulces
More than 40 stores offer the best Mexican sweets from Puebla and the famous Santa Clara pancakes. The aromas from the sweets will entice you to visit many of the 40 stores as you wander down the street.
Address: 6 East Puebla (6 Oriente)
Open: from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm
6. Plan to spend May 5 at the Cinco de Maya parade
What is the Battle of Puebla, and why is it celebrated all over Mexico on May 5?
In 1862, the President of Mexico, Benito Juarez owed money to many countries and stopped paying interest on the loans. One unhappy country was France, which, under Napoleon III’s captaincy, decided to invade Mexico. France, the UK, and Spain had monies owed to them. France saw a chance of capturing Mexico and creating a new empire.
Mexico had only 2000 soldiers whilst France had 6000. Mexico secured Puebla, stopping the French troops from moving onto Mexico City. The fighting lasted all day, with France losing 500 men and Mexico 100.
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated all over Mexico with parades and celebrations.
7. Spend time at the Museo Amparo
Museo Amparo is one of Mexico’s most important historical museums. Its collections include pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern art from 2,500 BCE to the present day.
Address: 2 Sur 708 Centro
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm.
8. Visit the Capilla del Rosario
The Capilla del Rosario, opened on April 16, 1690, is considered the 8th Wonder of the New World. It is attached to the Templo of Santo Domingo and took 40 years to build. The chapel’s walls are adorned with artwork by Jose Rodriguez Carnero, and the three vaults on the ceiling represent faith, hope, and charity. The chapel was built in the late 16th-century Mexican Baroque style.
In 1987, the Chapel was declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO
Address: 5 de Mayo and 4 Poniente, Puebla
9. Take a bus tour of the city – hop on, hop off bus Puebla
60-minute panoramic tour on board a double-decker bus with a retractile ceiling and live comments from a professional guide. You will pass by the Zocalo, Cathedral, Los Sapos Alley, Analco neighbourhood, Convention Center, Loreto and Guadalupe forts, where we will stop to take beautiful landscape pictures of Puebla. We continue to the Parian flea market, Artist neighbourhood, Candy Street and Revolution Museum. At the end of this tour, you will take a big picture of Puebla.
Book your tickets here in advance
10. Try your hand at a local cooking class
Visit the home of a local restauranteur. You will spend two hours preparing the two Mexican dishes before you sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
A sample menu can consist of:
• enfrijoladas – a tortilla stuffed with beans, chicken, avocado, onion and sour cream
• cemitas – a typical Poblano sandwich filled with cheese, ham, avocado and a chipotle chilli sauce
• enmoladas – rolled and lightly fried tortillas stuffed with chicken or cheese, topped with a savoury cocoa mole and sprinkled with sesame seeds
• a variety of fresh salsas
• traditional Poblano sweets and seasonal fruit
11. Stroll down Frog Alley
Looking for souvenirs to take home with you for friends and family? Head to Frog Alley or “Callejon de Los Sapos” for markets, handicrafts, souvenirs and colourful architecture.
12. Spend time at the Church Santo Domingo
Address: Avenue 4 Centro Historico Puebla
The Roman Catholic Church was built between 1571 and 1659. Its patron saint is the Archangel Michael. It also houses the Chapel of the Rosario, the 8th wonder of the world, built in the new Spanish Baroque.
13. Visit the Fuertes de Loreto y Guadalupe
The historic fort has been converted into a museum highlighting the Battle of 5 de Mayo, which took place on 5 May 1862. In this battle, the Mexican Army, led by Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the French Army and won.
14. Take a tour of the Cholula Pyramid and Churches
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Explore the archaeological site of Cholula, which has a sprawling pyramid and ornate church. Encounter Mexican and indigenous history that dates back to the 3rd century BCE.
- After being picked up from your accommodation in Puebla, you’ll head straight to the archaeological site of Cholula, home to the largest pyramid. Explore the underground tunnels and elaborate altars and climb to the top of the pyramid. Wander the large plateau on top of the pyramid, taking note of the ornate church and views of the surrounding volcanoes.
- Afterwards, head to the Church of Santa Maria Tonantzintla in Cholula, a chapel famous for its elaborate interior decorations and significance to local religious tradition. Afterwards, you’ll head to a pottery studio to taste artisanal spirits, including eggnog and other locally crafted liquors.
- You’ll end your day by heading to the brilliantly colourful Church of San Francisco Acatepec to explore the exquisite details of the mosaics, inside and out. Afterwards, you’ll head back for drop-off at any point in Puebla City.
- Check availability here
15. Visit the African safari on a private tour
Puebla’s Mexican Safari showcases over 5,000 mostly free-roaming animals, which you can see from the comfort of your car or bus at Africam Safari. Look out for rare white tigers, rhinos, and elephants.
Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
Address: Blvd. Capitan Carlos Camacho Espiritu Km. 16.5, Tecali de Herrera, Heróica Puebla de Zaragoza, Pue. Mexico, 75240
Check availability here
16. Indulge in your passion for books at the Biblioteca Palafoxiana
Biblioteca Palafoxiana is considered the first public library on the American continent. It was given the title of ‘Memory of the World’ in June 2005 by UNESCO as an important place to safeguard the written memory of humanity.
Location: 5 Oriente 5 Puebla
Book a 3-hour walking tour that includes a visit to Biblioteca Palafoxiana:
Check availability hereThe tour also includes:
- Puebla Cathedral
- Zocalo
- Rosary Chapel
- Taste sweet treats in Sweet Street
- Artist Quarter
- El Parian for handicrafts
- Alley of the Frogs
17. Taste the local cuisine, including Mole Poblano, Chiles en Nogada and Cemita
Enjoy a 5-hour tasting tour of traditional Mexican cuisine in markets and small traditional restaurants whilst learning about the history of Puebla.
Check availability here18. Ride the Teleferico
Ride the 2 x 35 passenger cabin on the Teleferico Cable Car from the Forts of Loreto and Guadalupe to the Exhibition Convention Centre for spectacular views over Puebla.
Puebla’s 5-hour modern attractions tour includes the cable car ride.
Check availability hereThe tour also includes visits to:
- International Museum of the Baroque
- Star of Puebla – the largest observation wheel in Latin America
19. Hike to the two volcanoes – Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl
Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl are Mexico’s 2nd and 3rd largest volcanoes. The Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park is around a 2-hour drive from Puebla.
You can take a tour to La Joya, and from there, you can begin your hike, climbing to the first scenic viewpoint at 13,914 feet above sea level. Gaze out across the breathtaking vista before climbing even higher, to 14,340 feet, where you’ll pause again, finally ending your hike at an unbelievable 14,842 feet above sea level.
Check availability hereMore Things To Do in Puebla
Where To Stay in Puebla
Hotel Gala at 3 Poninete 150 Puebla
The 4-star Hotel Gala is in central Puebla and popular with travellers. It offers free parking, Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a bar.
Guest review: “Very central in town, with noon checkout, friendly staff, breakfast included (very light), clean, comfy beds, and a good shower.”
Check availability here
Hotel 5 de Mayo at 404 Boulevard Heroes del 5 de Mayo
The 4-star Hotel 5 de Mayo offers rooms with city views, a fitness centre, free parking, an indoor pool, and a bar and terrace.
Guest review: “Breakfast was great! The restaurant staff were always so friendly and welcoming. The location was perfect for us – close to town but not too close. Great proximity to a beautiful park!”
Check availability here
Hotel Frida at Calle 2 Norte 206 Colona Centro
The 3-star centrally located Hotel Frida offers guest rooms with private balconies in the centre of Puebla, available family rooms, and free Wi-Fi.
Guest review: “The hotel is nice and clean, and the room was a decent size with an outstanding shower. The bed was comfy and the place relatively quiet.”
Check availability here
Hotel Boutique Casa Reyna at Privada 2 Oriente 1007
The 5-star boutique hotel in a 17th-century house in the centre of Puebla offers suites with patios, family rooms, free wifi, a swimming pool, a fitness centre and a bar.
Guest review: “Beautiful hotel, very comfortable, great location and a good restaurant.”
Check availability here
For more Puebla Hotels:
Where To Eat in Puebla
Tripadvisor Puebla has produced a list of Puebla’s top 10 best restaurants – you can check it out here.
Eat a Typical Pueblan Dish
Puebla is well known for its traditional dish of Mole Poblano (chilli chocolate sauce). You can even try Chiles en Nogada, another traditional dish of spicy peppers filled with mince and covered in butter and nut sauce.
For fine dining, head to La Noria at 41 Poniente 2120 for Mexican and American cuisine.
Rated in the top 5 of the best restaurants in Puebla is Casa Reyna at Privada 2 Oriente for Mexican and International cuisine.
Centrally located, Vittorio’s at Calle 2 Sur 106 is popular for Mexican and Italian cuisine and pizza.
Top Mexican cuisine at El Mural de los Poblanos at Avenida 16 de Septiembre 506.
FAQ’s on Visiting Puebla
What is the capital of Puebla state?
Puebla is the capital of the state of the same name. Puebla is the 4th largest city in Mexico.
What can you see in Centro Historico de Puebla?
Start at the Zocalo and head towards Puebla Cathedral and then onto Museums, colonial buildings, great restaurants and bars. It is easy to explore on foot.
When is the best time to visit Puebla?
The best months for travel to Puebla are February to April and October to November.
Aeropuerto de Puebla (PBC)
Puebla’s airport is located 23 km from the city. Puebla’s airport is also an alternative to Mexico City Airport, 125 km away.
Flight Deals to Puebla
Find the cheapest flights with Skyscanner to Puebla and Mexico City. They are our ‘go-to’ for finding the best value flight deals.
Car Rental
If you plan to hire a car and travel around Puebla – check out the latest rates here.
Do you need an International Drivers Licence? You can obtain one online here in minutes.
Bus Travel to Puebla
We have travelled the whole of Mexico on ADO buses.
For distances:
Puebla to Oaxaca by Bus – 339.3 km with an average driving time of 4 hours 40 minutes
Mexico City to Puebla by bus – 133.2 km with an average driving time of 2 hours 56 minutes.
Check bus routes and prices here
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Puebla offers many activities and attractions that cater to all interests and preferences. Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a food lover, this vibrant city has something for everyone. From exploring colonial architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites to indulging in delicious culinary delights and immersing yourself in rich cultural traditions, Puebla promises an unforgettable experience. So, plan your visit to Puebla today and prepare to be captivated by its beauty, charm, and endless possibilities for adventure.
We hope you have enjoyed the top tourist attractions in Puebla. Feel free to share our article with family and friends.
For Mexican Travel Inspirations:
Top 5 Things to do in Mexico City
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