24 Best Things to Do in Puebla, Mexico – Colonial Architecture, Culture, and Cuisine
History, culture, and amazing food – Puebla has it all. A bustling city located just a few hours southeast of Mexico City, Puebla is the capital and largest city of the namesake state. The city is a blend of stunning colonial architecture, lively markets, and delicious cuisine: Puebla is the home of the Mole Poblano and the Chile en Nogada, both iconic dishes. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its many colonial buildings, among them several adorned with colorful tiles known as Talavera. On top of that, there’s always something cultural going on, which is why so many expats love this place so much – some even decide to settle here. The mild climate, thanks to Puebla’s altitude of about 2,100 m (6,890 ft), makes it a comfortable spot all year round, with none of the humidity or heat you might experience in Mexico’s beach towns.
Another great thing about Puebla is its nightlife. Head to the zócalo, the main square, to soak in the lively atmosphere, enjoy live music performances, and sip on traditional drinks like mezcal or pulque. For a more laid-back evening, visit one of the town’s charming rooftop bars and savor a refreshing cocktail while admiring the panoramic views of the city skyline.
After having lived in Puebla and neighboring Cholula for over 2 years, I can tell you that Puebla has so much to offer that you’ll surely want to stay for longer than just one day!
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At a Glance: 24 Best Things to Do in Puebla, Mexico
- Relax and People-Watch at the Zócalo (Main Square)
- Admire the Pasaje del Ayuntamiento
- Explore the Cathedral of Puebla
- Admire the Lavish Baroque Interior of the Rosary Chapel
- Stroll Down Callejón de Los Sapos and Its Flea Market
- Buy Artisanal Products at El Parián
- Buy Artisanal Talavera Pottery
- Discover Art in the Barrio del Artista
- Try Local Dishes Like Mole Poblano and Chile en Nogadas
- Eat Churros at Puebla La Churrería
- Visit Museo Amparo and Its Roof Terrace
- Take a City Tour of Puebla’s Old Suburbs
- Buy Traditional Sweets in the Calle de los Dulces
- Walk Through the Tunnels of Puebla
- Explore the Historic Forts of Loreto and Guadalupe
- Visit the First Public Library in the Americas (Biblioteca Palafoxiana)
- Watch a Traditional Dance Show at La Casa de Cultura
- Let Off Steam at a Lucha Libre Wrestling Show
- Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Puebla
- Celebrate Day of the Dead in Puebla
- Go on a Safari in the Africam Safari Park
- Take a Trip to the Volcanoes
- Visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula
- Take a Day Trip to the Magical Towns of Zacatlán and Chignahuapan
In the City Center
Explore the city center and the most iconic sites in Puebla. Here are things you can do even if you only have limited time to visit.
1. Relax and People-Watch at the Zócalo (Main Square)
Like many colonial cities in Mexico, Puebla’s main square is the heart of the city. Surrounded by the municipal palace (Palacio Municipal) on one side and the cathedral on the other, the square is framed by arcaded buildings housing cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s a great place to relax under the shade of the trees, people-watch, admire the central fountain, and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere. At night, enjoy the view of the zócalo from a restaurant’s roof terrace sipping mezcal.
Pro Tip
In the evenings, the town hall’s facade becomes the backdrop for a colorful video mapping show. The theme changes with the seasons, so be sure to check the current schedule at the tourist information office located in the municipal palace.
2. Admire the Pasaje del Ayuntamiento
To the left of the Palacio Municipal at the zócalo, you’ll find the beautiful passageway Pasaje del Ayuntamiento. Under its glass roof, you can find many shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the Galería de Arte del Palacio Municipal to the right of its entrance, a small art gallery with rotating exhibits featuring Mexican folklore art.
3. Explore the Cathedral of Puebla
Dominating the south side of the zócalo, Puebla Cathedral is an impressive blend of architectural styles. including Herrerian, neoclassical, and baroque. Officially named Basílica Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción, it’s the episcopal seat of the Archdiocese of Puebla de los Ángeles (Mexico) and was built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Step inside to admire the beautiful interiors, and use the time for a silent prayer or meditation away from the bustling city.
4. Admire the Lavish Baroque Interior of the Rosary Chapel
Tucked inside the Santo Domingo Church just a short walk north of the zócalo, the Rosary Chapel (Capilla del Rosario) is a baroque masterpiece. Its intricate gold-leafed interior is so ornate that it’s often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” When you enter the Santo Domingo Church, take also your time to admire the church’s altarpiece and niches before turning left to enter the Rosary Chapel.
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 9.30 AM – 1.30 PM and 4-5.30 PM; Sat 10 AM – 1.30 PM and 4-6 PM; Sun 9-10.45 AM and 3.30-5.30 PM. Closed on Mondays.
5. Stroll Down Callejón de Los Sapos and Its Flea Market
The Alley of the Frogs (Callejón de Los Sapos) is a photographer’s dream with its many colorful facades and metal-grilled balconies. It’s part of the Calle 6 Sur street and you can find many antique shops and cafes here. If you move further down the street, you’ll get to a plaza where the famous flea market takes place at the weekends.
Be it antiques, photo cameras, Talavera ceramic products, or clothes: You can find all types of things at the flea market stands. In the middle of the plaza, the fountain with a frog statue is a reminder of this neighborhood’s past: As the streets were regularly flooded by the San Francisco River, the puddles left behind became the home of many frogs. Now, it’s the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and eat in one of the surrounding restaurants in the shade of trees.
Pro Tip
The Barrio de Los Sapos neighborhood is a great place to enjoy Puebla’s nightlife.
6. Buy Artisanal Products at El Parián
El Parián is Puebla’s iconic traditional artisanal market where you can find handicrafts, traditional clothing, and Talavera pottery (hand-painted ceramics typical for the Puebla state). Be ready to haggle a bit for a better price. Outside the market are many small restaurants where you can try the mole poblano and other typical dishes.
7. Buy Artisanal Talavera Pottery
Talavera is synonymous with Puebla. These hand-painted ceramic tiles are everywhere, from street-side shops to artisan markets like El Parián. The glazed ceramic tiles in blue and white are typical for Puebla, but you can also find them in other colors. Whether you’re looking for plates, cups, or decorative figurines, Talavera makes a perfect souvenir.
By the way, Talavera tiles are also used to decorate the interior and exterior of buildings. You’ll find many examples in the streets of Puebla, one of the reasons why this town is a great spot for sightseeing.
8. Discover Art in the Barrio del Artista
The Barrio del Artista is one of my favorite places to go in the evenings, as they often have live music, especially at the Café del Artista at the end of the street. Along the whole Calle 8 Norte, you’ll find one tiny art gallery next to another. Stroll along, admire the many paintings, and enjoy the bohemian atmosphere while sipping coffee in one of the cafes or restaurants.
9. Try Local Dishes Like Mole Poblano and Chile en Nogadas
As mentioned before, Puebla is known for several typical dishes. Most famous is the mole poblano, a complex sauce made with chocolate, chili peppers, and many more ingredients. “Poblano” means “coming from Puebla” by the way.
Another typical dish is chiles en nogada, a seasonal delicacy made of stuffed poblano peppers topped with creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds. The colors – white, green, and red – reflect the Mexican flag which explains why this is the number one dish to celebrate September 16, one of Mexico’s most important public holidays. Some more typical dishes are cemitas (sandwiches), tacos arabes, chalupas, and many more.
10. Eat Churros at Puebla La Churrería
According to several Mexican friends, Puebla La Churrería is one of the best places to eat churros. Churros are long pieces of fried dough sparkled with cinnamon and sugar. Originating from Spain where they’re usually dipped into hot chocolate, in Mexico churros are often enjoyed plain as a snack or dessert.
11. Visit Museo Amparo and Its Roof Terrace
Museo Amparo houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian, colonial, and contemporary art. After exploring the exhibits, take a break at the museum’s rooftop cafe. Enjoy the beautiful view of the city’s many church towers and domes while drinking tea and having a snack.
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 10 AM – 6 PM.
12. Take a City Tour of Puebla’s Old Suburbs
From the west side of the main square, you can catch a bus for a guided tour of Puebla’s old suburbs. You can buy the tickets for the “Barrios Antiguos Tour” directly on the bus. The tour takes you through lesser-known parts of the city up to the forts (Los Fuertes) with a stop to take pictures of the panoramic view. You can also decide to stay longer and take the next bus back to the city center (I suggest doing that only if the tours are less visited to make sure you get a seat back). The tour lasts roughly 1.5-2 hours.
13. Buy Traditional Sweets in the Calle de los Dulces
You know that the poblanos must be very proud of their traditional sweets when they dedicate an entire street to them. In the Calle de los Dulces (“Street of the Sweets”) just 3 blocks north of the main square, you find one shop next to another that sells them all: Sweet potato Camotes and caramel-colored Tortitas de Santa Clara, pumpkin-seed sweets, and amaranth oblates. For the public holiday Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), you can also buy Calaveritas: Tiny skulls made from a mixture of water, egg whites, and pulverized sugar used to decorate the altars with which the Mexicans commemorate their deceased loved ones.
14. Walk Through the Tunnels of Puebla
One of Puebla’s lesser-known attractions is its network of underground tunnels leading up to the forts (Los Fuertes) on the hilltop of Acueyametepec (see next list item).
It’s not 100% clear as to how old they are or what their intended use was. As antique items like bullets and guns from the 19th century were found, it seems reasonable to believe that the tunnels were used during the Battle of Puebla on May 5th (Cinco de Mayo). The tunnels are high enough that a rider could pass through on horseback. You can safely walk through parts of the tunnel system, and they’re easy to access.
The entrance to the tunnels is at the Pasaje Histórico 5 de Mayo on the Cinco de Mayo street about a 20-minute walk from the zócalo. The entrance fee is about 30 pesos (2 USD), and on Tuesdays it’s free. On your way through the tunnels, there are signs with explanations in Spanish and a white-and-black projection of the battle. The walk takes about 30 minutes.
15. Explore the Historic Forts of Loreto and Guadalupe
Perched on a hilltop, the Forts of Loreto and Guadalupe are where the famous Battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1862. Today, they’re home to museums, parks, and panoramic views of the city. You can also ride the Teleférico cable car for a bird’s-eye view of Puebla.
Climb up to the historic site of the Forts (Zona Histórica de Los Fuertes), two hilltop fortresses that offer panoramic views of the city. Here’s where the Battle of Puebla occurred on May 5, 1862, when the Mexicans under Ignacio Zaragoza fought back the French army. Puebla commemorates this important date with its celebrations on May 5 (Cinco de Mayo) each year.
Today, the forts Loreto and Guadalupe host museums and the area around the forts is a big recreational park that invites you to take a stroll under its trees and relax at its lake. The Museo del Fuerte de Loreto explains the history of the Battle of Puebla and is worth visiting.
From the Teleférico cable car a 10-minute walk from the museum, you have a great view of the whole city in a short ride on the telpher. The area is pretty ample and home to several museums, so be ready to walk a lot if you want to see everything, and make sure you bring enough time.
You can find more detailed information about how to spend a day at Los Fuertes in my blog post about the historic site of the Forts.
16. Visit the First Public Library in the Americas (Biblioteca Palafoxiana)
Puebla is home to the first and oldest public library on the American continent, the Palafoxian Library (Biblioteca Palafoxiana). Dating back to 1646, the bishop Palafox y Mendoza donated his private collection of books in 1646 for public use. His collection comprised over 5,000 volumes.
Today, the library comprises more than 45,000 books and manuscripts from the 15th to the 20th century. Since 2005, it’s been listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
You find the Palafoxian Library on the second floor of the House of Culture. Don’t forget to admire the facade of the building, which is covered with colonial Talavera pottery.
Opening hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10 AM- 5 PM, Friday-Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM; closed on Mondays. The entrance fee is 45 pesos (2.50 USD); free on Sundays and Tuesdays. Location: Avenida 5 Ote 5, City Center.
17. Watch a Traditional Dance Show at the House of Culture
Every Sunday at noon, the House of Culture (Casa de Cultura) hosts free events in the courtyard from traditional dances to concerts. After the show, explore the Palafoxian Library on the second floor or check out the temporary exhibitions inside the Casa de Cultura.
Check also their official Facebook page for additional events at https://www.facebook.com/casaculturapuebla.
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM. Location: Avenida 5 Ote 5, City Center.
18. Let Off Steam at a Lucha Libre Wrestling Show
For a true taste of Mexican culture, you’ve got to catch a lucha libre wrestling match. Puebla’s arena offers an experience that’s as entertaining as it is intense, with colorful masks, high-flying moves, and plenty of crowd energy. Join in and cheer for your favorite luchador (wrestler).
After the match, enjoy one of the famous cemitas (meat-filled big sandwiches typical for Puebla) around the corner at Cemitas La Auténtica. They’re said to be among the best Puebla has to offer!
Opening hours: Shows are every Monday at 8 PM at the Arena Puebla (Av. 13 Oriente 402).
Official website: https://cmll.com/. You can book your tickets upfront.
Celebrating Holidays in Puebla
Some important holidays are celebrated in Puebla that are worth visiting and joining in.
19. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Puebla
As the battle on May 5 (Cinco de Mayo) took place in Puebla, the biggest celebration of this day in Mexico can be found here. At the forts, a ceremony usually takes place on the morning of May 5. Bands play music and important political figures hold a speech. For the past 3 years, President López Obrador was taking part in the festivities. After his speech, the parade starts with several marching bands, military colleges, representatives of the armed forces, and more. The march leads downhill from the forts along Cinco de Mayo Street. The parade lasts about 1.5 hours, and usually, the first participants arrive downhill 1.5 hours after the speech starts (in the past years, that was around 11.30 AM).
If you plan to watch the parade, bring some water and a hat or umbrella to protect from the sun. Or even better: Book a table at a restaurant along the route. Make sure to check if festivities change due to the new president Claudia Sheinbaum taking over in October 2024.
20. Celebrate Day of the Dead in Puebla
Are you thinking of celebrating the Day of the Dead in Puebla? Yes, you read correctly – while many visitors to Mexico think of Mexico City and Oaxaca when it comes to this famous holiday, they overlook Puebla. But hear me out: You can celebrate the Day of the Dead with all the traditional events – parades, catrinas, public altars (ofrendas), beautifully decorated pantheons, and more – without having to book your hotel months ahead (like in Oaxaca) or feeling overwhelmed by the masses (like in Mexico City). I’ve celebrated this holiday twice in Puebla, and I enjoyed it every time!
Half-Day / Day Trips Around Puebla
If you spend more than just a day in Puebla, explore the surrounding area. From wildlife parks to Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns), there’s lots to discover!
21. Go on a Safari in the Africam Safari Park
Africam Safari is a wildlife park just outside Puebla where you can drive through and see animals from all over the world. It’s a fun half-day trip if you’re looking for something a bit different from the usual city sights. And what I like about it best is that compared to zoos where the animals often don’t have enough space, they can roam freely in Africam Safari.
Tours leave from the zócalo at noon and cost around 500 pesos (26 USD). The tour lasts about 6 hours and gives you time to grab a bite at the park’s restaurant.
22. Visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula
Did you know that the world’s largest pyramid by volume is only a 30-minute drive away? Cholula lies to the southwest of Puebla and is a great destination for a day trip. Apart from the pyramid, you can also visit the church that the Spanish conquerors built right on top of it. The town’s streets invite you to take a stroll and admire its many churches, among them a convent with a huge atrium. And if you ever wanted to see the Flying Men (Voladores), you’ll get a chance each day on the square directly next to the pyramid. You can book a day trip to Cholula with visits to the pyramid and church.
23. Take a Day Trip to the Magical Towns of Zacatlán and Chignahuapan
Only about 2 hours from Puebla, these two Magical Towns (Pueblos Mágicos) are a popular attraction among Mexicans and foreigners alike. Zacatlán is famous for its cheese bread, cider, mosaic murals, and the view into the Goldfinches Canyon. Chignahuapan is known for its fig bread, the production of Christmas spheres, and its hot springs of thermal water. You can book a day trip to visit both towns in one day.
24. Take a Day Trip to the Volcanoes (Iztaccihuatl or Malinche)
If you’re up for some outdoor adventure, you can book guided hiking tours to the nearby volcanoes Iztaccihuatl (short: Izta) and Malinche. Be aware that – depending on your fitness level – the thin air can make this hike strenuous. Make sure to wear proper hiking boots and clothing.
Popocatépetl (short: Popo), the third volcano surrounding Puebla, is off-limits right now due to its increased activity.
Where to Eat in Puebla
Puebla has great gastronomy and so many options, it’s hard to pick just a few. However, here are some recommendations if you’re visiting for the first time.
El Comal
If you’re a newbie to Mexican and/or poblano food, I highly recommend going to El Comal. This restaurant displays the various dishes it offers on a huge screen, so you get an idea of what you’re actually ordering. A huge plus is the view of the cathedral from its first floor, especially if you get one of the few 2-seated tables on the tiny balconies. The food is good and reasonably priced, and you can try out many typical dishes to see what you like. For example, they have an order of mini cemitas (typical poblano sandwiches) with different fillings. You can also try the famous mole poblano. Other typical dishes are chalupas, chilaquiles, conchas, and of course tacos. To drink, try the typical sodas Horchata (sweet rice milk) or Jamaica (cold hibiscus tea). A great start to your culinary journey in Puebla!
Museo Casa del Mendrugo
A beautiful restaurant where you can also sit outside on the street. Try the breakfast options with enchiladas suizas (Swiss-style filled tortillas with cheese on top) or enchiladas in peanut sauce. The service is excellent. On the first floor, a small museum shows exhibits of the Mexican and Egyptian cultures. The explanations are in Spanish and English.
Mural de los Poblanos
This restaurant just a block from the Zócalo offers a more distinguished version of typical Mexican dishes. They have a huge beverage menu, and the service is very good. However, be ready to pay a bit more. I recommend the costillas and the moles. Besides, the interior is nice with its huge wall paintings (or murals, thus the name of the restaurant) and an open roof that can be closed when it’s raining.
Restaurante Augurio
If you want to try a delicious mole poblano and a fancier representation of typical Mexican dishes, this restaurant will satisfy your needs. It’s a bit more expensive and the size of the dishes a bit smaller, but the taste is worth it.
Where to Stay in Puebla
Casa Pepe
Just 3 blocks from the zócalo, this beautiful hotel in a colonial mansion from the 17th century is a great place to stay. The beds are comfortable, the rooms are quiet (but we couldn’t open the window in our room which faced the street), and the whole interior is modern and clean. You can have breakfast at the restaurant La Cósmica Pulquería (and later in the day, try a pulque, a traditional fermented beverage). The hotel offers city tours to Cholula (ask at the reception). The staff is very friendly, and we very much enjoyed our stay here. At night, you have many options to go out, for example, in the nearby Callejón de los Sapos.
Hotel Boutique Casa de la Palma
The charm of this boutique hotel is certainly its beautiful interior style. Each suite is individually decorated with rustic vintage decor. The prices are reasonable for such a centrally located hotel. Parking is available a few meters from the hotel for a fee. Rooms can be a bit noisy if you’re facing the street, but therefore, sightseeing, restaurants, and nightlife are just around the corner. A great price-value ratio.
How to Get to Puebla
Puebla is only 2.5-3 hours from the airport in Mexico City. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Puebla; I’ve traveled with both the ADO and Estrella Roja bus that are very comfortable and reliable bus operators. The buses leave from Terminal 2 and go to the CAPU bus station in Puebla, or the Paseo de Destino bus terminal. I usually prefer the Paseo de Destino bus terminal, as it’s less busy and thus it’s easier to get a taxi or Uber.
Tips & Tricks
The traffic through Mexico City can be horrendous, so always plan some extra time for your bus or taxi trip. That’s especially important for your trip back to Mexico City airport when you need to catch a flight. Especially if it’s an early morning flight, it might be wiser to stay the night before in Mexico City to make sure you don’t miss it. And yes, that happened to several people I know, so better be safe than sorry.
Puebla also has its own small airport, which makes it easy to travel from here to other destinations in Mexico (like Cancún, Mérida, Los Cabos, and so on).
So…Is It Worth It?
If you love wandering along streets full of stunning colonial architecture and beautiful churches, you’ll love Puebla. It’s a vibrant city that offers many cultural events and has a great variety of places to wine and dine. And its nightlife will keep you on your toes! Apart from that, it’s the culinary home of the mole poblano and the chile en nogada, and the artisanal home of the Talavera. Also, Puebla is a great base for trips to the volcanoes or Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) such as Cholula or Zacatlán. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
Plan and Book Your Trip
– Where to find cheap flights: Skyscanner.com
– Get compensation for delayed or canceled flights: AirHelp
– Which Travel Insurance to use: safetywing.com
– Where to book accommodation: booking.com, hostelworld.com
– Where to book rental cars: Discover Cars
– Where to book tours: Get Your Guide, Tripadvisor, Viator
– Transportation: Busbud for sustainable travel by bus, inDrive for city-to-city transportation service
Read Next:
- Ex-Hacienda Chautla and Its Picturesque Castle Gillow: 2024 Guide for a Half-Day Trip
- Puebla’s Historic Site of the Forts (Los Fuertes) – 12 Opportunities for History, Nature, Recreation, and Fun
- Discovering Cantona: Impressive Ruins of an Ancient City in Puebla
- 10 Best Things to Do in Cholula
- Best Things to Do in Atlixco de Las Flores
- 18 Best Things to Do in Mexico City – And How to Plan Your Stay
- 13 Best Things to Do in Tepoztlán
- Best Things to Do in Cuetzalan
- Best Things to Do in Zacatlán de las Manzanas
- 11 Best Things to Do in Chignahuapan
