25 Awesome Things To Do in Puebla, Mexico

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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

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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

👉 BOOK YOUR TOUR TO CHOLULA ON VIATOR

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

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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

👉 BOOK YOUR CULINARY TOUR ON VIATOR

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

➡ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY FOR COLLECTION O AL OTRO LADO DEL RIO

🛏 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

➡ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY FOR EL SUENO HOTEL & SPA

🛏 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

➡ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY FOR L HOTEL LA PERLA BOUTIQUE

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

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.