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Puebla is home to warm hospitality, amazing food, colourful scenery, and rich history making it a great place to visit when traveling to Mexico. Plus, it’s located only a few hours from Mexico City and is very easy to get to. Keep reading to find the top things you to do in Puebla, Mexico!
Why Visit Puebla?
If you’re searching for things to do in Cancun or Tulum, you might want to reconsider your search! In the spirit of travel, focus more on how unique an experience can be rather than trying to tick a box. Or at least once you’re done in Cancun, follow your way around the coastline and up to the magical city of Puebla.
Getting to Puebla, Mexico
Puebla city can be found in the heart of central Mexico, just 2 hours from Mexico City. Depending on your travel style, there are several ways to reach this historic city.
Most international travelers will fly directly to Mexico City. From here, you then have the option to hop on a smaller plane to Hermanos Serdán International Airport which is about 28km outside of the city. However, flights to and from this airport are limited and it may be a better option to take a bus or rent a car.
The bus ride takes just over 2 hours and there are many different times to choose from. ADO and AU are the two main companies that run this route and you can expect to pay anywhere from $18-$22 (USD).
For those who want complete freedom and flexibility once reaching Puebla, renting a car may be your best choice. You can do so right at the Mexico City airport, however, just be prepared for some crazy traffic and confusing turns on your way to Puebla.
Best Things to do in Puebla, Mexico
Although Puebla is sort of a hidden gem, it’s actually Mexico’s fourth-largest city and one of the oldest in the country. This equals lots of history and beautiful architecture, which means you will have no trouble finding plenty of things to do in Puebla Mexico!
From touring historic buildings to climbing volcanoes, here are the top things to do in Puebla, Mexico!
1. Marvel at The Rosary Chapel
The Rosary Chapel is arguably one of the most beautiful spots in Puebla. The ornate gold fixtures and stunning paintings attract people from all over the world. The 17th-century chapel has earned itself a reputation as the unofficial “eighth wonder of the world”. This definitely makes it one of the coolest things to do in Puebla while you’re there.
The chapel is divided into two sections. You enter through the back of the chapel and you’re immediately surrounded by the most beautiful, intricate paintings. As you near the front of the building, you feast your eyes upon a room that is covered in floor-to-ceiling gold. While you step through the room, marveling at the beautiful design, you’ll get a sense of what it must feel like to be royalty.
2. Climb the “World’s Smallest Volcano”
Often referred to as the “smallest volcano in the world,” Cuexcomate is a must on any Puebla bucket list. This ancient geyser (it’s not actually a volcano), is located in the Libertad neighborhood of Puebla City.
It stands at just 13 meters tall, with a staircase that descends into its crater, allowing visitors an up-close view of its interior. Though technically not a true volcano but a limestone formation created by a geothermal spring, it’s a quick, but memorable detour for those interested in fun stops along the way.
3. Taste Test along the Street of Candies (Calle de los Dulces)
A stark contrast to the rich tones of the Rosary Chapel was The Called de Los Dulces, or The Street of Candies. This street was three blocks filled with fun and excitement. Candy stores lined the street, and they were chocked full of sweets almost as colourful as the buildings. This was a confectionary aficionado’s dream!
This sweet street houses every Mexican candy imaginable, and it seemed each window was piled high with sugary treats and baked goods. Obviously, I had to taste test (for the blog, of course). It turns out that Mexican treats are just entirely way too sweet for me.
The area made for some cute shots though! Walking around this street, you can almost feel the buzzing atmosphere—although this could be everyone on a sugar high! Although the Street of Candies didn’t solve my sweet tooth, it more than met my content cravings. If you’re curious about places to go in Mexico, this needs to be on your list.
4. Hang out with the Fish at the Michin Aquarium
A visit to the Michin Aquarium is a fun stop on any Puebla itinerary. Whether you are traveling with kids or not, it’s a great place to spend a few hours. In addition to wandering around and checking out the different exhibits, you can also upgrade your ticket to include special animal interactions. Anyone up for a dive with the marine rays?
5. Shop at the Talavera Uriarte Factory
Uriarte is a stunning pottery and traditional Talavera enterprise in Puebla. This place continues to make plates, cups, bowls, and other handcrafted items using their original methods from the 16th century. It was fascinating to see how much work goes into each individual piece.
One of my favourite things about it is how you can tell everything there has been made with love. They first mold each item, then they dry it, and dip it in a yellow-coloured base before sending it to the oven to bake. After its first bake in the oven, they sand the item by hand. They shave it to remove any lumps, clumps, or imperfections.
Then, the fun happens! Each piece is painted in its own special design and then baked to perfection. This experience was an unveiling to me of just how beautiful handcrafted art is. It’s no wonder they haven’t changed a thing since they opened! This is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Puebla.
6. Ride the Estrella de Puebla
The Estrella de Puebla is a huge Ferris wheel and a new tourist attraction located at the Parque Lineal. The top of the Ferris wheel offers stunning views of the skyline and is breathtaking around sunset. At 260-feet high, it is the tallest of its kind in Latin America.
As a matter of fact, this is how it gets its name—Estrella de Puebla means The Star of Puebla. It’s so tall it feels like being amongst the stars!
If you’re the kind of traveler who needs a good sunset and panoramic views in every location, this would be your kind of stop. It might just be one of the top places to visit in Mexico for epic sunsets.
7. Sample Puebla Favorites Along a Food Tour
Eat Mexico hosts a delicious tour through the historic streets of Puebla. During this 3-hour walking tour, you’ll get to indulge in over 6 different Puebla favorites. From the best cemita in the whole city to the famous Mole, you definitely will leave completely stuffed.
8. Explore the Biblioteca Palafoxiana
This library was such a beauty. The Biblioteca Palafoxiana was actually the first public library in Mexico. It owes its name and original contents to Juan de Palafox y Mendoza. He donated 5,000 of his books so that they could be shared by and made available to the general public.
Nowadays, this historically rich library houses more than 45,000 books and manuscripts! It’s also recognized by UNESCO as being the first and oldest public library in the Americas. According to UNESCO, “The Biblioteca Palafoxiana of Puebla is noted for its authenticity and bibliographical wealth, building and bookcases.”
As you can see, this library is truly a special place to visit while in the city of Puebla. Even if you’re not the reading type, this stop might be well worth it to simply admire the history, knowledge, and aesthetic beauty that lies within its walls.
9. Admire the Temple of Saint Francisco
The Temple of Saint Francisco is a colonial religious building that was built in 1760. The outside of this church is incredible. It’s so perfect that you won’t be able to get enough photos! The entire front is covered with locally produced ceramic tiles in rich primary colours. Blues, reds, and yellows surround dramatic, larger-than-life sculptures of saints.
Those tiles are also combined with red bricks, making the visual appearance even more vibrant. From afar, it just looks very colourful. Up close though, you’re able to see the precision and detailing within the design! It is beyond beautiful, which is why it deserves to be one of the top things to do in Puebla.
10. Go on a Safari at Africam Safari
Although not exactly what you would expect during a trip to Puebla, Mexico, a trip to Aricam Safari is a fun way to enjoy an afternoon. This sprawling wildlife park, situated just outside the beautiful city, invites visitors to explore the wonders of the animal kingdom from the comfort of a double-decker bus.
Unlike traditional zoos, Africam Safari is designed to give animals vast spaces to roam, closely mimicking their natural habitats. From majestic lions and towering giraffes to playful lemurs and elusive jaguars, this safari park houses over 5,000 animals from 450 species around the globe.
11. Take in the Panoramic View of the Domes at the Amparo Museum
This is a two-in-one. What’s better than being able to see and experience TWO major sites within one location? As a traveller, not much. When you visit the Museo Amparo, you first get to enjoy the exhibits in the museum. Then, you can make your way to the café up top to get a whole different kind of view (one you’ll love).
Seeing all the domes from the top of the museum was an amazing experience. You may not truly realize how many chapels there are around Puebla until you see all the domes peaking over the cityscape. It’s a must on any list of things to do in Puebla, Mexico!
12. Stroll through the El Parian Market
This vibrant market is Puebla’s oldest and most traditional artisan market, bustling with local craftsmen and artists showcasing their work. As you wander through the colorful stalls, you’ll fall in love with the lively atmosphere and the unmistakable aroma of freshly made mole poblano.
The El Parian Market is your one-stop shop for unique souvenirs, from intricately painted Talavera pottery, (which Puebla is famous for), to handwoven textiles and detailed silver jewelry. It’s worth making a bit of extra room in your suitcase!
Beyond the shopping, El Parian offers a glimpse into the daily life and artistic heritage of Puebla.
13. Cholula Pyramid
Regarding its base size, this pyramid is one of the biggest in the world. The base goes all the way to the end of the town! I had the chance to actually go through the underground tunnels in the pyramid and it was so cool!
While I’m not exactly a huge fan of small spaces, it was well worth it. If you do this, you will get to see a lot of other tunnels, but they are gated off.
However, it gives you an idea of how many other places there are to explore within it. It also gives you some insight on how well they designed the inside of this great pyramid. From the outside, you can only see a bit of the pyramid because they built a chapel right on top of it! It’s a bright yellow church and a stunning view.
14. Take a Historic Walking Tour
There’s no better way to familiarize yourself with a city than taking a guided walking tour. When visiting a brand new city, this is a great day-one activity as you will get an expert’s perspective on where to spend more of your time.
There are several walking tours to choose from in Puebla that range from 1-3 hours. Some even include candy and liquor tasting!
15. Puebla Cable Car
Possibly one of the greatest ways to experience Puebla and to soak up its many architectural treasures is by cable car. We took it from The Exhibition Centre and saw a few notable stops along the way.
We were able to see the area they fought in for Cinco de Mayo, called the Battle of Puebla. It was fought between France and Mexico in 1862, according to this ABC 7 article.
We also happened to be there while they were celebrating their carnival, which was pretty awesome to witness! At 40 meters high, we had the best views of some of the most beautiful parks, buildings, and Mexican landmarks in the city. It was incredible.
This cable car ride also gives you a great view of Popo and Izta, which is short for Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatepetl. These are local volcanoes, which are also the country’s highest peaks. They are part of the Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park.
However, if you don’t like heights, maybe just stick to the Estrella de Puebla instead!
16. Tour the Forts of Loreto and Guadalupe (Fuertes de Loreto)
History buffs will love the chance to explore the historic forts of Loreto and Guadalupe. They are renowned for their decisive role in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, where Mexican forces triumphed over French invaders, and stand as symbols of resilience and national pride.
Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved grounds and museum exhibits within the forts, providing insight into the strategies, arms, and personal stories of those who fought in this significant battle. It’s a great way to learn more about Mexican history!
17. Church of Santa Maria
This church visit was a visual overload. There was just SO much to look at that my senses were in overdrive by the time we left! Unlike the Temple of Saint Francisco, the Church of Santa Maria actually appears rather plain from the outside. That won’t last for long, though…
Once you enter through the doors, you’ll hardly know where to set your gaze. Every inch of the interior walls, ceilings and floor are splashed with vibrantly coloured, plastered mouldings. At first, I wondered whether the Mexican heat was getting to me? Or perhaps I had overindulged in The Street of Candies? But with the photos to prove it, the Church of Santa Maria was exactly as bold and brilliant as I thought.
The interior designs are a mix of indigenous and European designs. It’s amazing to see a visual representation of these two cultures clashing. Within it, you’ll find representations of religious imagery.
This is as you’d expect inside a church, of course, but the execution of the imagery? I think it’s safe to say that it’s one of a kind. If your eyes are ready, this is one of those stops you won’t want to miss. Make sure to have your phone or camera ready to go to work as well!
18. Admire the Art inside the Museo Internacional del Barroco
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, a trip to the Museo Internacional del Barroco needs to be on your Puebla list. Housed in a strikingly modern building designed by the Japanese architect Toyo Ito, the exterior of this international museum alone is worth checking out.
If you have the time to wander inside, you’ll find a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and decorative baroque art. The art museum is open Tuesdays-Sundays from 10:00 am-7:00 pm.
19. Wander the street of Frogg Alley (Callejon de los Sapos)
I loved all of the quaint and colorful streets in Puebla, but Frogg Alley was one of my favorites. This charming historic alleyway, situated in the heart of Puebla’s downtown, is famed for its colorful antique shops, artisan boutiques, street art, and eclectic flea markets that come to life, especially on weekends.
If you find yourself visiting on the weekend, you’ll likely find local musicians, vendors, and other fun local traditions.
20. Tour the Catedral de Puebla
If you were left in awe after viewing the Church of Santa Maria and the Temple of Saint Francisco, be sure to add this Roman Catholic Church to your list of things to do in Puebla. Puebla Cathedral is located right in the historic center of downtown Puebla and is free to enter. If you time your visit right, you may even catch a choral performance!
Tip! The Templo de Santo Domingo (with the attached Capilla del Rosario) is right down the street and also worth a quick stop!
More Things to Do Near Puebla, MX
The above list covers the best things to do in Puebla, Mexico. However, if you have your own car and want more of an adventure, here are some of the best day trips to take from Puebla!
21. Embark on an Iztaccihuatl Hiking Tour
Sometimes known as “Izta”, this dormant volcano is the third-highest mountain in Mexico and offers an exciting challenge for adventurers. From Puebla, you’ll have about a 3-hour drive to the trailhead.
Once on the mountain, hikers navigate through diverse ecosystems, ranging from pine forests to high-altitude alpine environments, leading to spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the neighboring volcano, Popocatépetl.
It is an all-day and very challenging hike, so I do recommend doing so as part of a guided tour. There are many to choose from and some will even provide transportation from Puebla.
22. Explore La Malinche National Park
At just under 1.5 hours from Puebla (42 km), a day trip to La Malinche National Park is a great way to escape into nature after exploring all around the city. You’ll find a variety of trails to explore with breathtaking panoramic views across the states of Tlaxcala and Puebla.
Is a Visit to Puebla Worth It?
YES! If you’re considering traveling to Mexico, visiting Puebla needs to be on your list. Once there, you’ll find so many beautiful things to do and see. You’ll immediately sense the history and wisdom this place has in its very buildings. You’ll be eager to find the absolute best ways of soaking it all in.
While you’ll have no trouble finding a wide array of Puebla attractions, you might want to plan your stops based on your unique interests. Consider what kind of traveller you are and go from there. Puebla definitely is one of the best places to visit in Mexico. You won’t be disappointed if you plan to visit while traveling to Mexico.
My Mexico Vlog
You can watch my trip to Mexico vlog below or directly on YouTube for better quality.
So Many Things to do in Puebla!
Luckily, this list of the top 22 things to do in Puebla is quite versatile. Therefore, it gives a pretty good array of options for the history buff, the sunset-chaser, the nature enthusiast, and anyone with a sweet tooth. It also accommodates those who love a great view, and the adventurous kinds of travellers, too.
Overall, Puebla is such a magical Mexican city with so much to experience. It’s saturated with such an amazing culture, and memories from people who lived there long ago. Those memories clearly live on within the locals who are there today. They seem to have held onto their customs, which have lasted throughout the centuries.
This blog post about Puebla (one of the best places to visit in Mexico) is brought you in collaboration with Visit Mexico. Thank you for supporting the destinations that support me.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
Great post. One correction you might to make for your readers. Mexico is not a Central American country it is a Northern American country. Mexico is geographically located in North America.
thanks, fixed that 🙂
I have to visit there soon..
I have to meet my gf there in Puebla..
Aww Thank you girl!
This is such a beautiful place! I love how colourful everything is, and your photos are gorgeous!