What to See & Things to Do in Puebla Mexico
If you are looking for a vibrant and culturally rich Central American city, there’s plenty to see and a wide variety of things to do in Puebla Mexico.
Mexico is rife with stunning ruins, delicious cuisine, and magical cities. If you love colonial architecture, you can’t miss a trip to the city of Puebla, which is located just over two hours southeast of Mexico City.
This destination is famous for its historic buildings and hundreds of churches. Despite its hidden treasures, Puebla Mexico remains largely undiscovered by the tourist crowd, but we promise you it’s worth it.
Puebla Mexico Is Included in our Caravan Mexico Ancient Civilizations Tour!
Things To Do in Puebla Mexico
The city of Puebla is famous for its hundreds of churches, 288 official parishes to be exact! While the number of churches may make it famous, the streets of this city are packed with stunning facades and architectural marvels.
Stop and sample some of the local cuisines when you tire from walking around. Puebla is the birthplace of the popular Mexican dish mole, after all.
Finally, at the end of your trip, bring home a one-of-a-kind souvenir! Puebla Mexico is home to the tradition of Talavera Poblana – a type of majolica pottery. This tin-enameled earthenware is everywhere, from plates and bowls to the decorative tiles adorning the historic center’s many churches and buildings.
These Talavera tiles are a defining characteristic of Puebla’s colonial architecture and one of the features that set it apart from the rest of Mexico.
Here are some of the top sights and things to do in Puebla Mexico:
Visit the Puebla Cathedral
Located in the main square in the heart of the city, the Puebla Cathedral is a stunning example of Baroque architecture.
It was built in the 16th century and boasts a breathtaking interior in a mixture of Neoclassical, Baroque, and Renaissance styles.
It is home to a number of important religious artifacts and works of art. Visitors can take a tour of the cathedral to learn more about its history and architecture.
Explore the Zocalo
Zocalo is the main square and another one of those cool things to do in Puebla Mexico. It is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists.
As a central gathering place, Zocalo in Puebla is surrounded by a number of historic buildings, including the City Hall and the Palafoxiana Library.
The Zocalo is also home to many street vendors and is a great place to try local street food.
Visit the Biblioteca Palafoxianan
Not far from the Zocalo, you’ll find the oldest public library in the Americas. The Biblioteca Palafoxiana is in the city’s historic center and, aside from being visually stunning, houses more than 45,000 books and manuscripts – some dating back to the 15th century!
Check Out Templo de Santo Domingo
While there are many beautiful churches in Puebla Mexico, The Templo de Santo Domingo is one of the most iconic spots. This Roman Catholic church is located north of the Zocalo and shows off a stunning interior and Baroque architecture.
Visit the Museo Amparo
Puebla’s Museo Amparo is a world-class historical museum that houses a wide variety of Mexican art and artifacts including:
- Pre-Hispanic artifacts (Mayan, Mixtec, Aztec, Zapotec, Olmec, etc.)
- Colonial artwork & artifacts
- Modern art
The museum is in a beautiful colonial building and features works from a number of different periods and styles.
Take A Walk Through Puebla’s Historic Center
The historic center of Puebla is a great place to explore on foot. It is filled with narrow streets and colorful buildings, and is home to a number of churches, markets, and plazas.
One of the highlights of the historic center is the Calle de los Dulces, or the Street of Sweets, which is home to a number of artisanal candy shops.
Visit the Puebla Art Museum
The Puebla Art Museum is a must-see for art lovers visiting the city. It features a wide range of Mexican and international art, including works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
Ride the Estrella de Puebla
Make sure you get a ticket to Mexico’s “London Eye.” The Estrella de Puebla is a massive Ferris wheel that is a unique way to admire the views of the city and surrounding volcanos.
A ride lasts around 20 minutes, so it’s a great way to break up a long day of walking around.
Shop the Calllejon de los Sapos
Looking for the perfect Puebla vacation picture? Then make sure to stop by the Callejón de Los Sapos or Alley of the Frogs. Located in the Los Sapos neighborhood, the Callejón is a street known for its brightly colored buildings and weekend handcraft markets.
Take a Trip to Cholula
While there are plenty of things to do in Puebla Mexico, Cholula, which is a charming town located just a short drive from Puebla, is home to many interesting sights.
One of the highlights of a visit to Cholula is the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which is the largest pyramid in the world by volume.
When Spanish colonialists took Cholula, they built a church on top of what they thought to be a large hill. Turns out, this hill was hiding a massive pyramid, with a base four times larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza!
Walk among the ruins and explore the tunnels inside the pyramid for a truly unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Other points of interest in Cholula include Parque Soria, the Church of Our Lady of Remedies, and the Mercado San Pedro Market.
Go On a Culinary Tour
Puebla Mexico is known for its delicious cuisine, and a culinary tour is a great way to sample some of the local specialties. Some popular dishes you might want to try include chiles en nogada, mole poblano, and cemita poblana.
Visit the Capilla del Rosario
The Capilla del Rosario is a beautiful chapel located in the historic center of Puebla. It is known for its intricate Baroque-style frescoes and is a popular tourist attraction.
Take a Tour of the Talavera Factories
Talavera is a type of ceramic that is native to Puebla and is known for its bright colors and intricate designs. Visitors can take a tour of one of the many Talavera factories in the city to learn more about the production process and even try their hand at making their own piece of pottery.
Go hiking in the Sierra Norte
Hiking in the Sierra Norte Mountain is an amazing adventure! The Sierra Norte is located just outside of Puebla Mexico and home to the indigenous Zapatecas.
You’ll find several unique hiking trails that range between 6,500 and 11,000 feet (2,000 – 3,400 metres) in elevation. Be prepared for stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The city of Puebla is a hidden gem. With so much to see, and even more to eat, you surely won’t regret it! Make time to stop in this colorful city next time you’re in Mexico!
Explore Mexico Ancient Cultures with Caravan Tours!
With all the churches, architecture, and museums in the city, there is no shortage of things to do in Puebla Mexico, which is included in our Caravan Mexico Ancient Civilizations tour.
Beginning in 1952, Caravan Tours celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022.
Along with our Mexico Ancient and Copper Canyon Mexico tours, Caravan also offers fully guided tours in the United States, Canada, Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.
All of our tours are fully guided by local, very knowledgeable tour operators who are passionate about sharing their culture.
Many of our Caravan fully guided tours do tend to sell out early. Be sure to secure your preferred tour dates and book early.
To experience Puebla Mexico with Caravan Tours, please:
- Call toll-free1-800-Caravan (227-2826)
- Book a Mexico Ancient Tour Now
Puebla Mexico FAQs
What time is it in Puebla Mexico?
Puebla Mexico is in Central Standard Time.
Where Is Puebla Mexico?
Puebla is in south-central Mexico.
How far is Puebla from Mexico City?
Puebla is approximately 84 miles (135km) southeast of Mexico City.
Is there an airport in Puebla Mexico?
The airport in Puebla Mexico is Hermanos Serdan International Airport.
What is Puebla Mexico known for?
The colonial city of Puebla Mexico is famous for its many churches and culinary food.
What Mexican state is Puebla in?
Puebla is the capital city of Puebla state in Mexico.
