Visiting Puebla in Mexico: what are the best things to do and see in the city of a thousand and one wonders?
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, Puebla is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Mexico, both a gastronomic and cultural capital. Dominated by the imposing silhouettes of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes, Puebla is proud of its history: Mexican troops defeated the French army here in 1862.
Founded in 1531 by the Spanish, it has long been known as the City of Angels (« Ciudad de los Angeles »). A visit to Puebla can be summed up in one word: « baroque ». It would probably best define this city, with its complex flavors that seduce the palate, its elaborate forms that captivate the eye, its irresistible array of legends and stories, winding streets, fountains, gardens, craft markets and artists’ alleyways, and a skyline against which the domes of the churches cut through.
To help you plan your stay, we’ve listed the best things to do in Puebla, Mexico:
1. Be dazzled by the Chapelle du Rosaire
The Chapel of the Rosary (« Capilla del Rosario ») is the most sumptuous part of the Santo Domingo Church. Its Baroque decoration is sure to dazzle. Located on the south side of the main altar, the chapel is distinguished by its ornamental carvings, paintings and details worked in gold leaf to create a flamboyant effect, hence its name La Casa Dorada (« The Golden House »). The stained glass windows on the upper floor let the light in, creating a magnificent golden glow. You won’t be disappointed by this typical example of Mexican Baroque refinement!
2. Dazzle your taste buds with Poblena cuisine
Puebla’s gastronomy is one of the most emblematic and succulent in the country, and fills its inhabitants with pride. The dishes are particularly original, and you can try mole pobleno, a sauce combining chocolate, peppers, walnuts, almonds and sesame seeds; chiles en nogada (stuffed peppers); or incredibly creative desserts such as tortitas de Santa Clara (small cookies), camotes (a type of candied sweet potato), dulce de pepita (a caramelized pumpkin seed cake), jamoncillos (a sweet made from sugar and milk) or a variety of candied fruits.
3. Culture at the Palafoxiana Library, a pioneering American library
The Palafoxiana Library, the first public library on the American continent, houses one of the largest collections of human knowledge: 40,000 volumes, all preserved on shelves made of cedar and different Mexican varieties of pine dating back to the 18th century.
You’ll find this cultural gem on the top floor of the Casa de Cultura de Puebla, in a vast and sumptuous vaulted room. A painting of the Trapanni Madonna, by the Sicilian master Nino Pisano, dominates the central part of the room. More than a historical gem, this library is also an artistic work in itself.
4. A stroll through shoppers’ paradise: El Parián de Puebla
The El Parián market is the ideal place to buy traditional handicrafts from the region. Located in the old San Roque square, it welcomes you every day to enjoy its 100 stalls featuring creations from all over the state.
Here you’ll find beautiful talavera pieces (a type of ceramic with very colorful patterns), textiles, leather goods, jewelry, pottery, wooden objects, candy stalls and many other typical Mexican souvenirs…
5. Climbing to the top of the Cholula Pyramid
Located some ten kilometers from Puebla, Cholula is one of Mexico’s oldest surviving cities. It stands at the foot of the largest pyramid ever built by man. This gigantic structure, over 405 metres long, is dedicated to Quetzalcóatl, a pan-Mesoamerican divinity represented by a feathered serpent.
One pyramid can hide another. This construction is actually the work of various Mexican peoples, who superimposed 7 pyramids, covered over time by vegetation. The 16th-century conquistadors failed to notice the strangeness of this mountain. They even built the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios church on its summit, never realizing that they were treading on an immense pyramid complex.
6. Venture to Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes
Let yourself be tempted by a hike in the footsteps of Aztec mythology: the warrior Popocatépetl was in love with Iztaccíhuatl, the king’s coveted daughter. The king promised his daughter’s hand in marriage to the valiant warrior, provided he returned from the war victorious. A jealous rival led the princess to believe that her beloved had died in battle. She died of grief. On his return, after learning of the death of the one he loved most of all, Popocatépetl took Iztaccíhuatl’s body to the top of a mountain, where he let himself die at her side. The gods, moved, covered them with snow and turned them into mountains.
The mountain of Iztaccíhualt was called « Sleeping Woman » because its peaks, which you can climb, are shaped like a woman lying on her back. As for Popocatépetl, it became a volcano whose rage rains fire down on the earth. Visits to the latter volcano are forbidden to the public, but you can admire it from afar or from the neighbouring mountain peaks.
7. Immerse yourself in Mexico’s history at the Amparo Museum
The Amparo Museum, housed in two colonial buildings – a palace and a hospital, boasts an impressive collection of pre-Hispanic, colonial, modern and contemporary Mexican art. Stroll through the eight rooms devoted to pre-Hispanic Mexico to discover over 2,000 pieces representing ancient Mexican civilizations… Among the objects on display are vases, anthropomorphic and animal figures, steles, altars, sculptures and tools. To guide you, a timeline on one wall shows the chronology of Mexico, from ancient times to the present day. You’ll know everything there is to know about the country’s history!
8. Visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Puebla Cathedral is located near El Zocaló, the city’s main square. It is the largest and oldest cathedral in Mexico. Begun in 1575, it took 74 years to build. This explains the different architectural styles. The façade is reminiscent of the Renaissance, while the interior is neoclassical or Baroque. And you won’t want to miss its two wrought-iron towers, which rise to a height of 74 metres.
This large, richly ornamented building is well worth a visit, at least to enjoy the architectural union that makes it so special.
9. Remembering the Mexican victory at Los Fuertes de Loreto y Guadalupe
The forts of Loreto and Guadalupe in Puebla were the scene of a historic event: the victory of an indigenous people over an imperial power. On May 5, 1862, the armies of the Second French Empire were defeated by a Mexican battalion half their size. Today, you can visit the forts where the two armies clashed. Mexicans still celebrate this victory, for although the Mexican army was later defeated, this battle symbolizes the unity of the country.
10. Strolling the streets of Xanenetla
An innovative and unusual project has emerged in this Puebla neighborhood, to promote social cohesion and neighborhood life: the Colectivo Tomate has set up an urban mural painting workshop in collaboration with local residents, the state and other organizations. This gave rise to « social muralism », a concept that characterizes Mexican cultural and revolutionary identity. The Xanenetla district was chosen for its history, as well as for its original volcanic stone architecture.
You can’t help but admire the original, colorful walls of Xanenetla, which tell the stories of families and define the identity of this beautiful neighborhood.
How to get to Puebla
Several airlines serve Puebla from Paris. However, flights are often long, with one or two stopovers. The easiest thing to do is to fly to Mexico City, then take a bus from the airport to Puebla (approx. 2 hours). This will leave you plenty of time to enjoy the capital. To find a cheap flight to Puebla or Mexico City, you can search on our partner site Skyscanner.
Where to stay in Puebla?
In Puebla, you’ll find a host of hotels and hostels where you can spend a peaceful night. Most of them are located in the city’s historic center.
Remember to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the festive season and high season, as Puebla is a highly sought-after city due to its proximity to Mexico City. You can find a cheap hotel in Puebla by searching on this hotel comparator.
Map of hotels and accommodations – Mexico