15 Wonderful Things to do in Puebla (Mexico)

(Last Updated On: November 18, 2022)

There are lots of amazing things to see in Puebla. However, I plan to focus on 15 wonderful things to do that I experienced first-hand on my recent trip to this enchanting city in Mexico. With a population of around 1,485,941 inhabitants Puebla city (also the capital of Puebla) is known not only for its mouth-watering cuisine but also for its “Talavera” pottery. What made this quick, spontaneous getaway even more special was the timing. We managed to catch the tail-end of the Day of The Dead celebrations. But it doesn’t really matter when you visit Puebla, what is most important is that you choose to go.

1) Discover the beautiful architecture of Puebla

Stroll down any street around the historic center and you will find a mesmerizing combination of Spanish, French and indigenous influences everywhere you look. A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site since 1987 this often-overlooked city in Mexico is packed with magnificent churches and colourful colonial buildings aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

2) Try the local cuisine

Puebla is famous for its incredible food. Regional traditional dishes like mole poblano , chiles en nogada , cemitas, chalupas, and chanclas are just a few of the gastronomical delights that should be sampled while staying in this great city. Being a full-fledged foodie, I will be dedicating my next blog to all the mouth-watering cuisine that we enjoyed during our getaway. So, for now here is a pic of one of the great meals we enjoyed on our vacation.

3) Museo Internacional del Barroco (International Museum of the Baroque)

Grab an Uber or taxi from the historic center and spend a couple of hours exploring this spectacular museum designed by the Japanese architect Toyo Ito. You will find interactive displays, paintings, and sculptures that focus on the Baroque period. Even if museums aren’t your thing it is well worth a visit.

4) Hang out in the Zócalo

As you travel across Mexico you will notice that many cities and towns in Mexico have central plazas or public squares known as “zócalos.” They are popular gathering places for locals and tourists alike. If you enjoy people watching this is the ideal place to do it. The zocalo in Puebla is a beautiful spot to relax and take in the local culture.

5) Listen to Live Music

Puebla has a thriving night life scene and I love live music! So, it was a real treat to come across the Kingston Pub. The band that night was rockin’! The table next to us was celebrating a birthday and we ended up joining them. It’s always fun to make new friends in a new city.

6) Shop at the Parian Artisan Market (El Parian)

If you are looking to buy some Talavera pottery El Parian is a good place to find authentic bowls, plates, cups etc. You will also come across various textile and leather goods as well as jewelry. There is an overwhelming number of artistic creations to choose from if you want to take a little piece of Mexico home with you.

7) Alley of the Toads ( Callejón De Los Sapos)

This picturesque neighbourhood is an Instagram favourite among influencers. But it also attracts people who love antiques, old books, and other handicrafts. On weekends you will find live music and lots of outdoor booths to explore.

8) The Basilica Cathedral of Puebla (La Catedral de Puebla)

Regardless of whether you are religious or not the cathedral is definitely worth a visit. Considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world, it is an architectural gem.

9) The Santo Domingo Church and Rosario Chapel (Iglesia de Santo Domingo y Capilla del Rosario)

It is said that there are 365 churches spread across Puebla city and its sister city Cholula. One for each day of the year. Whether this number is accurate or not Puebla is undeniably home to an impressive number of churches. We only managed to visit two of them on this trip. La Iglesia de Santo Domingo, although its facade looks rather plain once inside you can’t help but feel awestruck but the sheer opulence of its interior.

10) Palafoxiana Library ( Biblioteca Palafoxiana)

If you are a bookworm, you will love this place. The first public library of the Americas established in 1646, the Biblioteca Palafoxiana is a real treat. You can’t help but be in awe of the knowledge contained in the 45,000 books dating back to the 15th century.

11) City Park (Parque Ecológico)

If you have several days in Puebla like we did then a visit to the Parque Ecológico is a nice activity to do for an hour or two. For locals it provides a fantastic space for biking, running, rollerblading, playing sports and spending time with your family in a natural environment.

12) Amparo Museum (Museo Amparo)

Considered one of the most important historical museums in Mexico this extraordinary location houses one of the most complete pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern art collections in Mexico. I found the art history timeline particularly fascinating.

13) The Great Pyramid of Cholula (Gran Pirámide de Cholula)

If you thought Egypt was home to the largest pyramid in the world you would be wrong. Although most of the Great Pyramid is hidden below a grassy hill with an old Spanish chapel at the top overall it boasts a larger volume than any Egyptian pyramid. If you don’t suffer from vertigo climb up the steep steps to take in the incredible view of Popocatépetl volcano.

14) Skulls, altars, and a show

Although this is a seasonal activity, I highly recommend visiting Puebla during the Day of the Dead celebrations. We managed to catch the last few days of it quite by accident. We arrived on November 4th and were thrilled to see all the creative calaveras (skulls), and ofrendas (altars) around town. An extra bonus was the Light & Sound show honouring the dead superimposed on the City Theatre’s building.

15) Take a day trip

Puebla is close to lots of interesting places. You can choose from several fun day trips ranging from just a few hours to all day long. We explored two famous Pueblos Mágicos, Zacatlán de las Manzanas and Chignahuapan. Stay tuned for my upcoming blog about our adventures that day.

PRO TIP:

Stay at Hotel Palace Puebla. It’s just steps away from the zocalo and offers clean rooms and reasonable rates.

Is Puebla worth visiting?

100% yes! I absolutely loved this city. There was no shortage of things to do and see. And the local cuisine was phenomenal. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog to learn more about Mexico and I hope you will come back next week to read all about the regional dishes of this enchanting place.