In a nutshell
- Puebla is both a state and a city in Mexico. In this guide, we’re talking about the city—officially called Puebla de Zaragoza—which is the fourth-largest city in the country.
- You’ll find Puebla about 120 kilometers southeast of Mexico City, sitting high in the mountains at an altitude of 2,200 meters.
- In this article, we’ll show you the best things to do in Puebla, highlight must-see tourist attractions, share our favorite local dishes, offer a few hotel tips, and let you know how safe it really is to visit.
The Best Things to Do in Puebla
Puebla is also known as Puebla de los Ángeles, a charming colonial city southeast of Mexico City. Its name comes from a legend that angels once helped design the city layout—hence the heavenly reference.
Puebla is famous for its traditional crafts, flavorful cuisine, and stunning architecture. It’s also surrounded by some of Mexico’s tallest volcanoes, adding even more drama to the skyline.
These are the top sights in Puebla
- Plaza Zócalo and Puebla Cathedral: The city’s main square is a must when exploring tourist attractions in Puebla, especially for its grand cathedral and relaxed vibe.
- Palafoxiana Library: Right on the Zócalo, this historic library is one of the oldest in the Americas and worth a visit for its incredible woodwork and peaceful atmosphere. Entry is 45 MXN. Closed Mondays.
- Barrio del Artista: This creative neighborhood is full of galleries, workshops, and indie boutiques. A great thing to do in Puebla if you love local art.
- Callejón de los Sapos: One of the prettiest streets in town, lined with colorful buildings and antique shops. A real highlight among places to visit in Puebla.
- Mercado de Artesanías El Parián: The go-to spot for handmade souvenirs. You’ll find everything from Talavera pottery to embroidered textiles.
- Museo Amparo: A top-notch museum that covers Mexican history and culture. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace! Entry is 85 MXN, and it’s free on Sundays. Closed Mondays.
All these sights are located in Puebla’s historic center and easy to explore on foot in just one day. Perfect if you’re short on time and wondering what to do in Puebla.
Our insider tips for Puebla
- Calle de los Dulces: A charming street packed with candy shops—ideal if you’ve got a sweet tooth or want a unique souvenir.
- Zona Histórica de los Fuertes: A scenic park with panoramic views over Puebla and the surrounding volcanoes. One of the more peaceful things to do in Puebla.
- Parque Ecológico: A large green space just outside the center. Great for a morning walk or run with views of the mountains.
- Mercado de los Sabores: A lively food market where you can try all the local favorites at great prices. A delicious answer to the question of what to see in Puebla—through your taste buds.
Tourist Attractions near Puebla
After spending a day or two in Puebla, you should stay at least one more day to go on excursions in the surrounding area.
Cholula
The most popular excursion destination near Puebla is the town of Cholula—and it’s one stop you definitely shouldn’t miss. There are two main highlights here: the massive archaeological site with its ancient pyramid and the hilltop Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios.
The Cholula pyramid is actually the largest pyramid in the world by volume. Entry to the archaeological zone is 90 MXN. Just above it sits the church, which you can visit for free. It offers incredible panoramic views of the city and surrounding volcanoes—easily one of the top places to visit in Puebla and beyond.
You can reach Cholula from Puebla by bus, which departs from Mercado de Sabores on Calle 13 Norte. Or, if you prefer a more in-depth experience, you can join a guided tour.
Book your excursion to Cholula from Puebla
Volcanoes near Puebla
The area around Puebla is surrounded by dramatic volcanoes—some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country. For us, they’re among the absolute most beautiful places to visit in Mexico. The most iconic is Popocatépetl, an active volcano that frequently sends plumes of smoke drifting into the sky.
You can catch a great view of it from higher points around Puebla. At 5,393 meters, it’s Mexico’s second-highest peak—but because it’s still active, climbing it isn’t allowed.
Right next to it is Iztaccíhuatl, the third-highest mountain in Mexico at 5,230 meters. Unlike its fiery neighbor, this volcano is dormant. You can either join a two-day hiking tour to the summit or take a day trip to the national park for a closer look. It’s one of the more adventurous things to do in Puebla for outdoor lovers.
Book your tour to the Iztaccíhuatl volcano
Book your two-day hiking tour to the summit of Iztaccíhuatl
On the other side of the city, you’ll find La Malinche, another inactive volcano standing at 4,420 meters. It’s a popular day hike from Puebla and can be done without a guide if you have some hiking experience. If not, booking a tour is a safer option.
La Malinche is also a great warm-up if you’re planning to climb Iztaccíhuatl. It’s one of the best nature-focused places to visit in Puebla and ideal if you’re looking for active things to do in Puebla.
Book your day trip to the La Malinche volcano
Restaurants and Food in Puebla
Puebla is famous across Mexico for its incredible food scene. If you’re visiting, trying a few local specialties is a must—it’s one of the best things to do in Puebla for food lovers.
Typical food in Puebla
- Mole poblano: This rich, complex sauce is considered Mexico’s national dish. Puebla’s version—mole poblano—is the most iconic.
- Cemita: A local sandwich served in a sesame seed roll, usually filled with meat, avocado, and cheese.
- Taco Arabé: A fusion of Middle Eastern and Mexican flavors—tacos filled with spit-roasted meat, similar to shawarma.
- Chile en Nogada: Stuffed poblano peppers topped with walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds. A patriotic dish and one of the most elegant things to eat in Puebla.
- Queso fundido: Melted cheese served with tortillas—simple but delicious comfort food.
Read more about Mexican food in our Mexico travel tips
Our restaurant tips for Puebla
Comal: Excellent local dishes with a beautiful view of Puebla Cathedral.
El Balcón: Affordable spot serving classic regional plates in a relaxed setting.
Clemente Coffee: Cozy café with great coffee, a chill vibe, and reliable WiFi.
Where to Stay in Puebla
We recommend staying at a hotel in the historic center of Puebla. That way, you’ll be close to the main tourist attractions in Puebla and can easily explore everything on foot. It’s the perfect base for discovering all the best places to visit in Puebla.
Safety in Puebla
We felt very safe during our time in Puebla. You can easily explore the historic center on foot during the day without any concerns. Even in the evening, the atmosphere remains relaxed, and it’s no problem to walk back to your hotel after dinner.
If you’re heading out very early in the morning while it’s still dark, it’s a good idea to take a cab or an Uber instead of walking. The streets are quiet at that time, and it’s just not worth the risk.
It’s best to avoid the outskirts and poorer neighborhoods, as they’re less safe than the city center. But since there aren’t really any tourist attractions in Puebla located there, you’re unlikely to end up in those areas anyway.
Keep an eye on your belongings and don’t leave your bag unattended, especially in crowded places. We recommend wearing a fanny pack or crossbody bag to keep your valuables secure and close to you.
For more tips on safety in Mexico, check out our full guide on the topic.
Where to Next?
Next, you can easily travel to Oaxaca City and from there continue on to San Cristóbal de las Casas. We chose the same route on our Mexico itinerary.
Another option is to return to Mexico City and fly from there to the Yucatán Península and explore places like Mérida, Tulum or Cancún.