In a nutshell
- Puebla is both a state and a city in Mexico — this guide covers the city, officially called Puebla de Zaragoza, the fourth-largest city in the country.
- Puebla sits about 120 kilometers southeast of Mexico City, up in the highlands at 2,200 meters — surrounded by some of Mexico’s most impressive volcanoes.
- In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Puebla, the top day trips, must-try food, hotel recommendations, and everything you need to know about safety.
The Most Beautiful Attractions in Puebla
Puebla is also known as Puebla de los Angeles (translated: Puebla of the Angels) and is a colonial city in the highlands of Mexico southeast of Mexico City. The name comes from a legend that angels once visited the city.
Puebla is famous for its arts and crafts, incredible food, and stunning architecture. The city is also surrounded by some of Mexico’s highest volcanoes — which makes it a seriously unique destination.
These Are the Top Attractions in Puebla
- Plaza Zocálo and Puebla Cathedral: Puebla’s main square is absolutely worth a visit — the cathedral alone is worth the trip.
- Palafoxiana Library: Right on the Plaza Zocálo, the Biblioteca Palafoxiana has architecture that’s really stunning. Admission is 45 MXN. Closed on Mondays.
- Barrio del Artista: The artists’ quarter is packed with beautiful galleries and little shops — great for browsing.
- Callejón de los Sapos: With its colorful houses, this is one of the most charming streets in Puebla.
- Mercado de Artesanías El Parián: The place to pick up regional crafts and souvenirs.
- Museo Amparo: A fascinating history museum with a lovely rooftop terrace. Admission is 85 MXN; free on Sundays. Closed on Mondays.
All of these highlights are clustered together in Puebla’s historic center, so you can easily cover them all on foot in a single day.
Our Insider Tips for Puebla
- Calle de los Dulces: A charming street lined with candy shops — don’t skip it.
- Zona Histórico de los Fuertes: A beautiful park with great views over Puebla and the surrounding volcanoes.
- Parque Ecológico: A green space east of the center, perfect for a relaxed walk.
- Mercado de los Sabores: A market hall with a huge variety of traditional dishes at really fair prices — a great spot for lunch.
Day Trips from Puebla
After spending a day or two in Puebla, we really recommend setting aside at least one more day for excursions into the surrounding area — there’s so much to see.
Cholula
The most popular day trip from Puebla is the nearby suburb of Cholula — a total must on any visit. Cholula has two standout highlights: an archaeological zone with a massive pyramid and the church Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios.
The Pyramid of Cholula is considered the largest pyramid in the world by volume. Admission to the archaeological zone costs 90 MXN. The church, on the other hand, is free to enter — it sits on a hill, and the panorama from the top is fantastic.
From Puebla, you can get to Cholula by bus. Buses depart from the Mercado de Sabores on Calle 13 Norte. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour.
Book the day trip to Cholula from Puebla
Volcanoes near Puebla
Many volcanoes surround Puebla, and for us they rank among the most spectacular sights in Mexico. The most impressive of all is the Popocatépetl. This active volcano regularly sends dramatic clouds of smoke into the sky.
You can see it from the higher-elevation parts of Puebla. At 5,393 meters, it’s Mexico’s second-highest mountain — and because of its activity, it can’t be climbed.
Its neighbor, the Iztaccíhuatl volcano, is a different story. At 5,230 meters, it’s Mexico’s third-highest peak and sits right next to the Popocatépetl.
You can summit it on a two-day tour or take a day trip to the national park and view the peak up close. The volcano is inactive.
Book the day trip to Iztaccíhuatl Volcano
Book the two-day hiking tour to the summit of Iztaccíhuatl
On the other side of Puebla stands the inactive Malinche volcano, rising 4,420 meters high. Experienced hikers can summit it without a guide on a day trip from Puebla. If you’re newer to hiking, booking a guided tour is the smarter call.
The Malinche hike also works really well as acclimatization for the Iztaccíhuatl.
Book the day trip to La Malinche Volcano
Restaurants and Food in Puebla
Puebla is famous throughout Mexico for its outstanding cuisine. Seriously — this is one of the best food cities in the country, so make sure you try some of the local dishes.
Typical Food in Puebla
- Mole poblano: Mole is a rich sauce and is considered Mexico’s national dish. In the Puebla region, mole poblano is the most beloved variety — don’t leave without trying it.
- Cemita: A hearty sandwich in a sesame roll.
- Taco Arabé: Tacos filled with döner-style meat.
- Chile en Nogada: Stuffed chili peppers with walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds — a real showstopper.
- Queso fundido: Melted baked cheese served with tortillas.
Our Restaurant Recommendations for Puebla
Comal: Delicious, traditional dishes with a view of the Puebla Cathedral — a great spot for lunch.
El Balcón: An affordable restaurant with classic local dishes and a relaxed atmosphere.
Clemente Coffee: A charming café with excellent coffee and WiFi — perfect for a mid-morning break.
Also read our guide to food in Mexico
Where to Stay in Puebla
We recommend booking a hotel in the center of Puebla. That way you’re right next to the most important sights and can walk everywhere.
Safety in Puebla
We felt very safe in Puebla. Walking through the historic center during the day is completely fine. Even in the evening, the center stays lively enough that you can walk back to your hotel after dinner without worrying.
In the early morning hours when it’s still dark, it’s better to take a taxi or Uber. The streets are quiet at that time, and it’s just not worth the risk.
We’d also recommend avoiding the poorer districts and outlying areas — they’re more dangerous than the center. Since there’s nothing to see there anyway, you probably won’t end up going there.
Always keep a close eye on your bags and never leave them unattended. A fanny pack worn close to your body is the easiest way to keep your valuables safe.
For more safety advice on Mexico, check out our dedicated articles on the topic.
To our safety tips for Mexico
Where to Next?
From here, you can easily travel to Oaxaca City and then continue on to San Cristóbal de las Casas. That’s the same route we took on our Mexico road trip.
Another great option is to head back to Mexico City and from there fly to the Yucatán Peninsula to explore places like Mérida, Tulum, or Cancún.
