Top Attractions in Puebla, Mexico: Discover the Best Sights, History, and Hidden Gems
Exploring the top attractions in Puebla, Mexico, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and vibrant local life. Known for its stunning colonial architecture and rich culinary heritage, Puebla is a city that is truly one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, with a variety to offer its visitors.
From the grandeur of its historic center to the colorful markets brimming with local crafts, Puebla is packed with experiences that showcase its unique charm. This city is also home to awe-inspiring churches, fascinating museums, and lively plazas, making it a cultural gem in Mexico.
Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or adventurer, Puebla has something special for everyone. Here are the must-see sights and experiences that highlight the best of this remarkable destination.
*Please note that this blog post may contain some affiliate links, which we make a small profit on, at zero cost to you. Links are only used on products & services that we've used and believe in, to give you the best buying experience. Purchasing from these links helps us to continue providing free travel guides for you- so thank you for your support!
Our Travel Planning Recommendations
✈️ Skyscanner (flights)
🛏 Booking.com (hotels)
🎫 Get Your Guide (tours)
🎟 Ticket Master (events)
📸 Best Buy (equipment)
🚗 Rental Cars (car rentals)
🚝 Train Line (train tickets)
🚌 Bus Bud (bus tickets)
🚢 Direct Ferries (ferries)
🛳 Cruise Direct (cruises)
📍 Where is Puebla in Mexico?
Puebla is actually both a state, and a city. The capital of the state of Puebla is the city of Puebla (which is what we are writing about). It is located in east central Mexico, about 100 km south east of Mexico City.
Puebla is located south east of Mexico City.
How to Get to Puebla, Mexico
Before diving into all of the top attractions in Puebla, Mexico, we're going to give you the different options for reaching Puebla, Mexico.
✈️ What is the Closest Airport to Puebla?
The closest airport to Puebla is the Puebla Hermanos Serdan Airport, which is located 36 km north west of the city center of Puebla. Cities that fly direct to Puebla include Cancun, Guadalajara, Houston, Laredo, Monterrey, and Tijuana.
Another option is to fly into Mexico City, which is just two hours away. Mexico City has much more flights, so we suggest checking to see whichever has better options.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can put from "your city" to "Mexico". This way you can see which is the cheapest airport in the area to fly. Also, you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for your destination!
Search for a flight to Puebla or Mexico City:
🚐 How to Get to Puebla From Mexico City Airport
There are a few ways to get to Puebla if you plan on flying into Mexico City.
🚗 Rent a Car
If you plan on flying and and out of Mexico City, then the best idea would definitely be to rent a car. We absolutely loved renting a car in Mexico, as it was affordable, and allowed us to explore a ton of hidden gems.
Here is a site we often use to book our rentals:
🚌 Take a Bus
If you don't want to drive, you can easily get a bus from Mexico City Airport, or from the city center of Mexico City. The ride is about 2 hours, and tickets range from $15-25 depending on which area you are getting the bus from.
Entry Requirements for Puebla, Mexico
When traveling to a new country, (even if it's a neighboring one) it's still important to know exactly the requirements for entering. Here is all you need to know for visiting Mexico.
🛂 Visa Entry Requirements for Mexico
Back in the day, US citizens were able to travel to Mexico without passports. It's been a while since that has changed, but it's important to address since we have met many Americans thinking they could travel to Mexico without a passport. Americans can travel to Mexico for up to 90 days with their passport.
All Your Travels
in One Book
Transform your travel memories into a unique book, with personalized pages, country by country.
Local Adjustments for Puebla, Mexico
Whenever you travel there are things you may need to adjust to, that will differ from where you are coming from. So before we get into all of the top attractions in Puebla, Mexico, we're going to go over the different local adjustments to keep in mind while visiting.
🗣 What Language Do They Speak in Puebla?
The official language in Puebla is Spanish. While we did meet plenty of people that spoke English, it's definitely helpful to pick up some of the basics to get by.
💵 Currency Used in Puebla
The currency used in Mexico is the Mexican peso. Currently (November 2024) the conversion rate is 20 pesos for every 1 USD.
While many big hotels and restaurants will take credit card, you'll definitely want cash for local markets, street vendors, and tipping. The best way to exchange money is to go directly to the ATM, not to an exchange office.
🔌 Plug Types Used in Puebla
The outlets in Mexico are the same as those in the US and Canada. The standard voltage in Mexico is 127 V and 60 HZ. If you come from the Americas you won't need to get an adapter, but if you are coming from Europe you'll need an energy adapter and converter for the energy difference.
🚰 Is it Safe to Drink Water in Puebla?
The water is not deemed safe to drink in Puebla, so we suggest sticking to bottled water.
💸 Tipping in Puebla, Mexico
The average tip to leave in Puebla is from 10-15%, and is typical in cash.
Will You Buy Us A Coffee? ☕
As coffee lovers, we always enjoy the energy of caffeine. It helps us get the best free travel guides out there for you! 😄
Top Attractions in Puebla, Mexico
Now that you know all the basics for visiting, let's check out all of the top attractions in Puebla, Mexico!
Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!
Top Attractions in Puebla, Mexico (in the City)
Before going to all of the cool Pueblos Magicos and beautiful nature outside the city, let's dive into the top attractions in Puebla's city center.
❣️ Top Attractions in Puebla, Mexico #1: Zocalo
One thing that we love about cities in Mexico and most of Latin America is that there is usually a principle square, which is where you can find some of the top highlights of the cities, and a lot of the main events happening.
This sqaure is known as Zocalo, and is where you can see a Puebla sign, the San Miguel Arcangel fountain, and the "tree of life". As well, it also faces the main cathedral which is another of the top attractions in Puebla, Mexico.
We also recommend you to simply walk up and down the surrounding streets, to be able to admire the pastel buildings and the busy streets around the center of Puebla.
⛪️ Top Attractions in Puebla, Mexico #2: the Catedral de Puebla
First things first, the thing you can't miss is the city itself! The Cathedral of Puebla is located right in the main square of Puebla, This Roman Catholic Church is the second largest in Mexico and has gorgeous architecture and detail inside. It is open from 8 am to 8 pm daily and is free of charge to enter.
💒 Top Attractions in Puebla, Mexico #3: Conventual Church of St. Jerome
There are a lot of churches in Puebla, but architecturally speaking, this is one of our favorites. Located right in the heart of Puebla, you can easily admire it from the street we've photographed from, or you can go around the block to the other side to enter it during mass.
🌈 Top Attractions in Puebla, Mexico #4: Callejon de los Sapos
Want to check out the most colorful part of Puebla? This is one of the top attractions in Puebla for photography lovers. Head to Callejon de los Sapos, also known as "alley of the frogs"
Wander down this alley and admire all of the brightly colored buildings. Admire this picturesque area with its painted archways, and plants decorating each house and store front, and browse the cute shops in the area.
🎨 Top Attractions in Puebla, Mexico #5: Barrio de Xanenetla
After you're done taking in the views of the rainbow colored street Callejon de los Sapos, make sure you check out the neighborhood of Xanenetla. Here you can see art everywhere!
The streets and buildings are covered with vibrant paint and colorful murals by local artists making it a true gem for those who love street art.
🏰 Top Attractions in Puebla, Mexico #6: Fuertes de Loreto
Want to learn about some of the history of Puebla? Head to Fuertes de Loreto. This historical fort was a main site in the Battle of Puebla, when France invaded Mexico in 1862. Educate yourself about the battle, and enjoy the well preserved walls, weapons, and flags.
Fuertes de Loreto is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4:30 pm, and is closed on Mondays. The entry fee is 55 pesos (about $2.50 USD). Except on Sundays, it is completely free of charge.
👀 Top Attraction in Puebla, Mexico #7: Mirador La Mantarraya
Right across from the entrance of Fuerte de Loreto is another one of the top attractions in Puebla, which is one of the best viewpoints in town. This is also where you'll see the iconic Puebla sign, and have plenty of area to walk around and relax with beautiful views overlooking the city.
🎡 Top Attractions in Puebla, Mexico #8: Estrella de Puebla
Want to see some great views of the city? Hop on the giant Ferris wheel "Estrella de Puebla"! With 80 meters in height, and 54 gondolas in total, the ride is 20 minutes long, which is more than enough to truly enjoy the panorama of the city.
Estrella de Puebla is open Monday to Friday from 3:30 pm to 10:00 pm, and Saturday and Sundays from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. Tickets are 40 pesos (about $2 USD), or you can upgrade to a VIP cabin for 400 pesos (about $20 USD).
The Estrella de Puebla is one of the best things to do in Puebla, Mexico.
🏛 Things Attractions in Puebla, Mexico #9: Museo Internacional del Barroco
Opened in just 2016, this place is a great spot for things to do in Puebla, The International Museum of the Baroque is a museum of Baroque art designed by Japanese architect Toyo Itō. Walk in and around to enjoy the modern design and architecture of this unique museum.
Museo Internacional del Barroco is just a few kilometers outside of the city, at the intersection of the “Boulevard de Atlixcayotl” and the “Avenida de las Torres”. The hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, and the cost is 80 pesos (about $4 USD).
Foto de Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández en Unsplash
🌼 Top Attractions in Puebla, Mexico #10: the Cempesuchil Fields
Visiting the area in October? Then you can't miss out on enjoying the gorgeous cempesuchil fields outside of the city! The entire area surrounding Puebla is covered with these orange flowers that are used for the day of the dead.
The biggest and most beautiful ones we found were right outside the center of Atlixco, which is one of the best day trips from Puebla.
You can find Cempesuchil fields all around the surrounding areas of Puebla.
Top Attractions in Puebla, Mexico: the Best Day Trips
Now that you know the top attractions in Puebla, Mexico, it's time to look into the incredible things to do outside the city! Honestly, our favorite highlights of the area are the day trips from Puebla. Some of the top ones include:
- Atlixco: a colorful town with a mural along the stairs and a swing on top of a hill with breathtaking views
- San Andres Cholula: a town with a legend of having 365 churches
- Iztaccihuatl: a dormant volcano with 4 snowcapped peaks
- Popocatepeti: an active stratovolcano popular for hiking
- Laguna de Atexcac: a beautiful turquoise crate lake
- Laguna Alcichica: a volcanic lake with coral-looking deposits and crystal clear waters
- El Aguacate Waterfall: a set of bright turquoise pools and waterfalls
- Cantona Ruins: Mesoamerican archaeological site believed to be one of the largest and most urbanized cities from pre-Columbian Mexico
- Ex-Hacienda de Chautla: Former 1700's farming estate transformed into a public park, with a lake, mansion, and trails.
- Ixtacuixtla: a cute town with a colorfully painted church and staircase
- Huejotzingo: Pueblo magico known for its convent, museum, and annual carnival
Want to learn more about the epic day trips from Puebla? Subscribe to our newsletter for our upcoming guide!
Some of the top attractions in Puebla, Mexico are located outside of the city!
How To Travel Cheaper and Better in 15 minutes!
How much more would you travel, if it costed you less resources?
With our Free eBook, you will learn how to save money and time on your future trips. Plus, you'll see the exact system we use.
Grab your copy for free when you sign up for our newsletter 👇
What Food is Puebla, Mexico Known For?
Did you know that Mexico actually has a huge variety in their cuisine? Well, we loved the food in Puebla, and tried a ton of unique dishes! Here are a few foods to try while in Puebla, Mexico.
- Chiles en Nogada: poblano chiles stuffed with picadillo and topped with a walnut-based cream sauce (nogada)
- Mole Poblano: a thick sauce made from chiles, fruits, and chocolate
- Pipian Verde: a green sauce made with pumpkin seeds, peanuts, sesame seeds, leafy greens, and spices
- Pipian Rojo: a red sauce made from pumpkin seeds and Chile peppers
- Chalupas: similar to tacos but with round boat-shapes corn tortillas
- Memelas: crispy disks of corn flour topped with fresh veggies, cheese, or refried beans
- Huaxmole: stewed meat, Chile, and Guaje seeds
- Tacos Arabes: pork tacos infused with Schwarma flavors
- Cemitas: a typical sandwich stuffed with meat on a sesame seed bun
- Pelonas: a typical sandwich stuffed with shredded beef and refried beans on a fried bun
- Molotes: a corn-based pastry with various fillings (similar to empanadas)
Cemitas are traditional sandwiches with generous fillings.
🍴Our Favorite Restaurant in Puebla
We didn't get to eat at a ton of different restaurants in Puebla, but we do want to recommend one place that we really loved!
El Cielo de Jalisco checks all of the boxes. It's centrally located, cute, has great food, generous portions, great service, and really affordable prices.
If you are a digital nomad or will be working while traveling, then don't miss out on this gem! They also have Wifi and good coffee, making it ideal that need to spend some time on their laptop.
Transform your photos
One click is all it takes to make your photos look stunning. Get our latest package of Lightroom presets, Into The Wild.
Getting Around Puebla, Mexico
Puebla is quite a big city, and really deserves a car to get around, especially when it comes to exploring the nature around Puebla. If you want to rent a car, you can easily do it from the airport or from the city.
Rent a car in Puebla:
If you don't feel comfortable driving, you can always rely on public buses within the city and to visit some other main destinations in the area, or you can use Uber.
Want To Learn How To Get Paid To Travel?
We'll teach you everything you need.
Where to Stay in Puebla, Mexico
We stayed in the historic center of Puebla, and absolutely loved it! There are also a number of really cool boutique hotels in the area, so you can have a bit more of a luxurious stay.
- Palacio Julio Hotel: beautiful historic building in an ideal location
- Royalty Hotel Boutique Puebla: Great service and incredibly comfy beds
- Banyan Tree: Beautifully decorated rooms and a great pool
- Casona de los Sapos Hotel Boutique: luxury hotel in a historic building
- L Hotel Perla Boutique: modern luxury with a great rooftop pool
Looking for a different type of place in the historic center? Simply refer to the map below for all of the options:
Another great area to stay is Cholula. This adorable and colorful town is super tourist friendly, and has a lot to offer to travelers. Here are a couple of places we recommend:
- Hotel Tila: the perfect blend of historic and modern, with a pool and terrace
- Casa Eva Hotel Boutique & Spa: beautiful rooms and great spa
Want to see all of the different accommodation options Cholula has to offer? Just check the map:
Is Puebla, Mexico Safe?
Mexico gets such a bad rep when it comes to safety, but there are so many areas where we felt completely safe! Puebla was certainly one of the those place. We explored on our own, and at night and never had any issues.
Like anywhere though, make sure to keep an eye on your belongings, and never keep things on site if you happen to rent a car.
All in all though, Puebla is not a scary or super dangerous place to be, and we highly recommend it to any type of traveler.
Transform your photos
One click is all it takes to make your photos look stunning. Get our latest package of Lightroom presets, Into The Wild.
Other Things to Know About Visiting Puebla, Mexico
Now that you know all the top attractions in Puebla, Mexico, and how to get around, here are a few last things to keep in mind when visiting.
☀️ Weather in Puebla, Mexico
Many people assume that all of Mexico is hot all the time, but the truth is that everywhere is different! Puebla has two seasons, a dry season and a wet season.
The wet season is from May to October, and the weather is very hot and humid. The dry season is from November to April, and days are warm and sunny, while the nights cool off quite a bit.
📆 The Best Time to Visit Puebla, Mexico
We visited Puebla in October, and truly think that there couldn't have been a better time to visit. The weather was perfectly warm and sunny during the day, with cool nights.
The cempesuchil fields were in full bloom, and places were decorated festively for Dia de Los Muertos. If you get a chance to visit Puebla, we definitely recommend going in October.
🎒 Packing For a Trip to Puebla, Mexico
Here are some of the things we suggest bringing with you during your visit.
- Sunscreen
- Bathing suit for the surrounding waterfalls and lakes
- Light sweater for the night
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Comfortable shoes for sightseeing
- Sneakers (for the hikes)
- Zippered Bag or Backpack (to secure your belongings) - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Drone (We use the Mavic Mini Pro 4 because it's super light and doesn't sacrifice quality)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
- Case Mate waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Cafago Waterproof Phone Pouch)
- Travel Adapter if you are not from the Americas (we use Insignia travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
- Travel toiletries (our favorites are from Sheer Alternatives because they're all natural and 100ml)
Looking To Travel Somewhere?
Off The Beaten Trips is our travel agency.
But this isn't anything like you've ever experienced before. You'll have an epic trip without having to break the piggy bank.
Unique locations. Epic adventures. Lifetime memories.
🤔 Is it Worth Visiting Puebla?
Puebla is definitely worth visiting, and is one of our favorite cities in Mexico! Being just 2 hours from Mexico City, it's super convenient, and also has so many cool towns and nature around it.
We love how colorful Puebla is, and how much it has to offer for every type of traveler out there.
Puebla is a super colorful and vibrant city to visit!
⏳ How Many Days Do You Need in Puebla?
The city of Puebla itself can be done in just 1-2 days. However, it makes a great place to base yourself and enjoy all of the incredible day trips to places around it.
We'd recommend giving yourself an extra 3-5 days to explore the surroundings, meaning you can easily spend a week staying in Puebla if you'd like to experience all of the hidden gems in and around it.
Travel Planning Tools
Here are some useful tools that you can use for planning your upcoming trip!
Puebla was one of our favorite cities in Mexico, and is not to be missed if you are visiting this part of the country! We suggest spending a full week to enjoy everything in and around the city.
Want to see other cool places to check out throughout the country? Take a look at the other 30+ Mexico Travel Guides that we have!
Looking to plan an epic trip? Let us help! We're dedicated to creating you the perfect itinerary, and getting you to save money along the way. Want to learn how? Here's a sneak peak at the different travel planning packages that we offer.
Here are some other articles you'll also love:
Like this article? Please share it with your family and friends, so that we can continue to keep creating free travel guides for you! It takes just a second, and would mean the world to us. Thanks for being here!
