Puebla Travel Guide: Discover the Cultural Wonders of Puebla City, Mexico

I’ve explored many cities and small towns in Mexico and Puebla remains one of my favorites. In my opinion, it’s one of the most underrated cities in the country.

It’s surprising to me that Puebla doesn’t get as much attention as Oaxaca or Mexico City. It has so much to offer in regards to culture, history, and food. From its colonial buildings to its Talavera pottery and rich gastronomy, I found Puebla to be one of the most fascinating cities in Mexico, which is why I sought to create this guide and website, to help bring more attention to this city and state in east-central Mexico.

If you’re planning a trip to Puebla City, then I hope this travel guide helps you make the most of your time there.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MEXICO TOURIST CARD (FMM)

I didn’t need one but depending on your passport, you may need a visa to enter Mexico. You can go to iVisa.com for more information on tourist visas to Mexico.

Even if you don’t need a tourist visa, all visitors are still required to get an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) to enter Mexico. Often referred to as a “tourist card”, you can get it if you’re entering Mexico by air or by land.

If you’re flying to Mexico, then it’s usually provided by the airline (cost included in the airline ticket). If you’re driving, then you can get one at the border (with a fee).

You can also process the FMM ahead of time online through the INM website or iVisa.com. Click on the link to learn more about the FMM.

PUEBLA AT A GLANCE

Located in east-central Mexico, Puebla refers to both the state and its capital city of the same name. I didn’t know this until recently but the city of Puebla is actually the fourth largest city in Mexico, after Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.

Founded in 1531, Puebla is one of the oldest cities in Mexico. It was also one of the most important colonial cities of New Spain. Its strategic location between the Viceregal capital (Mexico City) and the port of Veracruz led to its rapid rise as the second-most important city in colonial Mexico.

Today, Puebla is renowned for its Spanish baroque architecture, Talavera pottery, and rich gastronomy. It’s ground zero for the Cinco de Mayo celebrations and boasts two of the most important dishes in Mexican cuisine – mole poblano and chiles en nogada (pictured below).

When you visit Puebla, you’ll spend most of your time in its historic center. It’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many interesting museums, including the first public library opened in the Americas.

IS PUEBLA SAFE?

Some states in Mexico have a reputation for being unsafe, but for the most part, that isn’t the case with Puebla. According to multiple sources, it’s one of the safest states in Mexico. Google “safest destinations in mexico” and you’ll find Puebla on many lists.

Puebla has largely escaped the narco-violence in Mexico but that doesn’t mean bad things can’t happen there. As long as you prioritize safety and observe the usual precautions – ie don’t wear flashy clothing or jewelry, stay in populated areas, don’t walk alone at night, etc – then you should have an incident-free time in Puebla.

The US, Canada, and UK governments offer general travel advisories to Mexico but I strongly recommend bookmarking the Puebla forum on Tripadvisor as well. Locals and expats are active on those forums so if there are any recent events that you should know about, then you’ll probably learn about them there.

BEST TIME TO VISIT PUEBLA

The city of Puebla experiences mild weather year-round so there really is no bad time to go. If you want to visit Puebla when precipitation is historically at its lowest, then it’s best to go from November to March. Click on the link for more on Puebla’s climate.

HOW TO GET TO PUEBLA

There are many ways to get to Puebla City depending on where you are. I’ve flown into Puebla once but most of the time, we travel by bus. Here’s how you can get to downtown Puebla from the airport in Huejotzingo (PBC) or from Mexico City.

If you’re traveling to Puebla from a different city in Mexico, then you can search for bus routes on busbud.

From Puebla International Airport (PBC)

BY BUS: This is the cheapest way to get to the city center from the airport. You can catch an Estrella Roja bus that will take you to CAPU, the main bus station in Puebla. From there, you can take an Uber to your hotel.

I purchased a ticket from the kiosk inside the airport upon arrival but you can book one in advance through the Estrella Roja website. Under origen (origin), select “Aeropuerto de Huejotzingo”. The one-way ride costs MXN 110 and takes about 40 minutes.

BY UBER/TAXI: This is more expensive than the bus but if you’re traveling and sharing the ride with other people, then it may be worth it. Depending on the time, an UberX ride to the zocalo will run you anywhere between MXN 250-450.

If you go by Uber, then please note that there’s a designated pickup point so you may have to walk there with your luggage. If you decide to go by taxi, then be sure to book one at the official taxi stand inside the arrivals lobby.

BY PRIVATE TRANSFER: This is the most expensive option but it’s also the most comfortable and convenient. You can book a private transfer to your hotel in Puebla City or Cholula on Bookaway.

From Mexico City

BY BUS: The ADO and AU bus companies offer routes to Puebla CAPU from Mexico City, either from the airport or from the TAPO bus terminal in the city center. The one-way journey takes about 2 hours. We’ve ridden many first-class intercity buses throughout Mexico and have found them to be safe and very comfortable.

You can buy tickets at the bus terminal but if you’re traveling on a tight schedule, then you may want to book them in advance through busbud. This is highly recommended if your trip falls on a peak travel day in Mexico.

BY GUIDED TOUR: Thanks to its proximity, Puebla can be visited from Mexico City on a day trip. You can do this on your own but it may be easier and less stressful to do it on a guided tour so you don’t have to worry about transportation. You can choose from a range of guided tours to Puebla from Mexico City through Get Your Guide.

By Rental Car

If you’d prefer to drive yourself and visit Puebla in a private car, then you can rent one through rentalcars.com.

WHERE TO STAY IN PUEBLA

Many people visit Puebla on a day trip from Mexico City but if you have the time, then we recommend staying 1-2 nights to give you a better appreciation for the city. Here are a few of the most highly-rated hotels in Puebla:

If you don’t think any of these hotels are right for you, then you can check out more hotel suggestions in our guide to some of the best hotels in Puebla City. You can also do a search on Booking.com, Airbnb, or use the handy map below for more listings.

THINGS TO DO IN PUEBLA

Listed below are the city’s top attractions but be sure to check out our guide on the best things to do in Pubela for more suggestions.

1. Visit Puebla Cathedral and Other Notable Churches

You’ll find many beautiful churches in Puebla City, but none are more impressive than Puebla Cathedral. It’s the focal point of the historic center with its two towers measuring 230 ft (70 m) each.

The cathedral is located right next to the zocalo so it’s a great place to start your day of exploration in Puebla. I don’t think you can climb the towers but keep an eye (and ear) out for Campana Maria. It’s the largest of the ten bells in the Old Bell Tower, weighing in at a whopping 8+ tons.

Located not too far from Puebla Cathedral, Templo de Santo Domingo won’t impress you with its size but it’ll wow you with its incredibly ornate interior. Featuring 24K golden stucco, the Capilla del Rosario or Rosary Chapel has to be one of the most visually striking chapels in all of Mexico.

Puebla Cathedral and Capilla del Rosario are the most famous but be sure to check out our article on the most beautiful churches in Puebla City. You can easily visit both on your own but if you’d prefer to go with a guide, then you may be interested in this walking tour.

2. Visit Museo Amparo and Other Museums

You’ll find a surprisingly large number of museums in the historic center but the best and most interesting is Amparo Museum. It’s a large modern art museum featuring an extensive and diverse collection of contemporary art, installation pieces, religious paintings, and pre-Hispanic art.

I’ve visited over fifty museums in Mexico and Amparo Museum is easily one of my favorites. If you could visit just one museum in Puebla, then it should definitely be this one.

If you’re a fan of the Baroque, then one museum you need to make time for is the International Museum of Baroque Art (Museo Internacional del Barroco). It boasts an impressive collection of baroque art, architecture, music, and fashion housed in an ultramodern building designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito.

Museo Internacional del Barroco is located about a 20-minute Uber ride from the zocalo so I suggest visiting this museum only if you’re staying long enough in Puebla and have a keen interest in Baroquism.

3. Make a Stop at Biblioteca Palafoxiana

As previously described, Puebla is home to the oldest library in the Americas – Biblioteca Palafoxiana. Established in 1646, it’s a small but beautiful baroque library that houses a collection of over 45,000 books and manuscripts published between the 15th and 20th centuries.

The library is located on the second floor of Casa de la Cultura, across the street from Puebla Cathedral. You can check out our article on Biblioteca Palafoxiana for more information.

4. Try Mole Poblano and Other Local Specialties

Puebla state is home to one of the most celebrated regional cuisines in Mexico. It boasts many interesting and delicious dishes, at the very top of which is mole poblano. A Mexican national dish, it refers to a thick, dark, and ultra rich sauce made with over twenty ingredients. If you had time to try just one dish in Puebla, then it should be mole poblano.

Check out our picks for the best mole poblano restaurants in Puebla City. Alternatively, you can try it on a food tour (Option 1 | Option 2).

If you’d like to make this dish at home, then you need to check out our recipe for mole poblano. It was developed by renowned local chef who runs a popular cooking class in Puebla.

5. Have a Welcome Shot at La Pasita

If you enjoy a good drink, then I recommend trying a shot of pasita at the cantina (bar) of the same name – La Pasita. Open since 1916, this Puebla institution invented this raisin-flavored liqueur served in a slender shot glass with a raisin and a cube of goat cheese. Welcome to Puebla!

La Pasita has two branches in the historic center but I recommend going to the small standing-room-only bar just off Callejón de los Sapos.

6. Buy Talavera Pottery

There are many souvenirs you can buy in Puebla, but if you want something that’s truly emblematic of the city, then two items come to mind – takeaway packs of mole poblano and Talavera pottery.

Talavera refers to a Mexican pottery tradition that originated in Spain but thrived in the Puebla area due to the region’s abundance of high-quality natural clay. You’ll find cheap Talavera pottery everywhere in downtown Puebla but the best pieces come with a special hologram that certifies their authenticity.

Check out our article on Talavera pottery to learn where to find the best pieces of Talavera in Puebla.

DAY TRIPS FROM PUEBLA

1. Cholula

As of 2024, the state of Puebla is home to 12 pueblos magicos, tied with Jalisco and Estado de Mexico for the most in Mexico. Pueblo magico literally means “magical town” and is a tourism designation awarded to small towns that offer visitors a unique experience. Of the 12 pueblos magicos in Puebla state, Cholula is the most visited thanks to its proximity to the capital city.

There are quite a number of things you can do in Cholula but its most famous attraction is Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (pictured below). Built during the Spanish conquest, it’s a 16th-century Roman Catholic church that sits on top of the largest pyramid in Mesoamerica.

Located just 9 miles (15 km) west of downtown Puebla, Cholula is easy enough to visit on your own. Check out our detailed Cholula travel guide for more information. Alternatively, you can visit Cholula on a guided tour (Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3).

2. Atlixco

Like Cholula, Atlixco is a pueblo magico in the state of Puebla that’s easily accessible from the capital city. Located about an hour away by bus, it’s famous for its natural scenery and mild climate that makes it ideal for cultivating a wide range of flowers.

Check out our Atlixco travel guide for information on how to visit this pueblo magico on your own. Altenratively, you can also visit on a guided tour (Option 1 | Option 2).

3. Val’quirico and Ex-Hacienda de Chautla

If you’d like to visit Italy from Mexico, then make your way to Val’quirico, a tourist development in neighboring Tlaxcala state. It’s known for its cobblestone streets and stone houses that make it to look like a medieval village in Tuscany.

Located about 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Puebla, Val’quirico isn’t as easy to get to using public transportation so it’s best visited using a rental car or on a guided tour.

The same tour that takes you to Val’quirico will also take you to Ex-Hacienda de Chautla and the lavender fields at San Martin ranch.

Ex-Hacienda de Chautla is a former agricultural estate that was established in the 18th century. Today, it’s a cultural and recreational center that features an English-style mansion (pictured below), expansive gardens, orchards, and a reservoir.

4. Cantona Ruins and Laguna de Alchichica

Most tourists to Mexico know about Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza, but if you’d like to visit an archaeological site that fewer people have been to, then you may want to spend the day at Cantona.

Located in the town of Tepeyahualco, the Cantona ruins are a remarkably well-preserved site that’s believed to be one of the largest and most urbanized cities in pre-Columbian Mexico. It’s a fascinating site that gets few visitors due to its remote location in northeastern Puebla. When I went, my guide and I were literally the only visitors there.

Unless you have your own rental car, Cantona ruins is almost impossible to get to on your own so it’s best to go on a guided tour. You can refer to my article on the Cantona archaeological site for more pictures and information.

The same private tour to Cantona will make a stop at Laguna de Alchichica, a volcanic crater lake known for its thick buildup of coral-like deposits. It’s an otherworldly sight that’s inspired many local legends, including a tale about a silver-haired siren that lures men to the bottom of the lake.

You can refer to my article on Laguna de Alchichica for more pictures and information.

5. Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park

Look west from Puebla or Cholula and you may catch a glimpse of two snow-capped mountain peaks. What you’re looking at are Mexico’s second- and third-highest peaks – Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes. They’re located in Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park and make a great day trip destination for adventurous travelers.

If you’re looking to scale a mountain on your trip to Puebla, then you can book an Iztaccíhuatl hike through Get Your Guide (Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3).

POBLANO FOOD GUIDE

As described, Puebla is famous for its food. Mole poblano and chiles en nogada are the most celebrated but there are many more delicious dishes for you to try in Puebla. Check out our Poblano food guide to know what other dishes to look for and where to try them.

WHERE TO EAT IN PUEBLA

We’ve eaten at many delicious restaurants in Puebla. These are three of our favorites but do check out our Puebla restaurant guide for more recommendations.

1. Antojitos Tomy

Antojitos Tomy is one of our favorite restaurants in Puebla. It’s a simple eatery that serves many local specialties like chalupas, chanclas, and one of my favorite sandwiches in the world – the cemita poblana. It’s an irresistible Mexican sandwich made with chicken or pork milanesa, quesillo (Oaxacan cheese), avocado, onions, papalo, and chili peppers served on a sesame-seed-crusted roll. ¡Que rico!

If this sandwich looks good to you, then be sure to check out our article on the best cemitas in Puebla for more suggestions.

2. Antojitos Mellos

We lived in the Azcarate neighborhood of Puebla and Antojitos Mellos was our go-to restaurant. They serve many tasty Pueblan and Mexican dishes like mole poblano, pipian, pozole, and mole de panza (pictured below). We’ve tried almost every dish on their menu and have never been disappointed.

Antojitos Mellos is located about a 20-minute walk east of the zocalo.

3. El Mural de los Poblanos

To be honest, I’m more of a street food and rustic eatery type of guy but for special occasions, there are few restaurants better than El Mural de los Poblanos. In fact, ask any local what the best restaurant in Pubela is and most will point you to El Mural.

Located in the historic center, El Mural de los Poblanos is a more upscale eatery that serves more refined versions of Mexican classics. It’s the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a special meal in Puebla.

If you’re an adventurous eater and visit Puebla between February and May, then you need to try escamoles (pictured below). Known as “Mexican caviar”, it’s an interesting dish made with ant larvae and pupae. As far as I know, El Mural is one of the very few restaurants in Puebla that serves this delicacy.

POINTS OF INTEREST IN PUEBLA

To help you find these museums, hotels, restaurants, and other attractions in Puebla, I’ve pinned them all on this map. Click on the link for a live version of the map.

PUEBLA ITINERARY

Many visitors will only stay for the day so I’ve come up with this sample 1-day Puebla itinerary to help you plan your trip. One day is enough to see the top attractions in the historic center but if you’d like to experience more of Poblano culture and its cuisine, then longer stays are recommended.

PUEBLA TRAVEL TIPS

1. Stay Connected with a Mexico Sim Card or eSIM

A reliable internet connection is a must when traveling. You’ll need it to navigate, translate, and do last-minute research.

In my experience, pocket wifi devices don’t work as well in Mexico so you’ll need a SIM card during your trip. There are a few ISPs in Mexico but Telcel is generally regarded to be the best while airalo is a trusted provider of eSIMs.

You can buy a Telcel SIM card in Mexico but I strongly recommend getting one before your trip. You can order one online through Amazon (affiliate link). It’ll come pre-loaded with 3GB of data so you’ll be connected and ready to explore as soon as you get off your plane in Mexico.

If you’d rather get an eSIM, then you can buy one in advance through airalo.

2. Learn Basic Spanish

Many people in Mexico don’t speak English so it helps to know a few of these useful phrases in Spanish:

(Muchas) gracias: “Thank you (very much)”
Por favor: “Please”
Buenos dias: “Good morning”
Buenas tardes: “Good afternoon”
Buenas noches: “Good evening”
Con permiso: “Excuse me” (when passing someone on the street)
Perdon/Desculpe: “Sorry” or “Excuse me” (when you didn’t hear what someone said)
La cuenta por favor: “The bill please”
¿Cuanto cuesta?: “How much does it cost?”

3. Bookmark the Puebla Travel Forum on Tripadvisor

Although Puebla is considered one of the safest states in Mexico, safety can be a concern in other parts of the country so it’s important to always be informed. In my experience, the best way of doing that is to monitor the city forums on Tripadvisor. If there are any recent incidents that you should know about, then chances are, people will be talking about them there.

Click on the links to open the Puebla travel forum on Tripadvisor. These forums are frequented by locals and expats so it’s a great place to ask questions too.

4. Start at the Tourist Information Center

A good place to start your visit to any city in Mexico is the zocalo, and a great place to get information is at the Tourist Information Center, which is usually located around or near the zocalo. You can ask questions and pick up brochures, maps, and other helpful information on tours, transportation, and other travel-related services.

If you arrive in Puebla without a clear idea of how you want to spend your day, then the Tourist Information Center is the best place to start.

5. Take Uber

Uber is available in Puebla so take it if you ever need to catch a ride somewhere. Unless it’s from an official taxi stand at the airport or bus station, I’m extremely wary of taking taxis in Mexico, especially after reading about this express kidnapping incident in Puebla.

6. Don’t Drink Tap Water

Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Mexico so you should always buy bottled water or drink from a filtered water bottle. Diarrhea is never fun, especially on a trip, so check out my article on the drinking water in Mexico for more helpful tips.

7. Leave a Tip

There’s a tipping culture in Mexico so expect to pay a tip at restaurants and at other places that offer you a service. Personally, I always leave a tip of around 10% of the total bill. You can read my article on tipping in Mexico for more information.

8. Get Travel Insurance

In my opinion, getting travel insurance is a must when traveling. Frankly, you never know what might happen on a trip so it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

For peace of mind, we purchase travel insurance policies from SafetyWing before every trip. Click on the link to learn more and get a free quotation.

9. Bring the Right Power Adapter

Mexico has Type A or Type B electrical outlets so be sure to bring the right power adapters for your devices. Electrical voltage is 127V and the standard frequency is 60Hz.

OUR TRAVEL GEAR

Here’s some of the travel equipment and gear that proved very useful on our trip to Puebla and Mexico. (Amazon affiliate links)

Disclosure

Some of the links in this travel guide to Puebla, Mexico are affiliate links, meaning we’ll make a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As always, we only recommend products and services that we use ourselves. We really appreciate your support as it helps us keep this free Puebla travel website going. ¡Muchisimas gracias!

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