If you combined everything that makes Mexico amazing into one place, you’d get Puebla. This mid-sized city in central Mexico boasts incredible food, gorgeous colonial architecture, rich culture, friendly locals, and even claims to be home to the world’s smallest volcano.
There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained in Puebla. While there’s no beach, the city offers a safe, easy-to-navigate environment just a few hours from Mexico City, making it worth the visit. Puebla’s spot on the Central Mexican Plateau means it enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, surrounded by stunning natural scenery including towering, pine-covered volcanoes.
In my 10 years living in Mexico, I visited Puebla many times—sometimes for work, sometimes for fun, and other times en route to Oaxaca. Each visit revealed new attractions and activities to enjoy in Puebla.
So, what can you do in Puebla? Here are the top 15 attractions and activities:
The zocalo, or central square, is the heartbeat of the city, much like in many Mexican towns. Unlike the wide-open spaces of other cities, Puebla’s zocalo is filled with fountains, park benches, and tall leafy trees, making it a perfect spot for people-watching, enjoying street food, or relaxing.
The majestic Puebla Cathedral sits on the south side of the zocalo, while the imposing Municipal Palace, where the local government meets, stands across from it. These iconic buildings are must-see sights in Puebla.
Next to the palace, you’ll find the Pasaje de Ayuntamiento, a narrow alley with a high glass ceiling where you can shop for souvenirs. On the other side of the zocalo, near the cathedral, is the opulent Biblioteca Palafoxiana (Palafoxiana Library), founded in 1646.
Around the zocalo, you’ll find numerous restaurants with outdoor seating where you can savor Puebla’s famous dishes like Mole Poblano, Chalupas, and Chiles en Nogada. Sampling the city’s incredible cuisine is an essential part of any visit.
Chiles en Nogada stands out as a local specialty. This dish features a large poblano pepper stuffed with fruit, nuts, spices, and meat, then covered in a creamy walnut sauce and topped with pomegranate seeds and parsley. Created by nuns to honor a Mexican independence leader, it’s a dish with historical roots, available only in late summer and early fall.
If Chiles en Nogada is out of season, try Mole Poblano, an ancient dish that blends more than 20 ingredients into a thick, dark brown sauce, often served over chicken. Many agree that Puebla’s version of mole is among the best in Mexico.
Exploring Puebla also means taking pleasant walks through areas like Cinco de Mayo Street, lined with restaurants and shops in Spanish-colonial buildings. Nearby, the Santo Domingo Chapel and Plaza Victoria shopping mall add to the city’s charm.
Public markets are a great way to soak up local culture. The Cinco de Mayo Market, located a short walk from the zocalo, and La Merced Market offer fresh produce and local specialties.
For a less elaborate but equally delicious meal, try a Cemita—a Mexican sandwich filled with meat, cheese, avocado, hot peppers, and herbs. You can find these in markets or small restaurants throughout the city.
Another unique stop is the National Museum of Mexican Railways, showcasing trains from different eras. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Amparo Museum, which features pre-Hispanic and other Mexican art in elegant colonial buildings.
The Callejon de los Sapos, or Frog Alley, is a vibrant narrow street perfect for photos and souvenir shopping. Indulge in local candies like camotes and borrachitos, available in markets and shops throughout the city.
For outdoor relaxation, visit Paseo Bravo Park, with its fountains, palm trees, and statues. At night, explore Juarez Street for a mix of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Nearby Cholula is also worth a visit, easily reachable by a free tourist train from Puebla. Highlights include the Cholula Archeological Zone, topped by a colonial-era church, and a large zocalo filled with dining and nightlife options.
One quirky attraction is Cuexcomate, a small geyser often mistaken for the world’s smallest volcano. Located in a working-class neighborhood, it’s a unique, off-the-beaten-path spot.
For a bit of Europe in Mexico, visit Val’quirico, a Tuscan-style village built by Italian expats. Located a short drive from Puebla City, it features cobblestone streets and a variety of international restaurants.
With its phenomenal food, rich history, and numerous attractions, Puebla is one of my favorite cities in Latin America. You could easily spend a week exploring all it has to offer. So, when planning your trip to central Mexico or Mexico City, don’t forget to include a side trip to Puebla. And remember—come hungry!
