Visit Puebla in Mexico: what are the best things to do and see in the city with a thousand and a wonder?
Puebla has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Mexico, both gastronomic and cultural capital. Puebla is proud of its history by the imposing silhouettes of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes: the Mexican troops defeated the French army in 1862.
Founded in 1531 by the Spaniards, it was long known as the City of Angels ("Cudad de los Angeles"). Visiting Puebla could be summarized in a word: "Baroque". It would probably define this city at best with its complex flavors that seduce the palace, its elaborate forms that captivate the gaze, its irresistible set of legends and stories, tortuous streets, fountains, gardens, craft markets and alleys of artists and a horizon on which the domes of the churches cut themselves.
To help you plan your stay, we listed them for you best things to do in Puebla in Mexico:
1. To be dazzled by the Rosary Chapel
The Rosary Chapel ("Capilla del Rosario") is the most sumptuous part of the Santo Domingo Church. Its baroque decoration will not fail to dazzle you. Located on the south side of the main altar, the chapel is distinguished by its ornamental sculptures, paintings and details worked on the gold leaf that create a flamboyant effect, hence its name La Maison Dorée ("La Casa Dorada"). The windows of the upper floor let the light in and give a magnificent golden shine. This place typical of the refinements of baroque art in Mexico will not disappoint you!
2. Emerging your taste buds with poblena gastronomy
Puebla gastronomy is one of the most emblematic and succulent in the country and boasts its inhabitants. The dishes are particularly original and you can taste the mole pobleno a sauce mixing chocolate, chili peppers, nuts, almonds, sesames; of chiles en nogada (grunts) or desserts of incredible creativity such as tortitas de Santa Clara (little cookies) camotes (exit of sweet potato confite), pepita dulce (galette of caramelized squash), jamoncillos (friandise based on sugar and milk) or many candied fruits.
3. Growing at the Palafoxiana Library, American pioneer
The Palafoxiana Library, the first public library of the American continent, houses one of the largest collections of human knowledge: it contains 40,000 volumes, all preserved on cedar shelves and various Mexican pine varieties dating from the 18th century.
You will find this cultural pearl on the top floor of the Casa de Cultura de Puebla, in a vast and sumptuous vaulted room. A painting by the Madone de Trapanni, works by Sicilian master Nino Pisano, watches over the central part of the living room. More than a historical gem, this library is also an artistic work in itself.
4. Walking around the buyers' paradise: El Parián de Puebla
The El Parián market is the ideal place to acquire traditional craftsmanships from the region. Located on the old San Roque square, it welcomes you every day to enjoy its 100 stands that offer achievements from all over the state.
Here you will find beautiful pieces in talavera, a kind of ceramic with very colorful motifs, textiles, leather items, jewelry, pottery, wooden objects, smelting stalls and many other typical souvenirs of Mexico...
5. Grimper at the top of the Cholula Pyramid
Located about ten kilometers from Puebla, Cholula is one of the oldest still inhabited cities in Mexico. It stands at the foot of the greatest pyramid ever built by man. This gigantic structure, measuring more than 405 meters long, is dedicated to Quetzalcóatl, a pan-American divinity represented by a feathered snake.
A pyramid can hide another one. This construction is actually the work of different Mexican peoples, who have overlayed 7 pyramids, covered over time by vegetation. The conquistadors of the 16th century did not see the strangeness of this mountain. They even built the church Nuestra Señora de los Remedios at its summit, without ever realizing that they were walking on a huge pyramid complex.
6. Adventure on the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl
Let yourself be tempted by a hike in the footsteps of Aztec mythology: the Popocatepetl warrior was in love with Iztaccíhuatl, the coveted daughter of the king. He promised his daughter’s hand to the valiant warrior, provided he returned victorious from the war. A jealous rival made the princess believe that her beloved was dead in combat. She died of grief. Upon his return, after learning the death of the one he loved more than anything, Popocatépetl took the body of Iztaccíhuatl, and took him to the top of a mountain, where he let himself die alongside him. The gods moved, covered them with snow and changed them in the mountains.
The mountain of Iztaccíhualt was called “a sleeping woman” because its summits, which you can climb, have the form of a woman lying on the back. As for Popocatépetl, he became a volcano whose rage casts fire on the earth. The visit of this last volcano is forbidden to the public, but you can admire it from far or from the summits of the nearby mountain.
7. Incorporating Mexico’s history at the Amparo Museum
The Amparo Museum, housed in two colonial buildings – a palace and a hospital, has an impressive collection of pre-Hispanic, colonial, modern and contemporary Mexican art. Take a walk in the eight pre-Hispanic Mexico halls to discover more than 2000 pieces representing the ancient Mexican civilizations... Among all these objects, you can admire vases, anthropomorphic and animal figures, stele, altars, sculptures or tools. To guide you, a line of time shows on a wall the chronology of Mexico, from time to time backwards. You will thus be incollable on the history of the country!
8. Visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
The Puebla Cathedral is located near El Zocaló, the main square of the city. It is the largest and oldest cathedral in Mexico. Beginning in 1575, it took 74 years to build it. This explains the different architectural styles. Thus, the façade will remind you of the Renaissance, while the interior refers to the neoclassical style or the baroque. You will not be able to miss its two wrought iron towers that peak at 74 meters high.
This large building, richly decorated, deserves to be stopped, at least to enjoy the architectural union which makes it its peculiarity.
9. Remember the Mexican victory in Los Fuertes de Loreto y Guadalupe
It was in the forts of Loreto and Guadalupe, in Puebla, that a historic event occurred: the victory of an indigenous people in the face of imperial power. On 5 May 1862, the armies of the Second French Empire were defeated by a half the number of Mexican battalions. Today you can visit the forts where the two armies fought. The Mexicans still celebrate and always this victory because, if the Mexican army was subsequently defeated, this battle symbolizes the unity of the country.
10. Walking around the streets of Xanenetla
An innovative and unusual project emerged in this district of Puebla, to promote social cohesion and neighbourhood life: Colectivo Tomate has set up an urban wall painting workshop in collaboration with the locals, the state and other organizations. This gave rise to “social muralism”, a concept that characterizes Mexican cultural and revolutionary identity. The Xanenetla district was chosen for its history, as well as for its original architecture based on volcanic stones.
You can only be admired in front of the original and colourful walls of Xanenetla, which tell the stories of the families and define the identity of this beautiful neighborhood.
How to get to Puebla?
Several airlines serve Puebla from Paris. However, flights are often long and with one or two stopovers. So the easiest thing is to take a flight for Mexico , then take a bus from the airport to Puebla (about 2h drive). This will allow you time to enjoy the capital. To find cheap flights to Puebla or Mexico, you can search our partner's website Skyscanner .
Where to sleep in Puebla?
You will find in Puebla a multitude of hotels and hostels to spend a peaceful night. The majority of accommodations are located in the historic centre of the city.
Remember to book your accommodation in advance, especially during holidays and in high season, Puebla being a very coveted city by its proximity to Mexico especially. You can find a cheap hotel in Puebla by doing a search on this Compare hotels .
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