In some ways, the city of Puebla, Mexico feels like a gigantic, open-air museum. Its historic downtown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is graced with centuries-old architecture, as well as museums, traditional restaurants and shops. Planning a trip to Puebla provides memorable opportunities to connect with culture, history and delicious cuisine, as I discovered during my most recent visit.
Founded in 1531, the city of Puebla is the capital of the eponymous state. It’s the birthplace of several quintessentially Mexican traditions, including mole poblano, Talavera pottery and the original Cinco de Mayo celebration, making it even more fascinating to explore. Following are more insights into this special destination.
How to Travel to Puebla
Puebla’s international airport is served by nonstop flights from Houston, but the destination’s proximity to Mexico City makes it an easy side trip from that larger — and better connected — metropolis. Some ambitious, time-pressed travelers do Puebla as a day trip from Mexico’s capital, but the number of sights to see — as well as the often-heavy traffic between the two cities — makes overnight trips a much more enjoyable option. Either way, travelers can choose from transportation options such as private transfers and public buses, which depart from multiple bus stations in Mexico City, including the one at Benito Juarez International Airport.
My husband and I took a first-class bus on our latest trip and found it quite comfortable. After taking a taxi from Puebla’s bus station to the historic downtown, we felt immediately enveloped in history. It was my fourth visit to the city, but I never fail to be impressed by the sheer size and number of Puebla’s historic architectural treasures.
Puebla’s ornate cathedral dates back to 1575.
Credit: 2025 DepartureLevel.comThe Zocalo — the leafy central square — is the logical place to start a walking tour. It sits next door to the city’s massive cathedral, which dates to 1575 and features the tallest church towers in Mexico. The cathedral’s ornate interior hints at Puebla’s importance and wealth during the colonial era.
Nearby, Palafoxiana Library was established in 1646 and is considered the first and oldest European-established library in the Americas. Its vaulted ceilings and artwork showcase its original religious roots.
While the cathedral may be the city’s most iconic religious edifice, many consider Capilla del Rosario (Rosary Chapel) in the Santo Domingo church just a few blocks away to be the most beautiful. Behind a relatively bland facade, the 17th-century chapel has an elaborate interior of gold, paintings and sculptures.
I also recommend visiting Museo Amparo, a museum and cultural center that deftly blends exhibits of historic art and artifacts with contemporary and modern art. Set in two colonial-era buildings, it’s also home to a rooftop cafe and terrace that’s a nice place to stop for lunch or refreshments.
At Museo Internacional del Barroco, baroque artwork and furnishings are on display.
Credit: 2025 DepartureLevel.comOutside Downtown Puebla
There are several worthwhile reasons to venture beyond the limits of Puebla’s city center. History and art lovers will want to make time for Museo Internacional del Barroco (International Baroque Museum), a spectacular venue set in an eye-catching modern structure designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito. Taxi and Uber provide the most efficient ways to arrive at this facility, which hosts large permanent and temporary exhibitions of baroque artwork, furnishings and other items.
Farther outside of the city, the town of Cholula is another must for first-time visitors. This small town, a designated Pueblo Magico (Magical Town), is best known for its Great Pyramid, which dates to around 200 B.C. and by volume is ranked as one of the world’s largest pyramids. In a bold statement of disrespect by the European colonialists, a small Catholic church was built atop the pyramid in the late 16th century; it’s still open to the public, as are tunnels that run through the pyramid.
Cinco de Mayo and Other Activities in Puebla
In much of the U.S., Cinco de Mayo is used by businesses as a marketing opportunity; some people mistakenly believe that it’s Mexico’s independence day. But in Puebla, this special day is celebrated for what it is: a commemoration of Mexico’s victory over French invaders during the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The annual event includes a grand military parade and a variety of festivities around the city; advance booking is recommended for hotels during that time.
No matter the season, Puebla’s culinary traditions provide lots of delicious delights. Mole poblano (a rich, dark sauce commonly served with chicken), tacos Arabes (“Arab tacos” inspired by Lebanese immigrants) and chiles en nogada (a dish popular around Mexico’s independence day on Sept. 16) are just a few of the local favorite dishes. To learn the secrets of these and other specialties, travelers can sign up for cooking classes at hotels such as the luxurious Banyan Tree Puebla and the boutique-style Sacristia de la Compania.
One of the newest hotel brands in the city is Voco Royalty Puebla Downtown, an IHG property set in a historic building across the street from the Zocalo. While the hotel doesn’t offer cooking classes, it’s within walking distance of Casa Mexicana, a facility that hosts culinary workshops and tours.
When it comes time to search for souvenirs, some of Puebla’s most interesting shopping takes place right on the sidewalk. In several blocks downtown, a variety of vendors sell everything from handmade crafts to original artwork and vintage collectible items. Callejon de los Sapos (Alley of the Frogs) is a picturesque street and a good place to start any shopping excursion.
Clients might take a day trip to the nearby town of Cholula.
Credit: 2025 DepartureLevel.comThose looking for a more structured visit may want to consider booking a guided tour with companies such as Vibe Adventures, which offers one-day tours that include visits to downtown Puebla and Cholula, and Eat Mexico, which offers food and culture tours of the city, as well as cooking classes.
