Puebla’s main square, the Zocalo, is situated in the heart of the city and surrounded by stately historical buildings, monuments and green spaces. The vibrant tree-lined square is a perfect starting point for a leisurely walking tour beginning with the nearby Puebla Cathedral, the town hall (Palacio Municipal) and three sets of arched hallways known as Portales, Portal Hidalgo, Portal Iturbide and Portal Morelos, which are renowned for their broad range of restaurants and bars. Visitors are encouraged to sample a drink while listening to marimba melodies, enjoy a cocktail at Nevados Don Hermilo and try a typical cemita (sandwich) from Meche.
One of the most impressive churches in Mexico, Puebla Cathedral is a treasure of colonial architecture and artwork dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. It was designed by Spanish architect Francisco Becerra, who built other convents in Puebla, Mexico and worked on several cathedrals in The Americas. The first stage of the cathedral's construction took place between 1575 and 1618. Bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza oversaw its completion and consecrated the cathedral in 1649.
Explore Izta-Popo National Park, home to two iconic volcanoes: the dormant Iztaccíhuatl and the active Popocatépetl. This guided tour offers stunning views, fresh mountain air at elevations between 3,600–4,300 meters, and insight into the region’s unique flora and fauna. Roundtrip transportation is included, making it perfect for solo travelers, friends, or families. Choose your hike level: Level 1: 8–9 km total, from 3,600m to 3,980m. Includes ~4 km moderate climb and 4 km descent on sandy trails. Level 2: 14 km total, with 4 km of climbing and mostly descent. Enjoy views of Izta on the way out and Popo on the return. Level 3: 7 km at 4,000–4,500m, featuring sand and rocky terrain for a more intense high-altitude experience.
Calle de los Sapos (meaning Alley of the Frogs) is a street lined with restaurants, bars, coffee shops and cool boutiques. The surrounding streets also have lots of stalls with handicrafts, jewelery, ceramics, antiques, toys, paintings and, of course, food.
The Chapel of the Rosary, located within the Church of Santo Domingo in Puebla, Mexico, is considered one of the finest examples of New Spanish Baroque art. Built in the 17th century and consecrated in 1690, the chapel was once called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” due to its stunning artistic and spiritual richness.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into Mexico’s pre-Columbian past, a quick trip to Cholula is one of the best things to do while in Puebla. Public Transit, Uber or a tour should get you there in 45 minutes to an hour. There you’ll find the Pyramid of Cholula; the largest pyramid in the world by volume. You can also discover the tunnels beneath the pyramid and enjoy panoramic views from the charming church on top of it.