One Day in Puebla, Mexico

Recognized as a cultural, artistic, and culinary hot-spot, Puebla is the kind of travel destination that immediately feels both unique and essential. For a small city, there’s a surprising amount to see and do. Buildings are commonly decorated with tiles or brightly-painted surfaces, making Puebla a photographer’s dream. When I visited in January, I rode the bus down from Mexico City early in the morning and returned at dinnertime. The trip exceeded every expectation, but when I return, I will be sure to spend the night in town so I can experience more of its culinary gems and gorgeous hotels.

HOW TO GET THERE FROM MEXICO CITY

Puebla is easily accessible by bus from the TAPO Bus Terminal, also known as Terminal Oriente, alongside the San Lázaro Metro station in Mexico City. A one-way ticket on Estrella Roja or ADO from the TAPO Terminal usually costs about $160 to $200 MXN for direct service to Puebla’s main CAPU station (<$10 USD). Buses leave for Puebla approximately every fifteen minutes and the entire trip takes 2 hours. If you book a bus ticket in advance, you should download the ADO Móvil app on your phone, as booking and payment are simpler using the app.

Gorgeous scenery from the bus of Volcanic mountains!

COFFEE AND LUNCH

When you arrive in Puebla, you’ll need to find your way to the historic town center. Take note that if you arrive by bus, you will not be within easy walking distance. I recommend using a ride sharing app such as Uber, as the walk would take one hour and Uber will only cost a couple dollars.

Cafe Cultura: Calle 4 Sur 506, Centro, 72000 Puebla, Mexico

To pep yourself up after the day’s journey, a quick coffee should do the trick! Our favorite spot for coffee was the Cafe Cultura, with a comfortable and casual atmosphere that allowed us to sit down, charge our phones, and plan out our day in the spacious living room-style seating area.

Profética: Calle 3 Sur 701, Centro, 72000 Puebla, Mexico

For a wonderful lunch in a sunny courtyard, head to the Profética bookstore and cafe. We ordered authentic Pueblan tortas (sandwiches) and enchiladas. I wish we could have spent longer just sitting in the pleasant setting, people-watching and listening to the fountain.

ACTIVITIES AND MUSEUMS

Puebla was founded during the colonial era due to it’s strategic location on the road between Mexico City and the port city of Veracruz. Since the 1980s, the city has been a World Heritage site, and is celebrated for its architecture and educational institutions. During our one day in Puebla, we made our way to several important sites that we would label as must-sees. A few favorites are described below.

Palafoxian Library: Av 5 Ote 5, Centro, 72000 Puebla

This hidden gem is actually fairly well-hidden! When you walk into the building, go through the courtyard and take the stairs up to the second floor where you need to purchase a ticket to enter this historical one-room library. I guarantee this library will take you right out of time, with every historic detail preserved and polished.

Museo Casa de Alfeñique: Av. 4 Ote. No.416, Centro, 72000 Puebla

Our favorite stop of the day was this quirky and romantic home-turned-museum. You will learn a bit of history as you walk throughout the museum, each room more fascinating than the one before. Be sure to find the small chapel and kitchen, and do admire the hand-painted tiles that abound on the floors, stairways, balconies, and walls.

Capilla del Rosario: Victoria del 5 de Mayo, Centro, 72000 Puebla (in Templo de Santo Domingo)

Another hidden gem, you will enter this golden 17th Century chapel through the Santo Domingo church. Gilded floor to ceiling, this entire church and chapel will leave you dazzled by the craftsmanship and resources that went into every inch of its interior.