Mexico's fourth-largest city and one of its most beautiful colonial treasures, Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its extraordinary 17th-century Baroque architecture (the Cathedral is one of Mexico's finest), its unique Talavera ceramic tiles covering building facades, and its exceptional culinary tradition — birthplace of mole poblano and chiles en nogada. The city's historic center, known as the 'City of Angels' (Ciudad de los Ángeles), is studded with 70+ Baroque churches.
Highlights
- The magnificent Puebla Cathedral (Catedral de Puebla)
- Zócalo of Puebla — one of Mexico's most beautiful plazas
- Barrio de los Sapos (antiques and artisan market)
- Talavera pottery workshops
- Chapel of the Rosary (Capilla del Rosario) — extraordinary gilded Baroque interior
- Try authentic mole poblano and chiles en nogada
Tips for visiting
- Puebla is very walkable — the historic center is compact
- Try cemitas (Puebla's distinctive sandwich) from street vendors
- The Cholula pyramid complex is 15 minutes from Puebla — combine if possible
- August-September is peak season for authentic chiles en nogada (the quintessential Puebla dish)