Puebla, Mexico (November 2025)

After we spent a week in Los Cabos, we flew to Mexico City and spent a night because we landed late. The following day, we took an express bus to Puebla, approximately two hours away to the south. Puebla is the capital city of the Puebla State. 

Puebla is known for its colonial architecture, particularly its historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, its Talavera pottery, and its regional cuisine, especially mole poblano. It's also famous as the site of the Battle of Puebla, which is celebrated on May 5th or Cinco de Mayo, commemorating its victory over the battle against the French army. In other words, Cinco de Mayo originated in Puebla. Puebla is situated in the shadow of the active Popocatepetl volcano. 

Popocatepetl Volcano

Miniature version of the Puebla Historic Center

Puebla is also well known for its numerous churches, among which the Cathedral de Puebla is the most famous. Its baroque-style architecture dominates the main square of Puebla.

The Roman Catholic Churches usually keep their middle gates closed, except in the year of Jubilee. The year 2025 is the Year of Jubilee, and the middle gate, named Puerta de Esparanza or the Gate of Hope, was open. 

The interior was quite beautiful and well decorated.

Another landmark of the City of Puebla is Biblioteca Palafoxiana. It is recognized by UNESCO as the first and oldest library in the Americas. It has 45,000 books, manuscripts. The scale was impressive. 

Another attraction in Puebla's historic center is el Mercado de Artesanias, or the Artesians Market, called El Parina. It has many souvenir shops, sweet shops, and ceramic products stores (Talavera pottery). 

Another famous church in Puebla's historic center is Templo Santo Domingo. Unlike the Cathedral de Puebla, this Dominican-style temple's exterior was quite simple. 

We also visited Barrio de Artista or Arist Square, where we could find many galleries and sculptures. 

Puebla has a neighborhood called Los Sapos or The Toads. This neighborhood was decorated colorfully for the well-off people.

We joined a local guide who offered free service, expecting tips for his service. He was good.

Puebla is another gastronomically famous city, competing with Oaxaca, particularly on moles. We enjoyed various Mexican cuisines and thoroughly enjoyed them all, even churros. 

We stayed in Puebla for five days and explored the city pretty well. - Jeffrey