One Day in Puebla: The Perfect Itinerary ( + Tips)

How to Visit Puebla in a Day: The Definitive Guide + Where to Stay

You’re planning to go to Puebla for a day and you’re looking for the perfect itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you this 1-day itinerary in Puebla.

During your trip, you will discover all must-see attractions of the city rich in history, colonial architecture and culinary delights.

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

Don’t miss my essential guide to the 25 must-do activities in Puebla – perfect for planning your next adventure!

So, what are the best things to do in Puebla for a day? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

Top Things to Do in Puebla in 24h

A. Zocalo and Puebla Cathedral

Begin your one day in Puebla at the Zocalo, the city’s central square, surrounded by cafes, restaurants and beautiful buildings including the unmissable Puebla Cathedral.

It is more than a religious site; it’s a splendid example of Baroque architecture. Its interior houses an array of post-Hispanic art treasures, from paintings to sculptures and fine goldsmith work, making it a key cultural landmark in the region.

Inside, the cathedral’s array of Mexican baroque art, including paintings, sculptures, and exquisite goldsmith work, always leaves me impressed, especially the Altar de los Reyes (Altar of the Kings)

B. Biblioteca Palafoxiana

Leaving the awe-inspiring Zocalo and Cathedral behind, your next stop is the Biblioteca Palafoxiana.

This isn’t just any library; it is the first public library in the Americas!

Its founder, Bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza, made a groundbreaking decision in the 17th century to allow access to anyone who could read, democratizing knowledge in an era when it was a rare privilege.

With over 45,000 books and manuscripts, some from the 15th century, and the intricate woodwork and tall bookshelves, it’s a hidden gem that’s both quaint and impressive.

You can’t explore the library on your own, to protect its precious books, but you’ll see that the guided tour is really interesting and absolutely worth it!

C. Amparo Museum

During your 1 day in Puebla, don’t miss the chance to visit the Amparo Museum.

It features a vast collection of Mexican art, from ancient pre-Hispanic pieces to modern works, all in one place.

Also, make sure to visit the museum’s rooftop terrace for a stunning view of the city. It’s a great spot for a quick coffee break, or a cocktail!

D. Exploring Callejón de los Sapos

After the museum, a stroll through Callejón de los Sapos is up next in your 1-day Puebla itinerary. This charming alley is a delightful spot full of character, colorful houses, and it’s a great spot for taking pictures!

Known for its antique shops and vibrant weekend flea market, Callejón de los Sapos is perfect for experiencing the lively local atmosphere. Wander around, and you’ll find an array of unique items, from vintage furniture to quirky collectibles.

E. Shopping at Mercado del Parián

For souvenir shopping, head over to Mercado del Parián.

This market isn’t just a shopping venue; it’s a piece of Puebla’s history, being the first craft market in the city, established back in 1760!

It’s the ideal place to pick up something special that captures the essence of your 1 day in Puebla, especially its renowned Talavera pottery, along with a mix of other local crafts like leather goods, textiles, jewelry, sweets, ceramics, and wooden items.

F. Barrio del Artista (Artist Quarter)

After exploring the traditional crafts at Mercado del Parián, your next stop is Barrio del Artista, a hub of creativity and artistry in Puebla.

Walking through this small neighborhood is like stepping into a live art studio. Watch local artists craft their work and engage with them to understand their creative process. You might even find a unique piece to take home.

To really soak in the vibe of Barrio del Artista, head to the small plaza or any nearby terrace for a coffee. It’s the ideal spot to relax, enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, and reflect on your day. This little break is a tranquil interlude in your busy day exploring Puebla.

G. Indulge in Sweets at Calle de los Dulces

From the artistic lanes of Barrio del Artista, make your way to the sweetest part of your Puebla journey – Calle de los Dulces.

This street is a haven for sweet lovers, lined with stores offering an array of traditional Pueblan treats.

Here, you’ll find everything from sugary camotes (sweet potato) to the iconic tortitas de Santa Clara and rompope. There are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the taste buds!

H. Capilla del Rosario

A visit to the Capilla del Rosario is a splendid way to conclude your one-day itinerary in Puebla!

Celebrated for its exquisite Mexican Baroque architecture, the chapel offers an experience that competes with the grandeur of the city’s cathedral.

Stepping inside, you are greeted by opulent interiors adorned with 24-karat gold leaf. The chapel’s walls showcase José Rodríguez Carnero’s large canvases above and beautiful Talavera tiles below, combining to create an unforgettable visual experience.

Map of the best things to do in Puebla in 1 day

Best Hotels in Puebla for a Perfect One-Day Stay

Since you have just one day in Puebla, I highly recommend staying in the city center where everything is within walking distance, making it easier to explore the best sights on foot.

Here are my top recommendations for a one-night stay in Puebla:

• Hotel Santiago: the ideal hotel for a cheap stay in Puebla, practically on the corner of the Zocalo, with a rooftop terrace offering a beautiful view of the cathedral. Rooms are only 30 $usd per night!

• NH Puebla Centro Historico: a hotel in the historic center of Puebla, with a rooftop terrace that has a swimming pool, a gym, available parking, good wifi and a buffet with breakfast included, starting at 48 $usd per night!

• Hotel Boutique Casareyna: a 16th century mansion next to the Bubas Bridge, converted into a luxury hotel that offers spacious rooms, a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, a gym and spa, parking and a hearty breakfast. Rooms with parking and breakfast start at 105 $usd per night!

• Banyan Tree Puebla: this is my favorite hotel in Puebla, the perfect choice for a romantic stay or to enjoy real luxurious comfort in the heart of the city. There’s a terrace garden, a rooftop, a pool and spa overlooking the volcanoes, a restaurant with a terrace, and a good breakfast. For 226 $usd per night.

Is One Day in Puebla Enough?

In my experience, exploring Puebla in a single day is tight but definitely doable.

On my second visit, I followed this exact one-day itinerary, and even though I’m a fast walker, my mom, who is of a certain age, managed to keep up.

The city center is quite small, so the main attractions are easily reachable by foot, which is great for exploring!

Puebla is feasible as a day trip from Mexico City, or you could use it as a strategic stopover en route to Oaxaca.

What to do in Puebla in 2 days?

For a more leisurely exploration, 2 days in Puebla allows you to fully immerse in the city’s architecture and vibe.

With more time, you can explore Puebla’s secret tunnels, the Analco neighborhood, the historic forts, or the vibrant street art in Xanenetla.

What to do in Puebla in 3 days?

For those planning a 3-4-5 days in Puebla itinerary, destinations like Cholula, Zacatlán, Chignahuapan, Cuetzalan, Atlixco, and the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve offer unique insights into the region’s heritage and natural beauty.

My Best Tips for Visiting Puebla in 1 Day

Here are my essential tips to make the most of your day in Puebla:

• Start Early: Begin your exploration early to cover more ground in the city’s compact center

• Taste the Mole Poblano: A visit to Puebla isn’t complete without trying mole poblano. Head to the chic Mural de los Poblanos for their ‘degustación de moles’ – it’s worth the splurge. For a budget-friendly option, try Clementina Cocina Poblana, where the enchiladas tres moles are a delight.

• Must-See Attractions: While you don’t have to stick rigidly to this one-day itinerary in Puebla, I highly recommend not missing the Cathedral, Capilla del Rosario, and Biblioteca Palafoxiana.

• Explore Puebla’s Highlights on a Bus Tour: taking the double-decker bus (get your tickets here!) is a great option if you have only 1 day in Puebla. In around an hour, you can admire the cathedral, the municipal palace, the library, the Los Sapos and Analco markets, and much more.

• Stay in the heart of Puebla: make sure to pick a hotel in the city center to easily access all the attractions on foot

• Comfortable Footwear: Opt for comfy shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking around the city’s charming streets.

• Transportation: taxis in Puebla do not have fare meters so it’s crucial to agree on the fare with the driver before getting in. While I personally prefer using ride-sharing apps like Uber or Didi, knowing how to navigate local taxis can be helpful.

Rent a car in Mexico

Renting a car is definitely the ideal choice for exploring Puebla to its fullest!

When it comes to car rentals, I consistently turn to Booking.com Cars for several reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Booking Cars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

How to find a cheap flight to Mexico

To find your cheap flight to Mexico I recommend you to use our flight comparator in partnership with Skyscanner, it’s the guarantee to pay the best price for domestic and international flights!

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico

• Puebla: Top 25 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• Mexico City: The 45 Best things to Discover
• Oaxaca: Top 31 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions!

• Itinerary: 8-10 days in Mexico – From Mexico City to Oaxaca
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month

• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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