Puebla
Travel Guide > North America > Mexico > Puebla > Puebla
In this Article
- Introduction
- Neighbourhoods
- Sights and Activities
- Events and Festivals
- Weather
- Getting There
- Getting Around
- Eat
- Drink
- Sleep
- Work
- Learn
- Keep Connected
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Introduction
Puebla is a nice city just under a million and a half people located halfway between Mexico City and Veracruz. It was built on this strategic point in 1531 because of equidistant point between the two major cities. Because of this it grew into a very important city during the colonial times. It was also the first city built by the Spanish that was not built upon a previously existing Native American city. Because of the amount of wealth that went threw Puebla the city has an amazing old town, which is very well preserved because the locals take great pride in it. The city is much more traditional and conservative when compared to Mexico City and people tend to be very religious here. Puebla is a great city to spend a day or two wondering its streets and looking at its fine churches. It is also a good place to jump off to other destinations like Cholula or further afield to Oaxaca.
Neighbourhoods
Sights and Activities
Historic Downtown
The historic downtown is littered with churches and other amazing structures. At its centre is a pleasant Zocalo with a nice fountain that locals gather around during the day. As you approach south west of the Zocalo you enter the university area, which is home to some nice bars and cheaper restaurants.
- Templo De Santo Domingo is a wonderful Dominican church located on 5 de Mayo.
Puebla Cathedral
The Puebla Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in all of Mexico. The two towers, only one which has bells in it, are the tallest in Mexico. The legend says that under the tower with no bells is an underground river and if the bells were installed in it, the tower would fall. Construction on the Cathedral began in 1557 and was not finished until 1690. The interior has several stunning side chapels and the main alter is jaw dropping. The Cathedral closes during the midday, making the best time to visit early evening or in the morning.
Other Sights and Activities
- Museum Amparo (Museo Amparo) is a wonderful art museum with good English translations. It is located inside two converted colonial mansions that have been connected. The collection is from pre-Hispanic days to the present, although the collection on colonial art and furniture is great. Also check out what temporary exhibits they have on contemporary Mexican art. The museum is located at 2 Sur 708 and is open 10 am to 6 pm. Admission is 30 pesos.
- Cholula is small town outside of Puebla with an amazing church that was built upon an ancient pyramid.
Events and Festivals
Weather
Getting There
By Plane
Hermanos Serdán International Airport (IATA: PBC, ICAO:MMPB) is the airport that serves Puebla. It also is an alternative airport for Mexico City. It has good regional service and limited international service.
By Train
By Car
By Bus
CAPU is the main bus station in town. It has buses to every city in the country.
By Boat
Eat
Drink
Near the University area south west of the Zocalo there are several bars. Check out Calle 6 Sur for there are several bars and clubs located on or near this plaza. There is also a lively LGBT bar scene and they are easy to spot with rainbow flags hanging outside the window.
Sleep
Budget
- Hostel Santo Domingo Is the only real hostel in town. The building is a converted nunnery and is built around a pleasant courtyard. The free breakfast is ok and the staff are helpful. There is slow internet available in the lobby and towels are 5 pesos. The hostel is located at avenida 4 Ponlente #302. Dorm bed 150 pesos, Single Room 250 pesos, Double 350 pesos. Phone: 242-33-63
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostal Santo Domingo | 4 Poniente 312 (entre 3 y 5 Norte) | Hostel | 81 |
| Hotel Hacienda del Molino | Calzada del Bosque N°10 Col. San Jose del Puente | Hotel | - |
| Mesones Sacristia | 6 sur 304 9 oriente 16 | Hotel | - |
| NH Puebla | Av.5 Sur # 105 Centro Historico Puebla, Mexico | Hotel | - |
| Popocatepetl Hostel | Calle 3A Sur 5946 Between Encina St. and Cedros St. Nearby Villa Enc | Hostel | 20 |
| Puebla Guesthouse | 26 Oriente 1402 San Francisco el Alto Centro Histo | Guesthouse | - |
Mid-Range
Upscale
Work
Learn
Keep Connected
Internet
There is a nice cheap internet cafe across the street from the Museum Amparo.
Phone
Post
This is version 3. Last edited at 18:58 on May 22, 09 by Utrecht (+622). 3 articles link to this page.
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