The beautiful Puebla Cathedral
Puebla, Mexico was founded in 1531, so it is no surprise that the Historic Center is a UNESCO Heritage site. What was a surprise to me was how beautiful and how European the downtown area is. I love strolling through cobblestone streets, with colorful buildings, and sipping coffee or having a pint at a relaxing café.
As an American, I thought to get this experience you would have to either go to fly overseas to France, Italy, Poland, or the Czech Republic. It was a great discovery for me to find this old world charm in North America south of the border in Mexico.
A typical cobblestone narrow street in Puebla, Mexico
I have eschewed Mexico for decades because I always pictured the country as either a beach resort destination, which is not my cup of tea, or a rough interior with places unsafe to travel in and even if safe, not worth my time. Reading other travel blogs began to open my eyes to the fact that there is more to Mexico than what perhaps is the popular conception in the United States.
I was surprised and delighted to find this type of views in the Historic Center of Puebla
501places was where my naive assumption about Mexico began to change. A post on Mexico City on this blog really intrigued me, and I was surprised and interested by the pictures in this post. The post portrayed Mexico City as a far more interesting destination than I had previously imagined.
One of the many interesting building in the Historic Center
Puebla Historic Center
Cobblestone streets filled with comfortable cafés are so inviting
Puebla Historic Center
Puebla Cathedral
Fountain in the square adjacent to the Puebla Cathedral
I love the brilliant colors and the balconies
Puebla church seen through the Zocalo Park in the Historic Center
Beautiful cobblestone streets and colorful buildings
Puebla Historic Center
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Puebla, Mexico thanks to the Mexico Tourism Board. The pictures in this essay show that Puebla is a city in interior well worth a visit. Although my recent trip was sponsored by the Mexico Tourism Board, the opinions in this post, the pictures, and the desire to return to Puebla and Mexico are purely my own.
Stay tuned,
TT
The goal of Traveling Ted TV is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then enter your email in the box to get email notifications for each new entry. Daily travel photos are excluded from your email in order to not flood you with posts. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).
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Wow its so colorful and charming!!! I want to visit now!
Andi recently posted..Hong Kong: Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Part 2)
Yes, you would love it Andi. I need to check out your blog for more on Mexico.
That was lovely, Ted! I think a picture speaks a thousand world and this helps me believe that there is a real Mexico out there. I had 2 bad experiences (Cancun and Tijuana) and know I am missing out!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..Blown away by Chicago
I would never want to go to either of those cities. I think the real Mexico lies in cities like Puebla, Mexico City, and Vera Cruz. The border towns and resort towns have an appeal for some, but not for me.
My husband and I have considered moving to Mexico. It certainly helps that he’s fluent and I can stumble my way through. We both have always had a fascination with the country. He grew up near the border and my parents used to take train rides from Laredo to Mexico City when I was little. I love that you got to experience what I’ve found so special about Mexico.
Leah Travels recently posted..Texas Tuesday: ¡Viva Terlingua!
Rather, he grew up on the BORDER. I’m not sure what a “boarder” is.
Leah Travels recently posted..Chicago’s Great Doughnut Con
I edited your comment Leah. I would hate for your troll to see it have ammunition to use against you 🙂
And you call yourself an English teacher? 😉 By the way, if you do move, you’ll have to house your blogging friends from time to time… Fair warning? 🙂
Pola recently posted..Book Giveaway: The Mango Orchard [Ends 7/17/2012]
That would be awesome if you moved to Mexico. I could visit you and your husband!
I agree. And i think it is a great call. Viva!
stay adventurous, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..Sunset Sunday – Sailing the Black Sea of Bulgaria
These pictures make me want to visit Puebla one more time. What a gorgeous city it is!
Pola recently posted..Melodies and Travel Memories
I agree. Even though I should have known by your great guest post, I was happily surprised by how beautiful it was.
I Haven’t been to Puebla but I have been to some small cities with real charm like Colima. I love Mexico and hope to see the Copper Canyon one day soon. Nice photos Ted.
Leigh recently posted..A Hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House at Lake Louise
The Copper Canyon does sound pretty amazing. They have a booth for this place at the Mexico Tourism Bureau booth at the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show, and it looks cool.
it looks soo european! the second picture looks almost identical to one we have from downtown dingle. great photos.
the lazy travelers recently posted..the five stages of vacation withdrawal
Agreed. Most people traveling to Mexico stick to the beach resorts like Cabo or Cancun. This really makes me want to visit the other side of Mexico and get a better sense of their culture and more importantly… FOOD!
Gerard ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Geisha Hunting in Kyoto
Hey you already got me to add Puebla to my bucket list with a prior post- now you are making me want to purchase the plane ticket now! Stop that! Have you been to Quito, Ecuador? It seems very similar in many ways.
Raul (ilivetotravel in Twitter) recently posted..When the Winery Comes to You – Frog’s Leap Wine Tasting
Incredible pictures, Ted! I especially like the second to last one. Those buildings are so colorful & beautiful! I definitely pick up the European vibe and I like it. If I can’t convince the hubs to abandon his negative attitude towards Mexico (for the same reasons you cited), I may have to travel solo to Puebla.
Francesca recently posted..Melodies and travel memories
This is so beautiful! I actually have been to Mexico twice – both times to the beach. I had no desire to go back, until I began following your Mexico posts. This is beautiful, and I cannot wait to book my own trip there.
The World Wanderer recently posted..Capturing Colour.
gorgeous pictures. i always enjoying a place that’s not in Europe but has a European vibe. that fountain is my favorite. i’m learning i really have a thing about fountains!! 🙂
lola recently posted..Palm Springs & the desert cities: retro chic + modern cool
Wow…you’re totally right Ted. This is a far cry from what I usually associate with being Mexico…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..The Soundtrack of My Travels
Can’t believe I never made it to Puebla when I called Mexico City home… this is just another reminder to get myself there sometime soon. Real soon.
stay adventurous, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..Sunset Sunday – Sailing the Black Sea of Bulgaria
A great post.
Great pictures.
And thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed. Thank you for visiting and commenting.