Puente de Bubas
Explore 17th-century arches and historic underground tunnels, a rediscovered gem of Puebla's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission!
Puente de Bubas
Best Time
Free admission!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 17th-century arches and historic underground tunnels, a rediscovered gem of Puebla's past.
"A short but interesting historical site, offering a glimpse into Puebla's past."
🎯 Tuesday is Free Day!
Admission is free on Tuesdays, but expect larger crowds. Plan accordingly!
👃 Embrace the Aroma
A slight smell of humidity and old water is common. It dissipates quickly!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Bridge Arches
Under Boulevard 5 de Mayo
Discover the impressive 17th-century arches of the original bridge, a testament to Puebla's rich past.
Underground Cavernous Passages
Beneath the historic center
Explore the intriguing subterranean tunnels that once served as part of the city's hydraulic system.
Cultural Exhibits
Within the bridge structure
Learn about the history and significance of the Puente de Bubas through informative displays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Understand the 'Bubas' Connection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Tuesday is Free Day!
Admission is free on Tuesdays, but expect larger crowds. Plan accordingly!
👃 Embrace the Aroma
A slight smell of humidity and old water is common. It dissipates quickly!
🚶♀️ Explore Further Tunnels
The Puente de Bubas is short; connect to the longer Pasaje Histórico del 5 de Mayo for a fuller experience.
📸 Perfect for Photos
The unique underground setting and historic arches make for epic photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Tuesday is Free Day!
Admission is free on Tuesdays, but expect larger crowds. Plan accordingly!
👃 Embrace the Aroma
A slight smell of humidity and old water is common. It dissipates quickly!
🚶♀️ Explore Further Tunnels
The Puente de Bubas is short; connect to the longer Pasaje Histórico del 5 de Mayo for a fuller experience.
📸 Perfect for Photos
The unique underground setting and historic arches make for epic photo opportunities.
💰 Affordable Entry
General admission is very affordable, with discounts for students and seniors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Puente de Bubas to be a short but interesting historical site, offering a glimpse into Puebla's past with its 17th-century arches and underground passages. While some note a brief, strong smell upon entry, it quickly dissipates. Many recommend combining it with the longer Pasaje Histórico del 5 de Mayo for a more comprehensive underground experience.
"Very short but interesting. Not a big deal if you skip this one and just go to the longer tunnels. When you first descend, a strong smell of urine is not a good first impression but it quickly dissipates. Note: This is very short and to get to the next tunnels, it’s a long walk."
Rick Jardon
"It is a little tunnel near downtown, but it is very interesting, we recommended to visit this place first and then visit Pasaje Historico del 5 de Mayo. You will have a better understanding of how was the city long time ago. Be ready for the smell, (humidity and old water)"
Ariane Hernandez Garcia
"The tunnels are interesting, but there’s little info ahead of time how far you have to go (above ground) to get to all the different tunnel entrances. You’re on your own to locate them and they aren’t well marked. Still, a fun time and the tunnels do open to nice scenic areas. The guard we met at one location was super friendly and helpful (Alfonso, I think). All signage is in Spanish only."
Jim Baird
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Puente de Bubas is located in the historic center of Puebla, specifically at Boulevard 5 de Mayo and 2 Oriente. It's easily accessible by public transport or a short walk from many downtown attractions. Many visitors combine it with a visit to the Pasaje Histórico del 5 de Mayo. 
Yes, it's conveniently located near the Pasaje Histórico del 5 de Mayo and other historical sites in Puebla's Centro Histórico. It's often visited as part of a broader exploration of the city's underground history.
The entrance is typically found along Boulevard 5 de Mayo. While signage can be limited, look for signs indicating the 'Puente de Bubas' or 'Túneles Secretos'.
Absolutely! If you're staying in the historic center, it's a pleasant walk. The area is generally safe and well-trafficked during the day.
Street parking can be challenging in the historic center. It's recommended to use public transportation or a taxi, or to find a nearby paid parking lot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is very affordable, typically around $31 Mexican pesos. Students, teachers, and INAPAM cardholders often receive a discounted rate of $13 pesos.
The site is generally open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It's closed on Mondays.
Yes, Tuesdays offer free general admission to Puente de Bubas, making it a very popular day to visit. Be prepared for larger crowds on this day.
Advance booking is generally not required for Puente de Bubas. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
There are no specific age restrictions mentioned for entry, making it a family-friendly attraction.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Puente de Bubas. The unique underground setting and historic arches provide excellent opportunities for striking photos.
Focus on capturing the arches, the texture of the old stone, and the play of light and shadow within the tunnels. The connection to the Pasaje Histórico del 5 de Mayo also offers more photographic potential.
The lighting inside the tunnels can be dim, so a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful for sharper images.
While casual photography is fine, it's always a good idea to check for any specific regulations regarding professional photo shoots or equipment at the entrance.
Photography of the cultural exhibits is usually permitted, but it's best to be respectful and avoid flash photography if it might disturb other visitors or damage the displays.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
Puente de Bubas dates back to the 17th century and was originally part of a system that crossed the San Francisco River. Its name is linked to a nearby hospital for those suffering from the 'bubas,' an old term for syphilis. It was rediscovered and restored in 2014.
'Bubas' is an archaic term referring to symptoms of the bubonic plague or syphilis. A hospital for individuals with these conditions was located near the bridge.
The tunnels were part of the city's hydraulic system and also served as a connection to the hospital. They represent an important piece of Puebla's historical infrastructure.
Yes, Puente de Bubas is often visited in conjunction with the Pasaje Histórico del 5 de Mayo, which offers a more extensive exploration of Puebla's underground history and tunnels.
The bridge and its tunnels were rediscovered and subsequently restored in 2014, bringing this historical site back to public attention.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds, especially if you have younger children who might be sensitive to noise. While the tunnels are generally safe, always supervise children closely. Combining the visit with the nearby Pasaje Histórico del 5 de Mayo can provide a longer, more engaging underground exploration for curious minds.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1To maximize your experience without additional cost, consider walking to the site from your accommodation if it's within the historic center. Pack your own water and snacks to avoid purchasing them at potentially higher tourist prices. The historical context and unique underground setting provide significant value for the minimal cost.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a camera with good low-light capabilities or a tripod to capture the details effectively. Focus on the architectural elements, the textures of the stone, and the sense of history. The nearby Pasaje Histórico del 5 de Mayo also offers further photographic potential within its extensive tunnel system.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Puebla's Underground History
+1Rediscovered and meticulously restored in 2014, Puente de Bubas now offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Visitors can walk through its historic arches and explore the cavernous passages that were once part of the city's hydraulic system. This site is often visited alongside the Pasaje Histórico del 5 de Mayo, which extends the underground exploration and provides a more comprehensive understanding of Puebla's subterranean network.
While the Puente de Bubas itself is relatively short, its historical significance and the unique experience of being underground make it a worthwhile stop. It's a place where history comes alive, offering a tangible connection to the city's evolution and the challenges faced by its past inhabitants. The cultural exhibits within the site further enrich the visitor's understanding of its context.
Practicalities for Your Visit
+1Be prepared for the unique atmosphere underground. Some visitors have noted a distinct smell of humidity and old water upon entry, which is a natural consequence of an underground historical site. However, this scent typically dissipates quickly, and most find it a minor aspect of the overall experience.
For those looking to delve deeper into Puebla's underground history, it's highly recommended to combine your visit to Puente de Bubas with the Pasaje Histórico del 5 de Mayo. While Puente de Bubas is a shorter exploration, the Pasaje offers a more extensive network of tunnels, providing a more complete picture of the city's historical subterranean landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit