If you’re backpacking through Mexico or planning a trip across Central America, Puebla is one of those cities that you absolutely shouldn’t skip. With its colonial charm, vibrant food scene, and rich history, it’s the perfect mix of culture, affordability, and colour. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage city. Here’s your complete travel guide to Puebla, Mexico — written by real travelers, for real travelers.
🚍 How to Get to Puebla
Getting to Puebla is pretty easy — especially if you’re starting from Mexico City, which is the most common backpacker route.
🚌 By Bus:
From TAPO Terminal in Mexico City, you can take a direct bus to Puebla. The ride takes around 2 hours and is super straightforward. You’ll arrive at one of Puebla’s main bus terminals — most likely CAPU, which is well connected to the city center.
🎟️ Cost:
We travelled with AU, and the ticket cost was 267 MXN per person. You’ll also find buses with ADO, one of the most reliable bus companies in Mexico.
🚗 By Taxi or Uber:
Yes, it’s possible — but way more expensive. Expect to pay between 1,500–2,000 MXN, depending on traffic and time of day.
✈️ By Plane:
There is a small airport in Puebla (PBC), but most international travelers fly into Mexico City and travel by land from there.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Puebla
The best area to stay in Puebla is hands down the Historic Center (Centro Histórico). This area is full of charm — cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, stunning churches, and loads of cozy restaurants and cafés.
You’ll find everything here:
- Boutique hotels
- Budget-friendly, backpackers hostels
- Stylish Airbnbs with rooftop views of the city and nearby volcanoes
🗺️ What to Do in Puebla
There’s so much to do in Puebla, since its one of the most cultural cities in Mexico, that we recommend staying at least 3 full days. Here are the must-see sights and experiences:
📸 In Puebla City:
- Zócalo de Puebla – Main square surrounded by cafes and the stunning Cathedral of Puebla
- Biblioteca Palafoxiana – The oldest public library in the Americas
- Calle de los Dulces – Try local sweets like camotes and tortitas de Santa Clara
- Museo Amparo – One of the best museums in Mexico, combining pre-Hispanic and modern art
- Túneles Secretos – Underground tunnels used during battles and wars
- Talavera Pottery Shops – Puebla’s iconic blue and white ceramics
- Callejón de los Sapos – Colourful street full of sops and restaurants
- Mercado el Parian – Considered the first artisanal market of the city, its a colourful street full of gift stands
🏞️ Take a Day Trip to Cholula
Just 30 minutes away, Cholula is famous for:
- The Great Pyramid of Cholula — the widest pyramid in the world
- Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios — a church sitting on top of the pyramid with views of Popocatépetl Volcano
- Dozens of churches — 365 to be acurate, supposedly one for each day of the year
🌎 Other Nearby Destinations
If you have more than 3 days or want to swap something out:
- 🏔️ Atlixco – A charming “Pueblo Mágico” just 45 minutes from Puebla, full of flowers, murals, and local life.
- ⛲ Cuetzalan – A lush mountain town with waterfalls, caves, indigenous culture, and cobbled streets (better for a 2-day trip).
- 🌋 Hike to Iztaccíhuatl Volcano base – If you’re into trekking, there are day tours from Puebla to the base of the volcano for incredible views.
🚶 How to Move Around Puebla
Puebla is a very walkable city, especially the Historic Center. For longer trips:
- Uber is cheap and reliable
- Local buses are available but not always straightforward for non-Spanish speakers
- Taxis work but always agree on the fare in advance
🌮 Where to Eat in Puebla
Puebla is a foodie paradise — it’s the birthplace of several iconic Mexican dishes. Here’s what you must try:
🍽️ Must-Try Dishes:
- Mole Poblano – Rich, complex sauce made with chili and chocolate
- Taco Árabe – Middle Eastern-inspired spit-roasted pork in pita-style bread
- Cemitas – Giant sandwiches with avocado, chipotle, and fried meat
- Chiles en Nogada – A patriotic dish with pomegranate, walnut sauce, and stuffed chili (seasonal)
- Camotes – Sweet potatoes turned candy
- Tortitas de Santa Clara – Traditional Puebla sweets
- Rompope – Mexican eggnog-style liqueur
🥢 Best Restaurants & Street Food:
- Mercado El Carmen – Great for street food and local eats
- Casa Reyna – Beautiful setting, upscale local dishes
- El Mural de los Poblanos – Classic Puebla cuisine, excellent mole
- Taquería La Oriental – Famous for tacos árabes
- La Pasita – A quirky bar known for its raisin liqueur shots
❗ Things to Know Before Visiting Puebla
- Is Puebla safe? Yes, it’s considered one of the safest cities in Mexico. Use the same precautions you’d use anywhere.
- Altitude: Puebla sits at over 2,100 meters above sea level — stay hydrated.
- Weather: Generally mild — pack layers, especially for the evenings.
- ATMs & Payments: Cards work fine in most places, but keep cash handy for markets and street food.
- Language: Spanish is the main language — knowing some basics will go a long way.
✅ The Good & The Bad
👍 What We Loved:
- Super walkable historic center
- Affordable and authentic food
- Friendly locals
- The mix of history, culture, and natural beauty
👎 What Could Be Better:
- Air quality can be dusty on dry days
- Not as much nightlife as other big cities
- Some attractions, like museums and churches are closed on Mondays — plan ahead!
💬 Final Thoughts
Puebla is truly one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. Whether you’re on a long backpacking trip across Central America or just looking for a weekend escape from Mexico City, this city has it all — food, history, culture, and views that’ll make you want to stay longer than planned.
So don’t just pass through. Make Puebla part of your Mexico itinerary — you won’t regret it.
🇲🇽Other Mexico Destinations
Mexico City Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Travel Guide to Los Cabos, Mexico – What to Know Before You Go
🗺️ More Travel Posts
Smart Ways to Travel on a Budget
Choosing your Perfect Destination – The Ultimate Guide to Follow
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