Annual Leave Explorers

If you have a little extra time in Mexico, I highly recommend adding Puebla to your itinerary. It’s the perfect stopover on the way back to Mexico City, and I absolutely loved my time there. While technically larger than Oaxaca, Puebla’s historic center has a much more intimate feel—charming, lively, and refreshingly less touristy. There’s so much to see, eat, and explore, from its stunning colonial architecture to its unbeatable food scene. Plus, it’s a gateway to some of Mexico’s most spectacular volcanoes. I even had the unforgettable experience of climbing Pico de Orizaba—if you’re curious about that adventure, click here!

Below, you’ll find my list of the best things to do in and around Puebla, along with my top picks for where to eat and drink—because if there’s one thing Puebla is famous for, it’s its incredible food.

Where to stay

Firstly where to stay in Puebla? You want to stay near the historic centre, but there are some charming places just away from the centre that are more affordable and within walking distance. I stayed in a couple of places as was coming in and out of the city climbing, here is a list of recommended places below:

Casa Pepe (TripAdvisor link) – Hands down, the best hostel experience! We stayed in a private room, which was spacious, spotless, and incredibly comfortable. The atmosphere was relaxed but still social, with fun bar crawls in the evenings. Plus, there’s an attached coffee shop and plenty of activities and tours organized by the hostel—perfect for meeting fellow travelers.

Casareyna (TripAdvisor link) – Just across the main road from the historic center, this hotel feels like a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle. It’s beautifully designed, offers great service, and remains surprisingly affordable. A perfect balance of comfort and charm.

Hotel San Pedro (TripAdvisor link) – If location is your top priority, this hotel is hard to beat. Right in the heart of Puebla’s historic center, it offers excellent facilities and a lovely stay within walking distance of the city’s best sights.

Day Trips from Puebla: Discovering Cultural Gems and Ancient Ruins

Excursion 1: Zona Arqueológica de Cacaxtla & Xochitécatl

Logistics:

• Distance from Puebla: Approximately 30 miles (48 km)
• Transportation: Best reached by car; ample parking available at the site
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
• Entrance Fee: Small entrance fee; includes access to both sites

Why Visit: Cacaxtla and Xochitécatl are adjacent archaeological sites that offer a deep dive into ancient Mexican history. Founded by the Olmeca-Xicalanca people, these sites thrived between 650-900 AD.

Recommended guide: https://getyourguide.tp.st/dlHkiJ3m

Highlights:

• Gran Basamento: A large complex of overlapping and interconnected structures, famous for its vibrant murals made from local mineral pigments.
• Museum at Cacaxtla: Offers a comprehensive overview of the site’s history and artifacts, enhancing your understanding before exploring the ruins.
• Xochitécatl: Known for its unique figurines depicting women in various stages of motherhood, offering insights into the ceremonial practices of the Olmeca-Xicalanca.

Excursion 2: The Pueblo Mágico and Ruins of Cholula

Logistics:

• Distance from Puebla: About 8 miles (13 km)
• Transportation: Easily accessible by car or local transportation
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
• Entrance Fee: Reasonable fee; includes access to the ruins and the church

Why Visit: Cholula is a Pueblo Mágico, renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning views. It’s home to the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest pyramid by volume in the world.

Highlights:

• Great Pyramid of Cholula: Features multiple superimposed pyramids and a base larger than the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan.
• Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios: A beautiful church built atop the pyramid, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
• Local Markets and Plazas: Ideal for purchasing souvenirs, sampling local cuisine, and experiencing the local culture.

Excursion 3: The Pueblo Mágico Atlixco

Logistics:

• Distance from Puebla: About 17 miles (27 km) south
• Transportation: Car travel is recommended; public transportation is also available
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
• Entrance Fee: Free to explore; fees may apply for specific attractions

Why Visit: Atlixco is celebrated for its vibrant flowers and charming colonial architecture. Even in winter, the town’s beauty is undeniable, with colorful murals and well-preserved historical buildings.

Highlights:

• Zócalo: A lovely central square surrounded by ceramic-tiled benches, perfect for relaxing and people-watching.
• Palacio Municipal: Adorned with paintings that depict the local history and culture.
• Murals: Interactive and visually stunning, scattered throughout the town.

Excursion 3: Culinary Experience in Puebla (Cooking Class)

Logistics:

• Duration: 3.5 hours

Why Visit: Puebla is renowned for its culinary delights, and there’s no better way to delve deeper into Poblano cuisine than by taking a cooking class. This culinary experience, led by a renowned local chef, will have you making traditional dishes like mole poblano, chiles en nogada, pipian, chalupas, and cemitas like a pro.

Highlights:

• Hands-On Cooking: Learn to prepare iconic Poblano dishes under the guidance of a skilled chef.
• Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of the ingredients, techniques, and traditions that make Poblano cuisine unique.
• Delicious Results: Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious meal that you prepared yourself.

For more information and to book this culinary experience, click here.

Excursion 4: Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl Volcanoes Hike

Logistics:

• Duration: 8 hours
• Languages: English, Spanish

Why Visit: If you enjoy hiking and the outdoors, this tour is perfect for you. It will take you to Iztaccihuatl-Popocatepetl National Park, home to Mexico’s second- and third-highest peaks – Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl Volcanoes.

Highlights:

• Peak Heights: Popocatepetl measures 17,802 ft (5,426 m) and Iztaccihuatl measures 17,160 ft (5,230 m). This hike will take you to a height of 14,842 ft (4,524 m), offering some of the best views in Puebla.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking landscapes and capture stunning photographs of the volcanic peaks.
• Outdoor Adventure: Experience the natural beauty and rugged terrain of the national park, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

For more information and to book this hike, click here.

Hiking in Puebla

Puebla is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the best hiking experiences in Mexico. For an exhilarating adventure, consider the Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl Volcanoes hike mentioned above. Additionally, Puebla’s diverse landscapes provide numerous trails that cater to all levels of hikers.

To explore more hiking options in Puebla, check out this website that outlines the best hikes in the region. From scenic trails to challenging mountain paths, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Recommended La Malinche guide: https://getyourguide.tp.st/wjpkbsxn

The Ultimate Restaurant and Food Guide to Puebla

Puebla is a culinary paradise with rich traditions, incredible flavors, and an array of dishes that reflect its deep-rooted culture. Whether you’re a foodie on a budget or looking to indulge in upscale dining, Puebla offers something for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best places to eat and what dishes to try while exploring this vibrant city.

Budget-Friendly Dining in Puebla

One of the best parts about Puebla is that it’s much more affordable than Mexico City. Even at the fanciest spots, you can enjoy a full meal for under MXN 500. Here’s a quick breakdown of costs:

• $ – Less than MXN 200 per person
• $$ – MXN 200–500 per person
• $$$ – Over MXN 500 per person

Must-Try Dishes in Puebla

Puebla’s regional cuisine is legendary, featuring iconic dishes like mole poblano, chiles en nogada, tacos árabes, chalupas, cemitas, and molotes. Here’s where to find the best of each:

Tacos Árabes (Arab Tacos)

A fusion of Lebanese shawarma and Mexican flavors, tacos árabes were born in Puebla and paved the way for the famous tacos al pastor. The best places to try them are:

• Tacos Árabes Bagdad
  Featured in Ugly Delicious, this spot is famous for its tender árabe meat served with pita bread or tortillas. Don’t miss their jocoque (sour cream) on the side.
  Address: Av 2 Pte 311, Centro
  Price: $
• Tacos Beyrut
  Known for their perfectly grilled árabe meat and beet-infused falafel. The vertical spit here is a work of art!
  Address: Av 5 Pte 718-A, Centro
  Price: $
• Tacos Tony
  A cozy spot near the zócalo that serves both árabe and al pastor tacos, along with quesadillas and cemitas.
  Address: Av 3 Pte 149, Centro
  Price: $

Chalupas

Small fried corn tortillas topped with salsa, shredded meat, and onions, chalupas are a quintessential Pueblan snack.

• Restaurante Casareyna
  Known for their elegant presentation and less oily chalupas.
  Address: Privada 2 Ote. 1007, Centro
  Price: $$
• Antojitos Las Güeras
  A humble street stall serving delicious chalupas with both red and green salsas.
  Address: Calle 5 Nte. 1003, Centro
  Price: $

Cemitas

The cemita poblana is a hearty sandwich made with sesame-studded bread, milanesa (breaded meat), quesillo, avocado, and chipotle. The best spots include:

• Super Cemitas El As de Oros
  Located in Mercado de Sabores, their massive cemitas are legendary.
  Address: Mercado de Sabores, Av. 4 Pte. 1104, Centro
  Price: $
• Cemitas La Colonial
  A small stand offering flavorful cemitas with various pork cuts.
  Address: Av 2 Pte, Centro
  Price: $
• La Antigua China Poblana
  Their cemitas are delicious and conveniently located near the zócalo.
  Address: Av 2 Sur 110 – 4, Centro
  Price: $$

Pasita (Raisin Liquor)

Pasita is a Pueblan specialty and a must-try drink! Originating at La Pasita, a tiny, iconic cantina, this raisin liquor is served with a toothpick-skewered raisin and cube of goat cheese. They also offer other liquors like rompope (a Mexican eggnog) and licor de almendras (almond liqueur). Don’t forget to pick up a bottle to take home!

• La Pasita
  Address: Av 5 Ote 602, Centro
  Hours: 1–6PM, Wed–Mon (closed Tuesdays)
  What to Order: Pasita, rompope, and almond liqueur
  Price: $

Molotes

Empanada-like snacks stuffed with ingredients like cheese, chicharrón, or huitlacoche.

• Molotes La Ventanita
  Known for their giant molotes stuffed with creative fillings like spicy octopus or mushroom.
  Address: Av 10 Pte 304, Centro
  Price: $
• Antojitos Acapulco
  Smaller molotes but packed with flavor, topped with cream and salsas.
  Address: Av 5 Pte 114, Centro
  Price: $

Panadería and Sweets

No trip to Puebla is complete without indulging in pan dulce (sweet bread) and dulces típicos (traditional sweets).

• Panadería El Hospicio
  A cozy bakery serving freshly baked pastries daily. The aroma alone will pull you in!
  Address: Av 2 Pte 501-B, Centro
  Hours: 7AM–9PM, daily
  What to Order: Breads and pastries
  Price: $
• La Gran Fama
  A premium sweet shop offering beautifully crafted candies like camotes (sweet potato candies) and tortitas de Santa Clara.
  Address: Av 6 Ote 208, Centro
  Price: $

Final Hidden Gems

• Azul Canela: A perfect spot to relax, sip a beer, and watch the world go by.
  Address: Near Barrio del Artista
  What to Order: Traditional Mexican dishes and craft beers
• Bakery Café Y El Olivo Pizza Y Huerto: A must-visit for breakfast, with deliciously huge portions and beautiful décor.
  Address: Callejón de los Sapos
  What to Order: Breakfast platters and pizza

Final Thoughts on Puebla’s Food Scene

Puebla isn’t just a day trip from Mexico City – it’s a destination in its own right. From iconic dishes like mole poblano to unique drinks like pasita, this city offers an unforgettable culinary journey. Whether you’re enjoying street food or dining at upscale restaurants, Puebla will leave you craving more.

Make sure to stay a few days to experience the vibrant flavors, rich culture, and unforgettable hospitality of this magical city!