Puebla

Puebla is known for traditional food, colourful pottery, friendly weather and colonial architecture. It is the fourth largest city in modern Mexico and was the first city built entirely by the Spanish colonisers. It is laid out in an orderly, planned way around the central squares of the old town, which is now UNESCO World Heritage Listed. This centre of 16th and 17th century treasures, shows a wonderful blending of European, American and Arabic design styles (which is found in many of the best places to stay in Puebla) - and the Arabic influence can be seen in many of the beautifully tiled walls.

Puebla's location, on the wonderfully named plain of Cuetlaxcoapan, which means 'where the serpents change their skin', is between two ancient indigenous settlements, Tlaxcla and Cholula, Cholula being the largest man-made monument ever constructed, so there's plenty to see around Puebla if you're interested in the indigenous culture.

What Not To Miss

• The astoundingly ornate Rosary Chapel (Capilla del Rosario) is bound to take your breath away. The baroque interiors are simply stunning - be sure to remember your camera.
• The Amparo Museum is the ideal spot for those wanting to learn all about the area's past, home to a wide variety of artefacts and artworks from pre-Columbian times.
• You could also check out the Museo Internacional del Barroco, set in an architecturally fascinating building and with a number of exhibits on Baroque art, music, and more.
• Take the family on a day out to Africam Safari and marvel at the exotic animals roaming freely in their natural habitat.

As always, be sure to book ahead if you want to guarantee yourself a room in one of the best places to stay in Puebla.

City Style

• La Purificadora started life as a water factory and is now a stylish 26 room design hotel. The old facades and big, cavernous spaces are wonderfully combined with modern design and there's a great rooftop pool with city views, an excellent spa and a lively restaurant popular with the locals.
• Set in a charming colonial townhouse, El Sueno Hotel & Spa boasts smart rooms from just £67 per night. Enjoy top-notch regional cuisine and make the most out of your location to see all that the city has to offer.

For An Apartment or Villa

If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• There's never exactly a bad time to visit Puebla, though if you're looking for warm weather then consider coming in May - with an average daily temperature of 20°C.
• Visitors can fly into Puebla International Airport (aka Hermanos Serdán International Airport), though if you're coming from further afield than North American you may need to fly into Mexico City International Airport, 125km northwest of Puebla.
• Take the bus from the airport to Puebla, with the journey lasting approximately 2 hours.
• British Airways and Aeromexico fly direct from Heathrow to Mexico City.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Puebla.
• Widen the net to search through our recommendations in Mexico City.
• Or feel free to contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.