Many people visit Puebla on a day trip from Mexico City. One day will give you enough time to see some of the top attractions in Puebla but if you really want to do this city justice, then it’s best to stay for at least one night. Staying for one or two nights will give you more time to explore Puebla City and go beyond its Historic Center.
In this article, I’ll give you all the reasons why you should stay longer in Puebla and offer a list of the best and most highly-rated hotels in Puebla City.
VISIT PUEBLA QUICK LINKS
TOURS
To help you make the most of your time in Puebla, we’ve compiled links to recommended tours and activities here. Click on the link for a guide to some of the best Puebla Tours.
- Guided Tours: Puebla Sightseeing and Food Tours
- Day Trips: Day Trips to Puebla from Mexico City
- Cooking Classes: Puebla Cooking Classes
OTHER SERVICES
- Mexico Tourist Card (FMM)
- Travel Insurance (with COVID cover)
- Mexico SIM Card / eSIM
- Car Rental
- Mexico Bus Tickets
PUEBLA TRAVEL GUIDE
Check out our in-depth Puebla City guide for more travel tips and recommendations.
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HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN PUEBLA?
As described, many tourists visit Puebla on a day trip from Mexico City. Puebla’s proximity to the Mexican capital – just two hours by bus – has its pros and cons.
The fact that Puebla is so close to Mexico City is great because it makes it a doable and popular day trip destination. However, most people stay for just the day which is a shame because Puebla City and state has so much more to offer. Day trippers typically stay in the downtown area and miss out on the attractions that are beyond the Historic Center.
Yes, it’s possible to see Puebla City’s most popular attractions on a day trip, but to do this city justice, then it’s best to stay for at least one night.
HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I STAY IN PUEBLA?
In my opinion, staying for one night in Puebla is the minimum but two nights is ideal. Staying for two nights will you give you enough time to visit the top attractions in Puebla City and taste all of its most delicious regional poblano dishes. It’ll also give you the opportunity to explore Cholula, the most popular and easily accessible pueblo magico (magical town) from Puebla City.
Here are some of the most interesting museums and destinations in Puebla that are outside of the city’s Historic Center. People visiting Puebla on a day trip may not have time to visit these attractions.
Museo Internacional del Barroco
The International Museum of the Baroque is a stunningly gorgeous museum located at Reserva Territorial Atlixcáyotl, about 4.4 miles (7.1 km) southwest of the zocalo (main square). It features a terrific collection of Baroque art, music, and architecture.
You’ll need around 2-3 hours to properly explore this museum. Unless you give it priority, then people visiting Puebla on a day trip may not have enough time to go.
Check out our guide to the best museums in Puebla for more information about the International Museum of the Baroque.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, Cholula
As of this writing, Puebla is home to ten pueblos magicos, the most of any state in Mexico. Thanks to its proximity – about 8.9 miles (14.3 km) west of Puebla City – Cholula is the most popular and easily accessible. Almost everyone who visits Puebla for more than a day will spend time there. If you’re one of those people, then you can refer to our Cholula travel guide for more information.
Cholula is a charming town best known for its Talavera pottery tradition and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, a Catholic church built on top of the largest pre-Hispanic pyramid in Mesoamerica.
Zona Historica de los Fuertes
Zona Historica de los Fuertes is a civic area located on top of Acueyametepec hill, about 1.4 miles (2.3 km) north of the zocalo (main square). It’s home to Puebla Convention Centre, Teleférico Puebla (cable car ride), a planetarium, and several interesting museums – including a natural history museum and two forts that played a critical role in the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
If you’re visiting Puebla with kids, then you could easily spend the entire afternoon here.
ArboTerra, Parque Ecologico
In my opinion, ArboTerra is one of the best hidden attractions in Puebla City. It’s a domed attraction and aviary located in Parque Ecologico, one of the biggest and most beautiful parks in Puebla. Like the planetarium and Museo de la Evolucion (natural history museum), it’s a great place to visit if you’re traveling to Puebla with kids.
Parque Ecologico is located around 1.6 miles (2.6 km) east of the zocalo so it’s easily reachable on foot. But if you have just one day in Puebla City, then you may not have enough time to go.
Estrella de Puebla
People who enjoy lofty views may want to ride Estrella de Puebla, a Guinness World Record holder for being the largest portable observation wheel in the world. It’s located just 3.2 miles (5.2 km) southwest of the zocalo but it may not be a priority for people with limited time in Puebla City.
As of this writing, Estrella de Puebla is still closed because of the pandemic but I’ll be sure to update this article when it reopens.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF PUEBLA TO STAY IN?
Whenever I write these “Where to Stay” articles, I usually recommend several neighborhoods located in different parts of the city to give people a choice. But if it’s your first time in Puebla, then there’s really just one ideal place to stay – the historical Puebla centro district.
Anywhere near the zocalo in central Puebla is where you’ll want to be. The city’s Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to its top attractions like Puebla Cathedral, Amparo Museum, the Rosary Chapel, and Biblioteca Palafoxiana.
Zocalo de Puebla
Every city in Mexico will have a central square. Known as the zocalo, it’s the heart of every Mexican city and is typically the safest and most convenient area to be. This city is no different so finding a hotel as close as possible to Puebla’s main square is ideal.
Catedral de Puebla
Right next to the zocalo is typically where you’ll find any Mexican city’s biggest and most important church. In Puebla, that church is Puebla Cathedral. There are many beautiful churches in Puebla but the cathedral is the biggest and one of the most impressive.
Biblioteca Palafoxiana
Biblioteca Palafoxiana is a small but stunning library. Established in 1646, it’s recognized by UNESCO as the first and oldest public library in the Americas.
Click on the link to learn more about Biblioteca Palafoxiana.
Museo Amparo
There are many amazing museums in Puebla but if you were to visit just one, then it should definitely be Amparo Museum. It’s a fantastic museum housing an impressive collection of contemporary art, religious paintings, artifacts, installation pieces, and pre-Hispanic art. Best of all? It’s 100% free.
Capilla del Rosario, Templo de Santo Domingo
In my opinion, Puebla Cathedral is the most impressive church in Puebla but when it comes to interiors, the Rosary Chapel inside Templo de Santo Domingo has no peer. Known as “The Golden House”, this masterpiece of the Mexican baroque style has been dubbed the “eighth wonder of the world“. It’s jaw-droppingly gorgeous.
HOW DO I GET TO CENTRAL PUEBLA DE ZARAGOZA (PUEBLA CENTRO DISTRICT)?
People visiting Puebla from nearby cities like Mexico City, Oaxaca, or Veracruz will likely arrive by bus. The main bus terminal in Puebla is known as Central de Autobuses Puebla (CAPU).
If you’re flying to Puebla, then you’ll arrive at Puebla International Airport (PBC).
From Puebla International Airport (PBC)
Puebla International Airport is located around 22.1 miles (35.6 km) northwest of Puebla City. There are several ways to get to downtown Puebla from the airport.
Uber / Taxi
Depending on the time, an UberX ride from the airport to the zocalo will cost you anywhere between MXN 250-450.
If you go by Uber, then please be advised that there’s a designated pickup point from the airport so you may have to walk there with your luggage. If you decide to go by taxi, then be sure to book one at the official taxi stand inside the arrivals lobby.
Private Transfer
This is the most convenient option but it’s also the most expensive. You can book a private transfer in advance through Bookaway.
Airport Bus
The cheapest way to get to central Puebla is by Estrella Roja airport bus. It costs MXN 110 and will drop you off at CAPU. From there, you can take an Uber or taxi to your hotel.
I purchased a ticket upon arrival from the booth in the arrivals lobby but you can book one in advance through the Estrella Roja website. Under origen (origin), select “Aeropuerto de Huejotzingo”.
Depending on the day, there are 5-8 buses operating from around 7:40AM till 6:30PM. You can check the Estrella Roja website for a schedule.
From Central de Autobuses (CAPU)
CAPU is located about 3.1 miles (5 km) north of the zocalo. I actually walked from CAPU to our former apartment in Azcarate once but you’ll want to catch an Uber or taxi to your hotel. We always use Uber in Puebla but if you’d prefer to go by taxi, then be sure to book one from the authorized taxi stand inside the terminal.
If you’d rather go by Uber, which is what I recommend, then you need to be completely outside of the terminal (ie by the main road) before booking one. They can’t pick you up from within the CAPU gates.
An UberX ride from CAPU to your hotel in central Puebla should run you anywhere between MXN 90-150, depending on the time.
RELATED ARTICLE: Discover 12 Puebla Restaurants That Serve Amazing Poblano Food
WHERE TO STAY IN PUEBLA, MEXICO
Here’s a list of twelve highly-rated and conveniently located hotels in Puebla organized by room rate. Please be advised that room rates may change at the time of booking.
Luxury: USD 100 and above
Mid-Range: USD 25-100
Budget: USD 25 or less
To be clear, we haven’t stayed at any of these hotels. We used to live in Puebla so I compiled this list based on guest reviews, location, and my own personal knowledge of the area. You can check the location map at the bottom of this post for the exact location of each hotel.
Many of these hotels offer free cancellation and free continental breakfast so be sure to check each listing’s details before booking. Most if not all should offer standard services like free wifi access and room service. The more expensive hotels will offer other services and facilities like an outdoor swimming pool, a spa or fitness center, free private parking, airport shuttle services, and car hire.
If none of these hotels appeal to you, then you can click on the following links to search for alternate listings in Puebla: Booking.com | Agoda.
LUXURY HOTELS
1. Casona de los Sapos Hotel Boutique
Based on guest reviews, Casona de los Sapos boutique hotel has to be one of the best luxury hotels in Puebla. Located just three blocks away from the zocalo, Casona de los Sapos is a five-star hotel that offers charming rooms, each with its own coffee/tea maker and other amenities.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Callejon de los Sapos
Museo Amparo
Museo Casa del Mendrugo
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS & BARS
Restaurante Casa del Mendrugo
Cemitas y Tortas La Poblanita
La Pasita
Overall Rating: 9.4
Location Rating: 9.9
Distance From the Zocalo: 0.4 miles (600 m), 7-min walk
2. Cartesiano Urban Wellness Center
Cartesiano Urban Wellness Center is a five-star luxury hotel near Blvd Heroes del 5 de Mayo. It’s a modern hotel that’s within a few minutes’ walk of Paseo San Francisco shopping mall.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Museo Casa del Mendrugo
Callejon de los Sapos
Parian Artisan Market
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS & BARS
La Casa del Mendrugo
Restaurante Casareyna
La Pasita
Overall Rating: 9.5
Location Rating: 9.8
Distance From the Zocalo: 0.3 miles (550 m), 6-min walk
3. Banyan Tree Puebla
Banyan Tree Puebla is a five-star hotel located on the eastern side of Blvd Heroes 5 del Mayo. It isn’t as conveniently located as the previous two hotels (about a 16-min walk to the zocalo) but it’s very near Ex-convento de San Francisco de Puebla and Paseo San Francisco shopping mall. Zona Historica de los Fuertes is about 0.7 miles (1.1 km) away.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Ex-convento de San Francisco de Puebla
Paseo San Francisco shopping mall
Barrio del Artista
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS & BARS
La Abuelita
Restaurante Casareyna
Don Pastor
Overall Rating: 9.1
Location Rating: 9.2
Distance From the Zocalo: 0.8 miles (1.3 km), 16-min walk
4. Hotel Boutique Casona de la China Poblana
Hotel Boutique Casona de la China Poblana is one of the more traditional-looking luxury hotels on this list. It’s a five-star hotel located about a block away from the zocalo, near many popular tourist attractions. Unlike some of the more modern hotels on this list, the rooms at Casona de la China Poblana are decorated in a more traditional style.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Templo de la Compañía de Jesús
Museo Urbano Interactivo (MUI)
Museo San Pedro de Arte
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS & BARS
La Casa del Mendrugo
Clementina Cocina Poblana
Taquería y Juguería Los Ángeles
Overall Rating: 9.0
Location Rating: 9.7
Distance From the Zocalo: 0.2 miles (350 m), 4-min walk
MID-RANGE HOTELS
5. Hotel Boutique Casareyna
We haven’t stayed at Hotel Boutique Casareyna, but we’ve eaten at its restaurant which is considered by some locals to be one of the best in Puebla. Restaurante Casareyna serves fantastic mole poblano, chalupas, and other traditional poblano and Mexican dishes.
Hotel Boutique Casareyna is a five-star luxury hotel conveniently located across the street from Paseo San Francisco shopping mall and Don Pastor, one of our favorite taquerias in Puebla. It’s set in a repurposed 17th-century house and offers very reasonable room rates for a five-star hotel.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Paseo San Francisco Shopping Mall
Ex-convento de San Francisco de Puebla
Mercado Municipal La Acocota
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS & BARS
Restaurante Casareyna
Don Pastor
Antojitos Mellos
Overall Rating: 9.3
Location Rating: 9.4
Distance From the Zocalo: 0.6 miles (1 km), 12-min walk
6. Hotel Casa Monarca
Like Hotel Casareyna, Hotel Casa Monarca is a five-star luxury hotel that offers reasonable room rates. Unlike the previous hotels on this list, it’s located on the western side of Puebla’s main square, closer to Paseo Bravo. This area is generally quieter and with fewer tourist attractions than the eastern side of downtown Puebla.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Museo del Ejercito y Fuerza Aérea
Museo Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Mexicanos
Capilla del Rosario, Templo de Santo Domingo
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS & BARS
Tacos Beyrut
Maíz Criollo
Antojitos Tomy
Overall Rating: 9.3
Location Rating: 9.3
Distance From the Zocalo: 0.4 miles (700 m), 9-min walk
7. Hotel Nube
Hotel Nube is a three-star hotel located in one of the best parts of the Historical Center. It’s a clean and modern hotel that’s within a stone’s throw of some of the most interesting museums in Puebla City.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Museo del Alfeñique
Museo San Pedro de Arte
Museo Urbano Interactivo (MUI)
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS & BARS
Clementina Cocina Poblana
La Casa del Mendrugo
Taquería y Juguería Los Ángeles
Overall Rating: 9.1
Location Rating: 9.6
Distance From the Zocalo: 0.4 miles (600 m), 7-min walk
8. Hotel Santiago
Location-wise, Hotel Santiago is tough to beat. It’s literally a minute away from the zocalo so you’re right in the heart of everything.
The decor in the rooms looks a bit dated but the hotel’s rooftop terrace should make up for it. It offers spectacular views of the cathedral, especially at night.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Catedral de Puebla
Biblioteca Palafoxiana
Museo Universitario Casa de los Muñecos
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS & BARS
Comal
Don Pastor
Antojitos Tomy
Overall Rating: 9.0
Location Rating: 9.8
Distance From the Zocalo: 0.1 miles (140 m), 2-min walk
BUDGET HOTELS
9. Hostal Casa de Arcos
Based on its reviews, Hostal Casa de Arcos could be the best hostel in Puebla. It’s located towards the southern part of the Historical Center, near Parque del Carmen which is one of my favorite squares in the Historical Center. I actually prefer hanging out in this square than the zocalo.
Hostal Casa de Arcos is set in a beautiful stone building and offers private rooms as well as beds in 8-person mixed dorm rooms.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Museo Amparo
Biblioteca Palafoxiana
Automobile Museum Puebla
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS & BARS
Tacos El Chino
Memelas del Carmen (aka Cemitas El Carmen)
Mary Barragan Helados
Overall Rating: 8.9
Location Rating: 9.7
Distance From the Zocalo: 0.4 miles (600 m), 7-min walk
10. Hostal Azul Puebla Centro Histórico
Hostal Azul Puebla Centro Histórico is a hostel on the western side of the zocalo. It doesn’t quite have the charm of Hostal Casa de Arcos but guests seem to be happy with it overall. They offer accommodations in both private rooms and dorm rooms.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Automobile Museum Puebla
Biblioteca Palafoxiana
Museo “José Luis Bello y González”
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS & BARS
Cemitas de los Angeles
Taqueria Tu Momento
Heladissimo
Overall Rating: 8.6
Location Rating: 9.2
Distance From the Zocalo: 0.5 miles (750 m), 9-min walk
11. Hotel Barroco
Hotel Barroco is a budget-friendly hotel located in one of the most coveted areas of the Historical Center. It’s near the Artist Quarter, Parian Market, and a few of the city’s best museums.
The decor in the rooms look a bit dated but the hotel is set in a lovely colonial building that features terraces overlooking an open central courtyard.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Museo del Alfeñique
Museo Regional De La Revolución Mexicana
Museo San Pedro de Arte
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS & BARS
Clementina Cocina Poblana
Taqueria San Juan
Tacos y Cemitas “Los Pinos”
Overall Rating: 8.4
Location Rating: 9.3
Distance From the Zocalo: 0.3 miles (550 m), 7-min walk
12. Hotel Teresita
Hotel Teresita is located just a couple blocks away from the zocalo. Its central location and budget-friendly room rates make it a good choice of hotel in the Historic Centre.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Museo “José Luis Bello y González”
Catedral de Puebla
Biblioteca Palafoxiana
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS & BARS
Antojitos Tomy
Don Pastor
Tacos Tony
Overall Rating: 8.1
Location Rating: 9.3
Distance From the Zocalo: 0.2 miles (400 m), 5-min walk
PUEBLA HOTELS LOCATION MAP
To help you find these hotels in Puebla, I’ve pinned them all on this map. Click on the link for a live version of the map.
You can also search for and book accommodations in Puebla using the handy map below.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST HOTELS IN PUEBLA
Your choice of hotel can make or break a trip. You need to be comfortable where you’re staying so choosing the right hotel is important. We hope this list of some of the best hotels in Puebla helps you make the right choice.
Thanks for reading and have an amazing time in Puebla!
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