Where to stay
Stay in the historic centre to walk everywhere, in Analco and Los Sapos for quieter colonial streets, in Angelópolis for modern hotels, or in Cholula for a small-town base with volcano views.
The areas
Most centralColonial hotels by the zócalo
Boutique hotels in restored mansions and simple guesthouses within a few blocks of the zócalo, with the cathedral, museums, restaurants and markets on foot. Rooms facing the street can be noisy at weekends.
Best for: First-timers, sightseeing and food lovers
BoutiqueQuieter colonial streets
The old neighbourhoods just south-east of the zócalo, around the Callejón de los Sapos and across the boulevard in Analco, with small hotels, cafés and the weekend antiques market, five to ten minutes’ walk from the cathedral.
Best for: Couples, repeat visitors and weekend markets
ModernMalls, museums and business hotels
The modern south-west of the city, with international chain hotels, shopping malls, the Museum of the Baroque and the Estrella de Puebla. About 20 to 30 minutes by car from the centre, and handy for the roads to Cholula and Atlixco.
Best for: Business trips, families and drivers
Small townPyramid views and cafés
Small hotels and guesthouses in San Pedro and San Andrés Cholula, about 30 minutes from central Puebla, with the pyramid on your doorstep, volcano views and a lively scene of bars and cafés.
Best for: Longer stays, nightlife and volcano views
Many of Puebla’s best hotels are restored colonial mansions, with rooms around tiled courtyards, roof terraces and Talavera details. They are some of the most charming places to stay in Mexico, often at a good price.
International chains cluster in Angelópolis and along the main roads, with parking, pools and gyms. They suit families with a car and business travellers.
Small guesthouses and holiday apartments are good for longer stays and families, in the centre and in Cholula.
Puebla is good value compared with Mexico City. Prices rise at weekends, when visitors from the capital arrive, and during Holy Week, the Day of the Dead, Christmas and long weekends. Sunday to Thursday nights are often cheaper.
Good to know
The historic centre puts you within walking distance of the cathedral, museums, markets and the best restaurants. Analco and the Callejón de los Sapos are a little quieter, Angelópolis suits drivers and business travellers, and Cholula is a lively small-town base.
Stay in Puebla for colonial sights and food, and in Cholula for a smaller, more relaxed town with bars and volcano views. They are about 30 minutes apart by car, so you can visit one from the other.
Not really. The streets are narrow and busy. If you are driving, choose a hotel with parking or use a public car park, and explore the centre on foot.
Book a few weeks ahead for most of the year, and earlier for Holy Week, the Cinco de Mayo celebrations, the Day of the Dead, Christmas and long weekends, when visitors from Mexico City fill the hotels.
Plan your Puebla trip
Once you have a base, compare walking tours, food tours and day trips.