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When you hear of someone going to Mexico, it’s always a sprawling Mexico City, or the resort-packed beach hotspots of Cancun or Cabo they’re banging on about:
That’s hardly a surprise, considering how well-connected those spots are, and their better-than-average tourism infrastructure, but how about the rest of Mexico?
I mean, this is still one of the largest countries in the Americas, with a cultural offer like no other, and it sure has no shortage of incredible destinations.
One of those lesser-known gems that have been overlooked for far too long, Puebla is finally getting the praise it deserves:
An authentically-Mexican cultural treasure boasting Old World charm, incredible food, and cheaper prices, it looks set to become Mexico’s next big thing:
Re-Discover One Of The Oldest Cities In Mexico
Predicting to host 5 million tourists this year, Puebla is among Mexico’s fastest-rising destinations in 2025, and it’s not like we didn’t see it coming.
A UNESCO-protected gem with plenty to offer on the culture front, it is one of the oldest cities south of the border.
It was settled at the height of the Spanish Conquest of Mexico and boasts a high concentration of historical landmarks.
Its Historic Center is packed to the brim with well-preserved colonial structures, and in many respects, it feels like time has barely passed since the 16th century, especially when you look at a man-made wonder like the Puebla Cathedral:
The city’s main attraction, it towers above a centrally located zócalo. Its intricately carved façade and beautifully decorated interior put Europe’s religious edifices to shame.
Not far from the cathedral, tourists can visit the Old World-coded Bibliotexa Palafoxiana, the oldest public library on the American continent, and the storied Casa del Deán, a colonial-era townhouse featuring elaborate Renaissance frescoes.
Incredible Food & Cheap Prices
Cultural value aside, part of Puebla’s increasing popularity with foreigners is attributed to its rich gastronomy and affordability.
The bustling Mercado el Carmen is a popular destination for foodies.
It serves the iconic tacos árabes, hearty moles (fried corn dough stuffed with potatoes and chorizo), and, of course, chicken with mole poblano sauce.
And the best part is, you can get takeout food for as cheap as $1.40–$4.60.
Of course, you can always blow your budget by going to upscale eateries and treating yourself to a 3-course presentation, but in general, a sit-down meal in a downtown cantina is extremely unlikely to hurt your wallet:
For homemade, soulful food, try La Abuelita. It serves traditional poblano dishes for as low as $5.50.
Rooftop Bars Or Ancient Pyramids?
Beyond the picturesque Old Town, Puebla is a sprawling metropolis home to over 1.6 million people, and with a range of eclectic districts to its name.
If you’re looking for fun on a night out, Los Sapos has a plethora of trendy bars and late-night cafés serving bite-sized eats and drinks.
Meanwhile, Avenida Juárez is the upbeat, classier counterpart, with rooftop lounges galore, and trendy cocktail spots—just beware, prices in this area are not exactly on the cheaper end.
Finally, for a taste of local culture away from the buzzing center, Cholula is a town within a half-hour drive from Puebla:
Playing host to the largest pyramid in the world by volume, and a youthful social scene, backed by live music venues and bar-lined cobbled streets, it is the perfect day trip if you’re hoping for laid-back vibes and a Bohemian weekend.
Fly Nonstop To Puebla From Houston
Puebla may not have Cancun or Mexico City’s impressive connectivity—unlike those two, its small international airport doesn’t offer nonstop service to every major U.S. city on the map—but it does host Houston flights.
You can fly with United from IAH to Puebla (PBC) any day of the week, year-round. Round-trip fares start from an acceptable $516 in June—July, though they can fluctuate depending on demand and seat availability.
Alternatively, Puebla is well-connected to several other larger Mexican hubs, such as Cancun (CUN) and Guadalajara (GDL).
In other words, for most Americans, it’s only a one-stop flight away. In addition to the architectural marvels, the cheap eats, and the unspoiled culture, you get the perfect long weekend getaway.
Vinicius Costa
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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