Puebla is one of Mexico’s most underrated destinations: a medley of baroque churches, fascinating museums, art shops selling Mexican folklore, and traditional restaurants occupy the colorful buildings that line this city’s charming streets. To sum things up, it oozes authenticity at every corner. HAP Founder Brandon Berkson shares his “Puebla Destination Guide” below.
TO STAY:
Banyan Tree Puebla
This is the town’s coolest hotel. The Talavera-heavy décor; scenic rooftop pool, with its accompanying bar boasting breathtaking views of the town and distant volcano; as well as its centuries-old backyard ruins accessible from the lobby via underground tunnel are just a few highlights of many here.
TO EAT:
Augurio
This traditional restaurant serves bomb Mole Poblano. Totally atmospheric.
Casa Barroca
This trendy fine-dining restaurant pairs traditional Mexican cooking with fine art.
TO VISIT:
Museo Amparo
Those who love history and art should consider checking out this museum. Here, Mexico’s storied past is imparted to visitors via their collection, which sports masterpieces from the country’s different eras, from pre-Hispanic to Spanish Colonial to current times.
Biblioteca Palafoxiana
Here at HAP, libraries and bookstores are absolute musts. There’s nothing like NOT reading your Kindle, but rather something with paper pages. Whether you want to peruse the shelves, admire the stunning centuries-old interior, or stick your head in a novel (there are over 41,000 books of Mexican and international literature here), this place is inimitable to its core.
Zócalo de Puebla
Puebla is known for its swaths of impressive churches. While each one is beautiful in its own way, it’s the big one, Zócalo de Puebla, that especially catches our eyes inside and out: its ornate interior, deft craftsmanship all around, and baroque-style fountain in the front plaza — a space where locals, balloon-sellers, and shoe-shiners enjoy sunny days with one another — make it a hub for both design and culture.
The International Museum of the Baroque / Museo Internacional del Barroco
The International Museum of the Baroque is a must if you want to learn more about everything Baroque. Blueprinted by Japanese architect Toyo Itō, the museum is a design masterpiece. Its location is outside of Puebla’s center, meaning you will need to take a car.
