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We all know Mexico for its pristine white sand beaches and luxurious resorts lining turquoise seas, and let’s face it, if you’re after some pampering, there’s nowhere better to get it than Cancun, Tulum, and the like.

But what about authenticity?

As great as Cancun may be, it’s not exactly a reflection of Mexico as a country: it was in fact built to cater to an international clientele in the 70s, and ever since, it’s been essentially dominated by resort-goers.

Interestingly, a growing number of travelers are actively looking for more meaningful experiences when crossing the southern border, be it immersing themselves in the local way of life or just venturing out of that five-star compound to see what the actual Mexico looks like.

One of the most authentic, historic cities in Mexico, Puebla has seen a sharp increase in demand in recent years—except it has no beaches.

Still, 31 million tourists have visited in the last two years, a large percentage of those being foreigners (and in particular, Americans), so what are they seeing that maybe you are not?

Is Puebla One Of Mexico’s Most Underrated Cultural Gems?

Puebla is a centuries-old city in the central region of Mexico.

It was established by the Spanish in the mid-1500s upon their arrival in the New World. It is best known for its landmark-packed Zona Historica, a colonial-era historic center.

It is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it incorporates elements of the European Renaissance and the Mexican variant of Baroque, which typically involves ornate facades and richly detailed interiors.

As the institution notes, these have remained virtually intact.

Some of the best-preserved monuments include Puebla Cathedral, a Renaissance gemstone with twin belfries overlooking a Spanish-built Zócalo (the Mexican equivalent to a central square), the Capilla del Rosario, a gold leaf-clad chapel, and the stunning Biblioteca Palafoxiana.

One of the oldest libraries in the Americas, it has a vast collection of historically-relevant materials, and its magnificent wooden-built chambers stacked with leather-bound books from floor to ceiling, rival other noteworthy examples in Paris, such as the Richelieu and even Austria’s National Library.

Puebla’s Old Town is also among Mexico’s most unique, with its narrow, cobble-covered streets lined with tiled houses, some of which date as far back as the 16th century, and with a menacing, yet dormant Popocatepetl volcano for backdrop.

Puebla Has Incredible Food

Some of the best restaurants in town are found within the UNESCO-protected center, such as Fonda Le Mexicana, the go-to spot for enchiladas with a posh twist, Moyuelo, with a not-so-extensive menu of well-chosen native dishes, and Tacos Tony:

A more economical alternative, it is a laid-back family business serving incredibly tasty Arab tacos, a local specialty (and their side tortillas are just as mouth-watering).

For chiles en nogada, stuffed pepper topped with walnut and pomegranate sauce, don’t miss El Mural, conveniently located on Avenida 16 de Septiembre.

Our personal favorite has to be Fonda Tipica, a no-frills eatery at Mercado El Parian, where you can eat mole poblano, a cocoa-based sauce poured over chicken or pork.

For dessert, make sure you head to Calle de los Dulces (literally translated as Candy Street), a buzzing shopping alley filled with shops selling traditional desserts, from camotes to borrachitos.

Find Unique Experiences To Make Your Puebla Visit Truly Memorable

The tourist and culinary offers in Puebla are truly vast, so how about combining both sightseeing and tastings into one activity?

With this Puebla Food Tour, you’ll get to stroll the city’s lively markets, sample different street food, and top it off with visits to historic sites from $89.

A part of metropolitan Puebla, the large town of Cholula is a popular day trip for culture aficionados, as it plays host to a Great Pyramid, one of the largest in the world, topped with a yellow-washed sanctuary, and countless smaller churches.

This day tour visits not only Cholula, but also Atlixco, yet another colorful colonial gem, considered a Magical Town by Mexican authorities for its fascinating History and perfectly-preserved architectural ensemble, and it costs only $27.59 per person.

Learn more about Puebla, and why it is perhaps Mexico’s most underrated destination here.

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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.