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  4. San Miguel de Allende Is the Best City in the World — Here's Proof

San Miguel de Allende Is the Best City in the World — Here's Proof

By Jess McHugh July 13, 2017
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San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images/Gallo Images
Known for its cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial style architecture, and creative cruisine, the Mexican city of San Miguel de Allende has long attracted visitors from across the country and all over the world.

This year San Miguel is about to land on the radar of many more travelers after winning the World's Best Award for best city in the world. While the Mexican city has made the list for the best cities in Latin America, it's the first time in the 22 years of the contest that it has topped the list of all international cities.

“San Miguel is one of the most authentic, creative and cost-effective destinations we’ve visited,” wrote one reader in this year's survey. “Over the years we’ve discovered more great restaurants and activities, but the town still maintains its Mexican heritage, culture and charm.”

Visitors can explore most of the city on foot, wandering its quaint streets and shopping for handicrafts such as pottery, woven baskets, and embroidered clothing.

The central plaza, often referred to simply as El Jardin, is a lush launching point for any tourist to explore the historic center that was named a world heritage site by UNESCO.

Home to more than 350 restaurants and several expansive markets, you'll never run out of mole, gorditas, tacos, or tequila to sample. 

Take a look inside the best city in the world.
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Architecture of San Miguel

San Miguel de Allende
Credit: Getty Images

San Miguel de Allende is known for its brightly-colored, colonial architecture, classic markings of the Spanish colonial style.

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Dia de Los Muertos

San Miguel de Allende
Credit: Getty Images

Residents of the Mexican city celebrate the holiday of Dia de Los Muertos to honor the dead in the autumn.

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Restaurants and Nightlife

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images

The cuisine of San Miguel de Allende is one of the best aspects of any visit there, with gorditas, mole, and stuffed chiles topping any foodie's list of things to savor.

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San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images

When the sun goes down, locals and visitors alike can descend upon the city to eat, drink, or just wander some of its historic, cobblestone streets.

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Las Monjas Church

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, locally known as "Las Monjas" or "the nuns," is a Catholic space of worship that was completed in the mid-19th century by Zeferino Gutierrez.

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Doce 18 Concept House

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Thomas J. Story

This shopping plaza near the center of town serves up gourmet dishes.

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San Miguel de Allende Bridge

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images

This bridge frames a colorful view of some of the Spanish colonial architecture for which San Miguel de Allende is known.

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Plaza Principal

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images

This aerial view shows the Plaza Principal — or main square — in the heart of the city, complete with a lush garden.

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Carved Skulls for Dia de Los Muertos

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images/Cultura Exclusive

The calaveras, or skulls, are one of the most prominent symbols of the celebration of Dia de los Muertos.

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Cobblestone Streets

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Thomas J. Story

One of the best ways to spend a day in San Miguel de Allende is to wander its historic streets. The center of the city was named as a world heritage site by UNESCO, in part for the preservation of its architecture.

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San Miguel by Night

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images

The central plaza is surrounded by open air cafés, perfect for a coffee or a glass of wine.

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Folk Dancers

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: UIG via Getty Images

Mexican folk dancing often infuses a mix of influences from indigenous and European cultures.

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General Iganacio Maria Allende Unzaga

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images

This statue depicts General Iganacio Maria Allende Unzaga, a hero of the Mexican Revolution and one of the namesakes of the city.

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A Walkable City

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images

Renting a car in San Miguel isn't necessary, as most of the best sites and restaurants can be reached on foot.

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Colorful Flags

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images/Blend Images

Brightly colored flags adorn the central plaza.

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Independence Day Decorations

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: UIG via Getty Images

Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on September 16, and San Miguel joins in on the fun with festive decorations.

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The Historic City Center

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images/Gallo Images

The historic city center spans 68 blocks and contains many small, hidden gems.

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Artisan Handicrafts

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images

San Miguel de Allende is a great place to buy handmade crafts and jewelry, and you can find everything from baskets to pottery to embroidered skirts.

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Overview of the City

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images

A striking image of the skyline shows the city's historic center.

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Interior of Parroquia San Miguel

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images

See the interior of the city's best known church, the Parroquia San Miguel.

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Bars and Nightlife

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images/WIN-Initiative RM

Visitors can sample local mezcal and tequila at neighborhood watering holes or rooftop bars with staggering views.

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Fiesta Charra

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: UIG via Getty Images

The Fiesta Charra is just one of many annual festivals in San Miguel de Allende.

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Flowers and Greenery

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images/Blend Images

The nooks and crannies of San Miguel are bursting with color from local flowers and shrubbery.

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Parroquia San Miguel

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Getty Images/Gallo Images

The Parroquia San Miguel is the most well-known church in the city, with its distinctive, pink spires.

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    1 of 24 Architecture of San Miguel
    2 of 24 Dia de Los Muertos
    3 of 24 Restaurants and Nightlife
    4 of 24
    5 of 24 Las Monjas Church
    6 of 24 Doce 18 Concept House
    7 of 24 San Miguel de Allende Bridge
    8 of 24 Plaza Principal
    9 of 24 Carved Skulls for Dia de Los Muertos
    10 of 24 Cobblestone Streets
    11 of 24 San Miguel by Night
    12 of 24 Folk Dancers
    13 of 24 General Iganacio Maria Allende Unzaga
    14 of 24 A Walkable City
    15 of 24 Colorful Flags
    16 of 24 Independence Day Decorations
    17 of 24 The Historic City Center
    18 of 24 Artisan Handicrafts
    19 of 24 Overview of the City
    20 of 24 Interior of Parroquia San Miguel
    21 of 24 Bars and Nightlife
    22 of 24 Fiesta Charra
    23 of 24 Flowers and Greenery
    24 of 24 Parroquia San Miguel

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