Skip to content

Top Navigation

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Trip Inspiration
  • Travel Guides
  • World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises
  • Travel Tips
  • News
  • Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Explore

    Explore

    • World's Best

      The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you. Read More Next
    • The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021

      Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2021. Read More Next
    • Let's Go Together Podcast

      Start listening to T+L's brand new podcast, Let's Go Together! Hosted by Kellee Edwards. Read More Next
  • Trip Inspiration

    Trip Inspiration

    • Trip Ideas
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Spring Travel
    • Summer Travel
    • Fall Travel
    • Winter Travel
    • Solo Travel
    • Romantic Getaways
    • Luxury Travel
    • Beach Vacations
    • Adventure Travel
    • Road Trips
    • Family Travel
    • National Parks
    • Holiday Travel
    • Travel Photography
    • Photo of the Day
    • Culture and Design
    • Travel Deals
    • Attractions
    • Amusement Parks
    • Festivals and Events
    • Bus and Trains
    • Flight Deals
    • Budget Travel
    • Hotels and Resorts
    • Disney Vacations
    • Airlines and Airports
    • Ground Transportation
    • BookTandL.com
  • Travel Guides
  • World's Best

    World's Best

    • Top Hotels
    • Top Cities
    • Top Islands
    • Domestic Airlines
    • International Airlines
    • Tours
    • Safaris
    • All World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises

    Cruises

    • Find A Cruise
    • Caribbean Cruises
    • River Cruises
    • European Cruises
    • All-Inclusive Cruises
    • Family Cruises
    • Alaskan Cruises
    • Disney Cruises
    • See All Cruise Vacations
  • Travel Tips

    Travel Tips

    • Travel Trends
    • Packing Tips
    • Points + Miles
    • Budgeting + Currency
    • Customs + Immigration
    • Responsible Travel
    • Travel Etiquette
    • Travel Warnings
    • Weather
    • Mobile Apps
    • See All Travel Tips
  • News

    News

    • Wellness
    • Celebrity Travel
    • Animals
    • Jobs
    • Offbeat
    • See All News
  • Food + Drink

    Food + Drink

    • Restaurants
    • Wine
    • Beer
    • Cocktails + Spirits
    • Bars + Clubs
    • Celebrity Chefs
    • Cooking + Entertaining
    • Food Fairs + Festivals
    • World's Best Restaurants
    • See All Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories

    Travel Accessories

    • Travel Bags
    • Shoes
    • Travel Tech
    • Shopping
    • Style
    • Gift Guides
    • See All Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Trip Ideas
  3. City Vacations
  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
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
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.
Start Slideshow

1 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Architecture of San Miguel

Credit: Getty Images

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

1 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Dia de Los Muertos

Credit: Getty Images

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

2 of 24

3 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Restaurants and Nightlife

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.

3 of 24

Advertisement

4 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

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.

4 of 24

5 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Las Monjas Church

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.

5 of 24

6 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Doce 18 Concept House

Credit: Thomas J. Story

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

6 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

San Miguel de Allende Bridge

Credit: Getty Images

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

7 of 24

8 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Plaza Principal

Credit: Getty Images

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

8 of 24

9 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Carved Skulls for Dia de Los Muertos

Credit: Getty Images/Cultura Exclusive

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

9 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cobblestone Streets

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.

10 of 24

11 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

San Miguel by Night

Credit: Getty Images

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

11 of 24

12 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Folk Dancers

Credit: UIG via Getty Images

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

12 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

General Iganacio Maria Allende Unzaga

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.

13 of 24

14 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A Walkable City

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.

14 of 24

15 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Colorful Flags

Credit: Getty Images/Blend Images

Brightly colored flags adorn the central plaza.

15 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Independence Day Decorations

Credit: UIG via Getty Images

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

16 of 24

17 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Historic City Center

Credit: Getty Images/Gallo Images

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

17 of 24

18 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Artisan Handicrafts

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.

18 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Overview of the City

Credit: Getty Images

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

19 of 24

20 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Interior of Parroquia San Miguel

Credit: Getty Images

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

20 of 24

21 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bars and Nightlife

Credit: Getty Images/WIN-Initiative RM

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

21 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fiesta Charra

Credit: UIG via Getty Images

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

22 of 24

23 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Flowers and Greenery

Credit: Getty Images/Blend Images

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

23 of 24

24 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Parroquia San Miguel

Credit: Getty Images/Gallo Images

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

24 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Jess McHugh

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

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

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap
  • Travel Guide Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Other Travel + Leisure Sites
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
Travel + Leisure is part of the Travel + Leisure Group. Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Travel + Leisure is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation Travel + Leisure Group All Rights Reserved, registered in the United States and other countries. Travel + Leisure may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.travelandleisure.com

View image

San Miguel de Allende Is the Best City in the World — Here's Proof
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.