A Tour of San Miguel de Allende: The World’s Best City

Wonder how charming San Miguel de Allende — a quiet colonial town in Mexico — became the No. 1 city on Earth?

This destination wowed Travel + Leisure readers, who propelled it to the top spot in this year’s World’s Best Awards, with its thriving culinary scene and rich culture.

During a tour of San Miguel de Allende, you’ll see the World’s Best City Hotel in Mexico, Hotel Matilda, which is equipped with an infinity pool and a 4,700-square-foot hammam. You can book a room with a terrace for uninterrupted city views, and peruse the impressive collection of works by local artists.

Check out Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel — an iconic church known for its pink towers — and then peruse one of San Miguel’s street markets. Local handicrafts, such as pewter crosses and handmade sandals, can be found at the Mercado de Artesanias and the Tuesday market, Tianguis de los Martes,

Of course, in a city that ranks so highly for its cuisine, you can’t visit San Miguel de Allende without dining at one of the top restaurants in town.

Reserve a table at Moxi Restaurant, which is helmed by Enrique Olvera (often hailed the country’s best chef) or enjoy an alfresco lunch at Quince, which serves dishes like carne picosa and avocado salad with panela cheese.