Trip Ideas City Vacations San Miguel de Allende Is the Best City in the World — Here's Proof By Jess McHugh Jess McHugh Jess McHugh is a journalist, author, and researcher who has reported from North and South America, Europe, the Caribbean, and West Africa. She's written hundreds of stories, ranging from the fight to preserve world heritage in Palmyra, Syria, to the story of the first American dictionary. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Nation, The Paris Review, Time, New York Magazine, The New Republic, Fortune, Village Voice, International Business Times, CNN, Avidly (Los Angeles Review of Books), AFP Services, The Believer, Lapham's Quarterly, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, InStyle, Dame, Thrillist, Man Repeller, and Travel + Leisure, among others. She can be found between New York City and Paris. * 8+ years of experience working as a writer and researcher * Author of "Americanon" (Dutton, Penguin-Random House, 2021) * Bilingual in French and English * Former staff reporter at Time Inc. and International Business Times. * Received a bachelor's degree in comparative literature from Yale University Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on July 13, 2017 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: 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. 01 of 23 Architecture of San Miguel Getty Images San Miguel de Allende is known for its brightly-colored, colonial architecture, classic markings of the Spanish colonial style. 02 of 23 Dia de Los Muertos Getty Images Residents of the Mexican city celebrate the holiday of Dia de Los Muertos to honor the dead in the autumn. 03 of 23 Restaurants and Nightlife 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. 04 of 23 Las Monjas Church Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure 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. 05 of 23 Doce 18 Concept House Thomas J. Story This shopping plaza near the center of town serves up gourmet dishes. 06 of 23 San Miguel de Allende Bridge Getty Images This bridge frames a colorful view of some of the Spanish colonial architecture for which San Miguel de Allende is known. 07 of 23 Plaza Principal Getty Images This aerial view shows the Plaza Principal — or main square — in the heart of the city, complete with a lush garden. 08 of 23 Carved Skulls for Dia de Los Muertos Getty Images/Cultura Exclusive The calaveras, or skulls, are one of the most prominent symbols of the celebration of Dia de los Muertos. 09 of 23 Cobblestone Streets 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 23 San Miguel by Night Getty Images The central plaza is surrounded by open air cafés, perfect for a coffee or a glass of wine. 11 of 23 Folk Dancers UIG via Getty Images Mexican folk dancing often infuses a mix of influences from indigenous and European cultures. 12 of 23 General Iganacio Maria Allende Unzaga 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 23 A Walkable City 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 23 Colorful Flags Getty Images/Blend Images Brightly colored flags adorn the central plaza. 15 of 23 Independence Day Decorations 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 23 The Historic City Center Getty Images/Gallo Images The historic city center spans 68 blocks and contains many small, hidden gems. 17 of 23 Artisan Handicrafts 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 23 Overview of the City Getty Images A striking image of the skyline shows the city's historic center. 19 of 23 Interior of Parroquia San Miguel Getty Images See the interior of the city's best known church, the Parroquia San Miguel. 20 of 23 Bars and Nightlife Getty Images/WIN-Initiative RM Visitors can sample local mezcal and tequila at neighborhood watering holes or rooftop bars with staggering views. 21 of 23 Fiesta Charra UIG via Getty Images The Fiesta Charra is just one of many annual festivals in San Miguel de Allende. 22 of 23 Flowers and Greenery Getty Images/Blend Images The nooks and crannies of San Miguel are bursting with color from local flowers and shrubbery. 23 of 23 Parroquia San Miguel 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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