This quaint city in Mexico is a charming place for a vacation, according to Travel + Leisure readers.
Not surprisingly, it’s a constant favorite among T+L readers: San Miguel de Allende was named theNo.
1 city in the worldand ourreader-favorite Mexican cityin our 2024 World’s Best Awards.
The Cathedral in San Miguel de Allende.Credit:Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
The hotel is conveniently located less than a five-minute walk from Parque Benito Juarez.
“You are surrounded by beautiful accommodations while immersed in a culture that is still carefully preserved.
Locals take pride in where they come from, and it shows.”
Entrance to Rosewood San Miguel de Allende.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
(The hotel was voted theNo.
1 hotel in Mexico in T+L’s World’s Best Awards.)
Every room comes with butler service.
Hotel room in Casa de Sierra Nevada.Courtesy of Belmond Hotels
The hotel has an on-site cooking school, Sazon, to teach guests how to prepare Mexican dishes.
There are just six suites, each themed and named after Mexican artist Pedro Friedeberg.
Like many of the hotels in the area, it has a rooftop restaurant with 360-degree views of downtown.
Architecture details of La Valise San Miguel de Allende.Leandro Bulzzano
The three-story hotel has 14 guest rooms.
(Pro-tip: The streets can be hilly and uneven, so pack comfortable footwear.)
The church is stunning to see in daylight and when lit up at night.
Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel in Jardin Allende.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
These are the same techniques used today.)
Rabinor recommended visitingCuna de Tierrafor a tasting-pairing menu orDos Buhos, a family-run winery, for their organic wines.
Take a Mojiganga Class
San Miguel de Allende is famous for its giant puppets calledmojigangas.
Vineyard scenes from San Miguel de Allende.Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure
The process involves sending Arroyo a selfie, who then makes a papier-mache doll of your general likeness.
In the class, you paint your doll and dress it up.
It doubles as a memorable souvenir.
Left: A man painting a figurine; Right: A mojiganga figurine in the street.Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure
If you’re a sunset lover, definitely go later in the afternoon for the most spectacular view."
“The hat is your canvas,” Armendariz said.
I want to mix my designs with my client’s taste and personality."
Several stalls in the Artisan Market.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
If you’re not into perfume, the store carries candles and body care products as well.
Best Restaurants
There’s no shortage of delicious food and stunning rooftops in San Miguel de Allende.
Consider Ki’bok Coffee, Lavanda Cafe, or Inside Cafe for your daily coffee.
Interior of Suki Palomina.COURTESY OF ALINA ROJO
(Inside Cafehas some excellent views on the top floors.)
you could find vendors sellingelotesandesquitesin the main square and some taco stands.
Rabinor’s favorite upscale eateries areMoxi,Zumo, andAperi.
Products in Xinú Perfumes.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Wherever you dine, the biggest tip for the restaurant scene is to make reservations.
Bekeb
COURTESY OF BEKEB
For delicious cocktails and a stellar view, there’s no bar likeBekeb.
(you might also sign up for a mixology class with Padilla to learn some trade secrets.)
A cocktail from Bekeb.COURTESY OF BEKEB
Bekeb was named one of theWorld’s Best Bars in North America in 2024.
Tostevere
Tostevere feels like a hidden gem, but definitely make a reservation to secure your seat.
The interiors are cozy, the menu is concise, and every dish is worth trying.
Tostevere’s elote dish.Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure
The tostadas were the star for me, as they were piled high with toppings.
(I, for one, still daydream about the corn truffle tostada.)
it’s possible for you to ask questions, take in the carb-loaded visuals, and choose your treats.
A large pastry from Panina.SUSMITA BARAL/TRAVEL + LEISURE
Chocolates y Churros San Agustin
Mexicans know this establishment for its owner, actor Margarita Gralia.
But the churros are so good that locals and tourists are queuing up for a sweet treat.
Try your favorite, or do as I did and order all three.
Colorful street scenes from San Miguel de Allende.Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure
you’ve got the option to also sync up your trip with some holidays.
Both QRO and BJX are roughly 1.5 hours away from the city.
For those visiting Mexico City or flying through it, San Miguel de Allende is a four-hour drive.
People walking through San Miguel de Allende.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Taxis and ride-hailing apps (like Uber) are readily available.
