San Miguel Dream Homes – Greg Gunter: Home

Take a Look at These Stunning Photos of the City Ranked “Best in the World”

GLASS AND NATURE/SHUTTERSTOCK

We’re booking a ticket ASAP.

Welcome to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Every year, Travel + Leisure puts out a survey asking readers about their favorite places to travel. Respondents rank each city’s culture, cuisine, sights, friendliness, overall value, and shopping. This year, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, earned a whopping 92.12 out of 100, earning its spot as the best city in the world. (Looking for a domestic trip? Don’t miss these 21 nicest towns in America.)


KOBBY DAGAN/SHUTTERSTOCK

A slice of history

San Miguel de Allende was built in 1542 and ended up becoming a melting pot of cultures between the Amerindians, Spaniards, and Creoles. Now, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. (Find out why women aren’t allowed at this other World Heritage site.)


BILL PERRY/SHUTTERSTOCK

Neo-Gothic architecture

The neo-Gothic church Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel is a main landmark of the city because it can be seen from almost anywhere in town. Rumor has it that architect Zeferino Gutierrez looked to a postcard of a Belgian church for inspiration. (Check out these 26 other real places around the world that look straight out of a fairy tale.)


BILL PERRY/SHUTTERSTOCK

Gardens galore

Outside the church sits the town’s main square, El Jardín, which translates to “the garden.” It’s a fitting name for the square, which features artfully clipped laurel trees. (Starting your own indoor garden? Try these five naturally detoxifying plants.)


BILL PERRY/SHUTTERSTOCK

Beauty all around

Even outside the main stretch, San Miguel de Allende has stunning architecture, with colorful buildings and rooftop gardens whose plants dangle below.


KOBBY DAGAN/SHUTTERSTOCK

Time to celebrate

During the annual festival of the Valle del Maiz, a parade goes to the historic center. Part of the parade includes chinelos, traditional costumed dancers of Mexico.


KOBBY DAGAN/SHUTTERSTOCK

Street art

You could head to galleries in the famous Fabrica la Aurora—or just walk the stone streets. The art on building walls and ornate doorways are equally beautiful. (When traveling, make sure you don’t park in the city where your car is most likely to get stolen.)


SAN HOYANO/SHUTTERSTOCK

Shop ’til you drop

In Mercado de Artesanias, vendors sell rugs, decorated animal skulls, masks, sugar skulls, and more—perfect for a Day of the Dead celebration, but a dangerous place for shopping addicts.


BILL PERRY/SHUTTERSTOCK

Day and night

If you thought San Miguel de Allende was beautiful during the day, just wait until you see it at night. As the sun goes down, the entire city—including the main church—glows.

Exit mobile version