San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Voted #1"Best City in the World" by Travel & Leisure readers in 2024
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San Miguel de Allende, a colonial city in the Mexican high desert, has topped the list of Condé Nast magazine’s “World’s Best Small Cities” several times. I have learned in my travels to “trust but verify” regarding destinations with such high accolades. Thus, I traveled to San Miguel de Allende (San Miguel) with a healthy measure of anticipation and a pinch of skepticism.
Within a few hours of arriving, I knew the hype was real. I was mesmerized by the majestic beauty of the iconic cathedral, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, which anchors the town’s center. The image of its Neo-Gothic facade glad in pink Cantera stone against the horizon in the golden hours of the late afternoon felt like a mirage, too perfect to be real.
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There are few places I am drawn to return to because, let’s face it, the world is vast, and there is so much to explore. However, I returned twice the year after my initial visit and quickly realized that San Miguel needed to be my home base between my global travels.
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I now spend about six months a year in San Miguel. Though it is my “hometown,” I still explore it daily like a curious traveler. There are so many rich layers of history, culture, art, architecture, nature, and food that my list of things to do seems endless.
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What makes San Miguel de Allende so special?
There is a magic to San Miguel de Allende that you notice almost immediately upon your arrival. A confluence of environmental and historical elements blends seamlessly to create memorable experiences that lure travelers back again and again.
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What are these magical elements?
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Weather - Situated in Mexico’s high desert, the semi-arid climate is perfect for outdoor activities most of the year. The average temperatures range from highs in the upper 70s to lows in the upper 50s, with low humidity and mostly crystal blue skies.
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Architecture - San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage Site acclaimed for its colonial architecture and cultural significance as a melting pot of Spanish and Indigenous cultures. Much of the town's infrastructure was built in the 1700s and remains remarkably well-preserved. The charming cobblestone streets and consistent red and yellow colors against the deep blue sky are a feast for the eyes. Undoubtedly, the architectural crown jewel, the Parroquia de Sa Miguel Arcángel, will take your breath away from every vantage point.
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Culture - San Miguel has long been a mecca for creative individuals since Stirling Dickinson promoted the use of the G.I. Bill after WWII for an art school in the city center. The city is resplendent with visual arts, live music, and educational opportunities. It also deeply values its Mexican and Indigenous heritages, and visitors often are treated to lively, colorful parades and festivals throughout the city.
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Food and Drink - San Miguel's dining scene rivals much larger cities. From taco stands to fine dining, endless dining opportunities exist for all tastes. Cuisines, including Italian, Mediterranean, Japanese, and, of course, Mexican, are all well represented. The cocktail scene is also top-notch, with some of the best bars in the world influencing local libations. Finally, all this delicious fare is often served on rooftop terraces with gob-smacking views or interior courtyards surrounded by the rich history of past generations.
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Easy Access from North America - Though San Miguel de Allende does not have an airport, the neighboring, much larger towns of Querétaro and Leon offer direct flights from many US cities. These cities are 70 to 90 minutes from San Miguel, and convenient, low-cost shuttles or private drivers are readily available.
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Intrigued? Explore the magic in my posts. Don’t see what you are looking for?
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Connect with me. I am happy to answer any questions.
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