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25 photos that show why San Miguel de Allende was named the best city in the world

San Miguel de Allende

The best city in the world, San Miguel de Allende. bpperry / iStock

Link to Article: https://www.insider.com/san-miguel-de-allende-voted-best-city-in-the-world-2017-7

Travel + Leisure just released its World’s Best Awards for 2017.

The awards are based on a survey that includes responses from thousands of experienced travelers.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, was voted the best city in the world for the first time — beating out major travel destinations like Florence and Capetown.

With San Miguel de Allende’s charming streets, stunning architecture, and vibrant color, it’s no wonder travelers ranked the city so high.

The views of Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel from the city none look straight out of a fairytale.

San Miguel de Allende
Parroquia de San Miguel de Allende. Bill Perry / Shutterstock


There are many colorful streets to explore.

San Miguel de Allende
A vibrantly colored street in San Miguel de Allende. Kobby Dagan/ Shutterstock


Visitors can also stay at one of the city’s top hotels, such as Hotel Matilda.

San Miguel de Allende
The pool at Hotel Matilda. TripAdvisor/ travelingjamie

Click here for more information about Hotel Matilda >>


The streets are lined with shops selling Mexico artesanías (handicrafts).

San Miguel de Allende
Colorful masks out for display. San Hoyano/ Shutterstock


The city is full of flowers.

San Miguel de Allende
Flowers in bloom at The Hyder House. Instagram / David Caughran / sanmigueldeallende


Watching the sun set over an ancient pyramid at Canada de la Virgen is not to be missed.

San Miguel de Allende
Canada de la Virgen pyramid. TripAdvisor/ Lizzy357

Click here for more information about Canada de la Virgen >>


Nor hitting some balls at the picturesque Ventanas de San Miguel golf course.

San Miguel de Allende
The golf course at Ventanas de San Miguel. Ventanas de San Miguel


There are many hot springs in the area, too.

San Miguel de Allende
La Gruta Spa’s indoor hot spring. TripAdvisor/Jaquii B


Visitors can also attend an event inside the Plaza de Toros Oriente arena. Or watch a bull fight extravaganza.

San Miguel de Allende
The arena of Plaza de Toros Oriente. The Plaza de Toros Oriente,

Click here for more information about Plaza de Toros Oriente >>


The nightlife is also popping with nightclubs like El Gritto.

San Miguel de Allende
The nightlife scene at El Gritto. Facebook/ El Grito San Miguel


There are also plenty of festivals to go around.

San Miguel de Allende
A festival in city none. Instagram/ sanmigueldeallende


…like the Day of the Dead Fiesta.

San Miguel de Allende
Costumes at the Day of the Dead Fiesta. Instagram/sanmigueldeallende


Check out a book at the public library and admire its lovely ceiling mural.

San Miguel de Allende
The ceiling mural at San Miguel de Allende’s public library. TripAdvisor/ Jesusmiguel58


Or browse for handmade toys at La Esquina Toy Museum.

San Miguel de Allende
A woman makes handmade toys. Instagram/ museolaesquina


The city is also crawling with street art.

San Miguel de Allende
There is loads of street art throughout the city. Yelp/Samantha H.z


A Sunday concert at Rancho Zandung is a staple.

San Miguel de Allende
A band plays at Rancho Zandung. Facebook/Zandunga

Click here for more information about Rancho Zandunga >>


The city also has an incredible restaurant scene.

San Miguel de Allende
A meal at La Parada, one of the city’s best restaurants. Facebook/ La Parada

Click here for more information about La Parada restaurant>>


And tons of delicious bakeries, like Cumpanio Bakery.

San Miguel de Allende
Baked goods from Cumpanio. Instagram/cumpaniomx

Click here for more information about Cumpanio Bakery>>


… the churros are definitely not to be missed.

San Miguel de Allende
Churros from a street vendor. Flickr/Carolyn Coles


San Miguel de Allende
Day of the Dead themed candies. Flickr/Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble


San Miguel de Allende
The greenery of Parque Benito Juarez. TripAdvisor/Michael L


San Miguel de Allende
A colorful flower market. TripAdvisor/JennaShea


San Miguel de Allende
A bright street in San Miguel de Allende. James Mattil/ Shutterstock


San Miguel de Allende
A view of Los Monjas dome. bpperry / iStock


San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende’s skyline at night. Instagram/ sanmigueldeallende