A 4-hour bus ride from México City to the north brings you to the very cute and enchanting town of San Miguel de Allende. Two years in a row San Miguel won the election of ‘the best city in the world’ by travel magazine Travel + Leisure.
Gargoyles at Calle Recreo
A lot of people from the USA live (either in the winter or the whole year round) in San Miguel de Allende and I think this must have been the main reason why this city is so well promoted in the States. In Europe SMdA is far lesser known.
A balcony at Calle Principal
I haven’t been in every (colonial) city in Mexico, so I wouldn’t know if it’s the ‘best one’, let alone in the whole world, but I agree that SMdA has a charming effect.
Most of the streets are cobblestoned, there are a lot of boutique shops that sell everything local, people are friendly, you can safely walk around at night, the city is quite hilly (thus many gorgeous views!) and there are a lot of lovely details to spot while walking around.
So yeah, it’s a good choice to include it in your itinerary.
A Mojigante, a giant puppet at San Francisco street
That said, no wonder the entire ensemble was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 2008 and that has another wonderful side effect: screaming marketing is not allowed. Hallelujah. Even the Starbucks on the main square is difficult to spot. I wish all cities in the world would have this as a rule.
One of the many door knockers in SMDA
Although SMdA is famous, I still didn’t had the feeling the city was swamped with tourists, even though I visited the city right before one of its biggest celebrations: Día de los Muertos!
Sugar treats and decoration at the market near Plaza de la Soledad
The town clearly was preparing for the day, and the sugar skulls and Calavera de Catrina decorations were all around. Joy was in the air and I think SMdA is absolutely great to visit during these days.
Calle Principal at night
I hope these snaps will give you a bit of an insight of SMdA, or as some name it “the best city in the world”! Enjoy!
Hats off! At Jardin Allende
At Calle Recreo
Detail of the wall, Calle Lucas Baldera
Calle San Dimas
Decorations for the upcoming Día de los Muertos
One fine afternoon @ Fabrica La Aurora
San Augustin Church
Shadows at the corner of Relox
The main square of SMDA
Sugar skulls at the market
Another bright door knocker
Detail of the wall, Calle Lucas Baldera
Calle del Pueblito
Masks at the market
The famous Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
Another big door knocker
Shadow and light
Calle San Francisco at night
The most famous Mexican woman of all
Calle Cjon. de Loreto
Calle Cjon. de Loreto
Decoration for Día de los Muertos at Jésus
View from Museo La Esquina del Juguete popular Mexicano
Gifts at the market
Upcoming rain at Calle Cuesta de San Jose
Knock knock
Just a beautiful old door at Calle Diez de Sollano y Dávalos
Here’s where to find that scenic city!
