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When it comes to being the best destination in Mexico, we can’t blame you for focusing on the usual tourist hotspots of Cancun, Cabo or Puerto Vallarta: with their endless miles of sandy coastline and world-class resorts, they’re some of America’s favorite sunny outings.
Surprisingly, as incredible as they may be, none of them took the crown this year:
During the 37th edition of Condé Nast Traveler of the Reader’s Choice Awarda much smaller one, much more relaxed historic town has emerged as the best destination south of the border and is not alone in third place worldwide:
Culture and peaceful green oases
San Miguel de Allende is a medium-sized city in Mexico’s Central Highlands, home to around 174,000 people, and distinguished by its high concentration of Spanish-era monuments, colorful markets and traditional eateries.
The main church in town is a Gothic-inspired, pink-painted wonder that is among the most beautiful in Mexico. El Jardinsome pedestrian-friendly streets start walking upwards, leading to hidden squares and picturesque courtyards.
Nearby, the 18th century Temple of San Francisco is a richly decorated church with a churrigueresque facade, while a leafy Park Juarez is a peaceful urban oasis with winding paths lined with romantic benches and exotic flowers.
In case you’re wondering, the streets of San Miguel are lined with cobblestones: exactly as they are in Europeand in addition to its obvious aesthetic value, it has a host of vibrant markets selling everything from delectable street food to handmade crafts:
Lively street markets and delicious food
The best known of these, Mercado Ignacio Ramirez is where you’ll find the city’s best food, from generously filled tamales to sleek, chocolate-filled churros, while Mercado de Artesanias is your go-to spot for buying hand-embroidered scarves and decorative tableware.
After tasting local delicacies and browsing the quirky souvenir stallstake a detour to Mercado de San Juan de Dioswhere the residents of San Miguel regularly buy fruit and fresh produce, and if you like antiques, you can pay a small visit to the Tianguis flea market, open only on Tuesdays.
However, if you’re here mainly for the food, rest assured, you won’t be disappointed:
San Miguel is hundreds of kilometers from the coast, but that doesn’t mean seafood isn’t available: Baja Fish Taquito serves delicious fish tacos for under $6, and El Puerto is highly sought after for its tostadas and shrimp cocktails, with prices ranging from $3 to $13.
Now, if you’re hoping for one authentic Mexican barbecue experienceboth El Pato––and their heavenly lamb tacos––and Don Lupe Grill, with its tiki lounge garden and no-frills environment, should be on your restaurant list.
Why are travelers drawn to San Miguel?
San Miguel has been voted the best destination in Mexico for… fifth year in a rowwith more than half a million votes cast from Condé Nast readers.
It scores near excellent to excellent scores in a wide range of different categories, including but not limited to restaurants, mobility, events and tourist offerings, despite not being on the Mexican coast, nor being particularly great for all-inclusive holidays .
San Miguel is also known for its higher security levels compared to the average Mexican city, where less crime, violence and gang activity are reported in the historic center, where tourists typically stay.
This proves that a growing number of travelers prefer more meaningful experiences, as opposed to just beaches, and this time it even ended up near the top of the main list, ranking in the top three, above Florence in Italy, Porto in Portugal and Mexico’s own Puerto Vallarta.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
