Why San Miguel de Allende Has Been Voted the Best Place to Live & Travel—Year After Year
Whether you are thinking about visiting SMA for the first time or you have already discovered its magic, one thing is for certain...San Miguel de Allende isn’t just a beautiful town—it’s a global phenomenon. Year after year, top travel publications and awards consistently name it the best city in the world for both living and visiting. Here's why this vibrant highland gem in Mexico continues to capture hearts worldwide.
Travel + Leisure readers voted San Miguel de Allende as the #1 City in the World in their 2024 World’s Best Awards, praising its “breathtaking colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and world-class hospitality” This isn’t a one-time win—its legacy extends back years, featured alongside iconic destinations like Kyoto and Charleston prnewswire.com.
Condé Nast Traveler readers have named it “Best Small City in the World” five times, calling it a “jewel” that blends European charm with a strong artistic identity .
TIME magazine also joins the chorus—highlighting that it was crowned the world’s best city by Travel + Leisure, touting its year-round festivals, walkable streets, and rich culture .
UNESCO Heritage: What does it really mean
In 2008, San Miguel de Allende and nearby Atotonilco were declared UNESCO World Heritage sites, praised as “an exceptional example of integrating different architectural trends”. This recognition reflects its meticulously preserved Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and authentic urban layout.
Being a UNESCO-protected city means development is carefully managed to preserve its historical character—for example, no neon signs or traffic lights disrupt its colonial charm. When you walk these streets, you’re stepping into living history.
A Thriving Arts & Culture Capital
What makes San Miguel truly stand out isn’t just its beauty—it’s its beating creative heart. Instituto Allende, founded in the 1950s, attracted art students from across the globe and helped turn the town into an international arts hub.
Today, it’s a vibrant blend of:
Hundreds of galleries, studios, artisan workshops
A thriving community of local craft-makers and international creatives.
Annual art fairs, festivals, and student-focused cultural events
Each corner, plaza, and rooftop tells a new visual story modern yet rooted in centuries of creative tradition.
Why People Don't Just Visit — They Stay
San Miguel's ranking as the world’s top small city isn't just about travel—it’s also about lifestyle. There’s something magnetic about this place:
Year-round springlike weather and walkable streets.
A welcoming mix of locals, expats, and artists creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Low crime, boutique hotels, exceptional restaurants, and a sense of home.
Expats have told Condé Nast: “its cobblestone streets and cultural celebrations are unbeatable”. And as Forbes notes, many have chosen to make it their permanent home after falling in love with its appeal.
At Van Doren Studio in La Fábrica La Aurora, we’re proud to be part of this rich tapestry. Whether you’re admiring art, creating metal sculptures at our workshop, or enjoying a rooftop view at sunset—this city nurtures your inspiration at every turn.
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Tangibly magical, infinitely inspiring—welcome to San Miguel.
