“Best Small City in the World” is in Mexico!

This artist colony even has a palette of approved colors to paint homes & businesses

Based on the magazine’s reader choices, travel behemoth Conde Nast has awarded charming San Miguel de Allende the “Best Small City in the World” five times in less than a decade.   Moreover, Travel & Leisure recently bestowed upon San Miguel de Allende the “Best City in the World” honor.  Indeed, San Miguel de Allende is used to receiving a plethora international accolades.  The United Nations, for example, granted this enchanting enclave of stunning architecture, bright candy-colored buildings, and a global food scene its special “World Heritage” cultural award (UNESCO).

                               This hacienda could easily be in Spain…but, it’s in downtown San Miguel!

San Miguel de Allende, established in the 16^th century during the height of the area’s silver-mining, is more reminiscent of Europe than the Americas.  The city’s Spanish architecture, cobblestone streets, ornate churches, and tree-shaded plazas remind most visitors of Spain.  Moreover, San Miguel has become a magnet for artists (Diego Rivera was born nearby), and this creative energy has been synergistic with the development of a foodie movement---which in turn, has given rise to a wine industry.  In unison, art, food and wine have created a cosmopolitan flair evocative of Seville or Cordoba.

San Miguel’s version of ceviche has ahi tuna, local avocado, tomato, corn & hearts of palm

Foodies will be enchanted with San Miguel de Allende.  As upmarket tourism is very important to the city’s economy, there are a mind-boggling number of dining venues:  everything from a restaurant with a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, to food trucks.  The city’s gastronomic heartbeat is palpable.   

This recently retired physician teaches cooking using all local items…many from her garden

While fusion cuisine is popular (Mediterranean-Mexican, sushi meets taco, pizzas from wood-burning ovens featuring Mexican cheeses & toppings such as cactus), there are also terrific traditional restaurants serving dishes such as guacamole, green chicken enchiladas and chile verde.  Want to take a cooking class?  No problema, there are mucho good choices most nights of the week.   Culinary walking tour?  Ditto!  Popular walking tours for foodies include “Tequilas & Tacos,” as well as “Chocolate & Cobblestones.”

Are you in Spain?  Italy?  France?  Argentina?  No, it’s San Miguel Mexico!

The intense interest in gastronomy has given rise to a developing wine industry.  Dating back to the late 1990s – early 2000s, the region has grown & now has 25 wineries, with more on the drawing board.  Its high altitude (>6,000 feet) provides for hot days and cool evenings---a perfect climate for making complex wines.  International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are grown, as is Argentina’s famous Malbec & France's Semillon.

The public library’s ceilings & walls are works of notable art.

While San Miguel is a mecca for food and wine lovers, perhaps it is even more known for being a world-famous magnet for artists.  The city offers numerous universities and schools of art.   Modern painting and sculptures adorn everything from convents and churches to building exteriors and parks.   Even the humble public library is a tribute to the importance of art in this city.   

Wine-Knows was so impressed with San Miguel that it's offering a tour in April 2026.  The tour is completely sold out, but if you're interested in being placed on the waiting list, please contact us. 

San Miguel de Allende – Wine-Knows Travel