San Miguel de Allende, in Mexico, was elected the best city in the world in 2026 at the World's Best Awards by Travel + Leisure. The specialized travel and tourism publication heard from over 207,000 readers, who gave the Mexican city a score of 93.07 out of 100 points, surpassing some of the world's most famous destinations.
The city is located in the state of Guanajuato, in central Mexico, and stands out for its well-preserved historic center, with narrow streets and buildings painted in warm tones. The historic center has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2008, and the Parish of San Miguel Arcángel, a church with a pink facade inspired by Neo-Gothic architecture, dominates the main square and is one of the most photographed monuments in the country.
Over the past decades, San Miguel de Allende has become an important artistic center, attracting painters, writers, musicians, and creators from various parts of the world. The gastronomic offerings, artisan markets, and experiences in the surrounding area, such as historic farms, wine properties, and thermal spas, complete the visit.
Mexico once again stood out in the ranking, placing four cities among the top 15 in the world, including Oaxaca, Mexico City, and Guadalajara. Asia also dominated prominent positions with cities such as Kyoto, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok, while European cities were absent from the top 10, with Florence as the continent's highest-ranked city.
