San Miguel de Allende — The Beautiful

San Miguel de Allende is regularly voted the "most beautiful city in the world" (Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure) — and it's easy to see why. The perfectly preserved colonial city with its ochre walls, wrought-iron balconies, and pink neo-Gothic parish church is a living work of art.

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, San Miguel has a large expat community (mainly Americans and Canadians), giving the city a cosmopolitan touch: first-class restaurants, galleries, boutique hotels. It's more expensive than the rest of Mexico, but worth every peso.

Highlights

• Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel: The iconic neo-Gothic church (1880s) with its pink towers is the city's landmark. Especially beautiful when illuminated at night. Zeferino Gutiérrez, an indigenous mason, designed the facade — allegedly inspired by postcards of European cathedrals.
• Jardín Principal: The shady main square in front of the Parroquia. The whole city gathers here: shoeshiners, balloon sellers, retirees, tourists.
• Fábrica La Aurora: Former textile factory, now Mexico's coolest art complex: galleries, design studios, antique shops, cafés. Live music on Saturdays.
• Mirador & Jardín Botánico: Panoramic view over the city from the El Charco del Ingenio viewpoint. The adjacent botanical garden showcases the diversity of Mexican cacti and succulents.
• Hot Springs: La Gruta and Escondido Place — natural thermal springs outside the city. Perfect after a day of hiking.