The city of San Miguel de Allende , a World Heritage Site in the state of Guanajuato , was recognized as the " best city in the world " by Travel+Leisure magazine in New York , during the 22nd edition of its World's Best Awards survey.
The distinction was obtained after surveying 300.000 people from all over the world who said that they were attracted to the artistic, historical, gastronomic and cultural heritage of San Miguel de Allende.
At the World's Best Awards, Rosewood and Matilda Hotels were also honored as " Best City Hotels in the World ." Both properties are located in the heart of San Miguel de Allende.
The awards took place in the Rainbow Room located in the Rockefeller Center , in New York City.
Other factors which helped to determine San Miguel de Allende as the best city were the commitment of tourism workers, the quality of service and friendliness , along with the gastronomic industry and the shopping experience .
The Minister of Tourism of the State of Guanajuato offered a celebration cocktail with travel agents, journalists, businessmen and officers of the tourist industry.
Among them was the Consul General of Mexico in NY, Diego Gómez Pickering , who highlighted the benefits of Mexico and the importance of building bridges and not walls when talking about the multiculturality of people living in San Miguel de Allende and New York.
In addition, Jacqueline Gifford , editor for Travel+Leisure , reiterated the criteria that readers evaluated.
In the event were the President of the Tourist Council of the Municipality, Francisco García ; the President of the Hotel Association, Laura Torres Septién ; the Director of the Tourism Council, Guillermo González ; as well as the Trustee of San Miguel de Allende, Pavel Hernández and the federal deputies for Guanajuato in Congress, Verónica Agundis and Lorena Alfaro.
What to do in 12 hours in San Miguel de Allende?
10:00 Cumpanio
is a good place to start the day. It is a restaurant known for its artisan bread; in fact, the menu includes a tasting of cheeses accompanied with bread. They say their croissants are a must.
www.cumpanio.com
12:00 La Esquina
is a museum dedicated to traditional Mexican toys. It exhibits more than three thousand pieces that belong to traditions of different states of the country. Among them are the cartonería, papier-mâché sculptures, of Guanajuato. Each year, it organizes a contest of elaboration of toys.
www.museolaesquina.com.mx
14:00 Fábrica La Aurora
is a classic of San Miguel de Allende. In the past, textiles were manufactured industrially in this property, but now the products are handcrafted and cover various disciplines, such as paintings or even contemporary art; there are also antiques. Workshops are held in the venue.
www.fabricalaaurora.com
16:00 Áperi
is the restaurant run by Matteo Salas, who participated in Top Chef México. His gastronomy follows the philosophy "from the garden to the table." If you reserve the experience "Chef's table," you can have access to the kitchen to know more about the preparation of the dishes.
www.aperi.mx/
18:00 Dôce 18
was installed in a building whose origin goes back to the 18th century. It is a small square with shops, restaurants, and bars. You can buy designer jewelry (not only created with national elements but also with exotic gems from the French Polynesia.) If you want to have a drink, there is a tasting room of the tequila company Casa Dragones.
www.doce-18.com/
20:00
At dusk, the cobbled streets of San Miguel de Allende acquire a touch of mystery. This route seeks to take advantage of the atmosphere. It is a two-hour horseback ride through the historic center of the city, culminating in a lookout point. It includes dinner.
www.coyotecanyonadventures.com
In case you are still at night...
We suggest sleeping in Dos Casas . It is a boutique hotel in an 18th-century property, reshaped and decorated with wood and metal. It is also the seat of Áperi. It offers luxurious amenities, spa services, and a terrace.
www.designhotels.com/hotels/mexico/san-miguel-de-allende/dos-casas-hotel-spa
*With information from https://www.sanmigueldeallende.gob.mx/
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