Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite cities in Mexico.
Not only was Mexico named GoTravelDaily’s 2022 Destination of the Year, but travel to the country is rapidly returning to pre-pandemic numbers. Already this year, tourism is up 138 percent from Q1 2021 to Q1 2022, as reported by Tourism Minister Miguel Torruco Marqués. More people are traveling through commercial airports from January 2022 to March 2022 than during the same period in 2019. Moreover, it’s always been a favorite destination for GoTravelDaily readers, who have strong opinions regarding the best cities in Mexico.
Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on their travel experiences globally by sharing their opinions on top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated cities based on their sights, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value.
Perennial favorite San Miguel de Allende holds the No. 2 spot on this year’s list. One GoTravelDaily reader called it their “favorite city in all of Mexico,” while another praised its “wonderful history, restaurants, easy walking, and great shopping.” This city is renowned for its outstanding hotel scene—Rosewood San Miguel was named the No. 1 city hotel in Mexico this year, while Hotel Amparo earned this distinction in 2020. Moreover, travelers who prefer vacation rentals are also spoiled for choice. One reader shared, “We rented a fabulous house with a rooftop where we could see the town, churches, and surrounding area.”
In addition to ranking as some of the best cities in Mexico, Mexico City (No. 3) and Mérida (No. 4) both made the list of the best cities in the world. The Yucatán capital Mérida serves as a gateway to several of the country’s Pueblo Magicos (like nearby Izamal) and notable Mayan archaeological sites, including Chichén Itzá, located just 75 miles to the east. Additionally, Mexico City has long attracted discerning readers, to the extent that one enamored respondent asked, while discussing the city’s vibrant food and art culture, “Who needs Paris?”
This year’s winners are rounded out by Guadalajara at No. 5, with a WBA voter praising the city’s “great Belle Époque architecture” alongside “marvelous shopping opportunities.” Consequently, the gold medalist, Oaxaca, has extended its winning streak in this category to three years. Read on for insights on why it clinched the coveted top spot and secured No. 1 on this year’s list of the best cities in the world.
1. Oaxaca
Readers of GoTravelDaily cannot get enough of this alluring southwestern city. Oaxaca is renowned for its exceptional flavors, including the seven varieties of mole and a plethora of locally distilled mezcal. The flavor of Oaxaca transcends culinary delights and is felt throughout the city’s craft markets. Here, you can find handwoven rugs, intricately carved jicaras, and alebrijes—colorful wooden animals representing traditional Mexican folk art. Indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec influences are prominent in Oaxacan culture. Consequently, locals passionately share how these ancient cultures inform everything that defines Oaxaca, from its exquisite mole to vibrant textiles. Readers have praised Oaxaca for its art, Indigenous cuisine, shopping, and friendly atmosphere. As one succinctly stated, “It is a must-visit city.”
Score: 92.96
2. San Miguel de Allende
Score: 91.77
3. Mexico City
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 90.90
4. Mérida
Score: 90.00
5. Guadalajara
Score: 86.45
