Dinogo Readers' Top 5 Favorite Cities in Mexico for 2024

For travelers, Mexico stands out as a premier vacation destination according to Dinogo readers. The country is celebrated for its warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine, and stunning natural beauty, ranging from ancient ruins to stunning beaches. From the vibrant streets of Mexico City to the charming towns in Oaxaca, voters appreciate the diverse experiences this country offers.

How the Voting Process Works

Each year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences globally, providing insights on top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. In 2024, over 186,000 T+L readers participated, casting more than 700,000 votes across over 8,700 destinations and properties.

Cities were evaluated based on the following criteria:

Attractions
Culture
Cuisine
Hospitality
Shopping
Affordability

For each aspect, participants could rate it as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The overall scores are calculated as averages of these ratings.

What Readers Appreciated

Oaxaca, last year’s top city, secured the No. 2 position this year. One voter referred to it as an “amazing place with amazing people,” while another described the city as “beautiful and historic.” Many readers praised the “truly outstanding food,” as Oaxaca is renowned for its mole and mezcal, along with regional specialties like tlayudas and enfrijoladas.

In the No. 4 position is Mérida, recognized as one of Dinogo’s 50 best travel destinations in 2024. This capital city of Yucatán is celebrated for its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere and is famous for its cenotes and rich Mayan heritage.

Mexico City secured the No. 3 position due to its rich blend of history, vibrant nightlife, diverse dining, and arts scene. (With over 150 museums, the capital likely boasts the highest number per capita of any city worldwide.) In fifth place is Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, which received acclaim from multiple readers for its cultural vibrancy and atmosphere. One voter remarked on the city’s “outstanding cuisine, along with both modern and artisanal shopping and a wealth of artistic offerings.”

The top Mexican city for 2024, however, is a place so delightful it often ranks among the world’s best small towns.

The Champion

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Renowned path leading to the Cathedral in San Miguel de Allende

Itzel Garrido/Dinogo

Nestled in the heart of Mexico's central highlands, San Miguel de Allende captivates visitors with its timeless charm and friendly community. One reader remarked on the city’s “fantastic art and stunning Colonial architecture,” while another simply called it their favorite travel destination. “I had one of my best vacations with friends in San Miguel de Allende,” shared one voter. “The food was absolutely incredible, the city was spotless, and the locals were very kind and accommodating.”

Wine enthusiasts can enjoy a day trip to the nearby Guanajuato wine region, those seeking relaxation can indulge in Mayan baths, and art lovers can participate in workshops to craft their own mojiganga, the larger-than-life papier-mâché puppets traditionally made for parades and festivities. Be sure to catch the sunset from one of the many rooftops in the city. (A favorite spot is Bekeb, known for its line of heritage cocktails featuring pre-Hispanic ingredients — but you can’t go wrong in this beautiful town.)