Travel + Leisure readers set aside beaches and voted for urban charm. The annual World’s Best Awards survey gathered feedback from thousands of travelers worldwide. Participants rated each city on its culture, culinary scene, and hospitality. They chose the five best cities in Mexico for 2025. Each city blends history, flavor, and warm hospitality. Below, we tell you who won the top spot for best city for tourism in Mexico.
San Miguel de Allende claimed the top spot with an impressive 93.33 score. Mexico City, Oaxaca, Mérida, and Guadalajara follow closely, each offering a unique appeal.
Best cities in Mexico
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
San Miguel de Allende tops the ranking again. Its pastel-colored façades and narrow cobbled streets invite slow exploration. Visitors wander from art galleries to cozy cafés. Art festivals and workshops draw a creative crowd each year. Nearby vineyards and the Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden add depth. Many travelers simply call it the world’s best city.
Mexico City, CDMX
Mexico City holds firm at second place with a score of 90.86. This sprawling metropolis bustles with life. World-class museums and bustling markets sit side by side. The Zócalo plaza and Templo Mayor ruins anchor the city’s rich past. Neighborhoods from Coyoacán to Roma offer diverse experiences. Its cuisine ranks among the world’s finest. Nightlife thrives in Polanco and Condesa. The city’s mix of past and present captivates every visitor.
Oaxaca, Oaxaca
Oaxaca earned an 88.42 score. Its historic center stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. City markets overflow with textiles, chocolate and artisanal crafts. Visitors sample local mezcal while hearing street musicians play folk tunes. Food lovers seek out traditional mole and giant tlayudas in the city’s vibrant eateries. Annual festivals like Guelaguetza and Day of the Dead bring indigenous traditions to life. Oaxaca bridges old customs and modern creativity.
Mérida, Yucatán
Mérida scored 88.15. Visitors praise its safe, clean streets and warm hospitality. Colonial buildings rise alongside leafy plazas. Colorful murals and street art punctuate the city’s public spaces. Evening paseos along Paseo de Montejo showcase its elegant mansions after dark. The city serves as a gateway to Mayan ruins and cenotes in the Yucatán. Its cuisine blends Spanish, indigenous and Lebanese influences. A relaxed pace lets travelers absorb local culture at their own rhythm.
Guadalajara, Jalisco
Guadalajara holds a score of 87.25. It honors mariachi and tequila heritage with pride. Tlaquepaque and Chapultepec neighborhoods pulse with art and live music. The city also hosts the Guadalajara International Book Fair, one of the region’s largest cultural events. Its cosmopolitan flair complements Jalisco traditions. The city embraces innovation in its tech and startup scenes. Vibrant festivals and a rich culinary tradition draw both local and international visitors.
These five destinations confirm that Mexico’s urban scene rivals its coastal draws. From San Miguel de Allende’s colonial charm to Guadalajara’s festive spirit, each city offers rich stories and vibrant traditions. Travelers can dive into art, history, cuisine and community in these celebrated locales. Pack your bags and experience why readers named them the best cities in Mexico this year. These rankings spotlight the enduring appeal of Mexico’s urban heart.
