Two Mexican Cities on the Friendliest Cities in the World List

Conde Nast Traveler lists San Miguel de Allende first, for the second time in a row, and Puebla sixth on its list of The 2018 Friendliest Cities in the World. The list has been run for years by CN Travel and publishes the results from a survey taken by hundreds of thousands of readers. The survey focuses on where you felt most welcome, if the locals were friendly and helpful, and how easy it was to navigate the city.

San Miguel de Allende first appeared in the number 1 position in 2017 and maintains that position for the second time in a row in 2018. The readers of CN Traveler had many good things to say about this beautiful colonial town located in the state of Guanajuato about an hour north-west of Santiago de Querétaro. The town is famous for: “Friendly people, great shopping, fantastic collection of great restaurants, and excellent opportunities for exploring on foot.” There is a very large ex-pat population that even includes its own classical music society. The ex-pats integrate and blend in with the local population which makes walking about feel at home. The colorful colonial ambience along with trees, flowers, and plants, makes for a very pleasant experience.

San Miguel is a great city to visit as part of your itinerary that can include Queretaro, San Miguel, and finally Guanajuato cities. It will make for a memorable trip full of history, great food, and friendly locals (and ex-pats).

Puebla, formally Puebla de Zaragoza, came in at number 6 and is considered as one of the most safest cities in Mexico, if not the most safe. It is located in the state of the same name, Puebla, and about 2 hours south-east of Mexico City and 3 hours from the port city of Heroica Veracruz. The CN Traveler article notes that what makes the city so warm and inviting is that is maintains a small-town feel with so many places within walking distance. “But it’s mostly due to the warmth of the Poblaños. Abuelas will insist you take an extra slice of the quesadillas they prepare on the main streets. The fruit vendors will patiently listen to your novice Spanish as they prepare bags of sliced cucumber and cayenne pepper (possibly the world’s most refreshing street food)”, states the writer.

Puebla is a wonderful stop along the way when you are traveling from Mexico City towards the Gulf of Mexico/Caribbean coast.