Merida

Travelling to Mexico having spent over 3 months in Guatemala was an enlightening experience. It was clear to me that Mexico (or at least Merida) is doing much better economically than Gautemala—there is a flourishing middle class, a lively arts scene, and relative personal safety. And while Merida enjoys the fruits of tourism, it is also not entirely dependent on it, and much of the city's cultural happenings are for locals.
In terms of size, Merida is a happy medium between town and city. It is hot, busy, bustling, and friendly. The baking days yield to gorgeous warm nights in which the whole town seems to be out in the main square.

Merida isn't necessarily the most picturesque place in the world, but it has a real charm that I haven't found elsewhere.