Take a stroll alongside the cobblestone streets, admiring the gorgeous structure as you bounce between museums, cafes, and galleries. There are quite a few issues to do in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico — you’ll by no means be bored right here.
Sit down to soak up the sights and sounds of the city sq. earlier than heading out for a pleasant dinner and rooftop cocktails. After a number of days of my improbable journey to San Miguel de Allende, I shortly realized why this charming colonial city is likely one of the hottest locations to go to in Mexico.
Whereas a day journey right here is likely one of the prime issues to do in Guanajuato, this metropolis deserves your time!
21 Finest Issues to Do in San Miguel de Allende
For the previous three years, San Miguel de Allende has been named among the finest cities on the earth by Journey & Leisure, reaching the #2 spot in 2022. What’s it about this small colonial metropolis in Mexico that makes it such a particular place?
To seek out out, I walked the streets, lounged on the rooftops, and soaked up tradition within the theaters and museums. Primarily based on my time exploring, I can suggest many locations to go to in San Miguel de Allende.
Listed here are the 21 finest issues to do in San Miguel de Allende.
1. Cling Out within the Sq.
As with most cities in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is centered round the principle sq..
Referred to as El Jardin, this tree-lined plaza is surrounded by attractive buildings such because the parish church of San Miguel. Hanging out right here simply tops the record of issues to do in San Miguel de Allende. I spent a while there day by day I used to be on the town.
The sq. is bustling with exercise within the evenings and on the weekend. You’ll see roaming mariachi bands, balloon salesmen, and loads of snack distributors, making for a really energetic scene.
If you happen to ever get misplaced wandering the winding streets, simply discover your manner again to the sq. and begin over again.
Visiting the principle plazas of the cities and cities is likely one of the prime issues to do in Mexico. That is the place you’ll discover all the motion! Click on right here to seek out this sq. on the map.
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2. Take a Day Journey to Cañada de La Virgen
Not removed from town, you’ll discover the large nature protect of Cañada de La Virgen. The spotlight of a go to to this archaeological website is with the ability to discover the various pyramids.
There may be much more to do right here, together with tenting, horseback using, and astronomy excursions. Whereas it’s attainable to go to by yourself, you’re higher off signing up for a tour that features lunch, all charges, and a information.
This highly-rated expertise is one you gained’t wish to miss and is likely one of the finest day journeys from San Miguel de Allende. I had a good time, and I extremely suggest it.
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3. Take a Look Contained in the Church
Certainly, the logo of San Miguel is the gorgeous La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel.
Its towering neo-Gothic façade is a real architectural masterpiece. It was constructed by the self-taught Zeferino Gutiérrez who’s believed to have used postcards of European church buildings for inspiration.
Whereas the skin of the church is completely breathtaking, you should definitely go inside and take a look round as effectively.
Within the chapel, you’ll have the ability to see the revered picture of Cristo de la Conquista (Christ of the Conquest) in addition to a gorgeous portray depicting the founding of town.
Handle: Principal S/N, Zona Centro, Centro, 37700, San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico
**Be aware: a go to contained in the gorgeous church buildings can also be one of many prime issues to do in Guadalajara!
4. Go to the Botanical Backyard
The proper place to get out into some nature is the massive botanical backyard often called El Charco del Ingenio. Right here you’ll be able to get pleasure from a leisurely stroll alongside the various trails, do a little bit of fowl watching, or sit down for a picnic close to a waterfall.
Whereas many guests to San Miguel de Allende spend a lot of their journey admiring the man-made magnificence that abounds, you’ll wish to carve out a while for nature as effectively.
The reserve is open from 9:00 – 5:00 pm year-round, and on sure days free transportation is obtainable to the botanical backyard. Click on right here for particulars.
Handle: Calle Paloma S/N, Col. Las Colonias, 37720, San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico
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5. Go on a Strolling Tour
It’s enjoyable wandering across the cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende by yourself, however it’s even higher once you’re accompanied by a educated information.
Signing up for a strolling tour of town is certainly among the finest issues to do in San Miguel de Allende. On this non-public expertise, you’ll be taught concerning the metropolis, whereas visiting attention-grabbing locations.
On the finish of the expertise, you’ll be given an inventory of the most effective eating places and rooftop bars in San Miguel. In truth, this very tour is how I discovered about among the issues to see in San Miguel de Allende that I’ll point out later on this article.
Strolling excursions usually meet within the middle of town and final round 2 hours. It is a nice approach to get your bearings within the metropolis, meet new folks, find out about San Miguel, and get some native suggestions for the place to eat and drink.
Discover out extra about this highly-rated expertise right here. If you happen to’re involved in a extra budget-friendly strolling tour in San Miguel, it is a good choice.
If you journey Mexico, make sure that to hitch a strolling tour once you first arrive in any of the cities.
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6. Research Spanish
One of the crucial well-liked issues to do in San Miguel de Allende is to join Spanish classes. There are many wonderful Spanish colleges right here and the locals are tremendous pleasant and prepared that can assist you follow.
Ditch that dangerous gringo accent and enhance your español right here earlier than travelling to different elements of Latin America.
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7. Go to the Residence of Ignacio Allende
One of many prime issues to do in San Miguel de Allende is to go to the dwelling of Ignacio Allende, which is now town’s historical past museum.
Do you know that San Miguel de Allende is definitely named after two completely different folks? Town will get its identify from a friar named Juan de San Miguel and Ignacio Allende, a hero and martyr of the Mexican independence motion.
The Museo Historico is open from Tuesday to Sunday and solely prices about $3 to go to. Spend an hour or so right here and also you’ll depart with a a lot better understanding of town, its historical past, and its significance to the nation.
Handle: Cuna de Allende 1, Zona Centro, 37700, San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico
8. Discover the Sanctuary of Atotonilco
Only a 30-minute drive from the centre, you’ll discover the unimaginable Sanctuary of Atotonilco. A visit right here is likely one of the finest issues to do round San Miguel de Allende.
This historic church complicated is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and is known for its Mexican Baroque murals. The work are so stunning, the truth is, that it has been dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of Mexico.”
The small, vibrant city itself has a number of buildings and meals stalls, however there’s not a lot of curiosity right here for vacationers besides the Sanctuary. Nonetheless, I discovered to be it effectively well worth the journey.
Handle: Calle Principal s/n, 37700, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico
9. Take a Stroll to a Viewpoint (free issues to do in San Miguel de Allende)
San Miguel de Allende seems to be wonderful at avenue stage, however it seems to be even higher from above.
Fortunately it’s not too troublesome to get a improbable panoramic view of town. It’s solely a few 15-20 minute stroll from the plaza as much as the point of view, which is called El Mirador.
Remember to deliver your digicam with a full battery so you’ll be able to snap some photographs of this attractive metropolis from this nice vantage level. Add a hike as much as the mirador to your record of issues to do in San Miguel de Allende.
10. Go to Fabrica La Aurora
For practically 100 years, Fabrica La Aurora was a textile mill within the north of San Miguel de Allende. Lately, it’s a bustling assortment of retailers, galleries, and cafes that many confer with as a paradise for artwork lovers.
If you wish to watch the artists at work, attempt to cease by on a Thursday for his or her Open Studio day. Test their web site to see what’s occurring and undoubtedly you should definitely embrace a cease right here in your go to.
Handle: Calz de La Aurora S/N, Aurora, 37710, San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico
11. Expertise a Native Competition
There are completely different festivals occurring all all year long in San Miguel de Allende.
In truth, it’s often called a “fiesta city” as a result of it likes to get together! It looks as if there’s at all times one thing enjoyable taking place right here, whether or not it’s a music pageant or a conventional Mexican vacation.
There are well-known storytelling and jazz festivals right here annually, and there’s additionally the completely wild Dia de los Locos (Day of the Crazies). This is likely one of the finest festivals in Mexico, so don’t miss it.
Folks dress up in every kind of loopy costumes for an enormous parade that’s tons of enjoyable for all. This loopy day occurs on the Sunday closest to June thirteenth, so plan accordingly.
12. Go Horseback Using
An effective way to depart town behind for a few hours and benefit from the countryside is to hitch a horseback using journey. This is likely one of the extra uncommon issues to do in San Miguel de Allende — most individuals solely keep throughout the metropolis middle once they go to.
There are a number of completely different choices for horseback using adventures, however this one is a good selection. The journey will final round 2.5 hours and consists of directions, so anybody in cheap bodily form can be part of.
I gained’t give all of it away, however you’ll undergo a canyon, take footage from cliffs, and revel in a ranch-style meal. Hats not included. Study extra about this enjoyable horseback using journey right here.
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13. Dive into the Artwork Scene
San Miguel de Allende has lengthy been a favorite of artists, each established and aspiring. Strolling round, you’ll shortly discover simply how ample artwork is in San Miguel.
There are museums, galleries, and institutes all around the metropolis, together with the well-known Instituto Allende. There are a number of choices right here to unleash your internal artist, from one-day workshops to 4-week programs.
Even in case you’re not into creating the artwork your self, you’ll discover loads of eye-catching items to admire. These involved in bringing some Mexican paintings dwelling will discover San Miguel de Allende a improbable place to do some buying.
14. Chill Out in a Cafe
Certainly one of my favorite issues to do in San Miguel de Allende is to discover a desk in an area cafe and watch town go by. Among the finest choices embrace Lavanda Café, Cumpanio, and San Agustin for chocolate and churros.
With a pleasant increase of caffeine and sugar, you’ll be able to proceed your exploration of this well-known Mexican metropolis.
15. See a Present on the Theatre
A visit to the Angela Peralta Theatre is certainly among the finest issues to do in San Miguel de Allende. Named after the queen of Mexican opera, this intimate theatre hosts quite a lot of performances from each native and visiting artists.
Remember to verify the calendar of occasions earlier than your journey and seize some tickets to see a present right here. One of many largest occasions right here is the Worldwide Jazz Competition, which takes place yearly in November.
Handle: Calle Mesones 82, Centro Historico, 37700, San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico
16. Loosen up within the Thermal Baths
If you happen to’re questioning what to do in San Miguel de Allende in any case that strolling round and exploring, stress-free in a thermal tub is your best choice. Relax and loosen up!
There are a number of thermal baths close to the city the place you’ll be able to go for a pleasant soak. The preferred selections are Escondido Place and La Gruta, each of that are simply mixed with a visit to the Sanctuary of Atotonilco. I can’t let you know how a lot I appreciated a protracted soak after a scorching day exploring the Sanctuary.
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17. Eat Your Method Across the Metropolis
For such a small metropolis, San Miguel de Allende positive packs a punch in the case of the culinary scene. From avenue meals as much as superb eating and every thing in between, your mouth is bound to be watering always as you eat your manner throughout city.
There’s an abundance of scrumptious native meals right here, however that’s not all that town is cooking up. You’ll additionally discover loads of superior fusion eating places in addition to worldwide delicacies to please town’s massive expat inhabitants.
If you happen to’re questioning what to do in San Miguel de Allende for foodies, there are a few meals excursions you’ll be able to be part of.
This 3-hour, night “Tacos and Tequila” meals and strolling tour consists of 6 meals and 5 drink tasting spots (all hand-picked by your information) — you’ll be full by the tip of it! Study extra right here.
If you happen to’re within the above tour, however would like to hitch within the daytime for lunch, take a look at this Downtown Meals Tour. On this extremely rated tour, you’ll dine at regionally owned, family-run eating places and avenue meals carts. Study concerning the metropolis as you eat your manner by way of it! Discover out extra right here.
????Planning a visit to different areas of Mexico?
Don’t miss the enjoyable issues to do in Puerto Vallarta, the thrilling issues to do in Mexico Metropolis, and the colonial city of San Cristobal de las Casas. If you happen to’re heading to the coast, take a look at the superior issues to do in Cabo San Lucas, the stress-free issues to do in Isla Mujeres, the loopy partying and different enjoyable issues to do in Cancun, the epic ruins and issues to do in Tulum, and naturally the gorgeous seashores and different issues to do in Playa del Carmen. Mexico actually has one thing for everybody.
18. Go to a Native Market
Whereas there are many wonderful retailers and eating places across the metropolis, you must nonetheless make it a degree to take a look at an area market in your buying and/or consuming wants. Moreover stocking up on meals, I additionally get pleasure from taking images (at all times ask first) and practising my Spanish with the pleasant distributors.
The Ignacio Ramírez market is a good place to choose up some contemporary produce, seize an inexpensive lunch, or buy some native handicrafts to take dwelling.
19. Drinks With a View
After a giant day of exploring all that San Miguel de Allende has to supply, one of the simplest ways to wind down is with cocktails and a view at one of many metropolis’s many rooftop bars.
You’ve received a number of selections in your fancy Glad Hour, together with the wonderful Luna Rooftop Bar within the Rosewood Lodge.
They usually have reside music as effectively, making it an much more enjoyable outing. Having fun with a tasty grownup beverage with some reside tunes and a stunning view of town is certainly one of many prime issues to do in San Miguel de Allende.
Different nice choices are Quince and Cielo – each have nice meals, views and cocktails.
20. Fly Excessive in a Sizzling Air Balloon
So that you’ve already hiked as much as the mirador and loved some rooftop drinks, however in case you’re on the lookout for a fair higher view and one of many coolest issues to do in San Miguel de Allende, why not go for a scorching air balloon experience?
Fly excessive above town in what is bound to be an unforgettable expertise. It’s round $140 for a flight, and I assumed it was price each peso. Click on right here for particulars.
21. Social gathering It Up in a Dive Bar
Fancy wine and cocktail joints are nice and all, however you’ve received to hit an old school dive bar occasionally! If you happen to’re on the lookout for an unpretentious place with low cost drinks and good dialog, head to the rowdy La Cucaracha (The Cockroach).
There’s even an enormous cockroach on the wall to make the place much more attention-grabbing. Thankfully I didn’t see any actual ones the evening I spent there.
Questioning what to do in San Miguel de Allende to hang around with locals? That is it. You gained’t discover loads of gringos right here, so it’s an amazing place to get a bit unfastened and follow the Spanish you’ve been engaged on!
Handle: Zacateros 22, 37700, San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico
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Extra San Miguel de Allende Actions
There are extra actions in San Miguel de Allende, so I had so as to add a pair extra to this record. Listed here are a number of extra stuff you gained’t wish to miss out on.
Volunteering
There are quite a few volunteer alternatives in San Miguel.
From spending time at a daycare and constructing homes for the much less lucky, to packaging college meals for kids and educating English. There are loads of methods you can provide again throughout your journey.
Volunteering is likely one of the most rewarding and memorable issues to do in San Miguel de Allende.
Go to the Wineries round San Miguel de Allende
There are quite a few wineries simply round half-hour – 1 hour from town. Rent a driver, lease a automotive or be part of a tour and take a look at the vineyards close to San Miguel de Allende.
Count on customized service, natural wines, cellar excursions, and pairings as effectively.
Don’t miss Hacienda San Jose Lavista, Dos Buhos, Santisima Trinidad, San Lucas, Tres Raices, and Rancho Toyan (whereas we didn’t love the wine right here, it was probably the most distinctive vineyard and wine cellar we’ve ever been to).
This expertise brings you to the gorgeous Tres Raices vineyard. Discover the winery, cellar, and vineyard along with your native information. Included are transportation, tasting of 5 wines, and a tray of snacks (cheese, olives, meat, and so on.). Study extra about this extremely rated journey, right here.
Cooking Class
When you’ve dined at the most effective eating places in San Miguel, it’s time to strive your hand at cooking up a few of your individual tasty meals. This cooking expertise takes place in a gorgeous mansion within the middle of town.
Chef Miguel is passionate about cooking and can share his information with you. Not solely will you learn to make some tasty Mexican dishes, however you’ll additionally eat them! In addition to the meals, included on this expertise is wine and plenty of nice dialog with new associates. Discover out extra right here.
FAQs About Issues to See in San Miguel de Allende
Listed here are some solutions to often requested questions on locations to go to in San Miguel de Allende.
The pleasant small city of San Miguel de Allende is understood for its colourful Spanish-colonial structure, temperate climate, and thriving expat scene. High San Miguel de Allende points of interest embrace museums, church buildings, and first-rate eating places.
There are such a lot of attention-grabbing issues to see in San Miguel de Allende that it’s completely price making the journey. Take it from none apart from Journey & Leisure Journal, which has listed San Miguel de Allende as among the finest cities on the earth for 3 years now (2019-2022).
With the intention to absorb all of the points of interest in San Miguel de Allende, you’ll want not less than two days. If you happen to can spend extra, then even higher.
Expats and vacationers alike have been flocking to San Miguel Allende for years. Among the causes are town’s relaxed environment, fairly colonial streets, wonderful climate, and thriving culinary scene. And that’s only the start of the various San Miguel de Allende points of interest.
You undoubtedly don’t want a automotive to get pleasure from all of the actions in San Miguel de Allende. It’s a really walkable metropolis, and in reality the slim cobblestone streets and lack of parking would possibly make you want you’d come and not using a automotive anyway.
Now You Know What to Do in San Miguel de Allende
After studying about all of those superior issues to do in San Miguel de Allende, I’m positive you’ll be able to see why town is such an enormous draw for vacationers and expats alike. I’ve traveled throughout Mexico, and nonetheless San Miguel de Allende is one in every of my favorites.
Regardless of its latest fame and rising recognition, town nonetheless retains a lot of its appeal that put it on the map with travellers a few years in the past. If you happen to’re taking a visit to Mexico quickly, you should definitely add this stunning, artsy metropolis to your itinerary.
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