Take a stroll alongside the cobblestone streets, admiring the beautiful 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 incredible journey to San Miguel de Allende, I shortly realized why this charming colonial city is without doubt one of the hottest places to visit in Mexico.
Whereas a day journey right here is without doubt one of the high things 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 best cities on the planet by Travel & 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 advocate many locations to go to in San Miguel de Allende.
Listed here are the 21 greatest issues to do in San Miguel de Allende.
1. Dangle Out within the Sq.
As with most cities in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is centered round the principle sq..
Generally known as El Jardin, this tree-lined plaza is surrounded by beautiful buildings such because the parish church of San Miguel. Hanging out right here simply tops the checklist of issues to do in San Miguel de Allende. I spent a while there every single 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 full of life scene.
Should you ever get misplaced wandering the winding streets, simply discover your means again to the sq. and begin over again.
Visiting the principle plazas of the cities and cities is without doubt one of the high things to do in Mexico. That is the place you’ll discover the entire motion! Click here to search out this sq. on the map.
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2. Take a Day Journey to Cañada de La Virgen
Not removed from the town, you’ll discover the large nature protect of Cañada de La Virgen. The spotlight of a go to to this archaeological site is having the ability to discover the numerous pyramids.
There may be much more to do right here, together with tenting, horseback using, and astronomy excursions. Whereas it’s potential 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 experience is one you gained’t need to miss and is without doubt one of the greatest day journeys from San Miguel de Allende. I had a good time, and I extremely advocate it.
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3. Take a Look Contained in the Church
Indisputably, the symbol of San Miguel is the beautiful 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 surface of the church is totally breathtaking, you should definitely go inside and take a look round as nicely.
Within the chapel, you’ll be capable of see the revered picture of Cristo de la Conquista (Christ of the Conquest) in addition to a gorgeous portray depicting the founding of the town.
Deal with: Principal S/N, Zona Centro, Centro, 37700, San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico
**Observe: a go to contained in the beautiful church buildings can be one of many high things to do in Guadalajara!
4. Go to the Botanical Backyard
The proper place to get out into some nature is the big botanical backyard generally known as El Charco del Ingenio. Right here you possibly can take pleasure in a leisurely stroll alongside the numerous trails, do a little bit of chicken 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 need to carve out a while for nature as nicely.
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 here for particulars.
Deal with: 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 the town is unquestionably among the best issues to do in San Miguel de Allende. On this private experience, you’ll be taught concerning the metropolis, whereas visiting fascinating 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. Actually, this very tour is how I discovered about a few of the issues to see in San Miguel de Allende that I’ll point out later on this article.
Strolling excursions sometimes meet within the middle of the town and final round 2 hours. It is a nice option to get your bearings within the metropolis, meet new individuals, 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 here. Should you’re fascinated about a extra budget-friendly strolling tour in San Miguel, this is a good option.
While you travel Mexico, be sure that to affix a strolling tour once you first arrive in any of the cities.
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6. Research Spanish
Probably the most in style 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 will help you apply.
Ditch that unhealthy gringo accent and enhance your español right here earlier than travelling to different components of Latin America.
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7. Go to the Dwelling of Ignacio Allende
One of many high issues to do in San Miguel de Allende is to go to the home of Ignacio Allende, which is now the town’s historical past museum.
Do you know that San Miguel de Allende is definitely named after two completely different individuals? 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 go away with a a lot better understanding of the town, its historical past, and its significance to the nation.
Deal with: 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 without doubt one of the greatest issues to do round San Miguel de Allende.
This historic church advanced is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is legendary for its Mexican Baroque murals. The work are so lovely, actually, 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 nicely definitely worth the journey.
Deal with: 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 road stage, however it seems to be even higher from above.
Fortunately it’s not too tough to get a incredible panoramic view of the town. It’s solely a few 15-20 minute stroll from the plaza as much as the perspective, which is called El Mirador.
Make sure you deliver your digicam with a full battery so you possibly can snap some photographs of this beautiful metropolis from this nice vantage level. Add a hike as much as the mirador to your checklist 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. As of late, it’s a bustling assortment of retailers, galleries, and cafes that many consult 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. Verify their website to see what’s happening and undoubtedly you should definitely embody a cease right here in your go to.
Deal with: Calz de La Aurora S/N, Aurora, 37710, San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico
11. Expertise a Native Competition
There are completely different festivals happening all all year long in San Miguel de Allende.
Actually, it’s generally known as a “fiesta city” as a result of it likes to celebration! It looks as if there’s all the time one thing enjoyable taking place right here, whether or not or not it’s a music pageant or a standard 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 without doubt one of the best 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 the town behind for a few hours and benefit from the countryside is to affix a horseback riding trip. This is without doubt 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 alternative. The journey will final round 2.5 hours and consists of directions, so anybody in cheap bodily form can be a part of.
I gained’t give all of it away, however you’ll undergo a canyon, take footage from cliffs, and luxuriate in a ranch-style meal. Hats not included. Study extra about this enjoyable horseback using journey 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 everywhere in the metropolis, together with the well-known Instituto Allende. There are a number of choices right here to unleash your interior 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 fascinated about bringing some Mexican art work dwelling will discover San Miguel de Allende a incredible place to do some procuring.
14. Chill Out in a Cafe
One among my favorite issues to do in San Miguel de Allende is to discover a desk in an area cafe and watch the town go by. Among the greatest choices embody Lavanda Café, Cumpanio, and San Agustin for chocolate and churros.
With a pleasant enhance 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 unquestionably among the best issues to do in San Miguel de Allende. Named after the queen of Mexican opera, this intimate theatre hosts a wide range of performances from each native and visiting artists.
Make sure you 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 International Jazz Festival, which takes place yearly in November.
Deal with: Calle Mesones 82, Centro Historico, 37700, San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico
16. Loosen up within the Thermal Baths
Should you’re questioning what to do in San Miguel de Allende in any case that strolling round and exploring, enjoyable in a thermal bathtub is your only option. Sit back and calm down!
There are a number of thermal baths close to the city the place you possibly can go for a pleasant soak. The preferred decisions 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 an extended soak after a scorching day exploring the Sanctuary.
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17. Eat Your Manner Across the Metropolis
For such a small metropolis, San Miguel de Allende certain packs a punch in terms of the culinary scene. From road meals as much as nice eating and all the pieces in between, your mouth is bound to be watering continually as you eat your means throughout city.
There’s an abundance of delicious local food right here, however that’s not all that the town is cooking up. You’ll additionally discover loads of superior fusion eating places in addition to worldwide delicacies to please the town’s giant expat inhabitants.
Should you’re questioning what to do in San Miguel de Allende for foodies, there are a few meals excursions you possibly can be a 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 top of it! Learn more here.
Should you’re within the above tour, however would favor to affix within the daytime for lunch, take a look at this Downtown Food Tour. On this extremely rated tour, you’ll dine at regionally owned, family-run eating places and road meals carts. Study concerning the metropolis as you eat your means by way of it! Discover out extra here.
💡Planning a visit to different areas of Mexico?
Don’t miss the enjoyable things to do in Puerto Vallarta, the thrilling things to do in Mexico City, and the colonial city of San Cristobal de las Casas. Should you’re heading to the coast, try the superior things to do in Cabo San Lucas, the enjoyable things to do in Isla Mujeres, the loopy partying and different fun things to do in Cancun, the epic ruins and things to do in Tulum, and naturally the beautiful seashores and different things 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 on your procuring and/or consuming wants. In addition to stocking up on meals, I additionally take pleasure in taking pictures (all the time ask first) and training 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 an enormous day of exploring all that San Miguel de Allende has to supply, one of the best ways to wind down is with cocktails and a view at one of many metropolis’s many rooftop bars.
You’ve acquired a number of decisions on your fancy Comfortable Hour, together with the wonderful Luna Rooftop Bar within the Rosewood Resort.
They usually have reside music as nicely, making it an much more enjoyable outing. Having fun with a tasty grownup beverage with some reside tunes and a stunning view of the town is unquestionably one of many high 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 Scorching 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 an excellent 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 the town in what is bound to be an unforgettable expertise. It’s round $140 for a flight, and I believed it was price each peso. Click here for particulars.
21. Celebration It Up in a Dive Bar
Fancy wine and cocktail joints are nice and all, however you’ve acquired to hit an old style dive bar on occasion! Should you’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 a large cockroach on the wall to make the place much more fascinating. Fortuitously 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 lots of gringos right here, so it’s an incredible place to get slightly unfastened and apply the Spanish you’ve been engaged on!
Deal with: 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 checklist. Listed here are a number of extra belongings you gained’t need to miss out on.
Volunteering
There are quite a few volunteer alternatives in San Miguel.
From spending time at a daycare and building houses for the much less lucky, to packaging school meals for youngsters and teaching English. There are lots of methods you can provide again throughout your journey.
Volunteering is without doubt 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 the town. Rent a driver, lease a automotive or be a part of a tour and take a look at the vineyards near San Miguel de Allende.
Count on personalised service, natural wines, cellar excursions, and pairings as nicely.
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 experience brings you to the beautiful Tres Raices vineyard. Discover the winery, cellar, and vineyard together with your native information. Included are transportation, tasting of 5 wines, and a tray of snacks (cheese, olives, meat, and so forth.). Study extra about this extremely rated journey, 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 personal tasty meals. This cooking experience takes place in a gorgeous mansion within the middle of the town.
Chef Miguel is passionate about cooking and can share his information with you. Not solely will you discover ways to make some tasty Mexican dishes, however you’ll additionally eat them! In addition to the meals, included on this expertise is wine and many nice dialog with new buddies. Discover out extra right here.
FAQs About Issues to See in San Miguel de Allende
Listed here are some solutions to continuously requested questions on locations to go to in San Miguel de Allende.
The pleasant small city of San Miguel de Allende is thought for its colourful Spanish-colonial structure, temperate climate, and thriving expat scene. High San Miguel de Allende points of interest embody museums, church buildings, and first-rate eating places.
There are such a lot of fascinating issues to see in San Miguel de Allende that it’s completely price making the journey. Take it from none aside from Travel & Leisure Magazine, which has listed San Miguel de Allende as among the best cities on the planet for 3 years now (2019-2022).
With a purpose to soak up all of the points of interest in San Miguel de Allende, you’ll want at the very least two days. Should you can spend extra, then even higher.
Expats and vacationers alike have been flocking to San Miguel Allende for years. Among the causes are the town’s relaxed ambiance, fairly colonial streets, wonderful climate, and thriving culinary scene. And that’s only the start of the numerous San Miguel de Allende points of interest.
You undoubtedly don’t want a automotive to take pleasure in all of the actions in San Miguel de Allende. It’s a really walkable metropolis, and actually the slender 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 certain you possibly can see why the town is such an enormous draw for vacationers and expats alike. I’ve traveled throughout Mexico, and nonetheless San Miguel de Allende is one among my favorites.
Regardless of its latest fame and rising reputation, the town nonetheless retains a lot of its attraction that put it on the map with travellers a few years in the past. Should you’re taking a visit to Mexico quickly, you should definitely add this lovely, artsy metropolis to your itinerary.
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