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 absorb the sights and sounds of the city sq. earlier than heading out for a pleasant dinner and rooftop cocktails. After just a few days of my incredible journey to San Miguel de Allende, I shortly realized why this charming colonial city is among the hottest locations to go to in Mexico.
Whereas a day journey right here is among the high issues to do in Guanajuato, this metropolis deserves your time!
21 Greatest 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 this planet 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. Dangle Out within the Sq.
As with most cities in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is centered round the principle sq..
Often called 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 listing 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.
For those who ever get misplaced wandering the winding streets, simply discover your method again to the sq. and begin once more.
Visiting the principle plazas of the cities and cities is among the high issues to do in Mexico. That is the place you’ll discover all the motion! Click on right 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 town, you’ll discover the huge nature protect of Cañada de La Virgen. The spotlight of a go to to this archaeological website is with the ability to discover the numerous pyramids.
There’s 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 expertise is one you received’t wish to miss and is among 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
No doubt, 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 skin of the church is completely breathtaking, make sure to go inside and take a look round as properly.
Within the chapel, you’ll be capable to see the revered picture of Cristo de la Conquista (Christ of the Conquest) in addition to a wonderful portray depicting the founding of town.
Handle: Principal S/N, Zona Centro, Centro, 37700, San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico
**Word: a go to contained in the beautiful church buildings can be one of many high issues to do in Guadalajara!
4. Go to the Botanical Backyard
The proper place to get out into some nature is the big botanical backyard often known as El Charco del Ingenio. Right here you may take pleasure in a leisurely stroll alongside the numerous trails, do a little bit of chook 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 properly.
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 if you’re accompanied by a educated information.
Signing up for a strolling tour of town is unquestionably among the finest issues to do in San Miguel de Allende. On this non-public expertise, you’ll study in regards to the metropolis, whereas visiting attention-grabbing locations.
On the finish of the expertise, you’ll be given a listing of the most effective eating places and rooftop bars in San Miguel. The truth is, 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 heart of town and final round 2 hours. This can be a nice technique to get your bearings within the metropolis, meet new folks, study San Miguel, and get some native suggestions for the place to eat and drink.
Discover out extra about this highly-rated expertise right here. For those who’re fascinated about a extra budget-friendly strolling tour in San Miguel, this can be a good choice.
While you journey Mexico, be certain that to affix a strolling tour if you first arrive in any of the cities.
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6. Research Spanish
One of the vital 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 observe.
Ditch that dangerous 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 Residence of Ignacio Allende
One of many high issues to do in San Miguel de Allende is to go to the residence of Ignacio Allende, which is now town’s historical past museum.
Do you know that San Miguel de Allende is definitely named after two totally different folks? The town will get its title 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 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 among the finest issues to do round San Miguel de Allende.
This historic church advanced is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and is known 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 just a few 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 properly 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 superb at avenue stage, however it seems to be even higher from above.
Fortunately it’s not too tough to get a incredible panoramic view of town. It’s solely a couple of 15-20 minute stroll from the plaza as much as the perspective, which is named El Mirador.
Make sure you carry your digicam with a full battery so you may snap some pictures of this attractive metropolis from this nice vantage level. Add a hike as much as the mirador to your listing 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 web site to see what’s occurring and undoubtedly make sure to 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 totally different festivals occurring all all year long in San Miguel de Allende.
The truth is, it’s often known as a “fiesta city” as a result of it likes to social gathering! It looks like there’s all the time one thing enjoyable taking place right here, whether or not it’s a music competition 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 among 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
A good way to go away town behind for a few hours and benefit from the countryside is to affix a horseback using journey. This is among the extra uncommon issues to do in San Miguel de Allende — most individuals solely keep throughout the metropolis heart after they go to.
There are a number of totally 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 affordable bodily form can be part of.
I received’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. Be taught 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 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 if you happen to’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 residence will discover San Miguel de Allende a incredible place to do some buying.
14. Chill Out in a Cafe
One in all my favorite issues to do in San Miguel de Allende is to discover a desk in a neighborhood cafe and watch town go by. A number of the finest choices embrace 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 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.
Make sure you test 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. Chill out within the Thermal Baths
For those who’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 the best choice. Sit back and chill out!
There are a number of thermal baths close to the city the place you may 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 Method Across the Metropolis
For such a small metropolis, San Miguel de Allende positive packs a punch in relation to the culinary scene. From avenue meals as much as nice eating and every little thing in between, your mouth is bound to be watering always as you eat your method 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.
For those who’re questioning what to do in San Miguel de Allende for foodies, there are a few meals excursions you may 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! Be taught extra right here.
For those who’re within the above tour, however would like to affix 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. Be taught in regards to the metropolis as you eat your method via 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. For those who’re heading to the coast, try 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 beautiful 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 need to nonetheless make it a degree to take a look at a neighborhood market to your buying 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 recent produce, seize an inexpensive lunch, or buy some native handicrafts to take residence.
19. Drinks With a View
After a giant day of exploring all that San Miguel de Allende has to supply, the easiest way to wind down is with cocktails and a view at one of many metropolis’s many rooftop bars.
You’ve obtained just a few decisions to your fancy Blissful Hour, together with the superb Luna Rooftop Bar within the Rosewood Resort.
They typically have reside music as properly, 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 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 Sizzling Air Balloon
So that you’ve already hiked as much as the mirador and loved some rooftop drinks, however if you happen to’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 journey?
Fly excessive above 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 on right here for particulars.
21. Celebration It Up in a Dive Bar
Fancy wine and cocktail joints are nice and all, however you’ve obtained to hit an old style dive bar every now and then! For those who’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. Happily I didn’t see any actual ones the night time I spent there.
Questioning what to do in San Miguel de Allende to hang around with locals? That is it. You received’t discover quite a lot of gringos right here, so it’s an ideal place to get somewhat free and observe 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 listing. Listed here are just a few extra stuff you received’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 youngsters and instructing English. There are quite a lot of methods you may give again throughout your journey.
Volunteering is among 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, hire a automobile or be part of a tour and take a look at the vineyards close to San Miguel de Allende.
Anticipate customized service, natural wines, cellar excursions, and pairings as properly.
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 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.). Be taught 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 personal tasty meals. This cooking expertise takes place in a wonderful mansion within the heart of town.
Chef Miguel is passionate about cooking and can share his data 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 plenty of nice dialog with new mates. 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 thought 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 this planet for 3 years now (2019-2022).
To be able to absorb all of the points of interest in San Miguel de Allende, you’ll want no less than two days. For those who can spend extra, then even higher.
Expats and vacationers alike have been flocking to San Miguel Allende for years. A number of the causes are town’s relaxed environment, fairly colonial streets, wonderful climate, and thriving culinary scene. And that’s just the start of the numerous San Miguel de Allende points of interest.
You undoubtedly don’t want a automobile to take pleasure in all of the actions in San Miguel de Allende. It’s a really walkable metropolis, and in reality the slender cobblestone streets and lack of parking may make you would like you’d come with no automobile 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 may 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 all my favorites.
Regardless of its current fame and rising reputation, town nonetheless retains a lot of its appeal that put it on the map with travellers a few years in the past. For those who’re taking a visit to Mexico quickly, make sure to add this lovely, artsy metropolis to your itinerary.
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