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 implausible 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 Greatest 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 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 search out out, I walked the streets, lounged on the rooftops, and soaked up tradition within the theaters and museums. Based mostly on my time exploring, I can advocate many locations to go to in San Miguel de Allende.
Listed below 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 primary sq..
Often 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 daily 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.
In case you ever get misplaced wandering the winding streets, simply discover your manner again to the sq. and begin yet again.
Visiting the primary 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 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 web site is with the ability to discover the various pyramids.
There’s much more to do right here, together with tenting, horseback driving, and astronomy excursions. Whereas it’s doable 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 likely one of the finest 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
Definitely, the logo 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 totally breathtaking, you’ll want to go inside and take a look round as properly.
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 fantastic 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 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 known as El Charco del Ingenio. Right here you may take pleasure in 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 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.
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 if 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 non-public expertise, you’ll study in regards to the metropolis, whereas visiting fascinating locations.
On the finish of the expertise, you’ll be given an inventory of one of the best eating places and rooftop bars in San Miguel. In actual fact, this very tour is how I came upon about a number of the issues to see in San Miguel de Allende that I’ll point out later on this article.
Strolling excursions usually meet within the heart of the town and final round 2 hours. This can be a nice strategy 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 right here. In case you’re occupied with a extra budget-friendly strolling tour in San Miguel, it is a good possibility.
Whenever 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. Examine Spanish
One of the standard 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 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 Dwelling of Ignacio Allende
One of many prime issues to do in San Miguel de Allende is to go to the residence 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 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 depart with a significantly 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 unbelievable 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, 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 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 superb at road stage, however it seems even higher from above.
Fortunately it’s not too troublesome to get a implausible panoramic view of the town. It’s solely a few 15-20 minute stroll from the plaza as much as the point of view, which is named El Mirador.
Be sure you convey your digicam with a full battery so you may snap some pictures 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 almost 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 outlets, galleries, and cafes that many check 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 happening and positively you’ll want to embrace 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.
In actual fact, it’s often known as a “fiesta city” as a result of it likes to celebration! It looks as if there’s at all times 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 likely one of the finest festivals in Mexico, so don’t miss it.
Individuals dress up in all types 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 the town behind for a few hours and benefit from the countryside is to affix a horseback driving journey. This is likely one of the extra uncommon issues to do in San Miguel de Allende — most individuals solely keep inside the metropolis heart after they go to.
There are a number of completely different choices for horseback driving adventures, however this one is a good selection. The journey will final round 2.5 hours and contains directions, so anybody in affordable bodily form can be a part of.
I received’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 driving 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 plentiful 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 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 occupied with bringing some Mexican art work residence will discover San Miguel de Allende a implausible place to do some buying.
14. Chill Out in a Cafe
One in every of 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 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 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.
Be sure you examine the calendar of occasions earlier than your journey and seize some tickets to see a present right here. One of many greatest occasions right here is the Worldwide Jazz Competition, which takes place yearly in November.
Deal with: Calle Mesones 82, Centro Historico, 37700, San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico
16. Calm down within the Thermal Baths
In case you’re questioning what to do in San Miguel de Allende in spite of everything that strolling round and exploring, stress-free in a thermal tub is your best choice. Chill 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 inform you how a lot I appreciated an extended soak after a sizzling day exploring the Sanctuary.
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17. Eat Your Manner Across the Metropolis
For such a small metropolis, San Miguel de Allende positive packs a punch relating to the culinary scene. From road meals as much as superb eating and all the pieces in between, your mouth is certain 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 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.
In case you’re questioning what to do in San Miguel de Allende for foodies, there are a few meals excursions you may be a part of.
This 3-hour, night “Tacos and Tequila” meals and strolling tour contains 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.
In case you’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 domestically owned, family-run eating places and road meals carts. Study in regards to 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. In case you’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 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 must nonetheless make it some extent to take a look at an area market on your buying and/or consuming wants. Apart from stocking up on meals, I additionally take pleasure in taking images (at all times ask first) and working towards my Spanish with the pleasant distributors.
The Ignacio Ramírez market is a good place to choose up some recent produce, seize an affordable lunch, or buy some native handicrafts to take residence.
19. Drinks With a View
After an enormous 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 acquired just a few decisions on your fancy Completely satisfied Hour, together with the superb Luna Rooftop Bar within the Rosewood Lodge.
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 beautiful view of the town is unquestionably 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 Scorching Air Balloon
So that you’ve already hiked as much as the mirador and loved some rooftop drinks, however if you happen to’re in search of a good higher view and one of many coolest issues to do in San Miguel de Allende, why not go for a sizzling air balloon journey?
Fly excessive above the town in what is certain 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. Social gathering 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 now and again! In case you’re in search of 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. Luckily 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 a number of gringos right here, so it’s a fantastic place to get a bit free 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 below are just a few extra belongings 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 faculty meals for kids and educating English. There are a number of methods you may give 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 the town. Rent a driver, lease a automotive or be a 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 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 many others.). Study extra about this extremely rated journey, right here.
Cooking Class
When you’ve dined at one of the best 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 fantastic mansion within the heart of the 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 buddies. Discover out extra right here.
FAQs About Issues to See in San Miguel de Allende
Listed below are some solutions to regularly 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. Prime San Miguel de Allende points of interest embrace 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 Journey & Leisure Journal, which has listed San Miguel de Allende as among the best 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 no less than two days. In case 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 environment, fairly colonial streets, wonderful climate, and thriving culinary scene. And that’s just the start of the various San Miguel de Allende points of interest.
You positively 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 slim cobblestone streets and lack of parking would possibly make you want you’d come with no 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 may 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 certainly one of my favorites.
Regardless of its current fame and rising recognition, the town nonetheless retains a lot of its allure that put it on the map with travellers a few years in the past. In case you’re taking a visit to Mexico quickly, you’ll want to add this stunning, artsy metropolis to your itinerary.
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