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. A couple of days of this, and also you’ll rapidly notice why San Miguel de Allende is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Mexico.
Whereas a day journey right here is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Guanajuato, this metropolis deserves your time!
For the previous two years, San Miguel de Allende has been named among the best cities on the earth by Journey & Leisure. What’s it about this small colonial metropolis in Mexico that makes it such a particular place?
Listed here are the 21 greatest issues to do in San Miguel de Allende.
1. Grasp 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.
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 vigorous scene.
Should you ever get misplaced wandering the winding streets, simply discover your approach again to the sq. and begin over again.
Visiting the principle plazas of the cities and cities is without doubt 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.
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 a lot extra 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 need to miss and is without doubt one of the greatest day journeys from San Miguel de Allende.
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3. Take a Look Contained in the Church
No doubt, the symbol of the 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, remember to go inside and take a look round as effectively.
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.
**Notice: 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
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 to get out in nature as effectively.
The right place to do this 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 chook watching, or sit down for a picnic close to a waterfall.
The reserve is open from 9:00 – 5:00pm year-round, and on sure days free transportation is obtainable to the botanical backyard. Click on right here for particulars.
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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, nevertheless it’s even higher if you’re accompanied by a educated information.
Signing up for a strolling tour of town is certainly among the best issues to do in San Miguel de Allende. On this expertise, you’ll be taught concerning the metropolis, whereas visiting attention-grabbing locations (a chocolate tasting can be included!). On the finish of the expertise, you’ll be given an inventory of the perfect eating places and rooftop bars in San Miguel.
Strolling excursions sometimes meet within the middle of town and final round 2 hours. This can be a nice solution 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 extremely rated, reasonably priced expertise right here.
While you journey Mexico, make sure that to affix a strolling tour if you first arrive in any of the cities.
6. Research Spanish
One of the crucial common issues to do in San Miguel de Allende is to join Spanish classes. There are many glorious 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 elements of Latin America.
An alternative choice is to affix this strolling tour with Spanish dialog! Meet up with Enrique and discover San Miguel collectively. In the course of the two-hour expertise, you’ll converse in Spanish collectively, and he’ll assist you to along with your Spanish-speaking skills.
This can be a enjoyable solution to apply Spanish in San Miguel. Be taught extra right here.
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7. Go to the Residence of Ignacio Allende
Do you know that San Miguel de Allende is definitely named after two totally different folks? 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.
One of many prime issues to do in San Miguel de Allende is to go to the house of the latter, which is now town’s historical past museum.
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 significantly better understanding of town, its historical past, and its significance to the nation.
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 without doubt one of the greatest 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 a couple of buildings and meals stalls, however there’s not a lot of curiosity right here for vacationers besides the Sanctuary.
9. Take a Stroll to a Viewpoint (free issues to do in San Miguel de Allende)
San Miguel de Allende appears to be like superb at road stage, nevertheless it appears to be like 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 point of view, which is named El Mirador.
You’ll want to deliver your digital camera 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 almost 100 years, Fabrica La Aurora was a textile mill within the north of San Miguel de Allende. Lately, it’s a bustling assortment of outlets, galleries, and cafes that many seek advice from 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 happening and undoubtedly remember to embody a cease right here in your go to.
11. Expertise a Native Competition
There are totally different festivals happening all all year long in San Miguel de Allende.
In reality, it’s generally known as a “fiesta city” as a result of it likes to get together! It looks as if there’s all the time one thing enjoyable occurring right here, whether or not or not it’s a music pageant or a conventional Mexican vacation.
There are well-known storytelling and jazz festivals right here every year, and there’s additionally the completely wild Dia de los Locos (Day of the Crazies). This is without doubt one of the greatest festivals in Mexico, 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 Biking
An effective way to go away town behind for a few hours and benefit from the countryside is to be a part of a biking journey. This is without doubt one of the extra uncommon issues to do in San Miguel de Allende — most individuals solely keep inside the metropolis middle once they go to.
There are a number of totally different choices for biking adventures, however this one is a superb selection. The journey will final round 3 hours and the routes are labeled as newbie to intermediate, actually anybody who is aware of tips on how to experience a motorcycle can be a part of.
I gained’t give all of it away, however you’ll cease by a chapel, a dam, and revel in some snacks and drinks in a rustic home. All tools, snack, and information are included within the worth. Be taught extra about this enjoyable biking 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 rapidly discover simply how considerable 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 inside artist, from one-day workshops to 4-week programs.
Even should you’re not into creating the artwork your self, you’ll discover loads of eye-catching items to admire. These excited by bringing some Mexican art work house will discover San Miguel de Allende a incredible place to do some buying.
14. Chill Out in a Cafe
Considered one of 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 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 certainly 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.
You’ll want to 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.
16. Chill out within the Thermal Baths
Should 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 bathtub is your best choice. Relax and loosen up!
There are a number of thermal baths close to the city the place you possibly can 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.
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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 road meals as much as wonderful eating and every little thing in between, your mouth is bound to be watering always as you eat your approach 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.
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 tip of it! Be taught extra right here.
Should you’re within the above tour, however would favor 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. Be taught concerning the metropolis as you eat your approach by means 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. Should you’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 glorious retailers and eating places across the metropolis, it’s best to nonetheless make it some extent to take a look at a neighborhood market to your buying and/or consuming wants.
The Ignacio Ramírez market is a superb place to choose up some recent produce, seize an affordable lunch, or buy some native handicrafts to take house.
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 received a couple of selections to your fancy Completely satisfied Hour, together with the superb Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar within the Rosewood Resort.
They usually have dwell music as effectively, making it an much more enjoyable outing. Having fun with a tasty grownup beverage with some dwell tunes and a stunning view of the 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 Scorching Air Balloon
So that you’ve already hiked as much as the mirador and loved some rooftop drinks, however should you’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 experience?
Fly excessive above town in what is bound to be an unforgettable expertise. It’s round $140 for a flight. Click on right here for particulars.
21. Get together it Up in a Dive Bar
Fancy wine and cocktail joints are nice and all, however you’ve received to hit an old style dive bar now and again! Should 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 attention-grabbing.
Questioning what to do in San Miguel de Allende to hang around with locals? That is it. You gained’t discover a variety of gringos right here, so it’s an incredible place to get somewhat unfastened and apply the Spanish you’ve been engaged on!
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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 couple of extra stuff 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 constructing homes for the much less lucky, to packaging faculty meals for youngsters and educating English. There are a variety of methods you may give 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 town. Rent a driver, lease a automobile 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 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 beautiful 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 many others.). Be taught extra about this extremely rated journey, right here.
Cooking Class
When you’ve dined at the perfect 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 wonderful mansion within the middle of town.
Chef Miguel is obsessed with 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 plenty of nice dialog with new buddies. Discover out extra right here.
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 possibly can see why town is such an enormous draw for vacationers and expats alike.
Regardless of its current 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. Should you’re taking a visit to Mexico quickly, remember to add this lovely, artsy metropolis to your itinerary.
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