12 Amazing Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
San Miguel de Allende, in the Colonial Highlands region about four hours north of Mexico City, is a historic city of 140,000 blessed with a temperate climate, good value real estate (to rent and buy), low cost of living, modern amenities and conveniences, lively arts scene, vibrant traditional culture, varied food scene, and many, many more benefits.
It’s no wonder that in 2017 and 2018, San Miguel was voted the best city in the world by the readers of Travel & Leisure magazine, before slipping to second place in 2019. In 2020, Conde Nast Traveler named it the best small city in the world.
Of course, San Miguel has been on the map a lot longer than that. It was first discovered by expats right after World War II. Veterans discovered they could use the GI Bill to study art and Spanish at the local Instituto Allende and other educational centers. It drew a bohemian crowd in search of good weather and low costs. And the city attracts that sort of person to live to this day, as well as a tremendous amount of tourists from around the world. It truly is an international destination with no shortage of things to do, whether you come to live full time or are just visiting.
1. Visit the Mercados and the Weekly Tianguis
You’ll find plenty of supermarkets in San Miguel de Allende. But it’s a lot more fun – and you get more for your money – when you visit the mercados (indoor food markets) sprinkled throughout the city, as well as the Tuesday outdoor farmers’ market and bazaar on the outskirts of town, called a tianguis.
Here you can fill your fridge with enough fruits and vegetables of every variety, eggs, cheese, fish, chicken, and more to last you a week for about $30 for a couple. Plus, you can get a fruit smoothie, a torta (sandwich), or taco at one of the numerous food stalls—the perfect lunch or snack.
At these markets you can also buy clothing, pet food, shoes, flowers (a dozen roses for $3), electronics, tools…plus, it’s just fun people watching, with vendors calling out their deals and enticing you with free samples.
There are two markets worth checking out: Mercado Ignacio Ramírez in the middle of centro and Mercado San Juan de Dios, on the edge of centro near the San Rafael neighborhood.
2. Visit the Craft Market
What would a visit to Mexico be without buying some of its famed arts and crafts. There are 78 indigenous groups throughout Mexico, each with their own unique artforms. Many of their wares on a display in the Mercado de Artesania, the Artisan Market, in centro. Start your journey in the Mercado Ignacio Ramírez (see above) and head to the back right corner. That’s where the long, snaking, narrow corridor lined with stalls and small shops starts. You’ll find leather work, silversmiths, jewelry, fabrics, clothing, paintings, sculpture, glasswork (margarita glasses are popular), and more made by local artisans, as well as those visiting from through the country.
A personal favorite at the thread paintings and beadwork of the Huichol people in the states of Nayarit and Jalisco. Beads cover animal skulls, bowls, and more, each tiny bead placed into the wax by hand to depict creation myths and other folkloric scenes.
Note: Don’t haggle unless the vendor is ready to deal. I always pay artisans who are selling arts and crafts they created themselves directly full price because I think they deserve it—and it’s still so much cheaper than what you would pay in the States.
3. Get Street Food
One of the first pieces of advice people often receive when telling friends and family they’re visiting Mexico, after don’t drink the water (which is quite valid) is… don’t eat street food. Well, when you see a line of 20 people eagerly awaiting tacos from a street stall every night of the week, you have to figure it’s probably safe. They wouldn’t be so popular if they weren’t.
You’ll find taco stands and other street food stalls throughout San Miguel de Allende. Some open for the lunchtime crowd, others roast whole chickens during the day and then switch over to tacos, tortas, quesadillas, gorditas in the late afternoon/early evening…others cater to the late-night party crowd.
Some can’t-miss items include:
Tacos al pastor, which is marinated pork, spit-roasted, then served on a corn tortilla with chopped onion and cilantro and spicy salsa, and elote, which is corn on the cob, grilled, slathered with mayonnaise, then sprinkled with chili powder and cotija cheese.
4. Go on a Wine Tasting
The area around San Miguel and in the wider region is one of Mexico’s premier wine countries. Vineyards can be found on the roads leading to town, as well as near urban centers like Querétaro, about 45 minutes’ drive away. Most vineyards have tasting rooms, as well as gourmet restaurants set in landscaped surroundings, with views of the arid, mountainous landscape.
Check out Viñedo Dos Búhos, which offers hour-long wine tastings for $23 to $37, and is located on the road to Querétaro.
5. Visit Fábrica La Aurora and Then See the Colonia Guadalupe Murals
There are no shortage of art galleries, museums, and other visual art spaces around San Miguel. But a must-visit is Fábrica La Aurora, a former textile factory turned exhibition space. It’s filled with dozens of small artist galleries, artisan shops, cafes and restaurants, antique decor and modern furniture stores, jewelry boutiques, and more. It’s a mix of local and expat artists, with a good selection of fine art. Whether you’re decorating your new home in town or looking for a souvenir, you’ll no doubt find something that calls to you at Fábrica. Before you head out be sure to nab an outdoor table under a shade tree and a cappuccino at Geek & Coffee.
While you’re in the colonia (neighborhood), called Guadalupe, be sure to stroll through a couple of blocks to see the parade of murals put up on the walls of homes and business by talented local artists. You’ll find this “street art” all over the area.
6. Go to the Hot Springs
Outside of San Miguel are several low-key natural hot springs resorts that cater to day-trippers eager for a hot soak. One of the most popular is La Gruta (The Grotto), so named for a mad-made stone cave that concentrates the heated water into a large sauna; don’t stay more than 10 minutes at a time. The grounds are lush and green, with gardens, lawns, and plenty of poolside loungers and tables and chairs with umbrellas. The cocktails and food are delicious and cheap. Admission is $10.
7. Relax in the Jardin
The symbol of San Miguel de Allende, the most photographed monument, the star of countless photos on Facebook and Instagram…is the postcard-perfect pink stone Gothic-style belltower of the La Parroquia church in the heart of centro. It’s a still-active church, and the plaza and park in front, the Jardin (or Garden) is a gathering place day and night. By day, you’ll find residents relaxing in the shade on wrought-iron benches, reading books, sketching, or chatting with friends. There are food vendors., as well as sidewalk cafes and restaurants that can found in the colonnades along the edges. The Jardin is also where special events are often held, like fireworks displays, free concerts, and more.
8. Go to Charco el Ingenio
The Colonial Highlands have a dry, arid climate, with an almost desert-like, mountainous landscape much of the year. Although the hillsides do green up in the rainy season and there are plenty of leafy parks in town. Just outside San Miguel, you can experience the natural environment here at the Charco del Ingenio Botanical Gardens. But it’s not like any botanical gardens you’ve likely encountered before. Part of its mission is to cultivate endangered species of cactus and succulent plants. There are trails throughout the garden, some along precarious cliffs, so watch your step, wear comfortable shoes, and bring plenty of water.
9. Pay Local Musicians to Sing Romantic Songs
While you’re in the Jardin or at many restaurants in centro, you’ll notice strolling musicians. Perhaps a guitar duo with a laminated list of songs to entertain you, but also plenty of full-fledged mariachi bands with violins and horn sections ready to serenade you with Mexican classics and romantic ballads. If you know the words, you’re welcome to sing along, and many local partygoers do just that, emboldened by a few tragos of tequila.
10. Visit a Rooftop Bar
One of the favorite things to do for visitors to San Miguel is patronizing a rooftop bar-restaurant in centro. They are numerous and range from low-key to fancy. You’ll enjoy cool breezes, views over centro, including La Parroquia church, and, if you’re lucky, a panoramic view of the umber and auburn tinged sunset over a distant mountain range…along with craft cocktails and gourmet appetizers.
Two of the best rooftop locations including the Luna Bar at the ultra-luxury Rosewood Hotel. Drinks, created by professional mixologists, run about $10, with craft beer at about $6. Food is also a little pricey. Same with Quince, which is just a block off the Jardin. For a slightly more economical option, check out La Azotea on Calle Umarán.
11. Simply Stroll Around Centro
San Miguel de Allende’s historic centro is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to the centuries-old Baroque and Neoclassical style architecture, courtesy of longtime Spanish colonial rule. There are strict rules in centro. No historic structures can be torn down or remodeled to a modern style, especially the facades although interiors can be updated to modern standards. There is no garish signage or billboards. It’s almost as if you’re walking through a museum in many ways.
It’s pleasant to simply stroll along the flagstone walkways and cobblestoned streets of centro, admiring the historic buildings. Poke your head into an open doorway and you’ll never know what you’ll find: a courtyard café or restaurant, chic boutique, art gallery…even a hardware store or greengrocer (this is a living, breathing town, after all)…it’s a hidden world and every time you venture into centro you’re bound to find something new.
12. Dine Outdoors in the Countryside
Sorry if there has been a lot of food and drink on the list…it’s just something that San Miguel is well-known for. Another venue, reachable by car or taxi (or better yet, hitch a ride with friends), are the many country restaurants on the roads leading out of town within a 30-minute radius. You have barbecue places, gastropub-style eateries, steakhouses (Argentine style), and, of course, many Mexican options.
A favorite spot is Mama Mia Campestre, the countryside outpost of Mama Mia, one of the top pizza and Italian restaurants in town. But this location does not specialize in Italian but rather simple fare like grilled chicken, sausages, hearty salads, and steaks; OK, they have great pizza too. Everything is prepped over a wood-fire grill. There is also a craft brewery on site—try the IPA.