This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most stunning places in all of Mexico! With a large expat population and tourism from within Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is a great place to discover the colonial side of Mexico. Beautiful architecture and wonderfully charming, San Miguel also boasts one of the most incredible churches we have ever seen!
What to Do
♦ Walk Around!-- The best way to get to know San Miguel is to put down your top 10 list of things to do and to simply go for a walk! You never know what you might find wandering through the historic colonial streets of this charming city. Though if you would like a tad more direction we suggest seeing the Jardin de Allende, the Paroquia de San Miguel, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and the Plaza Civica as a few places to start. But again, just get lost. You won’t regret it!
♦ Botanical Gardens--If you have a little more time during your stay in San Miguel de Allende, we highly recommend visiting the Charco del Ingenio (the Botanical Gardens). Although it is just a 15-20 minute taxi ride outside of downtown, you will feel like you are miles away from anything at all! There are some impressive canyons and an awesome waterfall too! Address: Paloma S/N, Las Colonias, San Miguel de Allende
♦ Parque Benito Juárez-- Tucked away off the main tourist path of downtown San Miguel, this park is absolutely beautiful. Take a stroll around and when you are done exploring the park, plan some additional time to wander around the streets nearby for some incredible homes! Address: Cañadita de los Aguacates 75, Zona Centro, San Miguel de Allende
♦ Visit the Artisanal Market-- Every state, region, and city in Mexico has its own style of crafts. San Miguel de Allende is certainly no exception. Get lost wandering through this unique craft market that winds through much of the city. This is a great place for souvenir shopping too! Address: Lucas Balderas S/N, Zona Centro, San Miguel de Allende
♦ Go to the Mirador (lookout)-- San Miguel de Allende is one of the most picturesque cities in Mexico. What better way to take in all of its beauty than from up above?! You can, walk, hike, run, or taxi to this Mirador to see some amazing views of the city. Address: Salida Real a Querétaro 98, Zona Centro, San Miguel de Allende
Where to Stay
♦ Hotel del Portal-- Located right on the main plaza, this beautiful hotel is in the perfect spot to fully immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and traditions of San Miguel de Allende. At around 50-60 USD per night- this is a great mid-range option.
Click HERE to book Hotel del Portal.
Address: Portal Allende 8, Zona Centro, San Miguel de Allende
If you are looking for something a little different, we would recommend trying to find something as close to the city center (Jardin de Allende) as possible. There are also tons of great options on Airbnb!
Where to Eat
♦ Cafe Media Naranja-- This is our go-to breakfast spot whenever we are in San Miguel. It’s healthy, affordable, and tasty! Their food is super fresh and breakfasts are served with super delicious juices too! Address: De La Luz 110, Zona Centro, San Miguel de Allende
♦ La Frontera-- This is a little bit more of a “gringo” place (meaning most of the customers are gringos), but the food is SO delicious. Try the “Drowned Burrito”- you can thank me later!
The portion sizes are big and prices are extremely reasonable. Address: Refugio Sur 28, San Antonio, San Miguel de Allende
♦ Nieves La Plazuela de San Felipe-- Before moving to Mexico, we never thought of ice cream as being “Mexican”...man we were wrong! Mexico has some of the best ice cream in the world, and Nieves la Plazuela is one of the top places in all of Mexico. For something a little different try the flavor “mamey”. They have tons of flavors so don’t be afraid to ask to try a few different ones :) Address: Insurgentes 106, Zona Centro, San Miguel de Allende
There are so many more delicious restaurants in San Miguel de Allende that we have never tried. We have friends that live in San Miguel so typically whenever we go there now we tend to eat at their house quite a bit. Our friend Dana makes the best mushroom quesadillas!!
San Miguel is an incredibly charming city! You could spend years in San Miguel de Allende and still have little rincones to discover. We have been several times and we are still just scratching the surface of what this city has to offer. If you have been to San Miguel de Allende, what are some of your favorite things to do and some of your favorite restaurants?
Feel free to email us at kinetickennons@gmail.com with any other questions about San Miguel de Allende!
Until next time, Have Less. Do More. Be More.
