Last Updated: January 26, 2025
Our next destination in Mexico was a historic city located in the state of Guanajuato. A city protected by the UNESCO World Heritage and designated a Pueblo Magico, a magical town, by the Mexico Tourism Board for its colonial architecture, history, and cultural significance. It has been voted the world’s best small city by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure and named Mexico’s creative capital by Vogue Magazine. Why?
Primarily, it’s the 16th-century Colonial Baroque architecture that sets San Miguel de Allende apart. But the city showcases a delightful blend of styles and colors. It’s full of attractive buildings that are even more stunning inside, each courtyard so inviting you can’t resist going in. Thanks to its UNESCO status, there are no billboards or adverts, preserving the overall charm. The canopies, blooming bougainvillea, and the city’s artistic flare add to the romantic atmosphere. Everything is a work of art, including doors and door knobs.
Planning a trip to San Miguel de Allende is artful, too. There is no airport in SMA, but there are cities about 1.5-hour drive away that have one. The other option is to fly into Mexico City and then take a 4 hour bus ride. This gives you the opportunity to explore the majestic capital, too.
As for SMA, you are in for a treat! There is so much to do in San Miguel de Allende that it’s hard to comprehend where it all fits. We’ve put together our best recommendations, including essential cultural attractions and activities to help you have an unforgettable stay. Without further ado, here are the amazing San Miguel de Allende attractions you need to know about.
Best Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende
Jardín Allende
Every guide will tell you that San Miguel de Allende is best explored on foot. This one is no exception – you would be amiss to take taxis, which, in fact, is the more inconvenient option during peak times because one-way cobblestone roads become quickly congested and pedestrians take priority. As you wander around, you may notice that all roads seem to lead to Jardín Allende. So, let’s start there.
This garden, located in front of the city’s most popular church, is more like the main plaza. You may find yourself returning to it, even if you don’t intend to. It’s the congregation point for locals and tourists alike, the place to people watch, visit great SMA restaurants, relax under manicured laurel trees, and take in street entertainment like giant dancing puppets. They usually make an appearance during festivities and on special occasions like weddings.
Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
The iconic 17th-century church is the focal point of the city. Constructed by Zeferino Gutierrez, who was inspired by European cathedrals, it’s the most popular attraction in San Miguel de Allende, visible from all points and dominating the city skyline. It is often compared to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, but apparently, it is Cologne Cathedral that influenced Parroquia’s design.
Stunning Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture, pink limestone, and sharp spires are her most recognizable features. Though she didn’t always look like that. It is through several restorations and modifications that resulted in such a grand façade. Today, the façade is illuminated at night, which is enchanting.
There are other stunning churches in San Miguel de Allende, too. For example, the seemingly inconspicuous Iglesia de San Rafael right next door to Parroquia, which features a Moorish bell tower. Be sure to also check out the intricate facade of Templo de San Francisco de Asis and Templo de Nuestra Senora de la Salud unique shell-like entrance.
Museo Historico Casa de Allende
The next best thing to do in San Miguel de Allende is to get to know its history. And Museum Historico Casa de Allende is the best place to start. As the birthplace and home of Ignacio Allende, Mexican independence leader, after whom the city is party named, this museum is a significant edifice. The exhibitions depict SMA’s history, heritage of the region and, of course, pay tribute to the Mexican hero Ignacio Allende.
Instituto Allende
The word about San Miguel de Allende started to spread up north when, in 1937, Stirling Dickinson, an American artist, started promoting Institute Allende and the arts education it offered, thus attracting international attention and enticing people to move to SMA.
Today, it still functions as an art school, a Spanish school, and an art gallery, featuring arguably the most charming courtyard in the city and impressive murals. It’s a wonderful place to visit in San Miguel de Allende, take in the history, and art, and have a coffee at the café on premises.
Biblioteca Publica
We are big fans of visiting libraries on our travels. We’ve seen some with remarkable modern architecture and opulent décor over the years. The one in San Miguel de Allende though, looks completely unassuming on the outside and dare we say it, a little dull. But you would be amiss not to go inside because that’s where some of the most jaw-dropping murals in town are hidden. Moreover, it is a treasure trove of cultural events.
Ps. If you are a street art aficionado, be sure to stroll through the Guadalupe neighborhood, a designated art district, full of colorful murals painted by the youth and some famous artists.
Museo de Mascaras
One of the most unique places to visit in San Miguel de Allende is the Mask Museum also known as Another Face of Mexico. This museum is home to over 500 Mexican ceremonial masks collected by Bill LeVasseur, who retired in the city in the late 1990s. What started out as a hobby, turned into a rich and enthralling exhibition that everyone will enjoy. The masks hail from all parts of Mexico, including remote indigenous communities, and have been used in ceremonies and dances. The exhibition is very informative, offering context and allowing you to walk away with many insights into Mexican culture and history. Note that visits to the museum are by appointment only so be sure to call ahead.
Fabrica La Aurora
Fabrica La Aurora is easily one of the must see places in San Miguel de Allende. After nearly a century of work, this former textile factory retired its looms for artwork and artisan crafts, its space was converted into studios and workshops, and industrial fittings like pipes, looms, and tubes were turned into main decorative features. At Fabrica La Aurora, you can admire a diverse selection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and jewelry, watch artists at work, or even dip your toes in the creative process.
Mercado de Artesanias
This market is a labyrinth of stalls offering all sorts of handmade tchotchkes. Spend some time wandering around, appreciating the crafts, taking photos, and socializing with vendors. If you are looking for souvenirs, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Mexican huaraches or silverware.
Ps. In case you are in the market for an edible souvenir, how about a box of “nun farts”? Yes, you read that correctly. Pedos de Monja are actually melt-in-your-mouth airy candies of Spanish roots sold in candy shops by the box all over San Miguel de Allende and other parts of the state. Originally made in convents, they are shaped like bite-sized circles or swirls that produce a crunch. There are many legends claiming the reason for the name – from the crunching sound and shape to a pronunciation error. Stick with whichever one you fancy, but make sure to pick up a box to delight your loved ones back home.
Museo La Esquina del Juguete Popular Mexicano
On our stroll through the city, we came across this corner museum and gift shop stuffed to the brim with vintage and handcrafted toys from all over Mexico. Though the visit was in honor of our grandkids, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience ourselves! The exhibits are incredibly elaborate and interactive and give so much insight into Mexican culture. It is absolutely worth your time and the entrance fee. We took photos of everything to share with our family, and if we had more luggage space, would’ve brought home some human-size luchadores.
El Mirador
Every San Miguel de Allende travel guide will recommend this sunset activity, and for good reason. Each step of walking up to this viewpoint is rewarded with the most magical vistas granted you stop often to look back. San Miguel de Allende literally glows come sundown, and the Parroquia looks mesmerizing among the sea of colors.
Ps. If you are a golfing aficionado like us, practice your swing at Ventanas de San Miguel – a bucket list-worthy golfing course offering a view over the city and, most importantly, the glorious Parroquia!
El Charco del Ingenio
A short taxi or bus ride from the city, you will find El Charco del Ingenio botanical gardens, a sprawling nature reserve of a high desert ecosystem hosting endangered cacti and other plants from all over Mexico. Take your time exploring the trails and bird watching, and end up by the freshwater spring for an afternoon picnic. It’s hard to believe an oasis so tranquil, expansive, and varied is located only a mile from the city.
Vineyards Near San Miguel de Allende
To our surprise, San Miguel de Allende turned out to be a popular destination for viniculture. In fact, it is one of the cities on Mexico’s Ruta del Vino, Wine Route, studded with historic haciendas and vineyards. Though art and architecture are the primary draws of SMA, you shouldn’t skip exploring the revival of this region’s wine heritage that dates back to colonial times. There are over 30 wineries to choose from, each unique in its own way, and some are only 15 minutes outside of SMA. Touring a vineyard in the high desert is a unique experience, but tasting wines produced from these grapes is even better. Not to mention, the haciendas are so aesthetically pleasing, you will want to stay (which you can, by the way, most offer accommodation too.)
Natural Hot Springs
One of the most popular San Miguel de Allende activities is to swim in the hot springs. There are about five, each offering a unique appeal. We went with La Gruta for its cave-like spa experience featuring tunnel pools. This made for an easy and relaxing day trip from San Miguel de Allende, given the hot spring is only 20 minutes away. That said, the pools can get a little busy, so we recommend going as early as possible, which is also when the air is the freshest.
Horseback Riding
There are plenty of tours that allow you to get to know the city in different ways. There is a walking tour, cycling tour, and even hot air balloon rides available in San Miguel de Allende. A quintessential way to experience the destination seemed like on the back of a horse. We didn’t get to do the half day horseback riding adventure around the rugged terrain around SMA, but we will definitely work it in on our next visit. Use the link above to ride through canyons, visit ranches, and cross the area rivers of this incredible landscape. This is experiencing Mexican cowboy culture at its finest and we can’t wait.
Rooftop Dining
San Miguel de Allende has grown into a culinary destination with a burgeoning restaurant scene, rooftop bars, and luxury haciendas. It gives the town a sophisticated edge and rooftop dining a big appeal. Whatever place you pick, make sure it has a view of the Parroqia so you can farewell the sun and then watch the pink spires sparkle with lights. Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar lured us in with its exquisite Mexican-Mediterranean menu, but also because from its terrace SMA is spread out like on the palm of the hand.
Expat Community of San Miguel de Allende
The charm of San Miguel de Allende is undeniable. The city is welcoming and so easy to love that you simply don’t want to leave. One thing we noticed is just how big the community of expats has become. Why are so many choosing to call San Miguel de Allende home? We investigated further and made a video about our findings in case you are interested in what makes this city great for living and what it takes to move there.
Best Time to Visit San Miguel de Allende
We have linked a great website to this button showing the weather for this location by the month. Click below to be taken to Weather-and-Climate.com.
San Miguel de Allende Attractions Map
HOW TO SAVE THIS MAP:
Each icon has embedded information in the map, so click to review. To the right of the title of the map, click the ⭐️ STAR to save to your Google Map Account. To view it on your computer or phone, open Google Maps, click the three lines on the upper left, select “Saved,” select “Maps,” and this map will be listed below.
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