San Miguel de Allende is a vibrant colonial city located in the highlands of the Sierra Gorda Mountains within the state of Guanajuato. With its cobblestone streets and Baroque-style architecture, it is an enchanting place to take in the history and culture of Mexico.
| Location coordinates: | 20°54′55″N 100°44′38″W |
|---|---|
| Elevation: | 6,135 feet — 1,870 meters |
| Local time zone: | Central Standard Time (CST) |
| Annual visitors: | Over 1.5 million visitors each year |
| Best time to visit: | During the fall and spring months |
| Handicap accessible? | Some areas are, but the roads and sidewalks are made of cobblestone so it can be complicated to get around if you’re in a wheelchair. |
| Wifi available? | Yes, there are many places with free wifi around the city. |
Brief historical timeline of San Miguel de Allende
Before 1542: Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, there was an indigenous settlement located at Izcuinapan.
1542: The first Spanish conquistadors arrive and settle in Guanajuato. A small village and chapel are built and the city is founded by the Franciscan monk, Juan de San Miguel. The city is named “San Miguel”. Meanwhile, the city faced two major problems: a water shortage problem and civil unrest between the indigenous people and the Spaniards. As a result, the city is abandoned and the people relocate to nearby areas.
1550: The Chichimec War begins in the region where San Miguel is located.
1555: The original city of San Miguel (that was abandoned at around 1542) is re-established as a military outpost and as a mission by Bernardo Cossin (the successor of Juan de San Miguel) and Fernando de Tapia (an indigenous leader).
1590: The Chichimec War ends.
1826: The name Allende is added to the city’s original name (San Miguel) to show honor to Ignacio Allende, a hero who played an important role in the Mexican war of independence against Spain.
1900: A lot of people migrated to San Miguel de Allende because of the silver mining industry but when production started to decline in the early 1900s, it was looking like the city would eventually become a ghost town.
1926: The Mexican government officially declares San Miguel de Allende a National Historic Monument, which restricts development in the city in order to preserve its colonial architecture. It was an important declaration for the city as it prevented it from becoming a ghost town.
1938: The first art school in San Miguel (originally Escuela Universitaria de Bellas Artes, now the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura) is established by Felipe Cossío del Pomar, a Peruvian artist.
1948: San Miguel de Allende gains publicity from an article titled “GI Paradise: Veterans go to Mexico to study art, live cheaply and have a good time” that got published in Life Magazine. As a result, more than 6,000 American war veterans applied to art schools in the city. The student and expat community begins to grow.
1950: Instituto Allende, a US-accredited visual arts school, is founded.
2008: Sixty-four blocks of San Miguel de Allende’s historic city center and the sanctuary of Atotonilco are designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Present: Over 175,000 people reside in San Miguel de Allende. The city has a growing expat community and a thriving art and music scene that draws both locals and tourists.
How did it get its name?
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is named after the city’s original founder, Juan de San Miguel, and one of the heroes of the Mexican independence, Ignacio Allende. The city is often referred to as “SMA” for short.
Best things to do in San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende features many reminders of the city’s past, including churches, colonial-era architecture, cobblestone streets, and picturesque plazas. With its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, this city is an ideal destination for travelers looking for a unique experience.
These are some of the top attractions and most popular things to do:
1. Take a leisurely stroll — Walk the cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende and observe the many historic buildings you see along the way. In my opinion, this is the best way to truly take in the essence of the city and its rich Mexican history. But one tip: be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
2. Visit beautiful historic churches — San Miguel de Allende has at least 16 churches, the most iconic being La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. That church is located in the center of town and is a must-see! During our visit, there was a wedding, and I was told that weddings there are very common, so it’s likely that you’ll see one during your visit as well. The oldest church in the city is Santuario de Atotonilco and is located roughly 25 minutes away (driving) from the city center. If you’re willing to make the drive, I encourage you to visit.
3. Shop at a local market — One of my favorite things about Mexico has been their lively markets. Not only is it a great place to meet the locals but you can also shop for practically anything, such as fruits and vegetables, hot food, household items, and souvenirs. Some of the markets I recommend strolling through are the Ignacio Ramírez Market and Mercado de San Juan de Dios.
4. Go to art galleries — Throughout the city you will find many exhibitions showcasing the art of amazing local talent. I recommend checking out Fábrica la Aurora and the Ignacio Ramírez “El Nigromante” Cultural Center (the original site of the Escuela Universitaria de Bellas Artes). At Fabrica la Aurora, you may get to meet artists in their workshops and expo rooms.
5. Visit museums — The city has several museums worth your time. You can visit the home of Ignacio Allende (Museo Histórico Casa de Allende) which is located in the heart of the city next to the main cathedral. Other popular museums include Museo La Esquina del Juguete Popular Mexicano, Casa del Mayorazgo de la Canal, Botica de Santa Teresita (this is more of a landmark than a museum but definitely a cool place to see!), and the Mask Museum (entry to this museum is by appointment only).
6. Hang out in the lush gardens and plazas— No trip to San Miguel de Allende would be complete without a visit to El Jardín Allende, the town’s main square (aka, la plaza principal). Here you can find musicians, street performers and local artisans selling their handmade wares. You’ll also be able to get a glimpse of some ancient colonial architecture.
7. Take scenic photos — Apart from the many streets and colorful houses that make this city so unique and photogenic, I recommend visiting El Mirador which features panoramic views of the city.
8. Enjoy the local cuisine — You can find a variety of great restaurants, cafes, and street food in SMA, from traditional Mexican street tacos to international dishes. Of the places we dined, my two favorites were Los Milagros and Atrio Restaurant (I loved the atmosphere there and rooftop view). For those of you who have a sweet tooth, stop by Casa del Tumbagón Dulces Típicos where you will find artisan candy and other sweet treats.
9. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and live music — If you want to enjoy a delicious cocktail in a nice environment, the city has plenty of rooftop bars, pubs, and traditional cantinas worth visiting. Some of the best are San Mezcal, Bekeb, Cantina-Bar El Tenampa, The Room, SOUR Cocina Casual y Bar (go there for happy hour!), and La Cucaracha (if you’re looking for an authentic old school bar). There are several hidden bars as well, such as Be Speakeasy and Xibalba, which require a special code or token to be allowed in.
10. Go shopping — San Miguel is a perfect place for those who love to shop, especially for those want to take a piece of the Mexican culture home with them. There are hundreds of stores, chic boutiques, and souvenir shops all over town, but a significant number of them are concentrated around the center of the city. Visit the Mercado de Artesanías, Expo Artesanal, and Mercado San Miguel (San Miguel Market) for local artisanal goods.
11. Attend a local festival or event — San Miguel hosts many celebrations, festivals, parades, and conferences throughout the year, including El Señor de la Conquista (The Lord of the Conquest), Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the Christmas tree lighting event held in the main plaza, and New Years Eve. September and October generally feature the most events because of Mexican Independence Day, Alborada, and the Celebration of San Miguel Archangel Patron saint of San Miguel. You can find upcoming events here.
12. Go on a wine excursion — Within the outskirts of the city, you will discover several wineries. During my trip, I went to two of them: Tres Raíces and Viñedos San Lucas. In terms of the overall atmosphere, wine tasting experience, and service, my favorite was Viñedos San Lucas.
13. Explore the outdoors — Hike in the nearby canyons, go mountain biking and rock climbing, and run on the mountain trails. For those that are looking for a more adventurous experience, San Miguel Parque de Aventuras offers zip lining, a swinging bridge, horseback riding, and quad biking. Charco del Ingenio is a nature preserve with a botanical garden that is great for hiking and observing the local flora and fauna.
14. Relax and recharge — There are several wellness retreats and spas located throughout San Miguel de Allende, but I’m told La Gruta Spa is a must-visit. The spa boasts a variety of pools, including some filled with the water from natural hot springs, as well as therapeutic massages and a temazcal (a type of sweat lodge which originated with pre-Hispanic indigenous peoples).
15. View San Miguel de Allende from the sky — One of the most unique experiences in San Miguel is taking a ride on a hot air balloon. Globo San Miguel Tours is a balloon ride agency and although I haven’t had the opportunity to check them out myself, their Google reviews are very promising!
16. Explore nearby ruins — Cañada de la Virgen is an archaeological site located roughly an hour away from the city center. If you’re not familiar with the area, it would be a good idea to take a tour there.
17. Hire a local guide — A great way to get a local’s prospective of the city is by taking a guided tour of San Miguel de Allende.
18. Take a cooking class — If you’d like to learn how to make authentic Mexican or international dishes, there are several cooking schools in the city that you can look into. Some of the popular ones are Marilau Mexican Ancestry Cooking School, Sazon, Salsabor Prehispanico, and Chef David Jahnke Cooking Classes.
19. Learn Spanish — Whether you’re visiting SMA for a week or a few months, there are opportunities to improve and polish your Spanish thanks to the several language schools in the city. A few of the most popular schools are Spanish with Alma, Extension UNAM San Miguel de Allende (for expats), and Habla Hispana Spanish Language School.
Best time to visit San Miguel de Allende
There are two things to consider when determining the best time to visit SMA: the weather by season and the crowds.
| Peak seasons: | Easter, Christmas, and other major holidays |
|---|---|
| Best weather: | Fall and Spring months |
| Hottest months: | May and June |
| Coldest months: | December and January |
| Rainy season: | Summer, especially July and August |
| Annual days of sunshine: | Over 320 days |
Climate
The city’s temperate climate makes it a perfect destination to visit year-round, however the best overall temperatures are during the fall and spring months. The summer months experience the hottest, rainiest, and most humid weather, while the winter months experience warm days and chilly nights.
Depending on your preference in climate, you can choose when it’ll be ideal for you to visit. In any case, the temperature doesn’t generally reach above above 91°F on the hottest days or below 36°F on the coldest.
Crowds
In terms of tourism, the winter months (specifically December and January) are the busiest, as well as the weekend of Easter.
San Miguel de Allende has gained a lot of popularity among travelers and expats throughout the years. During my time there, I heard English spoken a lot more than many of the other parts of Mexico I’ve traveled to.
Tourism is evidently a huge part of SMA’s economy. But don’t let that discourage you from going altogether. This city is so worth visiting because it remains true to its Mexican culture and roots, despite the growing touristic and expat community.
If you’re the kind of person that tries to avoid large crowds, I would recommend not visiting around the days surrounding Mexico’s Independence Day (September 16), Christmas, New Years, Easter, and other major holidays.
How long to stay in San Miguel de Allende
It’s worth staying in San Miguel for at least 3 days and 2 nights if you’re casually traveling and sightseeing. There are day trips available by tour bus (continue reading to learn more), but I recommend going for longer if your schedule allows it.
If you’re looking for a long-term travel destination, this may also be the perfect place for that. I met several Canadian expats who spend between three to six months of the year there, mostly to escape the Canadian winter.
How to get to San Miguel de Allende
There are many ways to get to SMA, the best way to get there will depend on your travel intentions and plans.
Getting there by car
During my last trip to San Miguel, we drove and it took roughly four and a half hours from Mexico City. Once in the city, we hardly needed to use the car because our hotel was near the city center, however having a car makes it a lot easier to get around especially if you’re planning on doing tours and excursions in the surrounding areas.
Private car or airport shuttle
You can find Ubers and private airport shuttles to take you to San Miguel de Allende. Although it’s a pricier option, it can be a lot more convenient.
Nearest airports
The closest airports are:
- Querétaro International Airport (QRO) is located in Querétaro, 75 km southeast of SMA.
- Guanajuato International Airport, also known as Del Bajío International Airport (BJX) is located in Leon, 94 km west of SMA.
- General Francisco Mujica International Airport (MLM) is located in Morelia, 177 km south of SMA.
Public bus
There are plenty of intercity bus options with routes to San Miguel de Allende. These buses are generally very clean, comfortable, and affordable.
These are the buses that leave from the Mexico Central Norte bus station in Mexico City. They have an average cost between $15 to $31 for a one-way trip (2022 prices).
- Coordinados has busses that leave hourly.
- Pegasso has busses that leave every 4 hours.
- ETN has buses that leave every 4 hours.
- Primera Plus has two bus services to SMA daily.
- Futura Select has one bus service to SMA daily.
For more information on bus options to SMA, visit Rome2Rio and choose your departure city and San Miguel de Allende as the destination.
Tour bus
There are lots of day trip / tour bus options you can book if you’re in a nearby city (i.e. Querétaro) and only have a day to visit San Miguel de Allende. Visit your nearest tourist information center and ask them for the options that are available. Most tour companies will pick you up at your hotel in the early morning and drop you off in the same place in the late afternoon.
Getting around San Miguel de Allende
If you’re visiting San Miguel de Allende for the first time, these are some of the things you may find important to know ahead of time.
Public transportation
If you’re staying in the city center, a large number of restaurants, galleries, and markets are located within a 10-minute walk or less. However, if you’re planning on visiting the surrounding areas, there are several ways to get around if you don’t have your own car.
- Urbanos — These are the buses that travel throughout the city. Click here for a map of the bus routes. Tip: Carry plenty of coins if you’re planning on taking the bus, in the event that the driver is unable to give you change for larger currency.
- Uber or Didi — Didi is the Latino version of Uber and oftentimes a little cheaper, but there are not always drivers available so you may want to check what is available on both apps.
- Taxi — ServiTaxi is the taxi service that operates in and around SMA. You can contact them at (+52) 1-415-152-5993 if you need to be picked up somewhere, or hail one down on the street. I recommend you ask the driver what the cost of the ride will be prior to getting in the car.
Car rentals
There are no car rental companies in San Miguel. If you want to rent a car, you would have to get one from a nearby airport (for instance the Leon or Queretaro Airport) or from the city you’re traveling from (such as Mexico City).
Currency accepted
You can use the Mexican peso all throughout San Miguel de Allende, however being that it is highly touristic, some restaurants and shops accept US dollars at an inferior exchange rate. For instance, if the current exchange rate is 1 USD to 19 Mexican pesos, the business may accept US bills at an exchange of 1 USD to 17 Mexican pesos.
If you have US dollars, it’s much better for you to exchange them first at a money exchange booth or bank. There are plenty of them in San Miguel. Otherwise, pull cash out from an ATM machine (cajero automatico, in Spanish). ATM’s can be found outside banks and inside major grocery stores (i.e. Soriana).
Is travel insurance necessary in Mexico?
If you’re traveling abroad, I always recommend having travel insurance in case of emergencies. We always hope that we won’t need to use it, but emergencies do happen, and they’re more difficult to navigate when you’re not in your native country. Travel insurance can be a life saver in some circumstances and is therefore worth having.
Where to stay in San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a truly magical destination, and there are lots of beautiful places to stay while visiting. Whether you’re looking for rustic charm or luxurious amenities, you’ll be sure to find it in SMA.
Budget travelers can choose from an array of hostels in the city center, offering options such as dorms and private rooms.
For those with larger budgets, villas and boutique hotels in the city center offer amenities such as spa services, swimming pools and rooftop terraces with stunning views of the skyline.
If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, there are plenty of traditional Mexican-style guest houses or “posadas” in the city. These posadas often offer a unique cultural experience, along with amenities such as outdoor courtyards and/or cozy fireplaces.
During my last visit, I stayed at Casa Aliz. The location was perfect— just a short walk to the city center. The rooms were clean and they have a terrace where they serve continental breakfast with croissants, fresh fruit, and coffee each morning.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is San Miguel de Allende a tourist hotspot?
San Miguel de Allende has become a tourist hotspot because it is an enchanting colonial city full of history, art and culture. With its cobblestone streets and colorful architecture, visitors and locals alike are charmed by the town’s beauty. The region boasts a vibrant arts scene with numerous galleries and museums that showcase traditional Mexican artwork and design.
Its central plaza and main cathedral are particularly beautiful. Visitors can also take advantage of the city’s many outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, and wine tasting. Finally, San Miguel de Allende offers delicious cuisine with a variety of restaurants to choose. With its beautiful scenery and abundance of activities, San Miguel de Allende is the perfect destination for a Mexican getaway.
What is so special about San Miguel de Allende?
San Miguel de Allende has long been a destination for tourists looking to experience its vibrant culture, unique architecture, history, delicious cuisine, laid-back atmosphere and picturesque landscape. The city has earned a reputation as one of Mexico’s most beautiful towns and is filled with churches and monuments that are hundreds of years old.
Why is San Miguel de Allende a World Heritage Site?
SMA was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2008 due to its well-preserved colonial architectural and its historical and cultural significance.
Is it worth visiting San Miguel de Allende?
Absolutely, YES!!
In addition to its fascinating history, San Miguel de Allende offers visitors a range of activities to enjoy. From learning Spanish and cooking classes, to hot-air balloon rides, as well as guided tours of the city’s many churches, exploring the city’s historic center, enjoying the diverse cuisine, stopping by the many galleries, and taking in the amazing views from El Mirador lookout point, this Mexican gem is an unforgettable destination to visit.
What is the most beautiful part about San Miguel de Allende?
In my opinion, the entire city is picturesque. I wouldn’t say one part is more beautiful than another, but I will say that the heart of the city (where the main church and garden are) are gorgeous during the Christmas time because of all the decorations, lights, and the Christmas tree.
