In recent years San Miguel de Allende has been named as the Best City in the World by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure (twice), with stunning colonial architecture, a creative spirit and some of the best food in Mexico it’s easy to see the allure. This small town in the Mexican Highlands, with over 500 years of history and a designation as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, certainly packs a punch. The timeless Colonial architecture and relaxed pace of life have long inspired artists, and with year round temperatures averaging between 75-85 degrees San Miguel de Allende is in a state of perpetual spring. A weekend is just long enough to fall for San Miguel’s charms, here are my recommendations for what to do in San Miguel de Allende over a weekend.
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How to get to San Miguel de Allende
Three airports are used to reach San Miguel; Queretaro ( QRO), Del Bajio Airport in Leon (BJX) and Juarez International Airport in Mexico City (MEX). Queretaro and Del Bajio are closer (at 1 hour and 1.5 hours from San Miguel de Allende respectively) but fares are often cheaper flying into Mexico City.
Group Shuttles from QRO and BJX cost approximately $25-$40 and $60 from MEX, Bajiogo is a popular option from all destinations.
Private drivers run about $75 from QRO and BJX and $150 from MEX, drivers can be arranged through your hotel or through Bajiogo.
Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende
If you love boutique hotels that are high on style then San Miguel de Allende is your kind of town. I stayed in the gorgeous Hotel Nena, a six room boutique hotel located within a 10 minute walk of San Miguel’s town center. A serene fountain anchors Nena’s sunlit dappled courtyard, and the friendly staff were always at hand with suggestions on how best to enjoy San Miguel. Rooms are spacious and with an aesthetic that mixes modern and traditional colonial design. The rooftop pool and bar boasts one of the best views in San Miguel that was best enjoyed with a complimentary margarita.
Other Great Hotels in San Miguel de Allende
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende
What to Do in San Miguel de Allende
Admire the Colonial Architecture
The cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende are a visual feast for photographers, architecture geeks and history buffs alike. Stone walls painted in shades of sunset are anchored by heavy wooden doors, with no two doors in town alike. During the day doors are left open to let in the highland breeze revealing beautiful courtyards that may be home art galleries, boutiques or cafes. The best way to spend an afternoon is by wandering around and tucking into these courtyards to see what you can find.
Take in the Views
Head to Calle Aldama for one of the most photographed streets in San Miguel de Allende. Colorful buildings along this cobblestone alley aligned perfectly with the spires of La Parroqia de San Miguel Arcangel. Surprisingly Calle Aldama has very little foot traffic making it a great spot for photography, just make sure to be respectful of the people who live here while you’re getting your Instagram shot.
Zocalo / Le Jardin
Like most Mexican cities, San Miguel de Allende’s Zocalo, or main square (commonly referred to as Le Jardin for the park that faces La Parroqia), serves as the social heart of San Miguel de Allende. Just before sunset people of all ages fill the zocalo in San Miguel de Allende. Parents watch as young children chase bubbles, teenage girls in flowered headbands giggle as they try to catch the attention of boys passing by and older couples stroll hand in hand. You can keep your telenovelas, I’d much rather watch this Mexican reality show.
La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel
The pink spires of La Parroquia are the image most associated with San Miguel de Allende. This rose baroque confection of a church dates back to the late 17th century and is rumored to be the inspiration for Gaudi’s Sagrada Famila in Barcelona. At night the church is beautifully lit and the effect is breathtaking.
Rooftop Views
Immediately upon arriving I found that San Miguel de Allende has elevated rooftop views to an art form (pun completely intended ). Hotels, restaurants and cafes throughout the city boast rooftop pools, bars and dining patios to take advantage of the stunning views. Whether you’re taking in the pink spires of La Parroquia or enjoying a sunset over the surrounding countryside (best enjoyed with a margarita in hand) San Miguel offers beautiful views in every direction.
Mercado de Artesanias
Mexico is a haven for lovers of handcrafted items and San Miguel de Allende is no exception. Head to Mercado de Artesanias for row after row of crafts ranging from ceramics and hand-blown glass to leather goods.
Fabrica La Aurora
If you’re tastes veer more towards fine and contemporary art make sure not to miss Fabrica La Aurora. This renovated textile factory is home to over 50 galleries and shops as well as a cafe.
Parque Juarez
Parque Juarez, located near the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, is the largest green space in San Miguel de Allende. Winding paths offer plenty of shade with fountains and playgrounds making this a popular place for everyone from young families to retirees. The park is also host to an ever changing roster of events from tai chi classes to art fairs.
Where to Eat in San Miguel de Allende
Hecho En Mexico
Having arrived in San Miguel de Allende at lunchtime we were famished and on the recommendation of the staff from Hotel Nena we sated our hunger at Hecho en Mexico. Huge portions of familiar Mexican favorites make Hecho en Mexico a favorite with locals,expats and tourists. Conchita pibil, shredded pork marinated in achiote served with an addictive habenero sauce, pairs perfectly with a scratch made mezcal margarita.
La Posadita
With a prime location next to La Parroquia La Posadita has some of the best rootop views in San Miguel de Allende. The menu features Mexican classic like posole as well as more adventurous fare like escamole (ant eggs served with corn tortilla to build your own tacos) and chapulines (fried grasshoppers that are a popular Mexican street snack). No matter what you eat make sure to wash it down with one of La Posadita’s spectacular frozen tamarind margaritas.
Lavanda Cafe
Whether you prefer a simple pour-over or a well crafted espresso drink Lavanda Cafe certainly takes its coffee seriously. What has lines forming out the door is their lavender coffee creations; choose a lavender latte (hot or iced) or go for the mareado lavanda, an iced lavender espresso sweetened with piloncillo.
Aperi
The same creative spirit that inspires San Miguel de Allende’s art community has also attracted some of Mexico’s best chefs. Aperi, located in the Hotel Dos Casas, is considered one of the best fine dining spots in town. Utilizing local ingredients and global inspiration, Chef Olivier Deboise’s 8 course tasting menu has been touted as one of the best dining experiences in Mexico. The menu changes seasonally but I’m still dreaming of the smoke pork belly with mushrooms and parsnip puree.
Cafe San Agustin
Both locals and tourists line up at Cafe San Agustin for their addictively good churros and chocolate. Airy dough is fried until crispy and rolled in cinnamon sugar and paired with a cup of rich hot chocolate, a plate of 3 churros and a cup of hot chocolate will set you back about $3 US.
Drinks at the Rosewood Hotel San Miguel de Allende
The best way to end your day in San Miguel de Allende is with a rooftop cocktail and nowhere does that better than the Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar at the Rosewood. A favorite of visiting celebrities and the occasional surprise mariachi band (both of which I encountered on my visit) the Luna boasts one of the best rooftop views in the city. Sip an aged mezcal or perfectly crafted margarita with the beautifully lit towers of La Parroquia as your backdrop.
Lauren says
Wow – Calle Aldama would be a dream to photograph! Not sure I’d be able to try the fried grasshoppers but the frozen margaritas are definitely my kinda thing! What a wonderful destination and one I’d never heard of before!
Juli says
San Miguel de Allende has been on my bucket list since I found out it exists. Looks like you had a great time. Hope I get to visit it soon.
Holly says
What a stunning place! And your photos are terrific!
Ordinary Wanderer says
Spent 5 nights in San Miguel a few years ago for my nephews wedding! This city is enchanting! Would love to go back one day. Most of the guests of the wedding, including myself, stayed in vrbo properties. I highly recommend that option. It gave us a true feeling of living in San Miguel. The homes are very unique!
Sergio says
San Miguel de Allende is a world heritage site. It has well-preserved colonial buildings from the 16th-17th centuries. You will enjoy site seeing while walking on very old cobble stone streets.
Alyssa @ LikeWhereYoureGoing says
Ever since I recently discovered Merida, I am now obsessed with finding the most beautiful cities/towns in Mexico with Spanish colonial architecture, and after stumbling upon this post I am now wanting to visit San Miguel de Allende so bad! It looks absolutely stunning. My favorite types of vacations are wandering around, getting lost, and then watching the sun set from a rooftop patio. Sounds like I need to go here, asap – thanks for the inspo!
Annie Amantea says
If I wanted an economical 3 day stay in San Miguel de Allende, all inclusive except food and drinks, what would you suggest. There would be 2 of us flying from Baja, either from Loreto or La Paz. Feel free to give us a few options. Thank you, Annie Amantea
Linnea says
Loved the colonial feel of this town! This is for sure my type of Mexico. Hotel Nena looks so dreamy and I would love to stay there!
Charu Goyal says
Mexico has been on my bucket list for the longest of time and this just makes me want to get there that much sooner.
Nina says
What a beautiful place! Love your detailed post and your pictures 🥰
Francesca says
I would love to go to San Miguel de Allende, it’s so colourful and vibrant!