San Miguel De Allende Is A Magical Place And Here Are 22 Reasons To Go ASAP
Pack your bags and don't forget your shades, 'cause this trip to Mexico is going to be bright.
1. San Miguel de Allende is a magical town in Mexico's central state of Guanajuato, where every corner is Instagram-worthy. Also, it's a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
San Miguel packs infinite architectural beauty, history, and art in its gorgeous array of cobbled streets.
2. The strikingly beautiful neo-Gothic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel in the town's historical center is SMA's most recognized and iconic landmark.
Equally breathtaking during the day or at night, La Parroquia as we know it today is a product of local stonemason and architect Don Zeferino Gutiérrez, who, in the 1880s, sought inspiration in European churches and revamped the existing cathedral, originally built in the 16th century.
3. It has marveled locals and visitors for literal centuries. Like, just look at it! So photogenic.
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4. The cathedral is the central focus of the main plaza, where tourists and locals congregate to people-watch, shop from local stands, or perhaps enjoy a cup of coffee with mariachi in the background.
The plaza is the heart of the city, teeming with life at any hour of the day and filled with quirky characters and colorful street vendors.
5. As you walk around, perhaps you'll stumble upon mojigangas, giant papier-mâché puppets.
Part piñata and part fireworks, these caricature-esque, expressive walking statues are an integral part of the town's folklore and present in most celebrations, like weddings, parades, and callejonadas, where groups of people serenade the city.
6. A short walk away from the main plaza is the Ignacio Ramírez market, a vibrant indoor space where locals shop for produce, clothes, flowers, and, of course, munchies.
Venture in and try the gorditas, delicious, slightly spicy masa pockets stuffed with melted cheese.
7. The Ignacio Ramírez market connects to the art market, or Mercado de Artesanías, where arts, crafts, and jewelry take center stage.
The market is filled with gorgeous lamps, mirrors, artisanal decor, and all sorts of unique handmade items.
8. Side note: Please do yourself a favor and buy a super-delicious elote (corncob) from the market.
It's truly an unmissable snack!
9. You may think a mayo-slathered elote is the best thing you'll eat in San Miguel, but NO! Prepare for some of the most incredible meals of your life.
Nomada, Cien Fuegos, Pescau, La Única, and Bastardo are all excellent lunch options in SMA. Don Taco Tequila is also very tasty and offers vegan and vegetarian options.
10. You can take a short taxi ride and head to former textile mill Fabrica la Aurora to explore art galleries and boutique shops.
The shops at Fabrica la Aurora are not meant to be scouted rushedly — wondrous sculptures, jewelry, clothing, and interior design items, ranging from furniture to paintings and decor, will keep you busy for hours.
11. After a long day of walking and shopping and being generally awestruck, you can catch the sunset on the rooftop terrace of the luxurious Rosewood Hotel.
12. Oh, and the cocktails and antojitos at Rosewood's Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar are not bad either.
Sunsets and tacos? What else do we need in life?!
13. BTW, did we mention San Miguel's weather is pretty amazing year-round?
Not too hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter.
14. Food and San Miguel go together like Jay-Z and Beyoncé, which is to say you should always make room for dinner.
Áperi, Atrio, and Spice Market are three amazing dining options, although the late-night burger and hot dog food stands at the main plaza are equally valid choices.
15. The nightlife is also an important element of San Miguel. This is Mexico, after all, and when in Mexico, you have to have a little fun.
Iconic venue El Grito (The Scream — a nod to the battle cry of the War of Independence) is the town's most popular club, but Duke will also keep you dancing until 5 a.m. Low-key options include Bekeb, a cocktail bar offering incredible drinks and views, and piano bar Casa San Mike provides fabulous entertainment.
16. Worry not about where to stay, because if there's one thing San Miguel is really, really good at, it's HOSPITALITY.
Impeccably decorated L'Ôtel Concept House will place you in the middle of the town's action, Hotel Bouquet's spacious rooms and lovely rooftop view will whisk you away to paradise, and Hotel Naramu, intimate and low-key, is equal parts charm and comfort.
17. For breakfast, treat yourself to the gorditas and caldo de xoconostle (a vegetable-loaded Otomí soup broth) at local sensation Gorditas Don Ciro.
A must-have at Don Ciro is the bean, cheese, and pressed chicharrón gordita — it'll stay with you for years to come.
18. Another unforgettable breakfast spot in San Miguel? Rústica.
Rústica is a local favorite serving artisanal dishes. Other delicious options are the smoothies and healthy treats at Luna de Queso.
19. To kick off a new day's adventure, you can visit any of San Miguel's enchanting museums.
La Esquina Toy Museum has an impressive collection of traditional Mexican toys; the Mask Museum showcases hundreds of masks, some telling the indigenous history of Mexico; and the San Miguel de Allende Museum — located in the home of Ignacio Allende, a key figure of the Mexican Revolution — will transport you back in time, immersing you in the town's past and giving you an intimate look at life in 1800s Guanajuato.
20. San Miguel's charm doesn't stop in the city — beautiful vineyards are only minutes away.
Cuna de Tierra (Earth Cradle), Dos Búhos (Two Owls), San Lucas (Saint Lucas), and La Santísima Trinidad (The Holy Trinity) are all bewitching. Every winery is meant to create a unique experience for the visitor. Cuna de Tierra's wine cellar displays magnificent architecture, and the site offers paths for bike riding and leisurely strolling. La Santísima Trinidad specializes in three products: winemaking, turning olive trees into oil, and the extraction of lavender to create fragrances.
21. Valle de los Senderos, a nearby complex, also offers a beach, thermal waters, gorgeous landscaping, and delicious food.
Basically all of San Miguel offers peace and serenity, but for EXPONENTIAL peace and serenity, you can head to Valle de los Senderos and relax as you take in its tranquil beauty from a private cabana.
22. Finally, you can't miss out on visiting botanical garden Charco del Ingenio.
Big cacti, paradisiacal panoramic views of cliffs, local flora, and a conservatory of Mexican plants are all part of this lovely natural preserve.
Oh, San Miguel, what a paradise for people who are looking to relax ~professionally~.
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