1. Discover the charm of San Miguel de Allende
2. Travel tips from an expert
3. Must-see attractions and experiences
A-List travel advisor Zach Rabinor shares his tips for a perfect vacation in the city.
The city of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, affectionately nicknamed San Miguel, offers gorgeous colonial architecture, quaint cobblestone streets, and the main square’s iconic pink parish, the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. The city’s charm draws visitors from all corners of the globe, many of whom spend the winter or move full-time, adding a cosmopolitan air to a town brimming with character. A go-to destination for romantics, creatives, and foodies, San Miguel has rightly been voted the World’s Best City multiple times by GoTravelDaily readers.
At Journey Mexico, a luxury travel company, I specialize in seamless experiences that connect discerning travelers with Mexico’s cultural and historic heritage, natural beauty, and active adventures. After countless trips to San Miguel, here are my 12 top tips for maximizing your visit.
1. Fly Under the Radar
Many travelers make the four-hour journey from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende. However, it’s worth remembering that Guanajuato Airport (BJX) is just a 1.5-hour drive away and has connectivity through California, Chicago, and Texas.
2. Skip the Rental Car
San Miguel is essentially a small town, with many of its cobblestone streets and winding alleyways closed off for pedestrian use. Consequently, I recommend skipping the rental car—limited parking downtown can be stressful and you can get to most places on foot within 20 minutes.
3. Take it Slow
Downtown San Miguel is ideal for wandering, checking out cafes, boutiques, and galleries as you go. Leave room for spontaneous stops, as many of the coolest venues are found in old buildings that have transformed into multifunctional spaces, including art galleries, stores, cafés, bars, and restaurants.
4. Listen to Live (Free) Music
Live music reigns in San Miguel, with many bars and restaurants hosting bands, solo musicians, or DJs. At sunset, the heartfelt croons of mariachis fill the main square. If you’re fortunate, you might catch a callejoneada, a celebration where wedding parties parade through the streets with a band and colorful adornments.
5. Make Reservations
If you have your heart set on a specific bar or restaurant, it is essential to reserve ahead of time. This is particularly important on weekends; however, I would strongly suggest making reservations for weekdays too.
6. Buy From Local Artists
Downtown San Miguel is brimming with art galleries and specialty shops, but be sure to visit the artisan markets as well. Browse colorful papier-mâché creations, handmade blown-glass hearts, and brass trinkets, including the city’s emblematic “burning heart” design.
7. Pack Mindfully
In a town where cobblestone streets contribute to its charm, it’s wise to skip high heels in favor of comfortable shoes. Furthermore, packing layers is key—as you can get away with shorts and a t-shirt during the day, it can get chilly after sunset, especially in winter. You will appreciate the warmth while enjoying amazing views from the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende’s Luna Rooftop, a tapas bar providing cozy wool blankets.
8. Perfect Your Drink Order
Travelers can enjoy intimate tequila tastings at Casa Dragones, a premium small-batch, San Miguel-based producer. Alternatively, shake up your experience with mixology tastings and classes at Bekeb or Hotel Matilda’s Monkey Bar.
9. Sip Local Wines
Just outside the city, Cuna de Tierra’s vineyard is known as Guanajuato’s first winery (it released its first wines for sale in 2008). Enjoy a gourmet lunch paired with wine while taking in the beautiful landscape views.
10. Get Cooking
The city’s gastronomic scene includes everything from taco carts to fine dining to creative culinary classes. I love arranging for travelers to meet private chefs, shop at local markets, and make mole from scratch. Moreover, enjoy dining at restaurants like Moxi, Áperi, and Zumo. Don’t miss San Miguel’s rooftop bars for sunset drinks; for instance, try Trazo 1810 for 360-degree panoramic views.
11. Study Mexican Folk Art
Discover San Miguel’s iconic mojigangas, large papier-mâché puppets, and create your own mini-mojiganga at Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, San Miguel de Allende with resident artist Hermes Arroyo.
12. Beat the Crowds
San Miguel tends to become busy on weekends with both domestic and international travelers. Therefore, aim to schedule your excursions on weekdays to enjoy a more relaxed stroll around town. This will allow you to experience the local atmosphere with fewer people present.
Zachary Rabinor is a member of GoTravelDaily‘s A-List of travel advisors and creates custom trips across Mexico. Additionally, all of the experiences mentioned above can be arranged as part of a tailor-made itinerary by contacting the Journey Mexico team.
