Welcome to San Miguel de Allende, a charming and colorful town tucked away in the central Mexican highlands. Its cobblestone streets, Baroque architecture, and colorful colonial buildings are a feast for the eyes, but San Miguel de Allende is more than just a pretty face. It is a town rich in culture and history, with plenty to see and do. We will guide you through 10 things to do in San Miguel de Allende, from exploring art galleries, tasting delicious tacos to wine tasting and scenic walks, there is something for everyone here.
Discover the Top 10 Activities in San Miguel de Allende
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Visit Fabrica Aurora and Stroll Barrio Guadalupe
Start your San Miguel de Allende adventure off with a visit to Fabrica la Aurora, an art and design center housed in a former textile factory. While there, indulge your taste buds at El Grandpa and Sons, savoring their delicious burgers before venturing out to explore the various art galleries and shops. Don’t forget to try some wine at the tasting shop.
Next, meader through Barrio Guadalupe, a haven adorned with vibrant street art. The colorful murals infuse the neighborhood with a unique charm, and there are plenty of quaint shops with local crafts, housewares, and clothing on Calle Aurora. Walking along Calle Aurora, you will end up at the Mercado de Artesians. Descend the stairs into the heart of the Mercado to look at local handicrafts and pick up some souvenirs. If you are thirsty, across from the entrance to the Mercado is a small park with a few vendors, one of which is a man selling his homemade agua frescas out of a cooler. Delicious and refreshing, ask which flavors he has available.
Visit a Winery
Did you know there are 11 wineries within an hour’s drive of Centro San Miguel?
Take the short drive (less than a half hour) to visit Tres Raices Winery; although the ride along the highway may lack scenic charm, once you turn off the main road and are greeted by the unique metal sculpture and expansive grounds, it makes the drive worth it. This winery boasts both a restaurant and a hotel. Indulge in a wine tasting and tour, finishing your day in a delectable way by dining at the restaurant. You can make reservations for the restaurant on Open Table, which is recommended, especially on weekends when it can be busy. There are several wine tasting options that can be booked in advance through their website.
The grounds are stunning and great for picture taking. The grape varieties they grow are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Caladoc, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyard also offers a shop where you can purchase your favorite wines to take home and share with your loved ones.
On another day, take the drive to visit Vindedos San Lucas. This vineyard is a ways off the main road to Quetero, nestled in a neighborhood where the homeowners each have their own vines, olive trees, and lavender fields. The winery harvests and creates unique wines, olive oil, and lavender products from these fields. Exploring the grounds, you’ll find there is a beautiful stone church and a polo field. The winery has an outdoor restaurant, which was very busy on the day we visited.
The wine tour can be booked in advance through the Whatsapp number on their website. The tour of the wine, lavender, and olive oil facilities concluded with a tasting in their underground cellar and a charcuterie paired with the wines.
For more to explore, here’s a list of the wineries in the region:
Puente Josefa Viñedo
San Lucas
Viñedo Toyan
Dos Buhos
San José Lavista
Los Arcángeles
Cuna de Tierra
Santisima Trinidad
Bernat Vinicola
Los Senderos
Vinedos San Miguel
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Climb up to the Mirador
Get your exercise in while enjoying panoramic views by climbing up the Mirador. This scenic staircase offers some breathtaking vistas once you reach the top. The walkway starts at Benito Jaurez Park and heads up a winding street, El Charro, reminiscent of San Francisco’s Lombard Street.
After climbing to the top, take a left and head down the street a short distance to immerse yourself in the mirador views. Walking back down along the picturesque street ( Salida Real De Quetero), presents great opportunities for pictures of the Paroquia as you descend, as well as the Templo de Santo Domingo, an interesting stone church with a bell tower. After the church take a left down the street to end up back at Jardin de Allende.
Enjoy the Parks
San Miguel de Allende offers several enchanting parks throughout the city. Take some time to explore them to discover the culture and artwork and for a shaded break from the cobblestone streets.
Benito Jaurez is a great place to stroll around and offers a nice loop if you are looking to get some steps in on a fairly flat surface. In the mornings, you’ll see plenty of walkers and joggers doing just that. If you are out for a stroll, view the butterfly garden, shop at some of the local vendors selling their wares at tables, and view the artwork and artists painting on the weekends.
Jardin Allende, in the center of the town with views of the Parraquia, is a beautiful place for a shoe shine, people watching, eating at a cafe, or trying homemade treats from local vendors. The park has plenty of benches and shade under the beautiful trees.
Plaza de la Soledad is found a few blocks over from Jardin Allende, with its perfectly manicured trees, vendors, and historic church. The park has a variety of food and crafts for sale, a bus station, making it a busy place for coming and going, a statue, and plenty of people relaxing and children playing. All in all, this is an interesting place to relax and watch the world go by.
Explore the Markets and Shops
If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, be sure to check out the Artisans Market, Mercado de Artesanías, and Ignacio Ramirez Market located in the historic center. Not only can you purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains, but you can also sample a sandwich or fresh juice smoothie from the food vendors. The Ignacio Ramirez Market is the perfect spot to grab some of the popular colorful plastic shopping bags adorned with Frida Kahlo and other Mexican art. For those looking to take home some souvenirs or local crafts, the Mercado de Artesanias has a great selection, including pottery, clothing, and housewares.
If you want to explore a true local market, head to the Mercado de San Juan de Dios and Plaza Guadalupe next door. These markets offer a wide variety of fresh food and fruits, food vendors, smoothies, lunch counters, and affordable prices on clothes, shoes, and housewares. Don’t miss out on these unique shopping experiences when you visit San Miguel de Allende!
Listen to Mariachi Bands at the Paroquia at Sunset
As the sun starts to set, the Jardin de Allende in San Miguel de Allende comes alive with vendors and music. The park benches offer a great view of the sunset, which is a sight to behold. The mariachi bands playing in the background add to the ambiance and make it a perfect way to end the day. The square is full of life, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the music, taking pictures, and soaking in the atmosphere. If you’re feeling hungry, you can grab a bite from one of the vendors selling ice cream or elotes. As the sun goes down, the Paroquia lights up the night sky, adding to the magical experience.
The square is also home to several cafes where you can sit back and relax with a coffee or beverage of your choice. You can also purchase beautiful handmade flower headbands from one of the vendors. The Jardin de Allende is a great place to unwind and take in the local culture. The vibrant energy of the square combined with the breathtaking sunset and mariachi music make for a memorable experience that you don’t want to miss.
Embark on a Nighttime Taco Cart Tour
San Miguel de Allende is a foodie’s paradise, especially when it comes to street food. If you’re looking for a unique dinner experience, head down to centro and check out Andy’s Taco Cart or Tacos San Francisco. Both carts open at 7 pm and offer mouth-watering street tacos with options like chorizo, beef, and chicken. Wash it down with a freshly made agua fresca and take a seat at the counter to enjoy the bustling atmosphere.
For a more indulgent option, head to the cart outside of Ignacio Ramirez market and try their burger with an unbelievable amount of toppings. This burger comes with a hotdog, ham, cheese, salsa, ketchup, mayo, peppers, and more. It’s messy, delicious, and probably not the healthiest option, but definitely worth a try. Just order it “con todo” and enjoy the overload of flavors.
Experience the sunset from the Rosewood Rooftop
We love exploring restaurants when we travel. If you’re looking for a unique experience in San Miguel, make sure to check out Luna Tapas bar on the rooftop of the Rosewood Hotel. Although it may be on the pricier side for San Miguel, the bar is definitely worth the visit for its amazing views of the city and its delicious Mediterranean-inspired tapas.
The rooftop boasts 360-degree views of the city and offers plush chairs and sofas for guests to relax on while enjoying their food and drinks. We highly recommend going at sunset for a drink and an appetizer. The fries, cauliflower, and blueberry hummus are just a few of the standout dishes that are perfect for sharing. Make sure to reserve a table in advance on OpenTable to avoid disappointment. While you’re there, take some time to explore the grounds of the hotel as well – it’s definitely worth taking a look.
Eat Treats at the Oldest Bakery
La Colmena Panaderia is a century-old bakery that offers a unique and authentic experience of indulging in the most delicious treats all day long. They have something for everyone, from cinnamon rolls to custard-filled conchas and fruity empanadas.
As you enter the bakery, you get to choose from an irresistible assortment of treats to fill your tray with, using tongs to pick what you want before heading to the cash register. The bakery staff will then bag your treats, and you’re all set to savor the heavenly flavors. La Colmena Panaderia is a must-visit place for anyone looking to relish traditional baked goods in a charming and friendly atmosphere.
Check out the library, then have lunch at Inside Cafe
If you’re a book lover and enjoy exploring libraries during your travels, then the Biblioteca Pública de San Miguel de Allende is a must-visit destination. This library boasts a beautiful courtyard and a vast collection of English and Spanish books. There is also a rooftop, which offers stunning views of the city. While you’re there, be sure to check out the cute gift shop.
After visiting the library, stroll across the street to Inside Cafe. This hidden gem has a rooftop seating area that offers a fantastic view of the street and the library. Their breakfast and lunch items are made with fresh ingredients and are absolutely delicious. But what really sets this place apart are their eye-catching drinks and craft beers. If you happen to be there on a Tuesday night, don’t miss their unique taco night with an Asian flair. All in all, a fantastic spot.
Explore the Best Things To Do In San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking a unique and exciting experience. From its vibrant art scene and rich cultural heritage to its captivating natural beauty and charming streets, San Miguel de Allende has something for everyone. As we’ve shared, there are many activities and experiences to enjoy in this eclectic town, and we hope that our list has inspired you to explore and discover all that San Miguel de Allende has to offer. So, pack your bags, plan your trip, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in this magical town. In the comments below let us know some of your favorite things to do in San Miguel de Allende.
