A Magnet for Tourists
Rightly so, because every street was Instagram-worthy. If you like shopping and art, you’ll have no end to your entertainment. Every Kind of cuisine to ask for. You’ll find the most beautiful Starbucks in the Americas. I enjoyed taking photos but it was a bit crowded for me. But I’m also a claustrophobe so please take that into consideration.
How San Miguel de Allende Developed
San Miguel de Allende has a long history, dating back to the 16th century when it was founded as a colonial settlement. It played a crucial role in the Mexican War of Independence and has since become a popular destination for artists, expatriates, and tourists drawn to its colonial charm and artistic atmosphere.
Getting Here
We continued our bus tour from Guanajuato to San Miguel de Allende. This trip was about an hour and a half. The ride with Primera Plus was quite luxurious with personal charging ports and tvs and Movie selections.
I recommend visiting San Miguel de Allende if you like…
- Art Galleries
- Shopping
- History and Culture
- Colonial Architecture
- Gastronomy
- Nature
Dining and Cuisine
This well-developed city caters to all tourists’ needs. But be sure to try some of the smaller traditional taco eateries as well.
Take a food walking tour immediately!
I am a true believer in taking a tour immediately to get acquainted with a city. A food walking tour is a great way to get your bearings and you have the full attention of a local expert for great suggestions and answers.
Here are some foodie walking tours I recommend based on ratings and my own research.
Regional Dishes
San Miguel de Allende is famous for…
- Enchiladas Mineras: A local specialty, featuring enchiladas filled with spiced meat or vegetables and topped with a rich and savory tomato sauce and cheese.
- Carnitas: Slow-cooked and seasoned pork, served in soft tortillas with toppings like salsa, guacamole, and fresh herbs.
Popular Local Tacos
- Tacos de Carnitas: Slow-cooked and seasoned pork, served in soft corn tortillas with toppings like salsa, guacamole, and fresh herbs.
- Tacos de Chicharrón: Crispy-fried pork skin, served with salsa, lime, and sometimes with salsa verde or guacamole.
- Tacos de Bistec: Thinly sliced and seasoned beef, usually grilled or pan-fried, served with guacamole, salsa, and onions.
Unique Foodie Experiences I Found
The Best Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende
Many things you can do on your own but there are some activities, I suggest a tour. I haven’t been on a bad tour yet. And they really know how to do it here in Mexico. They take all the stress of planning out of it so you can focus right on what you want to see.
Hang out in the Zocalo
The town center is where you can listen to Mariachis, take pictures, or just find a bench and people-watch. It’s also where the iconic pink Gothic parish is. 
El Mirador
Get a panoramic view of the city. As you can see this could be a hike but you can take a taxi for a couple of dollars. At sunset, everyone gathers to watch the setting sun from here. 
Ignacio Allende House Museum
(Casa de Ignacio Allende) Mercado de Artesanías – Visit the colorful shopping street featuring handmade local crafts.
El Charco Botanical Museum
El Charco del Ingenio is a botanical garden and nature preserve just a few minutes from the historical city of San Miguel de Allende. The name comes from a spring-fed pool nestled in an impressive canyon. With great biodiversity, many different species of native plants and animals are in the canyon, the wetlands and the dry scrubland.
Shopping
Shopping in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, offers a delightful and artsy experience. The town is famous for its artistic community, and visitors can explore a plethora of art galleries, boutiques, and craft markets, where they can find unique and high-quality items.
Best Souvenirs
- Artisanal Handicrafts: San Miguel de Allende is renowned for its artisanal crafts, including intricately designed ceramics, textiles, leather goods, and glassware, created by skilled local craftsmen.
- Silver Jewelry: The SMA is known for its silver jewelry, where you can find beautifully crafted rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, often featuring modern and traditional designs.
- Textiles and Embroidery: San Miguel de Allende offers an array of colorful and hand-embroidered textiles, such as woven blankets, tablecloths, and clothing, showcasing the region’s vibrant cultural heritage.
With its thriving arts scene, shopping in San Miguel de Allende is an opportunity to acquire unique pieces of art and craftsmanship while supporting the local community of artists and artisans.
Visit a nearby Winery
There are a few large wineries to visit around San Miguel de Allende It’s much less stressful to take a tour so you don’t have to worry about directions. Most of the wineries are around a 30-minute drive outside town. Local Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting
Where to Stay – Accommodations
There are all kinds of options and price points available. I am more economically minded and I wanted to be immersed in the city, so I chose a homestay. I found a cute little Airbnb for under $40 a night. And when you book by the month, you can find rates as low as $30/night.
Click here to see my stay on Airbnb.
Want to know how I find an apartment in a safe neighborhood? Click here
But you can find any price point you want from dorm rooms to luxury.
Click on the links below to go directly to San Miguel de Allende.
I have booked tens of stays and experiences using Airbnb. Iconic Mexican Cities do not have to cost an arm and a leg.
Where to Stay in San Miguel De Allende
If you’re on foot like me, you want to be as close to the center as possible. I recommend staying in the pink zone shown on the map.
More of my Photos
