I recently had the opportunity to immerse myself in the enchanting Mexican city of San Miguel de Allende for eight days during the vibrant Dia de Los Muertos festival. This San Miguel de Allende city tour is a curated collection of my top recommendations. Renowned as one of Mexico’s foremost destinations, SMDA captivates visitors with its rich tapestry of art, vivid streetscapes, historic churches, impeccably maintained avenues, and its distinguished status as a premier wedding locale.
A compelling facet of its history unfolded after World War II, when American veterans who were seeking solace from post-traumatic stress, found respite by enrolling in art schools in San Miguel. This pivotal moment in time fostered a lasting American and expatriate presence in the city, which has also resulted in a vibrant and multicultural community. San Miguel de Allende’s allure extends to its wonderfully walkable streets, inviting roof decks and colorful discoveries at every turn. Here is our at a glace Travel Guide for this trip. Remember, if it’s in the guide, it’s great and worth your time!
San Miguel de Allende City Tour
Getting to San Miguel de Allende
• You can fly into Querétaro (QRO), Del Bajío (BJX) or Mexico City (MEX) international airports. QRO and BJX are a 1.5 – 2 hour drive, and MEX is a 3 – 4 hour drive to SMDA.
• I flew into BJX and booked a shuttle from the airport to San Miguel with Bajio Go Shuttle. If you want to take a bus from Mexico City I would choose ETN buses, they are clean, comfortable and have air conditioning!
Where to Stay
• If you want to stay in the San Miguel City Center there are so many fantastic hotels and rentals at various price ranges. Find one in your budget and grab it, you really can’t go wrong.
• San Antonio is a neighborhood just outside the city center. By staying out here you can see more about how the locals live and enjoy a 20-minute walk to town. I stayed in AirBnb in San Antonio and loved it!
Eats
• Tostevere – a quaint joint with a small but mighty menu. They only have 6 tables, and 4 bar seats so it is best to make a reservation!
• Atrio – a classy roof deck with an eclectic and delicious menu. Perfect view of the famous church Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel, make a reservation!
• La Posadita – Mexican food with a fantastic roof deck in the city center and views of the church.
• La Azotea – known for its tacos and lite bites, wonderfully mixed refreshments and roof deck views.
• Bovine – an upscale rocker chic eatery with eclectic menu, hip dinner out.
• Don Taco Tequilla – wonderful plant-based food, although not overtly advertised as plant-based because this food appeals to all.
• Sol Tribe – upstairs in Mercado Sano, pay at the counter, dine in or take out healthy grub made from scratch.
*more details in our San Miguel restaurant guide here
Drinks
• The Roofdeck at Selina – neighboring La Posadita, a great place for sunset cheers as views are sweeping westward.
• La 21unica – a classic San Miguel cantina (saloon), the local musician serenades will lure you in.
• Bekeb – hip spot for roof deck views, catch a groovy dj set and cool off in the dipping pool.
• Tene Kitchen & Bar – this bar restaurant is inside Hotel Casa 1810 which used to be an old mansion, grab a drink here before walking across the street to Tostevere for dinner.
*more details in our San Miguel restaurant guide here
Cafes
• Buonforno – neighborhood café and artisanal bakery on Stirling Dickens Street in San Antonio, go early to get your choice of scrumptious baked goods before they sell out! This is a great street to explore with your morning beverage in hand.
• Lavanda Cafe – people swear by their coffee and food.
• Mercado Sano – centrally located market with tons of options for coffees, teas and juices inside.
Grocery Shopping
• Mercado Sano – a one stop shop complete with a juice bar, restaurants, organic grocer, cafes and gift shops all under one roof. Prices are higher than neighborhood bodegas because of the quality, make sure to go upstairs.
• City Market – an off the chain supermarket, picture if Whole Foods and Gelsons had a baby.
Cool Finds
• Casa R Concept Store – exquisite highly curated clothing and accessory store for men and women. A wonderful place if you are looking for something extra special for a wedding or event.
• Roma Quince – incredible design store, you will leave here manifesting a house in Mexico to fill with all their things!
• Mixta – gorgeous clothing store with a global flare, with many cute gifts and such sprawled about.
• Los Suenos Consignment Boutique – home goods and clothing alike, you will find something you love here.
• A Sanchez Photo Fine Art Gallery – when I first saw his work at The Rosewood down the street my jaw was on the floor. Later on, I stumbled into his gallery downtown where I was elated to see his art again. His work evokes so many feelings while taking my breath away.
Touristy for a Reason
• Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel – with its neo-Gothic facade and soaring pink spires, this church stands as an iconic cultural symbol and spiritual centerpiece of San Miguel de Allende.
• Fabrica la Aurora – a vibrant art and design center housed in a renovated textile factory showcasing a dynamic fusion of contemporary art studios, galleries, artisan boutiques and eateries. An inspiring way to spend an afternoon.
• Aldama Street – a picturesque cobblestone thoroughfare, where time seems to stand still. Revered as one of the most beautiful streets in the world offering visitors a stroll through the heart of the city’s captivating culture and architecture.
Outdoors
• Parque Benito Juarez – run or walk a few rounds at this lush park and enjoy watching local sports + art vendors on the weekends. Snacks and drinks for sale too which I always love 😉
• The Rosewood Pool – grab a day pass at this fabulous establishment and stay cool. After a swim how about sunset drinks at their rooftop restaurant La Luna?
• Live Aqua – a luxurious adults only resort with stunning architecture, grab a day pass and swim in style.
City Tips
• The entire city is walkable and the cobblestones can be slippery. Bring your walking shoes with traction.
• Many times when you walk into one store it keeps going and will lead to a corridor of more stores. Be sure to walk in and out of all these areas so that you don’t miss a thing!
• In the cooler months when the sun goes down you will want a jacket.
• If you meet new friends who live in San Miguel and they invite you into their homes, say yes! The architecture is phenomenal.
• San Miguel de Allende is known for roof decks, so go explore the views!
• If you visit during Dia de Los Muertos (which I highly recommend) make sure to look up the events going on as the festivities change from year to year.
Feel that Magic
Being someone who frequents Mexico often, I realized a couple of years ago that I was repeatedly exploring the same beloved destinations. During Covid, I made a pact with myself to discover at least one new Mexican city each year. San Miguel has been high on my list since friends have been raving about it and Top Chef was filmed there (lol, I know).
On my inaugural visit to San Miguel, I can say this city exceeded my expectations. It radiates a unique appeal and charm which is truly captivating. Each day, as I embarked on my walking adventures, I experienced delightful serendipity. It felt as if the city itself was my guide, leading me effortlessly to culinary delights, intriguing shops,f and memorable encounters with locals. I hope this San Miguel de Allende city tour helps you plan your trip with ease and that you feel that magic upon your arrival.
xoxo, Bekah
PS ~ Make sure to catch my curated SMDA restaurant guide here! Between these two guides, you are set for your visit to San Miguel.
