Leaving your routine and visiting the Magical Towns in Mexico is perhaps one of the must-do things everyone must fulfill. If you have taken the reins of adventure and are ready to take flight, we will tell you what to do in San Miguel de Allende.
What is the history of the magical town, San Miguel?
Since its founding in 1542, San Miguel de Allende has become an important commercial, industrial, and agricultural center, thanks to the rustic farms of Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi, and Zacatecas. It was, without a doubt, an essential silver trading stop, which was on the way to Mexico City.
Things to do and see in San Miguel de Allende
In 2008, UNESCO granted the designation of Heritage City to the Magical Town of San Miguel de Allende. Because of this, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Guanajuato and Mexico. Currently, it may be the most visited town by both Mexicans and foreigners.
Take a stroll around town
Guanajuato is full of tourist sites to visit. For example, wander the streets full of history. There is no greater joy than discovering a new city. Meet the people, walk around the best places to visit in San Miguel de Allende, and admire the most emblematic architecture. The buildings will make you see why San Miguel is one of the most beautiful corners of Mexico.
Visit the Parroquia of San Miguel de Allende and Temple of San Francisco
The churches are a work of art that you should take the time to admire fully. The Parish of San Francisco de Allende, located in front of the Plaza Allende or Main Garden, will impress you with its European Gothic style, built with pink stone.
Inside, you can enjoy incredible paintings by Juan Rodriguez Juarez, an important Baroque painter in New Spain.
Tour the Mercado de Artesanias
There is no better way to get to know the roots of a place than to visit its Craft Market. Go to the Lucas Balderas walkway and consume Mexican products, buy some typical crafts such as mirrors and boxes made of brass, typical from Guanajuato.
Also, wool is a common material for making rugs and shawls. Finally, blown glass that’s made in different shapes, from glasses to spheres.
Get to know the Jardin Principal
Walking through the central square of San Miguel de Allende, also known as El Jardin, without a doubt, is one of the best things to do. It is the best place to socialize, surrounded by trees and historical buildings. You can talk, have your favorite ice cream, have a coffee, or relax with a drink.
Right in front is the Parish of San Miguel Arcangel, take an opportunity to take a photo with an exceptional background.
Savor typical drinks and food
Did you know that Guanajuato is also a great producer of tequila and mezcal? It’s true, the state is part of the denomination of origin for this drink that Mexicans and foreigners so love.
One of the places to visit in San Miguel de Allende that will fascinate you is Mezcal-art. Here you can learn a little more about the culture of mezcal, taste it at a reasonable price, and try traditional Mexican dishes such as Tlayudas. Are you going to miss it?
Admire the El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden
Do you love nature? Then the Charco del Ingenio is for you. Discover the nature reserve with natural canyons and ruins, as well as a large number of plants that have been collected throughout Mexico. Without a doubt, this is a fascinating tourist site in Guanajuato.
And if you visit with small children, they will love this place, the Garden of the Senses, inside the botanical garden. Just 15 minutes from San Miguel de Allende, and for only $50.00, you have a new favorite place to discover.
Celebrate the homeland
In September, Mexico’s independence is celebrated, and San Miguel de Allende is the perfect place to join the festivities. Enjoy the night of the cry of independence, surrounded by fireworks, traditional snacks, and of course, mariachis.
Now you know the best things to do in San Miguel during this long weekend in September. Enjoy the company of friends and family!
Walk through the Ignacio Ramirez Cultural Center “El Nigromante”
This Cultural Center belongs to the National Institute of Fine Arts. For many years it served as a school. Later during the Mexican Revolution, it was a barracks. Currently, it is used for the dissemination of art, presenting exhibitions, courses, and workshops.
Why should I visit it? You will find impressive murals by David Alfaro Siqueiros, Eleonor Cohen, and Pedro Martinez. Siqueiros left some unfinished murals, which you can admire the technique that the painter used to give life to his works of art.
Museo del Juguete Popular Mexicano
It is one of the most traditional places in San Miguel de Allende. Also known as Museo de la Esquina because it is located between Nuñez and San Francisco streets. It houses the history of traditional Mexican toys, primarily handmade, from all over the country.
As the years have passed, the collection has grown impressively. You cannot leave San Miguel de Allende without seeing it.
Where to eat in San Miguel?
Full belly, happy heart! Another way to discover a new place is by delving into its flavors. Here are some options that can help you get to know the traditional food of San Miguel de Allende.
- Rabo de Zorra. The first thing you should try is one of its most famous dishes. We are talking about the “Rabo de Zorra,” which is prepared with ancho chili peppers, eggs, xoconostle, and lard, without a doubt, a feast for your palate.
- Fiambre. Later, you can taste the San Miguel de Allende style cold cut, made up of a mixture of meats: beef, chicken, and pork with green fruits in oil and vinegar.
Finally, we recommend visiting the Ignacio Ramírez Market, where you will undoubtedly see the roots of San Miguel de Allende. When you arrive at the market, you will find the traditional foods of San Miguel de Allende. Pamper your palate with the most traditional dishes from Guanajuato, such as enchiladas mineras and pacholas, try it with a refreshing beet agua fresca, and for dessert, cajeta.
Popular festivals in San Miguel de Allende
As a magical town full of culture, history, and customs, San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato is known for offering a wide variety of popular festivals. Here are some of them.
- International Festival of Music, Jazz, and Blues
- Puppetry
- Writers and Literature Festival
- The Feast of the Patron Saint Michael the Archangel
- El Convite de Locos
- Corn Valley Festival
Best season to travel and the weather
San Miguel de Allende is located in the central region of Mexico, which is why its climate is temperate, with an average temperature of 18ºC. During the summer (June to September), it is usually a little warmer, with temperatures reaching 26º. Of course, with cool nights and probably light rain.
During winter (November to February), the weather is usually colder and drier. In both cases, we recommend that you pack comfortable shoes and a warm jacket.
How to get to San Miguel de Allende?
Just four hours from Mexico City, it is one of the busiest spots for tourists. To get to San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato quickly, travel by air to the Leon airport. By land, you can leave from the North Bus Terminal in Mexico City. Another route to get to San Miguel is the Mexico-Queretaro highway towards Dolores Hidalgo.
Fly to San Miguel de Allende
Now that you know what to do in San Miguel de Allende, we invite you to embark on an adventure. Fly to San Miguel Allende with flights to Leon at the best price. Start planning your adventure today!