Wonderful Things To Do in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Looking for the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende? Keep reading to find out more about Mexico’s incredible little town.
San Miguel de Allende might just be Mexico’s best-kept secret. A charming town full of colonial, stone architecture, ochre colour palettes, delicious bars and restaurants and some of the best boutique shopping in Mexico, San Miguel really is a feast for the eyes.
2 or 3 days is a perfect amount of time to visit to soak up the atmosphere, all the delicious mezcal cocktails and spa experiences. There are many magical things to do in San Miguel de Allende but the best is definitely just wandering around, exploring, and seeing what you manage to find on every corner.
To get you started here are some of the best things to do in San Miguel, our favourite activities that you don’t want to miss.
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When to Visit San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel is a great place to visit at any time of the year. Blessed with pleasant, spring-like weather all year round, there’s a reason why about one-sixth of the town’s population are expats. Winters are cool (21°C/ 70°F) and dry and summers are hot (29°C/85°F) and wetter. The wettest months are June-September. We visited in May and we had glorious weather the entire time we were there.
When visiting San Miguel de Allende try to avoid the weekends as this is the busiest time. Due to its proximity to Mexico City, many people like to come here for the weekend.
Top Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende
Gawk at the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel & the Central Square
One of the true architectural gems of San Miguel de Allende if not the whole of Mexico is the stunning, neo-gothic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. This church is nothing like most churches in Mexico with its skyward buttresses and ornate stone finishings and details, it’s definitely something to admire while strolling around the city. In fact, the whole central square around the city is worth savouring; the colonial architecture, rooftop bars and perfectly manicured central garden. Make sure to also pay a visit after dark when everything is lit up beautifully.
Take a Mexican Cooking Class
If you’d like to learn a little more about authentic Mexican cuisine and take your cooking skills to the next level, then San Miguel de Allende is a great spot for a cooking class. Guanajuato State is very rich in food traditions and during the class, a top Mexican chef will guide you on how to prepare traditional Mexican dishes and salsas like mole or enmoladas.
Click here for one of the most highly rated cooking classes in San Miguel.
Relax in a cafe
There are so many amazing cafes in San Miguel de Allende, some of them stand-alone cafes and many others attached to the corner of a concept store or converted mansion. Either way, you’ll come across many while out exploring this gorgeous city. My favourites are Lavanda Cafe and Ki’bok Coffee where you can take a seat and just watch the world go by while drinking some of Mexico’s best brews.
Walk around the city centre
One of the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende is to simply walk around and explore without a plan or a map. It’s hard to get lost in the relatively small central area, and the beauty of this city is hidden on the rooftops and beyond the thick, facade walls of its buildings. I highly encourage you to simply walk around and poke your head into doorways to see what kinds of gems you uncover for yourself. The city is full of incredible spaces, restaurants, bars and boutiques that you’ll want to spend at least some of your time in.
Take a Painting Class
San Miguel de Allende has been a hub for artists and creatives for decades and it’s a lovely place to learn a new craft, have fun and do something different. There are a number of workshops in San Miguel de Allende where you can learn about different styles of painting, however the most unique is Talavera, a ceramic painting technique. In a Talavera painting class, you’ll be able to learn a little more about this amazing technique and paint your own plates which can later be fired and shipped to you.
To learn more and book your Talavera painting class click here.
Learn about the local craft beer scene
Craft beer is pretty popular in San Miguel de Allende and the area produces quite a few different brews. Dos Aves Brewery is one of the best known in San Miguel de Allende and if you want to know more about the craft beer-making process and have a chance to try some of their final product then check out this tour of the Dos Aves Brewery in San Miguel de Allende.
Visit the Local Markets
For discount souvenirs and encounters with friendly locals, head to the very authentic local markets of San Miguel and Ignacio Ramirez. Here you’ll see the locals going about their daily lives and old ladies selling fruit and vegetables. You’ll also find the most incredible selection of cowboy boots, local style hats as well as local produce like honey and cheeses which you’re welcome to try.
I highly recommend coming here to stock up on local fruit, try some Mexican/ Guanajuato food (if you aren’t plant-based) and practice your Spanish with the friendly people who are very open to talking with you.
Explore the Coyote Canyon on Horseback
Coyote Canyon is a lovely green and wild area just outside San Miguel de Allende and exploring it really gives you the opportunity to get outside the city and experience the Mexican countryside.
One of the best ways to explore the canyon is on horseback where you’ll get the opportunity to gallop through rivers and even do a bit of hiking and soaking in some hot springs.
This half-day tour is suitable for beginner and advanced riders alike and really allows you to see and experience the Coyote Canyon and the Mexican countryside.
Go Shopping
With all the incredible boutiques in San Miguel de Allende is impossible to keep shopping off this list of things to do. From gorgeous clothing items to jewellery and home decor, this small town has some of the coolest pieces in Mexico. It’s also a great place to buy souvenirs to take home for family and friends.
Some of the best things to buy in San Miguel de Allende are cowboy boots, local hats and arts and crafts. For souvenirs and local crafts make sure to check out Mercado Artesania and Mercado San Miguel.
Spend the day in a world-class spa
There are so many amazing places in San Miguel for a unique spa experience if you need to just turn off for a while. From unique outdoor thermal springs like La Gruta to luxury boutique hotel spas, there are plenty to choose from. Make sure to read the chapter above for the best wellness spots and spas in the city.
Visit the Mirador
Soon after arriving in San Miguel de Allende, you’ll notice that it’s a pretty hilly town and that means plenty of uphill walking and some of the best viewpoints around. Just outside the town centre, you’ll find the ‘Mirador’ or viewpoint, from which you can get some of the best views of San Miguel de Allende and the surrounding countryside.
It might seem a little strenuous getting up the hill but trust me, it’s worth it! Unfortunately, during pandemic times and at the time of visit the viewpoint has actually been cornered off so you’re not able to take the best photos but you can still see the view from the street behind.
Fly over the City in a Hot Air Balloon
If the view from the viewpoints around town isn’t enough for you and you’d prefer a much more special experience, try flying over San Miguel de Allende in a hot air balloon.
Globo San Miguel is the only company in the area that offer exclusive sunrise flights over the fairytale landscape at the prettiest time of day. After the magical flight experience, you can then have breakfast at Rosewood Hotel- the best hacienda turned hotel in the city. An experience of a lifetime no doubt.
Visit the Botanical Garden
El Charco del Ingenio is a lovely outdoor protected area and botanical garden just outside San Miguel de Allende that’s worth a visit if you’d like to get out of the city for a while and be in nature. You can come here to learn about all the different flora and fauna in the area including some endangered species, go for a run or jog or even come here to meditate, take some time out and enjoy nature.
Take a Day Trip to Cañada de La Virgen
Cañada de la Virgin is an archaelogical site near San Miguel de Allende that date back to 1050AD. You can spend the day or even a half day exploring the ruins and the colossal temple pyramid and learn more about the local culture and Otomi people that once lived there. If you’ve got a car you can easily drive to the site from San Miguel de Allende or if you prefer a tour with a knowledgeable guide to learn more, we loved this one here.
Explore the best rooftop bars
Without a doubt, San Miguel de Allende has some of the best rooftop bars in Mexico and if you’re into getting a drink or a bite to eat while watching the sun go down with a view you’ll want to visit some of the classic rooftop bars in this charming city. Our favourites were Luna Rooftop & Bar, Quince and Pueblo Viejo, right on the main square.
Where to Stay
Rosewood Hotel
