Named “Best Small City in the World” for multiple years by Conde Nast, San Miguel de Allende is a charming and picturesque city set in the central highlands of Guanajuato, Mexico. Cobblestone streets, brightly colored Spanish-colonial buildings and remarkable architecture make this enchanting city a place to remember. We know when you arrive, you’ll understand the magic of San Miguel de Allende. In the meantime, we put together a list of experiences that we recommend to get you excited! We can't wait to share this city with you!
Situated in the middle of the city and directly in front of La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, El Jardin is the town square. Spend time here people watching, listening to wandering mariachis and getting your bearings before exploring the streets that lead away in all directions.
The crown jewel of San Miguel, this church was originally built in the 1600s with a traditional Mexican façade. However, Zeferino Gutierrez added a neo-Gothic façade in 1880 inspired by European churches. With its pink sandstone, La Parroquia is one of the most famous churches in Mexico and also a beautiful photograph at sunset.
Big, vibrant market with vendors for fruit, vegetables & hot food, plus local crafts & gifts.
This is the house where Mexican independence hero Ignacio Allende once lived. The building is also home to the town's history museum, which holds the history of the San Miguel area.
Casa Dragones is the original tequila of San Miguel, and one of our favorites! La Casa Dragones offers exciting and memorable experiences, from mixology classes to professional tastings with a seasoned tequila expert. Please note that tastings require reservations!
Globo San Miguel offers daily hot air balloon flights over the beautiful colonial town of San Miguel de Allende and the surrounding countryside. Globo San Miguel was founded in 1993, and they are the original balloon company in town.
An all day café where you can grab coffee to go before wandering the cobblestone streets or stay to enjoy breakfast. I’ve heard you should order the chilaquiles! It’s small and often has a line, so get there just as they open at 8:30 AM.
A restaurant, bar and bakery. Its menu revolves around the bread. Great for breakfast/brunch!
Right next to The Rosewood, an incredible option for breakfast or lunch! Super funky bistro, bar, and art gallery. From savory breakfast dishes accompanied by fresh squeezed juice to sumptuous burgers, salads and more. Peruse the art and shop through the one-of-a-kind jewelry selection while sipping on one of their original cocktails.
Beautiful rooftop with live music! Our favorite restaurant in SMA for traditional mexican food!
Festive Mexican restaurant. Music from 5-7 on Thursday. Good lunch spot when you are in Centro.
Another great Mexican restaurant choice and one of our favorites! Great music on Friday night.
Great lunch spot with diverse menu with everything from traditional Mexican, to American, to sushi. You can't go wrong. Great homemade desserts and people watching because it is just a block off El Jardín.
Delicious flaky Mexican churro pastry & chocolate, one block east of El Jardín.
Trazo 1810 has been named one of the 120 best restaurants in Mexico, for its elevated creative cuisine. To enter the restaurant, you walk through an art gallery and take the elevator to the rooftop of Casa 1810 Centro, with a stunning view of La Parroquia. This was one of our favorite dinners in SMA and we highly recommend!
THE RESTAURANT is housed in one of San Miguel’s most elegantly colonial settings at Sollano 16. Offering a full bar, it serves lunch and dinner six days a week in a sun-dappled eighteenth century Moroccan courtyard, as well as in their elegant dining salon. Reservations are highly recommended.
Áperi, from the Latin "open", perfectly describes the restaurant's proposal, which offers a unique culinary experience; food for the five senses, prepared with the freshest ingredients of the region and the passion and excellence that characterize its cuisine.
Hotel Matilda’s signature restaurant, Moxi, offers Mexico’s finest gastronomy with an international influence. With a culinary identity that incorporates both its Mexican heritage and its cutting-edge, contemporary ambiance and spirit, Moxi has built a reputation as a fine, modern dining experience.
Rooftop bar and restaurant at the Rosewood Hotel. One of the best views in San Miguel!
One of best bars in the city with an outstanding view of the Parroquia. Come here before sunset for drinks and enjoy watching them ring the bells. Upscale food and hip venue offering an eclectic international menu & DJs in a chic space that has city views.
La Única is a cozy bar & grill in San Miguel de Allende, featuring regional Mexican cuisine with lovely views. There is both indoor and al-fresco dining, with a covered pergola and gorgeous second floor terrace.
Situated atop a former stable belonging to Ignacio José de Allende y Unzaga—the revolutionary after whom the city is named—La Azotea boasts views over three important churches: the golden dome of Las Monjas to the west, San Francisco to the north, and the pink castle of La Parroquia to the east. The food’s as good as the view; standout menu items include the signature tacos, chipotle-covered shrimp, and fried leek ribbons on a jicama “tortilla.”
In addition to 360-degree cityscapes, the rooftop of the chic new Hotel El Palomar boasts breathtaking views of the mountains, canyons, and valleys in the distance. You can take it all in from the comfort of assorted lounges peppered throughout the space, while a pair of draped pavilions offer protection from the elements. There are excellent homemade sandwiches and a selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits.