San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico’s most beautiful colonial towns. About 70,000 people live in its centre of cobbled streets, ochre and red façades and hidden courtyards at about 1,900 metres in the highlands of Guanajuato. The town and the nearby Sanctuary of Atotonilco are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why visit San Miguel de Allende
For walkable streets full of colour, a long tradition of artists and writers, excellent restaurants and rooftop bars, craft shops, and a festive calendar that seems to never stop.
Top things to do in San Miguel de Allende
The Parroquia and the Jardín
The pink, spiky Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, with its neo-Gothic façade, overlooks the Jardín Allende, the main square and meeting point of the town.
Streets, churches and courtyards
Walk to the Oratorio de San Felipe Neri, the church of San Francisco and the Bellas Artes cultural centre, set in a former convent cloister. Many old mansions now hold galleries and shops.
Fábrica La Aurora
A former textile factory turned art and design centre, with galleries, studios and cafés.
El Charco del Ingenio
A botanical garden and nature reserve of cacti and native plants around a canyon, just above the town.
Viewpoints and markets
The Mirador above the town has the classic view of the Parroquia, and the craft market sells tinwork, glass and textiles.
Day trips from San Miguel de Allende
The Sanctuary of Atotonilco, about 14 km away, is covered in painted murals. Hot-spring pools lie along the road there, and Guanajuato city and Dolores Hidalgo are about an hour away.
Best time to visit San Miguel de Allende
October to April is dry and sunny, with cool nights. Late September brings the San Miguel festivities, and Day of the Dead, Holy Week and Christmas are full of processions and decorations.
Getting to San Miguel de Allende
The nearest airports are Querétaro (QRO) and Bajío (BJX), with shuttles to the town. First-class buses come from Mexico City (about 4 hours), Querétaro and Guanajuato. The centre is best on foot.
What to eat in San Miguel de Allende
Local enchiladas mineras, gorditas, street tacos, local wines from the nearby vineyards and churros with hot chocolate.
San Miguel de Allende FAQ
Is San Miguel de Allende walkable?
Yes, the centre is compact, but streets are steep and cobbled: wear comfortable shoes.
How many days do you need?
Two or three days, plus one for Atotonilco or Guanajuato city.
