San Miguel de Allende, a picturesque city located in the heart of Mexico, has been named the “World’s Favorite City” by Travel + Leisure magazine for three consecutive years. This title is not just a passing fad, as San Miguel de Allende has been praised as a top travel destination for decades. What makes this city so special? From its stunning colonial architecture and rich history to its vibrant art and culinary scenes, San Miguel de Allende offers visitors a unique blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and modern amenities. It is a perfect destination for a romantic getaway. You can rekindle your romance in this intimate setting ideal for couples. In this article, we encourage you to spend three days in the city to explore the reasons why San Miguel de Allende continues to captivate the hearts of travelers and why it should be at the top of your travel bucket list.
Table of Contents
Day One
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the city’s most iconic landmark.
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at one of the many delicious restaurants in the city, such as Café Rama, a bistro and art gallery combined
- Evening: Take a stroll through the Jardin Principal, the city’s central square, and enjoy a drink or two at one of the many bars in the area.
You just got here so let’s set a leisurely pace and leave space to be open to all the inevitable yet fun discoveries of entering a new city for the first time.
Stop to admire The Parroquia de San Miguel de Allende. This iconic landmark of the city is one of the most recognizable buildings in Mexico. The church is known for its stunning neo-gothic architecture, which features towering spires, intricate carvings, and colorful stained-glass windows. One of the unique features of the church is the two tall pink towers that rise above the main facade. These towers were inspired by the Gothic architecture of Europe and were added to the church in the 19th century. The interior of the church is just as impressive, with soaring arches, intricately carved wooden altars, and stunning murals adorning the walls. The church has been a symbol of the city for centuries and is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to San Miguel de Allende.
You may be lucky enough to witness a wedding procession leaving the church. Destination weddings are incredibly popular in San Miguel de Allende. Of course, the city’s stunning architecture and charming cobblestone streets provide a romantic backdrop for wedding ceremonies and receptions. San Miguel de Allende’s rich cultural heritage and history add an extra layer of beauty, significance, and meaning to wedding ceremonies, making it a popular destination for couples seeking a truly unique and unforgettable wedding experience.
Continue to walk toward the heart of downtown and you can’t miss the beautiful Jardin Principal showcased in the center of the town square. The designer of the Jardin Principal in San Miguel de Allende is not known, as it was constructed in the 16th century by Spanish colonizers. However, the garden has been renovated and expanded over the years, with improvements and additions made by various architects and designers. It’s a beautiful place to wander, people watch and enjoy different viewpoints of the Parroquia.
After a walk in the park consider a relaxed stop at the highly-rated Cafe Rama. This bistro has an all-day menu, and a full bar as well as an art gallery that at the time of writing was displaying the works of Mexico City-born artist Jaime Shelley. I’m a huge fan of chilaquiles so you know that’s what I’d be ordering!
Day Two
- Morning: Visit the El Charco del Ingenio botanical garden, which has an extensive collection of cacti and other desert plants.
- Afternoon: Take a cooking class at Sazón, where you’ll learn how to prepare traditional Mexican dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Evening: Take a leisurely walk through the cobblestone streets of the city’s historic center, admiring the beautiful colonial architecture and colorful buildings
El Charco del Ingenio is a botanical garden located just outside San Miguel de Allende that offers a peaceful and stunning natural escape for visitors. One of the highlights of the garden is its diverse collection of cacti and succulents, many of which are native to the area. The garden also features walking trails that wind through different areas of the property, including a canyon with a natural spring-fed pool and a mirador (lookout) with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also learn about local plant species and their traditional uses for them through guided tours and educational programs offered by the garden. Additionally, the garden hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including music performances and traditional indigenous ceremonies. Overall, El Charco del Ingenio is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a relaxing and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
I happen to live with one of the most amazing cooks! My husband learned how to make a multitude of Mexican dishes from his Mexican-born mother. And he is passing along that same cooking tradition to our boys. But not everyone can enjoy the same luxury. So I always recommend when visiting a new country that you enjoy a cooking class, even if it’s just how to prepare one simple dish, so you can bring home a tasty bit of the culture and relive the best memories of your trip right in your own kitchen!
Taking a cooking class, like those available at Sazon in San Miguel de Allende, is a fantastic way to experience the country’s rich culture and vibrant culinary traditions. Mexico has a diverse range of regional cuisines, each with its own unique flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. By taking a cooking class, you can learn about the history and culture behind Mexican food, as well as develop new cooking skills and techniques. You can learn to make everything from traditional street foods like tacos and tamales to more complex dishes like mole and chiles en nogada. Many cooking classes also take you on walking tours through local markets, where you can learn about and shop for authentic locally grown ingredients. You not only get to enjoy the delicious dishes you’ve learned to make at the end of the class but you can share these skills again and again once you return home!
San Miguel de Allende’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors from all over the world for its beautiful architecture, picturesque streets, and vibrant cultural scene. The streets are lined with cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere. Other notable landmarks in the historic center include the Casa del Mayorazgo de la Canal museum, the San Francisco church, and the El Jardin Botanico botanical garden. The historic center is also home to a number of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the famous Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration in early November.
Day Three
- Morning: Visit the Fabrica La Aurora, a converted textile mill that now houses over 50 art galleries and studios.
- Afternoon: Take a trip to the nearby town of Guanajuato, where you can explore the colorful houses and narrow streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or consider a day trip to the popular hot springs that are nearby.
- Evening: Return to San Miguel de Allende and enjoy a farewell dinner at Aperi, a restaurant that serves contemporary Mexican cuisine using local ingredients.
A visit to Fabrica La Aurora in San Miguel de Allende is highly recommended because it is a unique cultural and artistic destination. The former textile factory has been transformed into a thriving arts and design center, featuring galleries, workshops, studios, and boutiques. The building’s colonial architecture has been preserved and restored, creating a beautiful backdrop for the contemporary art and design pieces showcased inside. Visitors can browse through a wide variety of art forms including painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, furniture, textiles, and more. The artists and designers at the Fabrica La Aurora are both Mexican and international, making for a rich and diverse cultural experience. Additionally, the Fabrica La Aurora offers regular art exhibitions, workshops, and events, making it a dynamic and engaging destination for art lovers and those interested in creative expression.
Experience the Hidden Hot Springs of San Miguel de Allende
On Day Three of this itinerary, a day trip is in order. La Gruta and Escondido Place are two popular hot springs near San Miguel de Allende. La Gruta, located about 30 minutes from San Miguel de Allende, is known for its large underground cave-like pool and its beautiful gardens. The hot spring has been around for over 30 years and is popular among both locals and tourists. Escondido Place, located about 15 minutes from San Miguel de Allende, is known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings. Just in case you couldn’t get away without the kids, don’t worry. It’s family-friendly and has multiple pools, including a wading pool for younger swimmers. The hot spring has been around for over 20 years and is a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Both hot springs offer visitors the chance to soak in natural mineral water that is believed to have healing properties, making them a must-visit for anyone looking to unwind and experience the natural beauty of the area. We loved our time spent at Escondido Place. There was relaxation and fun for the whole family. La Gruta is on our list for the next visit.
Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. If you’re looking for a luxury experience, the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende is a great option, with its elegant rooms and suites, picturesque courtyards, and a stunning rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city. Or you can splurge on a week at Casa San Jose and consider renewing your vows with an intimate group of family and friends. San Miguel de Allende is famous for weddings after all!
For a more budget-friendly option, you might consider staying at the Casa de la Cuesta, a charming bed and breakfast with a peaceful garden setting and stylishly appointed rooms. Alternatively, the Hotel Matilda offers contemporary accommodations and a central location within walking distance of many of San Miguel’s top attractions.
If you prefer the convenience and flexibility of renting a private residence, there are many options available through popular vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Whatever your preference, be sure to book early, as San Miguel de Allende is a popular destination and accommodations can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
Where to Eat in San Miguel de Allende
As you can tell from a few of our earlier recommendations, San Miguel de Allende is known for its delicious cuisine as well as classes that teach you how to prepare it! So you can imagine there are quite a few great places to eat in the city.
Here are some recommendations that take you beyond what we’ve already suggested:
- The Rooftop at Hotel Nena: This rooftop bar and terrace restaurant offers stunning views of the city and delicious Mexican-inspired cuisine.
- Aperi: This restaurant offers an innovative take on traditional Mexican cuisine and uses local, seasonal ingredients to create its dishes.
- Lavanda Cafe: This cafe offers a mix of Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine, and is known for its brunch offerings and beautiful outdoor patio.
- Hecho en Mexico: This restaurant offers a wide variety of Mexican dishes, including regional specialties like mole and chiles en nogada.
- Mivida: This restaurant offers a fusion of Mexican and international cuisine, and is known for its beautiful courtyard setting.
- La Posadita: This cozy restaurant is located in a historic building and offers traditional Mexican cuisine, including dishes like enchiladas and chiles rellenos.
- Cumpanio: This bakery and cafe offers a range of pastries and baked goods, as well as delicious breakfast and lunch options.
Consider the restaurant’s focus on sustainability as well when choosing your dining options. For example, the restaurant Aperi is known for its farm-to-table approach, with many of its ingredients coming from nearby farms and markets. In addition, The Rooftop at Cuna de Tierra is a farm-to-table restaurant located just outside of San Miguel de Allende, at Guanajuato’s first winery. Here they grow much of their produce on-site and source their meats from local farms.
But wherever you choose to dine, we suggest you don’t order dessert! When we were last there a local street vendor was selling slow roasted sweet potatoes cooked with piloncillo (a type of brown sugar cone) on a corner next to the town square. They were delicious and had a depth of sweetness to them like you’ve never tasted before! These smaller street carts, run by passionate individuals who are deeply connected to the community and offer personalized customer service, allow you to discover new tastes and experiences that you may not have known existed, and feel a sense of connection to the community through supporting local entrepreneurs.
By taking a small part of your trip to prioritize shopping locally and through smaller vendors you can also help to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of a community. Local vendors often showcase products that are made using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. By supporting these vendors, you’re helping to keep these traditions alive, and ensuring that the community’s unique cultural identity is preserved for future generations.
San Miguel de Allende is truly a one-of-a-kind destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. The city’s charm and beauty are undeniable, but it’s the unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities that make it a standout among other travel destinations. From exploring the stunning colonial architecture and art galleries to indulging in the delicious local cuisine and relaxing in the hot springs, there’s something for everyone in San Miguel de Allende. So why not spend three days in this beautiful city and see for yourself why it has been named the “World’s Favorite City” for three consecutive years? We guarantee it will be an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Interested in another day trip idea from San Miguel de Allende? You are less than 90 miles away from the city of Guanajuato. Read our detailed post on how to enjoy this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site also known as one of Mexico’s magical towns!
You can also connect to any one of our exhaustive guides on Mexico’s best destinations linked here. Whether you want relaxing beach towns, colonial heritage or to explore ancient ruins we’ve got articles that will inspire your next adventure.
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