20 Top Things To Do In San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

1. Visit The Parroquia De San Miguel Arcangel

The neo-Gothic-styled, gleaming pink Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel dominates the cityscape of San Miguel de Allende.

Dating from the 17th century, though the striking facade was done by a local craftsman who became inspired by the German cathedral of Cologne in the late 19th century, it is equally resplendent inside with ornate altars, murals, and statues.

While admission to the church is free, dress properly and behave accordingly during religious rituals. The church is situated on Jardin Allende, the city's central square.

2. Walk Around The Jardin Allende

El Jardin is the main square in San Miguel de Allende, the place to be. You can feel the lively spirit of the city, view the local celebrations that come with parades and fireworks, and see beautiful street performances with traditional music.

Take a sit on one of the metallic benches and just look at the well-cared-for plants and colorful architecture.

Apart from sampling some of the mouth-watering food from the street vendors, you could browse through the stores and galleries lining the plaza. El Jardin hosts many cultural events and festivities throughout the year, including religious processions, concerts, parades, and fireworks.

3. Check Out The Crafts Market

You may find a wide range of handicrafts created by regional craftsmen in the vibrant Mercado de Artesanias (Crafts Market). Everything from leather purses and silver earrings to hand-painted pottery and embroidered shirts are available. To get a decent deal, you may also haggle with the merchants.

Mercado de Artesanias should be on your list, whether your goal is to peruse the stalls or purchase some handcrafted mementos. This artisan market, which is conveniently located in the heart of the city, is a colorful explosion; there are many craft stores scattered around the neighborhood, and booths fill an interior-covered area that spills out into the streets.

Along with silverware, pottery, jewelry, embroidered linens, and other crafts, you can discover anything from hand-painted alebrije sculptures to products with typical La Catrina patterns. You may even get a glimpse of an artist in action, or painting.

4. Discover The City Through Its Cuisine

A foodie paradise, San Miguel de Allende provides flavors and cuisines, foreign fusion and classic Mexican, that are diverse.

On a tour of the best restaurants, markets, and street stalls of the place, try some of the local delicacies, such as enchiladas mineras (tortillas filled with cheese and chicken covered with red sauce), pozole (hearty soup made with hominy and meat), churros, and mezcal (strong distilled alcoholic beverage made from agave).

You can even take a cooking class with a local family or professional chef to learn how to make some of these dishes yourself. You can even attend a wine-tasting event, which will introduce you to some of the best wines produced in the region if you prefer drinking to eating.

5. Experience Wine Culture

Guanajuato is one of the largest wine regions in Mexico, known for the natural wine movement with organic and low-intervention practices. Some 500 vineyards have over 28,000 hectares planted with vines; red wines reign supreme, with a healthy amount of whites as well.

This is a place of paradise that boasts many notable wineries and vineyards. The wine area attracts people from many outstanding wineries and vineyards like Vinedo San Miguel, Vinicola Toyan, and Vinedo Bernat.

San Lucas, Dos Buhos, Cuna de Tierra, Santisima Trinidad, Octagono, Vinedo San Miguel, Vinicola Toyan, and Vinedo Bernat are a few more places you may travel a little farther.

6. Go On An Outdoor Adventure

In addition to being a center of culture, San Miguel de Allende is a natural wonderland where you may take in the richness and beauty of the Mexican countryside. In San Miguel de Allende, horseback riding is a must-do activity, and there are many great places to go.

The Rancho Xotolar is a well-liked choice where you may ride across the countryside and enjoy a real Mexican ranch lifestyle. Similarly, Coyote Canyon Adventures is another excellent option; it provides both the opportunity to see a genuine Mexican community and guided rides through the picturesque canyon.

San Miguel Horses is another option; here, you may hike the trails surrounding the well-known Canada de la Virgen ancient site.

7. Hot Air Ballooning

Picture yourself soaring above San Miguel de Allende's vibrant skyline as the sun peaks over the horizon, illuminating the sky with pink and orange hues. You will be able to see the metropolitan environment and the rural areas from above as you ascend above the city in the early morning.

The takeoff is completely safe because the balloon flight only occurs under ideal circumstances. Typically, the takeoff is so silent that many passengers are unaware that the flight has begun. It is occasionally a little livelier and the wind blows a little harder. The movement of ballooning is quite safe.

8. Stroll Around The El Charco del Ingenio

One of the unsung treasures of San Miguel de Allende is this floral garden and natural reserve. On its more than 170 hectares of land are found over 1,000 species of plants, many of which are rare or endangered.

You will also have the opportunity to observe part of the regional fauna, which includes birds, amphibians, reptiles, and insects, while you walk around the trails and bridges connecting the wetlands with the canyon and the reservoir.

Among the optional activities are the realization of a meditation session, calming down in contact with nature; being guided through the plants to learn more about their use and properties; or a temazcal (ancient steam bath) to clean your body and soul.

9. Visit Churches And Cathedrals

There are several stunning churches and cathedrals in San Miguel de Allende that are worth a visit, but the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel is perhaps the most famous in the city due to its pink exterior.

The Santuario de Atotonilco, known as the "Sistine Chapel of Mexico" because of its elaborately adorned interior, and the Templo de San Francisco, a magnificent specimen of neo-gothic architecture, are not to be missed.

The Oratorio of San Felipe Neri, the Templo de la Inmaculada Concepcion (Las Monjas), and the Templo de Nuestra Senora de la Salud are other notable churches.

10. Explore Cultural Festivals

Experience the year-round celebrations and lively culture of San Miguel de Allende. You may go to some of the festivals and events that feature many kinds of literature, music, art, and film.

At events like the Festival Internacional de Cine Guanajuato (GIFF), one of the most prominent film festivals in Latin America, you can see the grind and enthusiasm of both local and foreign artists.

Similarly, the Fiesta de San Miguel Arcangel, a customary festival honoring the city's patron saint that includes parades, dances, fireworks, and music, or the Festival de Musica de Camara (FMC), an annual event that showcases some of the best chamber music ensembles in the world.

11. Discover The Casa De Allende Museum

It is a museum in San Miguel de Allende for anyone interested in Mexican history and culture. Located in the former home of one of the heroes of the Mexican War of Independence, Ignacio Allende, it traces the history of San Miguel de Allende from pre-Hispanic times to the beginning of the independence movement and the life and legacy of Allende.

Apart from information about the events that triggered the 1810 revolt against Spanish colonial rule, you can view original furnishings, paintings, documents, weapons, and personal effects of Allende and his family.

12. Go Shopping

Discovering one of San Miguel de Allende's boutiques and shops, where you can purchase everything from hammered silver jewelry to silk-screen t-shirts, is one of the nicest things to do there.

You may buy goods that highlight the originality and flair of the local designers and artisans in this town, which is also a shopping haven.

Some of the sites you should visit include Abrazos Boutique, a welcoming space that offers handcrafted textiles created by local women, and Mixta, which is housed in an 18th-century home with a lovely terrace.

13. Hike To El Mirador

Go to El Mirador, a terrace with expansive city views, for a birds-eye perspective of San Miguel del Allende. SMA at street level is fantastic. However, it can appear much nicer from above.

The climb up to El Mirador is a necessity if you're feeling energetic. Some of the city's greatest panoramic vistas may be found from this vantage point. Because of its relative ease, the trip is appropriate for hikers of all ages and fitness levels.

You'll be rewarded with expansive views of the surrounding countryside, churches, and colorful homes at the summit. Remember to take your camera because it's an excellent place to take pictures.

14. See The Canada De La Virgen Archeological Site

Experience the pre-Hispanic settlement of Canada de la Virgen, which was inhabited by the Otomi people for agricultural, religious, and astronomical purposes between 540 and 1050 AD.

The location is situated on 12 hectares of ground along the Laja River, approximately 16 kilometers southwest of San Miguel de Allende. Sunken patios, squares, a ball court, esplanades, and a road are among the seven colossal constructions that may be seen as you stroll around the site.

Along with learning about Otomi's culture and cosmology, you may also learn about their connections to other Mesoamerican areas and how they built and lived on the site.

15. Take A Day Trip To Guanajuato

Originally a silver mining town, Guanajuato is a lovely colonial city in central Mexico. Its cobblestone walkways, elegant cathedrals, and numerous colorful buildings make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit the Mummy Museum, the Alhondiga de Granaditas, the site of the first fight of the Mexican War of Independence, and the Juarez Theatre, which hosts the yearly International Cervantino Festival, which features artists and performers from all over the world, to learn more about its history and culture.

You may also take in the vibrant ambiance of its markets, cafes, restaurants, and plazas. For breathtaking views of the city, you can trek in the nearby mountains.

16. Explore Coyote Canyon

One of the most beautiful natural areas on the hillsides of Guanajuato, just a short drive from San Miguel de Allende, is Coyote Canyon. This is one of the best places to get some fresh air and get out of town.

There are horses frequently used on guided tours through Coyote Canyon, but if strolling is more your pace, then you can hire a hiking guide to show you some of the most beautiful trails this canyon has to offer.

For the more adventurous, there is also ziplining available in the area as well as being able to combine your stay with a trip to the nearby Canada de la Virgen.

17. Browse The Museo Historico

History buffs shouldn't miss the birthplace of Ignacio Jose de Allende y Unzaga, namesake of San Miguel de Allende and one of the founders of the Mexican Independence. The easy add-on of Museo Historico to your itinerary is located right near the Jardin Allende and well-known Parroquia.

Take an hour to walk through the museum's exhibits, including historical artifacts from the period and rooms with authentic furnishings. For under $3 to get in, it's a small but interesting exhibit that provides you with much background for the rest of your visit to San Miguel de Allende.

18. Join The Desfile De Los Locos

You're going to have a great time if you visit around mid-June. One of San Miguel de Allende's most colorful and much-awaited festivals is the "Parade of the Crazies," also known as Desfile de los Locos.

This vibrant and exciting procession draws thousands of residents and visitors to the streets, where participants don extravagant masks and costumes, dance to the music, and toss candy to onlookers. You won't want to miss the show.

19. Try Pedos De Monja

You will undoubtedly come across the signs promoting pedos de monja if you spend any time exploring San Miguel de Allende's streets. You'll be perplexed whether you can interpret "nuns' farts" with your Spanish.

Originally manufactured by hand and sold by nuns to raise money for their convents, these delectable chocolates were jokingly dubbed nuns' breasts (pechos de monja) because of their round form.

The name changes throughout time. They are now a staple in San Miguel and the neighborhood. Try just one or take a quick, self-guided tour of the town's pedos de monja tastings.

20. Experience Instituto Allende

The Instituto Allende has long been regarded as one of the most significant art schools in the area, and San Miguel de Allende has a long history of producing artists and creatives.

After World War II, it even accepted students from Mexico who were eager to study under Mexican masters like David Alfaro Siqueiros to the United States under the G.I. Bill.

In addition to teaching normal students, it now hosts frequent seminars and classes for tourists as a component of the Universidad de Guanajuato. As you explore the town, it's worth stopping by merely to see the student-painted murals on the old walls. They're dramatic and contemporary.