San Miguel de Allende ("SMA") is a city of walls, a multitude of colors with shady rooftop gardens and a vibrant art scene. SMA is around 500 years old, and for more than half a century it’s been a beloved tourist destination. A remarkable example of 16th-century Spanish Colonial Baroque architecture, as well as a place of vital importance during the Mexican War of Independence, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 2008. The UNESCO historic district encompasses 64 blocks and includes homes, public squares and buildings such as La Parroquia, a 17th-century cathedral famous for its neo-Gothic design. This designation places SMA in the distinguished company of destinations such as Venice, Florence, Salzburg, and Prague as among the most historically and culturally significant in the world. Part art colony, part retirement village, part party town, San Miguel has swelled to about 60,000 people, some 10,000 of them foreigners and was voted the best city in the world by Conde Nast Traveler in 2013.

SAFETY

San Miguel de Allende is safe day and night, which is one of the many reasons why Americans and Canadians choose this city as their home or second home. There are no travel advisories in effect by the U.S. Department of State. SMA is located in the state of Guanajuato. 

WEATHER

Optimal year-round climate is one of San Miguel de Allende's treasures. February and March are the driest months and is the best time to visit. February 2015 temperatures ranged from the 70s during the day to the 50s at night. 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE

The exchange rate tends to hover between 14 MXN - 16MXN to $ 1 USD. Check the current rate on XE. There are many ATM machines throughout the city (ask where the "cajero" is). There is a currency exchange booth at the airport, but we suggest ordering currency through your bank prior to the trip so you will arrive with pesos in hand and avoid lines at the airport and those dreaded ATM fees. Be sure to bring small change for tips!

San Miguel de Allende is serviced by three airports: León (BJX), Querétaro (QRO), and Mexico City International (MEX). Mexico's largest low-cost airline is Volaris. Sign up on Airfarewatchdog to receive alerts when there are cheap fares for your route. 

Shuttles are available from all airports via BajioGo. Both BJX and QRO are a little over an hour away, while MEX is about a three-hour drive.  Once you have your flight booked, go ahead and book your shuttle to San Miguel de Allende. On the BajioGo website, you will enter the airport you will be arriving at and the number of people you are traveling with (you can book individually, but you may end up in separate shuttles so it's best to book your group in one reservation). It will also ask for your flight information (airline and flight number) so they know what time to pick you up (only book your group together if you are on the same flight). We recommend that you book your return shuttle at the same time; the fare is $29 USD per person each way. If you have any questions about this process, please send us a message. 

If you are a U.S. Passport holder, you do not need a visa to enter Mexico as a tourist. If you hold a passport from another country, click here to view information from Mexico's Secretary of Tourism to see if you require a visa. If you need U.S. Consulate services during your stay, you can contact the U.S. Consular Agent in SMA:

U.S. Consular Agent - San Miguel de Allende
Plaza La Luciernaga, Libramiento Jose Manuel Zavala No. 165, Locales 4 y 5
Colonia La Luciernaga
San Miguel Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico C.P. 37745

Telephone: (011)(52)(415) 152-2357
Emergency Telephone: Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. 
011-52-55-5080-2000, ext. 0 (From the U.S.) / 01-55-5080-2000, ext. 0 (from Mexico)
Fax: (52) (415) 152-1588

Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

consuladosma@gmail.com

You can also get ahead of the game and fill out your customs declaration form ahead of time. More information available on the U.S. Department of State website. 

We highly recommend finding an Airbnb apartment or casa to share with friends.  Other options include HomeAway & VRBO. If you decide to rent an entire home, most will include a maid staff. 

There are a ton of hotel and bed & breakfast options around town to fit any budget. Below are some of them, but feel free to research others as well via Tripadvisor. SMA is such a charming city that you really can't go wrong. 

BELMOND CASA SIERRA NEVADA

HOTEL NENA

MI BESITO B&B

EL PALOMAR HOTEL

DOS CASAS

HOTEL EL MESON

MANSION DEL BOSQUE

CASA DE LA NOCHE

THE ROSEWOOD

HOTEL MATILDA

CASA DE LIZA

CASA SCHUCK

CASA TIERRA NEGRA

L'OTEL

CASA DE LOS OLIVOS

The best way to get around SMA is on foot. Some of the most exciting discoveries can be found along its winding walkways. Just be sure to pack comfortable flats; although the sidewalks are paved, all streets are cobblestone.

Personal and/or rental cars are more of a burden than a convenience in San Miguel.  The streets are narrow and parking is practically non-existent.  Take a shuttle from the airport or the bus from Mexico City and walk or use taxis while in San Miguel. Taxis are safe but not metered and the standard fare is 25 MXN (more at night or to outlying areas, double to call a cab). We've never paid more than 40 MXN to get anywhere in town. Local bus fares are a flat 5 MXN.

Below is a map of the city center listing the main attractions. 

These are just some of the many things you can do in and around San Miguel de Allende. We encourage you to do your own research in case we missed anything you might be interested in. 

36 Hours 

If you plan to be in San Miguel de Allende for a couple of days, check out 36 Hours in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico by the New York Times. You can tailor this itinerary based on what you want to see and do. Below are some of the more popular things to do.

Cañada de la Virgen

There are ancient pyramids nearby! Cañada de la Virgen is just 45 minutes outside the city and is an Otomi archaeological site & the northernmost Pre-Columbian site ever to be found and most recently excavated. Located in the state of Guanajuato, the site was first discovered 1998 and the official excavation began in 2002. Public access was first allowed in 2011. However, unlike its famous counterparts such as Chichen Itza, access is strictly controlled due to it sitting on private property. You can have your hotel or host arrange for a taxi to take you there, or you can arrange a tour through Albert Coffee Archaeotours (cost includes transportation, entry fee, and guide). If you are interested in doing this tour, please send us a message so we can offer you a discount code. 

Sanctuario de Atotonilco

One of the best and easiest day trips out of San Miguel is the six-mile journey to the village of Atotonilco, where the main attraction is the “folk-baroque” Sanctuario de Atotonilco, which, like San Miguel, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the mid-1700s, it is decorated with extraordinary, often bloody, religious frescoes by local artist Miguel Antonio Martinez de Pocasangre. It is often touted as the Sistine Chapel of Mexico and is definitely worth a visit. There is an outdoor market on Sundays.

Cooking school

Top Chef filmed in SMA last season and the city has become the next foodie destination. Sazón (Correo 22), the cooking school managed by the Casa de Sierra Nevada hotel, offers market tours and two-hour demonstration classes Tuesdays through Thursdays, all of which are open to non-hotel guests and is approximately $50 per class. For a more hands-on culinary experience, Paco Cárdenas, proprietor of the popular patisserie/café El Petit Four, leads a weekly (usually Monday or Tuesday) 90-minute market tour, followed by a four-hour cooking class at his home, where students prepare—and then feast on—a four-course Mexican meal from the ingredients they’ve just bought. Menus depend on what’s in season. The cost is approximately $150 for the tour and class; $125 for just the class; or $45 for just the tour; 011.52.415.154.4010.

Tours

If you want to take in all of San Miguel de Allende, you can opt for a walking tour of the city. Check out Helene Kahn Tours if you're interested. 

If you want to cover more ground, try a biking tour through Bici Burro. 

If you're into the great outdoors and organic farming, venture 20 minutes outside the city and take a horseback riding tour with Via Organica. 

Fábrica La Aurora

San Miguel is a mecca for artists all over the world and abounds with galleries. Some of the best can be found about a fifteen-minute walk from the center of town at Fábrica La Aurora, a former textile mill, which has been restored and turned into a vast art and design center housing some 60 establishments. Don’t miss acclaimed self-taught Mexican artist Juan Ezcurdia’s studio, where you will see him at work when he’s in town. Also check out the still lifes of James Harvey, and Elena Brown Guiness’s collection of important contemporary Latin American works. Besides art, the Fabrica showcases antiques, home furnishings, and jewelry.

Escondido Place

There are thermal pools nearby! Travel 7 miles northwest from San Miguel's center to Escondido Place. This retreat boasts 10 indoor and outdoor thermal pools fed by natural hot springs, and lush vegetation and colorful flowers surround the grounds. Decompress in grottos containing water that reaches up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Recent travelers suggest adjusting to the water temperatures by working your way from the least warm pools to the warmest and then back again when you're ready to leave.

If the pools aren't enough to bring on your Zen, head to Escondido's Nativa spa where you can add a massage or body treatment to your relaxing itinerary. When you work up an appetite, you'll find a restaurant on site and picnic areas with grills for use by guests. Bathrooms and changing rooms are also available. Escondido Place is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and general admission is 120 MXN (about $8 USD) per person. For more information, visit Escondido's website.

San Miguel de Allende is full of cafes, rooftop bars, and restaurants. We recommend just wandering through town and going for what looks interesting. But, if you need a little guidance, below are some popular recommendations for food and drinks. Places marked with an "*" we have been to. 

EAT

MERCADO SAN JUAN DE DIOS*

If you really want to dive into the heart of SMA, visit one of the local markets. At Mercado San Juan de Dios, you can browse through the day's market offerings and stop at the various food stalls for aguas frescas, tacos, huaraches, tortas, and much more. And it'll be much cheaper and better than your two for 99-cents tacos at Jack in the Box. 

 The address is Indio Triste 14B. The hours are 9:00am to 8:00pm daily.

Moxi

Those looking for serious, high-end cooking in San Miguel can't do much better than Moxi. Run by Enrique Olvera, one of the country's foremost chefs and owner of Mexico-city restaurant Pujol (currently ranked number 20 on San Pellegrino's list of the world's 50 best restaurants) Moxi's kitchen specializes in innovative and artfully presented takes on Mexican classics. Dishes change with the seasons and include confit leg of suckling pig with almond mole sauce and tamarind puree, and beef carpaccio with rocket and buttermilk. Housed in the boutique Hotel Matilda, Moxi's dining room is casual but elegant and boasts an impressive art collection.

Aldama 53, Zona Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico +52 415 152 0883

CUMPANIO*

At breakfast time, locals can be found at Cumpanio (Correo 29), a sleek new gourmet bakery/café just off the Jardín, the city’s main square with its signature pink Gothic-style cathedral. This hip little watering hole is also open for lunch, light supper, and nightcaps.

Calle Correo #29, Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico +52 415 152 2327

La Posadita*

La Posadita boasts one of the best restaurant locations in San Miguel and the views from its charming roof terrace are a big part of its draw. Homely service accompanies the generous portions of Mexican fare which includes fajitas, stuffed chillies, and cochinita pibil, Yucatan-style shredded pork marinated with orange juice. Pozole, a homely broth beloved across Mexico and a cornerstone of the country's food culture, is regularly available at weekends and well worth trying. Margaritas from the bar, including a tamarind-flavoured twist on the classic recipe, are expertly made and uniformly well received, making La Posadita the perfect spot to unwind after a day's sight-seeing.

‪Cuna de Allende 13, Cento, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, GTO, Mexico +52 415 154 8862

Via Orgánica

More than just a restaurant, Via Orgánica forms part of a local non-profit organisation that runs both a nearby organic farm and a school designed to promote sustainable farming techniques, fair trade and environmentally friendly living. The winner of numerous guidebook plaudits, the cafe itself uses all organic produce, serving local wines and beer from Via Orgánica's own microbrewery. With freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, salads, and plenty of vegetarian dishes on the menu, this is the place to come for a taco detox. Breakfast is also a strong-suit, with options including pancakes with fresh fruit and home-made granola. More produce from the farm is available from the whole food shop on site.

Via Organica, Calle Margarito Ledesma 2, San Miguel de Allende, Guanjuato, Mexico, +52 415 121 0540

Cafetería San Agustín*

An obligatory stop for breakfast or a late night snack, Cafetería San Agustín is something of an institution in San Miguel. Popular with visitors from elsewhere in Mexico on account of its owner, former Mexican soap opera star Margarita Gralia, its similarly renowned for its churros con chocolate: crisp doughnut sticks, dusted in sugar and served with freshly made drinking chocolate for dipping. With its lively coffee-house atmosphere and views of the Iglesia de San Francisco, it's a nice place to linger provided there isn't a lengthy queue. A range of different chocolates are on offer, from dark and rich to sweet. If you're in the mood for something savoury, enchiladas and other Mexican favourites are also available.

San Francisco 21, Zona Centro, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico +52 415 154 9102

Cafe Firenze

Overlooking the church of San Antonio, Cafe Firenze would be worth a visit for the views alone, but the kitchen, overseen by two chefs from Atlanta also happens to serve some of the best Italian cuisine in town. Perfect if you're looking for a change from Mexican fair, Cafe Firenze is known as much for bold Mediterranean flavours as for refined presentation. Its beef short rib has won wide acclaim, with classics like porcini mushroom risotto finished with white truffle oil, carbonara and tiramisu also on the menu. Many ingredients are locally-sourced and organic, while pasta and even smoked salmon is freshly made in-house. With strong representation both from Italy and South America, the wine list is a further strength, as is the friendly and attentive service.

Cafe Firenze, Plaza de San Antonio, # 2 sur, Callejón de San Antonio 1, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico +52 415 121 0763

Hecho en Mexico*

Popular with members of San Miguel's expat community and with good reason, Hecho en Mexico offers a varied menu which ranges from well-executed Mexican staples, including Veracruz-style grilled talapia and stuffed poblano chillies, to burgers and club sandwiches. The restaurant's elegant courtyard, with its flowering trellises, is a further draw. So too are performances from Cuban-born violinist Pedro Cartas and his quartet who take to the stage on Friday and Saturday evenings between 7.30 and 10pm. If you're overwhelmed by the choice try the arrachera, chargrilled flank steak marinated with lime juice, chillies and spices. A Mexican classic, it remains the most popular dish on the menu.

Ancha de San Anotnio 8, San Miguel de Allende, GuanaJuato, Mexico, +52 415 154 6383

La Virundela

Smokey grilled mushrooms and crisp empanadas feature on the menu of this family run Argentinian and Uruguayan establishment, but it's the steaks that are the main event. Cooked on a grill over smouldering mesquite wood coals that impart their subtle aroma to the meat, they're the best in town. Many of the tables are set in and around a leafy courtyard while the main dining room is hung with chandeliers and modern art.

La Virundela's affable owners also keep a cellar full of Latin America wines, including bottles from selected Argentinian bodegas, and are on hand to advise on pairings.

Hernández Macías 48, Zona Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico +52 415 152 4400

MuRo Cafe

Consistently among San Miguel's top rated restaurants, MuRo is regularly praised for the warmth of its staff. Breakfast is a highlight and the extensive menu runs from huevos a la mexicana (Mexican-style eggs with onion, green pepper and tomato) to pastries and french toast. Lunchtime offerings include burritos, tortilla soups, salads, and seasonal specials such as chiles en nogada, poblano chillies stuffed with ground meat and served with pomegranate seeds and a cream sauce. A wide variety of freshly made juices are on offer too and there is regularly live music in the tranquil fern-fringed courtyard at lunchtimes.

Loreto 10-B, Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico Tel. +52 415 152 6341

CaFe Rama

Next to the Rosewood Hotel just outside the centre of town, Cafe Rama is another popular spot with San Miguel's visitors and resident expats. With mismatched furniture and the contemporary art on the walls (much of which is for sale) it's heading in the direction of trendy, but the food remains reasonably priced. Good coffee, a wide selection of teas, and classics such as eggs Florentine make it an excellent option for breakfast and the globetrotting lunchtime and evening menus offer something to suit all tastes. Open until midnight, Cafe Rama also keeps a well-stocked bar with a long list of cocktails to choose from.

Calle Nueva 7, Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico +52 415 154 9655

Baja Fish Taquito

The best of San Miguel's budget options and a strong introduction to Mexico's hallowed-street food tradition, Baja Fish Taquito serves fish tacos, seafood cocktails and vibrant, lime-laced ceviche in an informal cafe-style setting. Portions are generous, piled high onto soft maize-flour tortillas and topped with fresh salsas and pico de gallo (a Mexican garnish made with chopped tomato, onion and chilli), while the service is swift and accommodating. With it's low prices (around US$1 a taco) and central location, Baja Fish Taquito is ideal for a quick pitstop amidst a full day of activities.

Calle Mesones #11-B‬, ‪Zona Centro‬, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

“Taco Corner”*

There are dozens of great taco carts and even a few food trucks located throughout San Miguel. And some of the best vendors can always be found at the corner of Ancha de San Antonio and Nueva, across the street from the bus stop. Known among locals as “taco corner,” there are typically four to five vendors here at any given time (except during the mid-day siesta) selling tacos, gorditas, carnitas, tortas, and, sometimes, tamales into the wee hours.

See map.

DRINK

MUI BAR

A craft cocktail bar located in the same hotel as Moxi, Hotel Matilda. Decked out in modern art, lounge chairs and dark, sexy lighting, it’s where “the beautiful people hang out late at night,” according to hotel owner Spook Stream. There are plenty of attractive cocktails that utilize Mexican flavors like the Che Che Cacao of mezcal infused with nance tropical fruit, ancho chili, and agave nectar. Don’t miss a trip to the ‘baño’ where you’ll be accompanied by hundreds of naked people via artist Spencer Tunick’s photo-turned-wallpaper.

Aldama 53, Centro, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, +52 (415) 152 1015

la sirena gorda

Known as the Fat Mermaid (English translation) to the town’s extensive population of expats, stroll through the swinging saloon doors for ahi tuna tostadas, cold Mexican beers and signature ginger margaritas.

Calle del Dr Ignacio Hernandez Macias 85, Ruta Centro, Zona Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico, +52 415 152 5019

LA MEZCALERIA

Mezcaleria—San Miguel’s only true mezcal bar—could easily be plunked down in SoHo or Downtown L.A. with its modern décor and global grub. Grilled pulpo (octopus), homemade sausages paired with house mezcals from esoteric agave varietals will have you saying, “Hijole!”

Correo 47, Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico, +52 415 121 5354

la casa dragones

When visiting San Miguel de Allende, Mexico there’s no more unique and memorable experience than a private tour or stay at La Casa Dragones. Visit the historic 17th century stables of the Dragones cavalry, now transformed into an elegant private home. This stunning 4-bedroom, 4-bath home is centrally located in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, close to the city’s finest restaurants, art galleries and cultural attractions. During a stay or private tour at the house, you’ll also receive an expert tasting of Casa Dragones Tequila. During the presentation, you’ll discover the innovative process and handcrafted techniques that result in Casa Dragones’ uniquely smooth tasting tequilas.

Casa Dragones

Luna rooftop tapas bar*

As the highest spot in town to watch the sun set, Luna Bar offers ridiculous views of colorful rooftops and church steeples framed by the Sierra Madre mountains. Tamarindo margaritas are the specialty, but ask for a double shot. It’s pretty tame on the tequila otherwise. Across the street from Rosewood’s Luna bar, Hotel Nena has a killer rooftop bar as well (with slightly less expensive drinks) complete with a tiny pool—just in case you have the urge to start a water fight.

Calle Nemesio Diez 11, Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico, +52 415 152 9700

el tres

When in Mexico, it’s all about the bugs. Order the Malinche libation with the strategically absent ingredients on the menu for the ultimate surprise: Three plump, chili-seasoned chapulins (grasshoppers) grace the glass for a cocktail with crunchy goodness.  Located in El Meson Hotel. 

Mesones # 80, Centro, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, + 01415 152 0580

la azotea*

After dark on the weekends, the upstairs bar atop Pueblo Viejo restaurants heats up with a live DJ. The crowd is good mix of 20-something locals, trendy tourists and hippie expats. The sunset views are also pretty stellar.

Umaran 6, Zona Centro, San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico, +52 415 152 8265

the sunset bar*

The Sunset Bar, located across the street from the Angela Peralta theater, is another great place to take in a sunset. It has a much more casual vibe than the Luna Bar or Azotea. They have a lot of lounge seating for groups, but they also have table seating and a dozen or so barstools. And they have a limited menu of very casual, sinful bar food. (Try the Donkey Dog!!) They usually have a DJ late night on the weekends. Located above Casalina Hotel Boutique. 

Calle Mesones 101, Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico, +52 415 154 4007

sky lounge*

The Sky Lounge is located in a beautiful boutique hotel across the street from the Rosewood Hotel, and the small rooftop bar has views similar to the view from the Luna Bar, only from a slightly lower level. The Sky Lounge is small but very chic – it even has a small dipping pool. They also serve a limited menu of tapas and offer Happy Hour specials Tuesdays through Saturdays from 7:30 to 8:30.

Nemesio Diez, Zona Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico, +52 415 154 7129