10 Things To Do in San Miguel de Allende

Are you looking for the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende?

San Miguel de Allende is a city in Guanajuato, Mexico, located in the eastern portion of the state. A 16th-century friar named Juan de San Miguel and a martyr of Mexican independence, Ignacio Allende were the two people who gave the city its name.

San Miguel De Allende, one of Mexico’s most beautiful colonial cities, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This colonial-era city in central Mexico‘s highlands is known for its baroque Spanish architecture, vibrant arts scene, and cultural events.

As a world-class city and a cultural mecca, San Miguel de Allende has received a variety of awards in the last decade or so. Many sights and activities await you within the city’s vibrant structures and along its narrow cobblestone streets.

Here’s a list of the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende, from stunning works of art inside churches to an ancient archaeological gem.

10 Things To Do in San Miguel de Allende

1. Stroll Around El Jardin

As the city’s beating heart, the central square known as El Jardin is where the parish looks out onto. Here, elaborately decorated historic buildings surround a sprawling garden in the center. At any time of day or night, it’s a hot spot for live music, dancing, and socializing.

Various vendors set up shops in the square selling local delicacies, while mariachi bands strut their stuff.Other noteworthy sights in the area include the iconic Parish and the family home of Ignacio Allende, who was a prominent personality during Mexico‘s War of Independence. His former residence is now the San Miguel de Allende Historical Museum.

2. Learn local history at Museo Historico de San Miguel de Allende

The Museo Histórico is one of San Miguel de Allende’s most significant structures. Located just south of the city’s central square, this building was the birthplace of Ignacio Jose de Allende y Unzaga. He was an officer in the Spanish army who sided with Mexican independence fighters.

A museum has been operating out of this historic home since 1990. Here, you will find two floors of exhibits on Allende’s life as well as art from the 16th, 17th, and 18th century periods. Additionally, the Mesoamerican and regional cultures of Mexico, as well as the town’s founding in the sixteenth century, are also featured in this must-visit museum.

3. Visit La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel

While in San Miguel de Allende, you simply can’t miss the stunning La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. This imposing neo-Gothic facade is an architectural wonder, adorned with soaring pink spires that can be seen from all over town. According to legend, self-taught Zeferino Gutiérrez, who built the church – was inspired by a postcard photograph of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia.

While the church’s exterior is stunning, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the interior. There, you’ll find a beautiful painting of the town’s founding and a revered image of Cristo de la Conquista (Christ of the Conquest).

4. Explore Cañada de la Virgen

One of Mexico‘s best-kept archaeological secrets, the Caada de la Virgen in San Miguel de Allende only opened to the public a decade ago. This pre-Hispanic city was believed to have had inhabitants before AD 540 and AD 1050.

Structures here such as the Thirteen Heaves House, the Longest Night’s House, and the Wind’s House are among the most significant. These buildings served as abodes, temples, and cemeteries.

Archaeologists believe that pilgrims may have traveled long distances to learn from the site’s astronomer priests. The location is also regarded as a mathematical, architectural, and astronomical masterpiece.

5. See Artists at Work in Fabrica La Aurora

Just a short walk from El Jardin, you’ll find Fábrica La Aurora, which has become a haven for art lovers. Jere, you: ‘ll notice oil-stained floors and cotton fibers tucked into crevices.

These are marks of the site’s history as a textile mill, which was from 1902 to 1991. There are many ways to experience La Aurora, from observing artists at work to attending an evening party or taking a fine arts technique class.

If you’re in the mood to do some retail therapy, the complex is dotted with furniture, jewelry, and contemporary art stores. As soon as you’ve had your fill of art, head to one of Fábrica La Aurora’s restaurants, like Café de la Aurora or the Food Factory, to relax or enjoy a meal.

6. Hike El Charco de Ingenio

Many people visit San Miguel de Allende to take in the city’s architectural splendor and other works of physical art. However, natural beauty can be found just outside the city, as well. El Charco de Ingenio, a 170-acre botanical garden situated in a nature preserve, is a great place to get away from the hustle and if you want a change of scenery.

An effort to preserve the area’s natural beauty and historical significance led to the creation of the garden in 1990. It has also received several honors over the years, such as the Peace Zone designation from the Dalai Lama in 2004.

Visitors and locals alike can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, picnicking, and meditation. The garden is frequently used for ceremonies, performances, and environmental education. You can walk or take a taxi to get there, which is about a mile from the San Miguel de Allende city center.

7. Sanctuary of Atotonilco

About a 15-minute drive from San Miguel de Allende is the Sanctuary of Atotonilco. The large church, which houses several chapels, was constructed in the 18th century. The church, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of Mexico,” is decorated with stunning frescoes.

Externally, the white church complex looks unassuming. Inside, however, you’ll find stunning oil paintings, poetry, sculptures, and frescoes covering nearly every inch of the interior walls and ceiling.

Flowers, mythical creatures, and scenes from the life of Christ are among the images depicted in these works of art. The murals were created by Mexican Baroque artists Miguel Antonio Martnez de Pocasangre and Rodrguez Juárez, who worked on them for 30 years.

8. Relax in the Thermal Baths

After a long day of walking and exploring San Miguel de Allende, how about a relaxing soak in a thermal bath? There are numerous hot springs in Mexico‘s central highlands, close to San Miguel. Many volcanoes can be found along the central spine of Mexico, which resulted in an abundance of hot springs in the area.

Escondido Place and La Gruta Spa are two of the most popular thermal baths or hot springs near San Miguel de Allende. There are several man-made pools in these hot springs, some of which resemble caves. Both hot springs have onsite restaurants and spas where you can receive a massage.

Get there early if you want to avoid the crowds, as they are among San Miguel de Allende’s most popular attractions. Later in the day, these places will be teeming with families and children.

9. Eat Your Way Across Town

San Miguel de Allende has a surprisingly robust culinary scene for a town its size. You’ll be tempted by everything from cheap eats to high-end restaurants as you explore the city’s culinary offerings. San Miguel de Allende is home to a wide variety of mouthwatering regional specialties, including:

• Mole Enchiladas – also called enmoladas, these are enchiladas covered in mole sauce. They may be filled with a wide variety of ingredients, but the most common filling is chicken and crumbled cheese. The flour tortillas are fried, then dipped into a warm mole sauce, and stuffed with chicken and cheese
• Mixiote – this dish uses Agave Americana plant membranes as wrapping for marinated meat. The wrapped meat is steamed or barbequed until the meat is tender and cooked through. The marinate used is a spicy concoction of chilies, cumin, garlic, and lime juice.
• Fresh Fruit Sorbet (nieve de garrafa) – This is a type of water-based sorbet that is native to Mexico and has been made by hand. There are many natural flavorings to choose from in this ice cream such as seasonal fruits, nuts, liquors, and even flowers. It’s lighter than traditional ice cream and has a more coarse consistency.

You’ll also find a plethora of fantastic fusion restaurants as well as international cuisine in San Miguel de Allende. There are a couple of food tours you can join if you’re up for local history, city trivia, and more Mexican food.

10. Browse a local market in San Miguel de Allende

There are a lot of great shops and restaurants in town, but if you’re looking for something specific, you should visit a local market.Try the Ignacio Ramrez market’s cheap lunch specials and local crafts to bring back to your home country. It’s San Miguel de Allende’s oldest and most popular market, bustling with activity and attracting both locals and tourists.

You can find everything from fresh and exotic Mexican fruits and vegetables to flowers to spices to cheeses and snacks. Roasted corn on the cob with chili and lime is a must-try here.

Meanwhile, if you’re a fan of supporting regional artists, make a beeline for the Mercado de Artesanias. Everything from hand-embroidered shawls to jewelry to clothing to pottery can be found here.

In addition to a variety of street food vendors, this market in San Miguel de Allende is known for its excellent Mexican souvenirs – some of the best in the city. Popular souvenirs include hats, masks, embroidered purses, and cute little skeletons that play soccer. These items are often small in size and easy to pack, so they can easily be transported in a carry-on bag.