Written by Andreas Keller, Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
01/08/2025
Mark Flying, Pexels
San Miguel de Allende is a historic colonial city in central Mexico, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its vibrant arts scene, well-preserved architecture, and diverse culinary offerings. It attracts visitors with its year-round pleasant climate and picturesque, colorful streets, providing a sophisticated and culturally rich experience.
The central hub for social activity in San Miguel de Allende is El Jardín Allende, the main plaza, where both locals and tourists gather throughout the day and into the evening. The city is also known for its numerous rooftop bars and restaurants, which are popular spots for socializing, dining, and enjoying stunning sunset views. There is a welcoming expat community that contributes to the city's lively atmosphere.
Top 6 Things to do in San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende offers a blend of historical exploration, artistic immersion, culinary experiences, and unique scenic perspectives.
1. Explore La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel and Jardín Allende
Witness the iconic rosy-pink neo-Gothic spires of La Parroquia, the city's centerpiece. Step inside to admire religious paintings and the crypt where historical figures are interred. Afterward, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Jardín Allende, the main plaza, where vendors offer refreshments and it serves as a central point for people-watching.
Cost: Free (donations welcome for church entry).
Transport: Located in the heart of the city, easily accessible by walking from most central accommodations.
2. Discover Art at Fábrica La Aurora
Wander through this former textile factory, now transformed into a vibrant art and design center. Explore numerous galleries, artist studios, and shops showcasing a diverse range of artwork, antiques, and unique furniture. You may observe artists at work or participate in workshops. Cafés and restaurants are available on-site for refreshments.
Cost: Free admission to the complex and galleries. Workshops and art purchases incur a cost.
Transport: Approximately a 10-minute walk north from El Jardín. Taxis are also readily available, with fares around 50 MXN from the city center.
3. Shop at Mercado de Artesanías (Artisan Market)
Experience a kaleidoscope of colors and textures at this bustling artisan market. Stalls overflow with handcrafted items, including pottery, textiles, intricate jewelry made from local stones, hand-painted ceramics, and unique souvenirs. This is an ideal place to find authentic Mexican crafts and engage with local culture.
Cost: Prices are generally accessible, and bargaining is a common practice. Many vendors prefer cash.
Transport: Located centrally on Andador Lucas Balderas, easily walkable from the historic center. Taxis and rideshares are also an option.
4. Take a Mexican Cooking Class
Immerse yourself in Mexico's rich culinary traditions by taking a hands-on cooking class. Many classes include a guided market tour to select fresh, local ingredients before returning to the kitchen to learn techniques for preparing authentic dishes like moles and salsas. This experience provides a deeper understanding of Mexican culture through its food.
Cost: Costs vary by school and class type. Group classes can range from approximately $147 USD to $195 USD or MXN $2,750 to MXN $2,950 per person. Private classes are also available at a higher cost.
Transport: Many cooking schools are located within or near the city center, allowing for walking or short taxi rides. Verify the specific location when booking.
5. Experience a Hot Air Balloon Flight
Embark on an unforgettable sunrise hot air balloon flight over San Miguel de Allende. This early morning adventure offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city's colonial architecture and the surrounding landscapes, providing a serene and unique perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Flights typically last 40-60 minutes.
Cost: Prices vary widely by provider and package, generally starting from $80 USD. Shared flights can range from MXN $1,800 to MXN $3,199 per person, while private flights will be significantly more.
Transport: Most tours include roundtrip transportation from a central meeting point in San Miguel de Allende.
6. Enjoy the View from El Mirador
Walk up to El Mirador, a lookout point situated on a hill overlooking the city. From this elevated position, you are treated to sweeping, picturesque views of San Miguel de Allende's colorful rooftops, the iconic Parroquia, and the surrounding countryside. It is especially popular for sunset views.
Cost: Free.
Transport: Accessible by walking from the city center, though it involves an uphill climb. Taxis are an alternative for those who prefer not to walk. Most taxi rides within the central area cost around 50-80 MXN.
Check out our other pages on San Miguel de Allende
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
