Daniella & Michael
Things To Do
Get Lost!
One of the best parts about San Miguel is exploring without a plan and intentionally getting lost in the city's storied cobblestone streets. Every corner brings a new boutique, a cool art gallery, or another hidden courtyard that is so beautiful, it's hard to believe it's real.
Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
A must-see in SMA, this 17th century parish church’s pink ‘wedding cake’ towers dominate the Jardín.The church has a Neo-gothic façade with two tall towers that can be seen from most parts of town. It’s a beautiful, imposing building and one of the most photographed churches in Mexico.
El Jardin Principal
Want to feel the true pulse of San Miguel de Allende? Head to El Jardín in the Zocalo, San Miguel de Allende’s vibrant heart. This is the “centro del Centro” – the very center of life in San Miguel. Stop by for top-notch people watching, street vendors, live music, and maybe have some helado.
Where To Eat
Welcome to a foodie's paradise! Below are a few personal recommendations, but also when in doubt you can always rely on Eater recommendations (https://www.eater.com/maps/the-18-essential-restaurants-in-san-miguel-de-allende) Breakfast: Inside Cafe - chic rooftop brunch spot with vegan and gluten free options El Pegaso - traditional Mexican breakfast - get the chilaquiles! Lavanda Cafe - famous for their eggs Benedict and beautiful courtyard Cumpanio - modern french bakery, also has amazing Mexican staples Skip your daily Starbucks and check out these coffee bars: La Cabra Iluminada Ampola Lunch: Mexicans typically eat "lunch" around 2-4PM, so check restaurants hours La Azotea - great rooftop views, don't miss the jicama tacos Zumo - rooftop favorite with great food and service with reasonable prices Don Taco Tequila - vegetarian / vegan / gluten-free friendly spot Baja Fish Taquito - best fish taco in town! Local vibe
Where To Eat (for dinner)
Fancy Restaurants: The Restaurant- often rated the best restaurant in SMA Aperi- internationally celebrated tasting menu La Dona Terraza - beautiful rooftop with Mexican food La Única - Live Jazz in a beautiful room with excellent food Fatima 7 Rooftop - Mediterranean food with a Mexican twist overlooking SMA Local Cuisine: La Manantial - Excellent Mexican cuisine, mostly seafood Pueblo Viejo (located below La Azotea) - try the molcajete, but make sure you are hungry or share it with a friend La Posadita- great Mexican cuisine on a romantic rooftop terrace Los Milagros - delicious authentic Mexican food Hecho en Mexico - located in a beautiful courtyard, with an extensive menu including plenty of vegan options and salads International Options: Bovine Brasserie - a mix of brasserie, a steakhouse, and comfort food all under one roof Cent'anni Trattoria - Sicilian menu offering Italian classics and pizza! Saiko - Good sushi with DJs nightly
Where To Drink
Luna Rooftop - offers the best views of San Miguel located inside the Rosewood hotel, don't skip Quince Rooftop - one of our favorites, modern rooftop with phenomenal cocktails. Also has good food. Cantina el Cucu - Our favorite cantina in the city. Come here for an authentic cantina experience. La Mezcalería - if you like mezcal, this place is calling your name La Manantial - DJs and live music nightly. Excellent Mexican cuisine, mostly seafood. Tupinambas - DJs and live music nightly Zandunga Ranch Live music Sundays - great live music (jazz blues folk rock and latín) with food and drinks. Casa Dragones - While visiting SMA, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Casa Dragones Tasting Room, a six-seat destination for sipping tequila and signature craft cocktails. Tastings start at $70pp.
Cooking Class
Want to learn how to cook truly authentic Mexican food? Check out the Marilau Mexican Ancestry Cooking School (https://mexican-cooking-school.com/en/home/) or book a private class with Paco Cardenas (http://www.elpetitfour.com/paco-cardenas.html), who first takes guests to the local market for fresh ingredients before working with them to cook a full meal (with wine!).
Food Tour
More interested in eating than cooking? Discover the wonders of San Miguel de Allende cuisine on a food walking tour! We recommend Taste of San Miguel Food Tours (sanmiguelfoodtours.com). They have 6 amazing tours to choose from. Try and guess which one is our favorite...
Shop Until You Drop
San Miguel is a shopping mecca, so might make sense to bring an extra suitcase for all your souvenirs! There are stores and art galleries on every corner, but here are some of our favorites: - Mercado de Artesanías (The Artisan Market) - this is the place to visit if you want to bring a souvenir home with you. They have a huge selection of items such as Mexican pottery, traditional Mexican blankets, toys, clothes, jewelry, etc. - Muan - This brand new clothing store is owned and operated by my amazing cousins, Jose Pablo and Sebastián. They specialize in hats, jewelry, and ponchos. What's cooler than bringing home some authentic Mexican clothing? They contribute 10% of their profits to an indigenous tribe; the Wixarika, who struggle every day to keep their land and heritage from being taken away. - Maison Manhes, Mixta, Doce 18 Concept House, Yam Gallery, Roma Quince, and HojaSanta are also beautiful boutiques in town with items from Mexican designers.
Relax! You are on vacay!
If you're looking for an extra dose of R&R, you came to the right city! Treat yourself to at a variety of spas or take a trip to La Gruta Springs. Spa appointments available at: The Rosewood Spa, The Hotel Matilda Spa or Belmond Casa Sierra Nevada Spa La Gruta Springs: La Gruta Springs features three outdoor pools of varying temperatures fed by thermal hot springs. Enjoy lovely gardens, a spring-fed waterfall, and a restaurant serving local specialties on premises. A day pass costs $8US, and massages are quite affordable at $40US for 60 minutes.
Walking Tour
It’s fun wandering around the cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende on your own, but it’s even better when you’re accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. Sign up for a walking tour of the city to learn a little bit more about this amazing city's history and get some exercise in at the same time.
ATV Tour
Looking for a little adrenaline boost before the wedding? Get your blood pumping by going on a four-wheeler adventure! We recommend booking with Coyote Canyon Adventures. They offer 3-hour, 2-hour, and 1-hour ATV tours. Just be sure to hold onto the handle bars to avoid breaking your collar bone like the Groom to Be
Horseback Riding
Xolotar Ranch features is a family operated “working ranch” that has been in the Morin Ruiz family for over four generations. The ranch is located on the high plateau overlooking SMA among natural surroundings and breathtaking views. Enjoy full/half day rides, camping, hiking, rodeo demonstrations, burro rides, village visits, archaeological site tours. Highly recommended company!