Things To Do + Eat
Desde 1945 La Bugambilia
Mexican food, good, near centro (the heart of the city). My aunt just ate here on Wednesday and loved it, and Aunt Diane has good taste.
Andy's Taco Cart
Late night tacos, have small peso bills ready & be ready to use some Spanish
Restaurante Cielo
$$/$$$ I have been here for dinner and drinks but it seems to be open for breakfast/lunch too. Right on the jardín, this restaurant is named because you will climb some stairs into the sky to reach the main dining area with some great views. Fun vibe and good food & drinks
Mestiza
Really cute breakfast and lunch spot for Mexican food (huevos divorciados, huaraches) and new American (waffles!). Outdoor seating. Walk around Parque Juarez afterwards for a constitutional
KI'BOK COFFEE SMA
Jonathan and I have been here three mornings in a row after I go running in Parque Juarez. Breakfast entrees (chilaquiles, etc), pastries, very good and interesting coffee & espresso drinks.
Lavanda Café de Especialidad
A really cute coffee shop and cafe to stop at while you are going through the artisans market. Per the name, they offer lavender infused espresso drinks. I have really like the Tónico lavanda: cold brew, lemonade, tonic water, lavender, ice. It's very refreshing
Baja Fish Taquito
$ Climb the stairs to the rooftop for tasty tacos. They have beer, wine, and margaritas too. The last time I was here they played a loop of an aquarium video on all their big screen TVs. I love it here.
Panio
Excellent bakery for pastries, bread, and coffee. Get your concha or croissants here. There is more than one location in SMA, all are good, but this one came first.
Cafe Buen Dia
$ A laid back cafe that I like going to for breakfast. Get the chilaquiles verdes. When I was in San Miguel with my good friend Kelly in 2021, we would breakfast here every morning with books and morning pages.
Vivali Restaurante Terraza Bar
Italian food, roof terrace or ground floor dining room, one of the better Italian spots in town.
Atrio Restaurant
Reservation required, more upscale & contemporary vibe, dinner/drinks. A lovely view of the cathedral from the terrace.
Luna Tapas Bar / Rooftop bar
$$$$ There are many rooftop bars to drink maragritas on in SMA, but this one is the best. On the roof of the luxurious Rosewood Hotel, you don't need to be a guest to sip tequila to these views! This is a treat we usually enjoy on our last night in San Miguel de Allende. Try to make a reservation for golden hour if it's on the weekend. *Note: I might make a reservation to do this actually. Will keep you posted.
Mercado de Artesanías
Open daily from 11am to 6pm, this semi-outdoor market is located on a long narrow side street spanning about three city blocks. You will find clothes, textiles, jewelry, ceramics, tchotchkes, leather goods, glass lanterns, vegetables, and more. At first blush, some stalls may look touristy, but I can mark on your map my favorite stalls I visit every year for handmade jewelry, art, handmade bags, throw pillows, and ceramics. It's always worth a visit and repeat visit.
La Gruta Restaurante & Spa
A 15 minute cab/uber ride (300 pesos each way) from the city center, La Gruta is an outdoor hot springs spa and restaurant. Your 300 peso entry ticket gives you access to multiple thermal pools where you can grab a lounge chair or outdoor dining table. Food, drinks, cocktails are available to purchase and they do not allow outside food. There are lockers & changing rooms. You can also sign up for a massage or other spa services. Best time to go is early and on weekdays, as La Gruta can get crowded on weekends/afternoons. La Gruta is closed Mon+Tues. Jonathan, Nora, and I love La Gruta. My move is to post up with a guacamole and cuba libre, then wade through the stone tunnel into the cave where the thermal water pours in throughout the day. It's like a mini waterfall.
Fabrica la Aurora
A good 15 minute walk from the city center, Fabrica la Aurora once was a textile factory that has now been converted to art galleries of local artists, antiques shops, and cafes. I recommend getting a coffee at "Geek & Coffee" that is nestled in a quiet garden area near Fabrica Aurora next to a duck pond; I had been to Fabrica many times but only recently discovered this spot because it's so secluded. Very cute. Geek & Coffee's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekandcoffee/
Online Event Calendars
This is a calendar of events to look up things you would like to do. http://www.lokkal.com Also try: discoversma.com
La Casa Del Vidrio
Shopping Rec: Hand blown glass cups, vases, mezcal glasses, etc. This is my favorite store in SMA that I browse every time I visit because the inventory is always different. Each piece is completely unique. They also have a showroom in CDMX.
Buy Tretinoin (Retin-A) OTC At The Farmacia
Hello skincare lovers. My mom, sister, and I buy our Retin-A cream over the counter here in Mexico. The last I checked, it cost the equivalent of $35 USD. Retin-A stimulates collagen, prevents fine wrinkles, skin discoloration, and acne. If you're just starting out using it or have sensitive skin, get the lowest strength 0.025%, and get the cream, and not the gel.