Things To Do
HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR
Certificated Mexican local English-speaking guides walk guests through San Miguel’s glorious past, showing them the city center and its historical buildings and churches. The tour takes approximately 2 ½ hours, covers a ten-block area, and is mostly level walking. Regularly scheduled tours take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Groups meet in the Jardin across from the Parroquia (large church) at 9:45 AM, and leave at 10:00 AM. Donation: 400 pesos cash
Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
San Miguel's most famous sight is its parish church, characterized by its pink 'wedding cake' towers that soar above the town. These strange pinnacles were designed by indigenous stonemason Zeferino Gutiérrez in the late 19th century. He reputedly based the design on a postcard of a Belgian church and instructed builders by scratching plans in the sand with a stick. The rest of the church dates from the late 17th century. We recommend coming by the park in the evening and listening to the Mariachi bands in the square!
FABRICA LA AURORA
What used to be a textile factory, today houses canvases, sculptures and artisan products of great artists who live in San Miguel. The Cultural Center of Art and Design, La Aurora, has been unveiled as one of the main attractions of the city of San Miguel de Allende.
EL CHARCO DEL INGENIO (Botanical Gardens)
Located a few minutes from San Miguel de Allende, El Charco del Ingenio is an extraordinary Botanical Garden and Nature Reserve. It has an extensive collection of cacti and other succulent plants from Mexico, many of them rare, threatened or in danger of extinction. General Admission is $50 MXN per person. Bring a hat, water and closed-toed shoes
ESCONDIDO PLACE - THERMAL BATHS
If you want to spend a day in total relaxation, and get pampered, the best way to do it is by visiting one of the hot springs spas located just outside San Miguel de Allende. Welcome to Escondido Place, a concept park of maximum harmony with nature, oriented to the tranquility and rest of users and the sustainability of natural resources, located in the Sanctuary of Atotonilco in San Miguel de Allende. General Admission - $250 MXN/person. No reservations accepted.
LA GRUTA SPA
If you want to spend a day in total relaxation, and get pampered, the best way to do it is by visiting one of the hot springs spas located just outside San Miguel de Allende. General Admission: $250 MXN/person
CAÑADA DE LA VIRGEN
The Cañada de la Virgen archaeological zone, located in the municipality of San Miguel de Allende (45 minutes from the city center), is a pre-Hispanic settlement located on the northern border of Mesoamerica, whose main monuments were used to make observations of the sky. Its urban layout reflects the cosmic cycles to which the life of groups of farmers was linked who also practiced gathering and hunting in the surrounding semi-desert regions and exchanged objects used in ritual activities with other Mesoamerican regions. Its defensive position, from which the central basin of the Laja River is visually dominated, also indicates the ritual importance of the place. The heyday of this site took place between 600 and 900 AD, placing it in the Mesoamerican Epiclassic. General Admission: $70 MXN/person
HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT
Join us for an unforgettable experience! Welcome to Globo San Miguel! We offer daily Hot Air Balloon flights over the beautiful colonial town of San Miguel de Allende and the surrounding countryside. Globo San Miguel was founded in 1993 we are the original balloon company in town. Our extensive knowledge of the area combined with our passion for ballooning, makes us perfectly suited to be your special hosts for your morning with us. With over 25 years of flying in San Miguel de Allende and more than 40 years in the commercial balloon business internationally, we have the experience needed to make your flight safe and enjoyable. Pricing (in MXN): Adults $ 3,200 no breakfast Kids $2,200 no breakfast Adults $ 3,700 with breakfast Kids $2,700 with breakfast
San Miguel de Allende: Zipline Adventure & Suspension Bridge
Get your adrenaline pumping on a seven-zipline adventure above the Cañon Aguila Cola Roja — the Red-Tailed Eagle Canyon. Enjoy a different perspective on the canyon, tiptoe across an extreme suspension bridge, and take memorable photos with your family and friends. Price: apt $50 USD/person
Tequila Tasting at Casa Dragones
Reserve one of the most unique and exclusive experiences in San Miguel de Allende at the newly restored and beautifully-redesigned La Casa Dragones. Guided by an Education Specialist, guests will enjoy all four styles of Tequila Casa Dragones with small bites during this once-in-a-lifetime tequila tasting experience.Guests will also experience a design tour of the beautiful 4-bedroom home, one of the oldest in San Miguel de Allende, dating back to 1671. The house has recently been restored and redesigned as a stunning showcase of modern to contemporary Mexican design, focused on the Bajío region of Mexico. Cost: Full tasting $3,000 MXN ($175 USD) or sunset sipping $1,800 MXN ($105 USD)
SENSORY MEZCAL TASTING
You will get to know the origins of mezcal and the importance of this drink in Mexico, how many agaves exist, the process and the difference between mezcal and tequila. We'll start by explaining the protocol we are gonna follow to drink it and why is about the senses. We are gonna feel it, smell it, observe it and taste it. While you watch a video of the making process you can resolve any doubt you have about this interesting topic. Mezcal is a very complex drink and it makes it hard to tell the different flavours and notes. You will taste a variety of mezcales from our exclusive selection. You'll know the difference between artisenal, ancestral and industrial mezcal. Price: apx $50 USD/person
COOK & DINE: MOLE & MEXICAN SALSAS
We will begin by preparing some delicious salsas, followed by an authentic and traditional Mexican mole, tasty enmoladas, and mexican rice. (Please let me know in advance if you have special dietary needs). I will educate you on the ingredients, tell you about the culinary and nutritional values, and how to prepare and cook each part of the meal. I will teach you the history and cultural importance of the Mole and how it used to be the “Food of the Emperors”, reserved only for the upper class of the Mayan and Aztec society. Price: $150USD/person
Horseback Riding
Join us on our half day excursion which lasts 5 hours to and from San Miguel de Allende, the 5 hours encompass the transportation to the ranch and back, a delicious ranch style meal, an in depth riding class and 2.5 hours of riding time with a short break in the middle. We will be riding though 2 working cattle ranches so don’t forget to bring your best cowboy hat! Cost: $2,100 MX / $115 USD OR Join us on our full day excursion which lasts 8 hours to and from San Miguel de Allende, the 8 hours encompass the transportation to the ranch and back, a delicious ranch style breakfast and lunch, an in depth riding class and 3.5 – 5 hours of riding time with a short break in the middle and a 1 hour break where we have lunch and go swimming. Cost: $2,900 MX / $161 USD
Hiking
Interested in a hike? You can find many hikes to go on with a wide variety of difficulty and distance here. Be sure to wear your sunscreen and bring plenty of water!
Parque Benito Juárez
The shady Parque Benito Juárez is a lovely place to relax and meander through, with benches, well-maintained pathways and a popular play area for children.
Ignacio Ramírez Market
Just a 3-minute walk from El Jardin, the main plaza of San Miguel de Allende, is the Ignacio Ramirez market. Wander the aisles for vegetables, fruits, flowers and meat, for shoes and keys and assorted other wares. Have a fresh juice. Or an inexpensive lunch. Buy a pinata. Breathe in the smell of the flowers and listen to the voices of the locals bargaining for the fixings for dinner. There is no truer picture of the daily life of this Mexican town. Enjoy the color and the energy and the busy commerce of everyday life. Then wander outside the back entrance and down the stairs to the Artisans’ Market for every kind of local craft, from silver and nickel wares to jewelry, embroidered blouses, carved wooden toys, brass and glass jewelry boxes, paintings on amate bark paper. And the colorful papel picado cut paper banners that make a fiesta so festive.
Tostévere
A small restaurant tucked off the street, Tostévere is a hit for its creative tostadas. It is recommended to book in advance for weekends and nights. One of our favorite restaurants we tried! Get the ceviche tostada and the Smokey Mezcal cocktail.
La Mezcalería SMA
Though it is known for being a mezcal bar, they also have a great menu of small bites like tuna tartar and spicy housemade sausage.
Bekeb
It has been named one of the best bars in the world and is run by Fabiola Padilla, a top bartender in Mexico. The drinks are innovative and full of flavor.
Quince
Quince is on the rooftop of the Selina hotel. Delicious cocktails and food with a fantastic view! Reservations can be made through Opentable.
Lukrezia Breakfast and Brunch
Delicious brunch spot in a shaded garden! One of our favorite spots from our trip. Try the lemonade!
Lavanda Café de Especialidad
Recommended to us by locals for brunch! Limited seating and cash only, but they have a to-go counter.
Andanza—Casa de Sierra Nevada, a Belmond Hotel
If you’re looking for an elevated meal for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner, book in at Andanza. Set inside the vine-covered walls of Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, the food is international featuring local flavors. It’s a local favorite for weekend breakfast.
Restaurante del Parque
Located in Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, Restaurante del Parque is an Oaxacan-focused dining experience. Ingredients sourced from the vibrant area of Oaxaca are infused with incredible flavors with a modern presentation.
Amapola Café
We went here for brunch on our trip! Beautiful courtyard with delicious food.
Jacques Restaurante
For a laidback spot for either breakfast or lunch, or even a cup of coffee with a pastry, head to Jacques.
El Pegaso
An easy meal in the center of San Miguel. They have a rooftop and bottom floor, with an affordable menu.
The Room Mezcaleria
Beautiful mezcal bar in the middle of the city!
PANIO Relox
Fantastic bakery in the heart of the city with pastries, breakfast, and coffee!