see + do
things to see...
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 is one of the most photographed churches in Mexico.
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, too.
Stunning 18th century church with a unique Churrigueresque design on the exterior. Views of the city from inside are reason enough to visit but stop by at night to see the stunning exterior in lights.
Bibliotecta de San Miguel on Insurgentes Street
Visit this stunning library to view the extraordinary murals – or to enjoy film screenings, lectures, recitals, and even delicious food in the cafe. The library also features an impressively large and diverse selection of English-language titles.
One of Mexico’s best-kept secrets, the Cañada de la Virgen archaeological zone has only been open to the public since 2011. The 40-acre site has Otomi/Toltec roots and includes seven ancient pyramid structures across four complexes. The best way to visit is on an organized tour; Albert Coffee offers one of the best-rated trips, an academic-level introduction to the pre-Hispanic history of Mexico through visits to the site which he was invited to help excavate..
This ecological preserve and botanical garden—the largest of its kind in Mexico—is home to hundreds of rare and endangered species, cacti, and succulents. There are walking paths, temescals (steam baths), picnic areas, a cafe, a shop, a nursery, and a greenhouse. It's a long hike up from downtown, so get a cab up and walk down. Bonus points: The Dalai Lama proclaimed it a Zone of Peace when he visited here in 2004. Go for a morning hike and get a smoothie or some food at the window of the small cafe by the gift shop. If you can brave the heat, sign up for a temazcal ritual, a Mexican sweat lodge ceremony.
A must for the art enthusiast! After nine decades as an important textile factory, Fábrica La Aurora reopened in 1990 as a design haven with galleries, furniture, design stores, a bookstore, cafe, exhibition spaces, and studios for local artists. Some of the original industrial machinery is still on display. Don't miss the open studios held on Thursdays.
things to do...
Hot Air Balloon
San Miguel is the kind of place that begs to be viewed from above. Book a hot-air balloon ride with a trusted company like Globo San Miguel and soar over the bucolic landscape at sunrise.
Outdoor Adventures
Coyote Canyon Adventures offers horseback riding, ATV adventures, mountain biking, hiking, and more
San Miguel Food Tours offers a wide range of private and group food tours. San Miguel is a culinary gem. We highly recommend enjoying a food tour at some point during your trip!
Cooking Classes
Want to learn how to cook truly authentic Mexican food? Check out the Marilau Mexican Ancestry Cooking School or book a private class with Paco Cardenas, who first takes guests to the local market for fresh ingredients before working with them to cook a full meal (with wine!). Mexican cooking classes at La Piña Azul with Kirsten West are a flavorful blend of cultural perspective and served with a side dish of history. Or book an acclaimed class at Sazón, the cooking school run by The Belmond Hotel; their classes include a trip to the market with one of their in-house chefs and can accommodate 1-8 people
There are few places so inspiring as San Miguel to even the most novice artist! For short-term visitors, we highly recommend the classes/workshops available at Cristi Fer art studios, or check out the workshops offered at Fábrica La Aurora
Tequila Tasting
Looking to do some Tequila tasting? Visit Casa Dragones, tequila made exclusively in small batches, each bottle is hand-numbered and signed at the distillery in the town of Tequila, Jalisco. Try doing a private tasting, located inside the former stables for the Dragones calvary battalion of 17th century San Miguel. Reservations required. Contact concierge@casadragones.com. Or visit Casa Dragones Tasting Room in the Dôce 18 Concept House, a six-seat destination for sipping tequila and signature craft cocktails.
Offered through the Rosewood Hotel, an adventure like no other! Hop on one of Coyote Canyon's horses and ride through the streets of San Miguel de Allende like a true Mexican Cowboy. Stop by the most popular and ancient Cantinas to have a tequila and cheer with your friends while you enjoy the music of typical Rancheras.
Natural Hot Spring Spa
20 minutes from the center of town, you’ll find several hot springs complexes, including La Gruta, and Escondido Place. Both have manicured gardens, hot and cool pools, enclosed steam caves for the hottest pools, and offer massage, food, and beverage. The Mayan Baths, reservation only, makes for a relaxing and romantic evening, with an underground rock-walled grotto complete with candles and piped-in music and a buffet dinner.
Or for a traditional spa experience, Spa Matilda is a paradise for even the most well-travelled spa-goers. Pick from massage, specialty bodywork, and skin therapies that use local ingredients and custom-blended products from the spa’s apothecary.
Vineyards
Spend a day at one of the beautiful vineyards located about 25 minutes from the Center. With 20 certified organic varietals and a restaurant serving tapas and pizzas, Dos Buhos vineyard offers tours, tastings, and curated experiences for groups. Or, for a truly one-of-a-kind experience, spend some time at Viñedos San Lucas. More than just a beautiful vineyard, Viñedos San Lucas is a unique property complete with a boutique hotel, spa, restaurant, equestrian center, yoga trainer and more!
Golf
Ventanas San Miguel is an internationally acclaimed luxury course designed by Nick Faldo, which, at Par 70, has a high degree of difficulty. For a more modest experience, but still a challenging course, check out Club de Golf Malanquin both are located about 15 minutes from town.
Offered through the Rosewood Hotel, this exclusive cultural experience will take you to SMA’s most traditional workshop. It's master, Hermés Arroyo will teach you all about the history of the giant "puppets," and help you create your own small version to take home with you as a unique souvenir
San Miguel de Allende has gained popularity for its different art galleries and interior design stores. Offered through the Rosewood Hotel, join shopping expert, Giuliana Vastarella, as she guides you through the best spots in town. This Mexican high-end shopping expert will meet all your needs, including the hunt for a typical accessory or hand-crafted garment.