Africa
Americas
Asia
Europe
Oceania
Call us for free now
Book with an expert:
+44 20 76 60 34 10
Prefer us to call you? Drop your number in the box:
Call us anytime. 24/7
What to see in Mexico
San Miguel de Allende
Tourist attractions San Miguel de Allende
An enchanting city in the heart of Guanajuato state, San Miguel de Allende was founded in the 16th-century. Despite its humble size, this city has a glittering reputation thanks to its vibrant wine scene, artisan markets and highly Instagrammable streets. A cultural hub, travel magazines have even dubbed it one of the best cities to visit in the world! Strong claims for what was once a modest mountain village in central Mexico, but the moment you travel to San Miguel de Allende and see its charming architecture, sophisticated restaurants and artsy atmosphere, you’ll understand why travellers can’t get enough of this city!
Colourful colonial-era architecture, excellent museums and an authentic cultural scene ensure there are plenty of things to keep you busy if you visit San Miguel de Allende. The historic city centre is a time capsule, and UNESCO protected, filled with cobblestone streets and cheerful European-style facades. Wherever you venture, the towering spires of the pink sandstone Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel help keep your bearings, plus the cosy size of the city means you can reach most of the sights in no more than a 20-minute walk.
170 miles northeast of Mexico City, trips to San Miguel de Allende are popular with locals and tourists alike, but especially with artists who come here to soak up the city’s rich creative atmosphere and source inspiration from the lively and colourful cityscapes. Furthermore, San Miguel de Allende is home to a number of renowned art schools. Little wonder it’s attracted a notable population of ex-pats from Europe and North America in recent years!
With such a celebrated reputation, you’ll also find some exceptionally luxurious lodgings to choose from if you’re on holiday in San Miguel de Allende, alongside high-end eateries serving up Mexican flavours in exciting and contemporary surroundings.
The best time to visit San Miguel de Allende is during the spring when the jacaranda trees are in bloom and temperatures are ideal for sightseeing on foot. Nevertheless, the city’s highland location means it’s comfortable to visit at any time of year, although short rain showers can be expected during the wetter summer months.
Things to see in San Miguel de Allende
After a wander around the historic centre and a margarita with a view at one of the city’s numerous rooftop bars, there’s a whole host of things to see in San Miguel de Allende. All tours of San Miguel de Allende should start at the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, the most notable landmark in the city, nestled in the heart of the old town. This parish church is instantly recognisable thanks to its pink sandstone facade, much of which dates back to the 17th-century. Free to enter, it’s a worthwhile visit, if only for a quick photo stop. Outside is the Jardin Allende, a lively square where you can easily while away an afternoon listening to a mariachi band and admiring the perfectly manicured laurel bushes.
If you’re here for a little retail therapy, one of the best places to visit in San Miguel de Allende is its legendary Mercado de Artesanias. You can pick up all kinds of souvenirs and local arts here, from embroidered shawls to beautiful local pottery pieces. Sprawled across three streets, it’ll take a couple of hours to explore the full variety of stalls, but it’s the best place in the city to go shopping. Nearby, Fabrica La Aurora is a must-visit, a converted factory that today acts as the cultural centre of the city, home to galleries, exhibitions and all things related to the arts and crafts scene in San Miguel de Allende.
If you’re into street art, or simply want a fantastic backdrop for your holiday photos, be sure to explore the trendy neighbourhood of Guadalupe. Surely the most vibrant part of the city, the streets of Guadalupe are decorated with impressive murals, ranging from Frida Khalo portraits to quirky depictions of fantasy worlds. Furthermore, the area is filled with hip cafes, bars and vegetarian restaurants. A must-visit for those looking to uncover the modern side of San Miguel de Allende!
Another reason to visit this city is its fantastic museums, the most popular of which is the Museo La Esquina. Dedicated to Mexican folk toys and vintage games, it's a charming place to learn more about Mexican childhood and get in touch with your own inner child! Other museums to visit in San Miguel de Allende include Casa del Mayorazgo de la Canal Citibanamex, to learn more about the history of the city, and Museo Histórico Casa de Allende, which focuses on the famous leader of Mexico’s independence movement.
YOU ALSO LIKE
Tourist attractions mexico
Points of interests
- Trips to Agua Azul Waterfalls
- Trips to Campeche
- Trips to Cancun
- Trips to Chichen Itza
- Trips to Guadalajara
- Trips to Guanajuato
- Trips to Mérida
- Trips to Mexico City
- Trips to Mitla
- Trips to Monte Alban
- Trips to Morelia
- Trips to Oaxaca
- Trips to Palenque
- Trips to Patzcuaro
- Trips to Puebla
- Trips to Puerto Vallarta
- Trips to Queretaro
- Trips to Riviera Maya
- Trips to San Cristóbal de las Casas
- Trips to San Juan Chamula
- Trips to San Miguel de Allende
- Trips to Sumidero Canyon
- Trips to Tequila
- Trips to Tule
- Trips to Tulum
- Trips to Uxmal
- Trips to Xel-Há
- Trips to Xochimilco
- Trips to Zinancantan
Other Points of interests
- Trips to Zion National Park
- Trips to Alaska
- Trips to Anchorage
- Trips to Antelope Canyon
- Trips to Arches National Park
- Trips to Arizona
- Trips to Banff
- Trips to Big Island
- Trips to Boston
- Trips to Bryce Canyon
- Trips to Bryce Canyon National Park
- Trips to Calgary
- Trips to Capitol Reef National Park
- Trips to Carmel
- Trips to Death Valley National Park
- Trips to Denali National Park
- Trips to Everglades National Park
- Trips to Florida
- Trips to Florida Gulf Coast
- Trips to Graceland
- Trips to Grand Canyon National Park
- Trips to Grand Teton National Park
- Trips to Haleakala National Park
- Trips to Hawaii
- Trips to Honolulu
- Trips to Horseshoe Bend
- Trips to Jackson Hole
- Trips to Jasper
- Trips to Kamloops
- Trips to Kenai Fjords
- Trips to Kennedy Space Center
- Trips to Key West
- Trips to Kona
- Trips to Lac Delage
- Trips to Lahaina (Maui)
- Trips to Lake Louise
- Trips to Lancaster
- Trips to Las Vegas
- Trips to Lompoc
- Trips to Los Angeles
- Trips to Mammoth Lakes
- Trips to Maui
- Trips to Memphis
- Trips to Miami
- Trips to Miami Beach
- Trips to Mont-Tremblant
- Trips to Monterrey
- Trips to Montreal
- Trips to Monument Valley
- Trips to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
- Trips to Naples
- Trips to Nashville
- Trips to New Orleans
- Trips to New York
- Trips to Niagara Falls
- Trips to Oahu
- Trips to Orlando
- Trips to Ottawa
- Trips to Page
- Trips to Palm Beach
- Trips to Park City
- Trips to Pearl Harbor
- Trips to Philadelphia
- Trips to Powell Lake
- Trips to Quebec
- Trips to Rocky Mountains
- Trips to Route 66
- Trips to Saguenay
- Trips to Salt Lake City
- Trips to San Francisco
- Trips to San Salvador
- Trips to Santa Barbara
- Trips to Santa Monica
- Trips to Sequoia National Park
- Trips to Seward
- Trips to South Beach
- Trips to Tadoussac
- Trips to Talkeetna
- Trips to Thousand Islands
- Trips to Toronto
- Trips to Vancouver
- Trips to Ventura
- Trips to Victoria
- Trips to Volcano National Park
- Trips to Waikiki
- Trips to Washington D.C
- Trips to Yellowstone National Park
- Trips to Yosemite National Park
Countries Nearby
Subscribe to our newsletter and join Exoticca GO
The best travel deals
Exclusive promotions
Expert travel tips