28 Amazing Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Nestled in the heart of Central Mexico, you’ll find the most strikingly beautiful colonial city you could possibly dream up: San Miguel de Allende. And to say there are endless incredible things to do in San Miguel de Allende would be an understatement!

Around every impossibly perfect cobblestone street corner, you’ll find a combination of: centuries-old neo-Gothic and Spanish colonial architectural masterpieces; inspired art galleries; chic boutiques; swanky rooftop bars and mezcalerías; beautiful churches; and truly fabulous restaurants. 

Plus, surrounded by wineries, ancient ruins, rich silver mines, and mountainous desert terrain, the city of San Miguel de Allende is a haven for history and nature lovers alike. 

While living in Mexico as a digital nomad, I spent weeks exploring this enchanting city of art – discovering the best things to do. 

I visited art and design galleries galore, soaked in the ridiculously charming sights, and learned about the city’s history and rich culture. Not to mention, indulged in lots of fine food and cocktails!

This place is magical, really.

In this ultimate San Miguel de Allende guide, you’ll find all of the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende.

Plus, the best day trips from San Miguel de Allende, the best places to eat and stay, and some must-know tips!

Is San Miguel de Allende Worth Visiting?

If you’re still on the fence about whether San Miguel de Allende is worth visiting, I’ll help you clear it right up. San Miguel could not be more worthy of your hard-earned vacation days and travel savings.

San Miguel de Allende had been on my Mexico bucket list for over a decade. And it lived up to my high expectations – and then some! There’s a reason why ex-pats flock here, and why Travel + Leisure readers voted San Miguel de Allende the best city in the world in 2021.

It really is impossibly beautiful. Mesmerizing. And packed with history. 

San Miguel de Allende is one of my top two favorite destinations in Mexico (Oaxaca City is the first!) – and one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited.

In other words, if you’re planning to visit San Miguel de Allende you’re in for the sweetest treat – and also, there will be churros!

28 Best Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende

Phew! Now that we’re up-to-speed on why San Miguel de Allende is a destination of epic proportions, let’s talk about all of the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende!

1. Roam the Streets

To roam the streets of San Miguel is to fall under the enchantment of unmistakably Mexican magic.

That is: the aromas of al pastor roasting on a spit; the sights of colorful, centuries-old buildings, decorated in ornate stonework and wrought iron and laced in bougainvillea; the sounds of mariachi music reverberating from traditional cantinas; the crunch of freshly fried churros dripping in chocolate, or the sweetness of guanabana ice cream; the joy of seeing giant puppets (mojigangas) twirling around; and the browsing of shops selling beautiful handicrafts, like hand-painted talavera and Oaxacan rugs, and jewelry forged from locally mined silver.

It won’t take you more than a few minutes to recognize that the cobblestone streets of San Miguel are impossibly beautiful – and since the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they’ll stay that way.

For me, this was enough to fall head over heels with San Miguel de Allende. Roaming the streets is the best thing to do in San Miguel de Allende. 

But there’s so much more to discover…

2. Go on a Guided Historical Walking Tour

I’m not exaggerating when I say that the guided historical tour I went on in San Miguel was the best tour I’ve ever been on. You have to book this tour!

On this Private San Miguel de Allende Walking Tour, our local guide, Diego, took us to a series of historical plazas, aristocratic mansions, stunning churches, local markets, modern art galleries, and hidden gems – while regaling us with tales of times past.

As Diego got to know our interests, he improvised the tour, bringing us to off-the-beaten-path foodie spots, market stalls, and historical sites that interested us most.

He even organized an impromptu visit with his friend Omar, a local chef, who treated us to a little foodie chat over chocolate and mezcal at the end of our tour. 

Click here to book your fabulous Private San Miguel de Allende Walking Tour. It will be one of the best things you do in San Miguel!

3. Visit the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel

The iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, with its ornate pink limestone façade and neo-Gothic spires, stands proudly above Jardín Allende, the city’s main plaza. Steeped in history, and clearly a product of the silver mines’ riches, the interior is equally as over-the-top stunning.

You can’t not visit here, at least once! This parish church is the focal point, the “north star” of the entire city.

You’ll visit here on your Private San Miguel de Allende Walking Tour and learn all about its fascinating history.

4. People-Watch in Jardín Allende

The Jardín Allende, with its perfectly manicured trees and quaint gazebo, is where all of the action happens. It’s San Miguel’s main square, after all.

Come here for a bit of people-watching and enjoy the ambiance. 

There are almost always mariachi bands playing and street vendors serving everything from elote (street corn) and nieve (ice cream) to tacos al pastor. Indulge, why don’t you?

5. Watch the Sunset at the Mirador

The perfect end to a day full of exploring? From the Mirador (which translates to viewpoint), watch the sun set over Mexico’s most beautiful city as the Parroquia lights up the night.

From the city center, simply saunter up the steep cobblestone hills until you reach this location.

As you climb up the hill, don’t forget to turn around – these are some of the city’s most enchanting streets – and fabulous views! Keep your camera at the ready.

On your way back down, stop at La Mezcalería SMA for a mezcal cocktail to kick off the evening.

6. Savor an Amazing Brunch at Raíces

I have no qualms about declaring that Raíces Restaurant SMA is the best restaurant in all of San Miguel de Allende. By a long shot. And that’s high praise, considering there are some incredible restaurants in this city!

Packed with locals, this gem is hiding in plain sight, just outside of San Miguel’s downtown. As the name implies, the chef focuses on Mexico’s roots. Expect local ingredients and prehispanic ancestral and traditional Mexican dishes – with dashes of culinary genius and fabulous presentation.

Lucky for us, Raíces was right down the street from our house, so we ate here 3+ times per week.

My obsessions included:

• The Barro Negro: An absolute flavor-bomb of a quesillo omelette, topped with a smoky, crunchy black chili salsa, served with black beans, avocado, and pickled cabbage. Order this!
• The Raíz: A freshly fried tortilla, topped with a sunny-side-up egg, red salsa, sour cream, melted quesillo, poblano peppers, and beans.
• The Café de Olla: Traditional coffee brewed stovetop in a ceramic pot with piloncillo (raw sugar), cinnamon, and anise.

I’m drooling now. Please, brunch here. At least once.

Oh, and the best part? Raíces is very affordable. Dishes range from 70 to 200 pesos (about $4 to $11 USD).

7. Visit Museo Histórico Casa de Allende

Steps from El Jardín, you’ll come across the Museo Histórico Casa de Allende, the birthplace and childhood home of Ignacio Allende.

ICYMI: He’s the beloved war leader and hero of the Mexican independence movement who the city is partially named after!

The 18th-century Spanish-style home is filled with furniture, artifacts, and art from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, giving you a peek into what it was like to be a wealthy Spanish family in the 1800s. 

8. Take a Traditional Cooking Class

One of my favorite things to do in any country I visit is a cooking class! And especially in Mexico – one of the greatest food countries in the world. It’s such an amazing way to learn about the culture, food, history, and spend time with locals.

In this cooking class, you’ll learn to make mole negro; this is one of Mexico’s most complex and beloved sauces – which typically includes at least a dozen ingredients, including chiles, spices, fruit, nuts, seeds, and chocolate.

You’ll also make two authentic salsas to enjoy with tortilla chips, enmoladas (think enchiladas, but with mole), and ancestral-style rice.

Then, you’ll enjoy your meal over local wine and finish it off with a cacao drink.

Did I mention that the experience takes place on a beautiful property, inside a stunning traditional Mexican chef’s kitchen? You’re going to have the best time!

This class is likely to sell out! Click here to book your San Miguel de Allende Cooking Class!

Note: I recently took a similar class in Oaxaca City, so I skipped this Make Authentic Mexican Mole and Salsas in San Miguel de Allende cooking experience. However, it has great reviews, so I am sure it will be a fabulous experience!

9. Browse the Ignacio Ramírez Market

Sometimes referred to as Mercado San Miguel, the Ignacio Ramírez Market is a bustling traditional and local market, filled with culture, authentic ingredients, food stalls, fresh produce, artisan goods and souvenirs, and so much more. 

You can easily spend an hour browsing all of the stalls, tasting exotic fruits, and chatting to the locals (basic Spanish required!). 

10. Souvenir Shop at the Mercado de Artesanías

Right outside of the Ignacio Ramírez Market, you will find the Mercado de Artesanías, a corridor filled with even more artisan goods. 

You’ll find plenty of silver jewelry (no surprise!) and art typical of the region, like pottery, leather goods, baskets, and more. Plus, “imported” art from Oaxaca (like rugs and tapestries) and other Mexican states.

On the other end, you’ll come across Lavanda Café. Grab a coffee and a pastry there to re-fuel, and keep on exploring.

11. Kick Back at Rooftop Bars

San Miguel de Allende is the most beautiful city in all of Mexico. So, of course, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible at rooftop bars, taking in the views over craft cocktails.

Coming in at first place for the best rooftop bar in town is none other than Bekeb, on top of the uber-stylish boutique hotel Casa Hoyos. (Stay here!) The vibes and drinks are immaculate.

I also loved the fabulous live jazz and Spanish food and wine at Bulla.

And I hesitate to mention it, because we had the worst service ever… But the most breathtaking view in town is at the Luna Tapas Bar, on top of the beyond-beautiful Rosewood Hotel. Super pricey, but you can’t beat the view. Especially at sunset.

12. Pop into the Beautiful Churches

There are a handful of stunning churches around town. After the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the two most impressive are: 

• Templo de San Francisco de Asís: Built in 1778, this church with its neoclassical bell tower isn’t far from Jardín Allende.
• Church of the Immaculate Conception: Don’t let the façade fool you; this splendid church is strikingly beautiful inside. 

Don’t leave without visiting each one! 

13. Stop by Instituto Allende

As you walk down Ancho de San Antonio towards El Centro, you’ll notice a huge fortress-like Spanish colonial building.

When you see an opening into the courtyard, go in. 

This is Instituto Allende. The art school which played a huge role in San Miguel de Allende’s Renaissance movement and repopulation.

After WWII, American veterans and their families flocked here to study, thanks to the support of the G.I. Bill.

Roam the quiet courtyard, and you’ll happen upon some insanely amazing murals, as well as small art exhibitions. 

14. Dine at San Miguel’s Best Restaurants

To be sure, San Miguel de Allende is not exactly a budget-friendly destination. It’s the kind of place you want to go all out, because the restaurants, the cocktail bars, and the shopping are worth it.

And while San Miguel de Allende doesn’t have a particularly strong and unique culinary heritage (like Oaxaca City and Cholula, or even Mexico City, do), there is a variety of traditional pan-Mexican restaurants and international eateries to choose from. 

Here are some of the best restaurants not to miss:

• El Manantial (Mexican cantina)
• Tostevere (Mexican fusion)
• Bulla (Spanish)
• Bovine (Steakhouse)
• Raíces (Mexican brunch)

15. Go Shopping in the Historic Center

San Miguel is a fine arts hub, so it makes sense every downtown street is lined with fashion boutiques, contemporary art galleries, homewares and furniture shops, and more.

So roam around and go for a little shopping spree. (It’ll be hard not to.)

At Azul Cobalto – the largest gallery of work by the famous Mexican ceramicist Javier Servin – we bought multiple pieces of beautiful and intricately hand-painted talavera. From salsa bowls and matching spoons to incense burners, we’re obsessed!

If I were you, I’d come here to purchase a giant salsa bowl, serving plate, or cake stand. They’ll be the centerpieces of your future Mexican-inspired dinner parties… featuring the recipes you learn in your San Miguel de Allende Cooking Class!

16. Explore Fabrica La Aurora

Fabrica La Aurora is a trendy and gigantic art and design center, housed in an old textile mill.

Visiting here is one of the most popular things to do in San Miguel de Allende! 

It boasts a fabulous collection of high-end art galleries, furniture showrooms, antique stores, workshops, jewelry shops, and cafés. Explore its many rooms and shops, and there’s no way you won’t leave feeling inspired (and also tired)!

If you’re in need of a refresh mid-way through, stop by Geek & Coffee, where you’ll find coffee and healthy eats. On the weekend, you may also find a bustling outdoor artisan market and live music in the café’s grassy courtyard.

17. Nature Walk in El Charco del Ingenio

Need a little dose of nature? One of the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende is roaming through the desert at El Charco del Ingenio.

This stunning nature preserve and botanical garden features a variety of incredible cacti and other native flora (many of them very rare or endangered), plus wildlife and views overlooking the colorful city.

My recommendation? Visit about an hour before it closes. That way, you’ll avoid the crowds and the intense heat of the day. You’ll catch those beautiful golden hour views, too.

Plus, the walk back down through the hilly cobblestone streets, toward the Jardín Allende, at sunset is enchanting beyond measure. 

El Charco is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Entry is 50 pesos (about $3 USD) per person, and credit card is accepted. They also offer guided tours; find details here.

18. Explore the Local Vineyards of Guanajuato

One of the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende is embarking on a wine tour.

Because, in case you didn’t know, Mexico produces some truly fantastic wine – often with a focus on natural processes.

On this Half-Day Local Vineyard, Tasting, and Culture Tour at the Independence Valley, you’ll explore one of the best vineyards in the region. Your day will be filled with wine tastings, paired with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, fresh fruit, and beautiful scenery. What more could you ask for?

Visiting San Miguel de Allende off the back of the annual wine festival, Catando, in Guanajuato, I gave this tour a miss… But I can report that Central Mexico’s wine is very good!

So if you love wine, this Local Vineyard, Tasting, and Culture Tour of the Independence Valley is a can’t-miss!

Click here to book your Vineyard and Culture Tour of the Independence Valley!

19. Check Out the Street Art in Barrio Guadalupe

You won’t find any street art in El Centro, since the colonial buildings are strictly protected by UNESCO. So if you love street art, then make sure to roam the creative neighborhood of Guadalupe and check out the dozens of colorful murals!

Guadalupe is pretty residential, so there’s not a lot happening here otherwise; though it’s nice to see another area of the city – as most travelers stick to El Centro the entire time.

While you’re there, make sure to have a coffee at El Café de la Mancha. According to Chef Omar of Oaxaca-style restaurant Venencia, this is the best coffee in town. Of the many cafés I went to, I have to agree!

20. Stop by the Tianguis Orgánico

Another must-visit market is the Tianguis Orgánico (TOSMA), held every Saturday (from 9 AM to 3 PM) just outside the city center. Why not visit on your way back from brunch at Raíces Restaurant SMA?

At this vibrant organic farmer’s market, you’ll find a variety of local produce, fresh bread, artisan cheeses, homemade salsas, flavorful mole sauces, and more. And since this is San Miguel de Allende, of course, there will be local art for sale – like hand-woven placemats, pottery, rugs, baskets, wall-hangings, and more! 

As my visit was close to Christmas, I sampled and purchased multiple different types of delicious mole and hot sauces to give to my foodie family members. Such an epic gift, in my opinion. 

21. Eat Churros at San Agustín

The incredibly long line outside of Chocolates y Churros San Agustín caught my attention, and I couldn’t not stop in for a churro. 

Later, I found out that this is a true San Miguel churro institution. The Taste of San Miguel Food Tour I went on a few days later finished up here, on a sweet note!

So go here, order a “Chocolate Español con 3 churros sencillos” (dark hot chocolate and 3 regular cinnamon-sugar churros), and bliss out in doughy, chocolatey, cinnamony goodness…

While feeling simultaneously weirded out by all of the posters and images of famous Argentinian-Mexican actress Margarita Gralia that adorn every inch of every wall. (She’s the café’s owner, so this is something of a “shrine to self”?)

22. Go Horseback Riding in Coyote Canyon

San Miguel de Allende is surrounded by a wondrous landscape: vast desert, adorned with mountains, canyons, cacti, and rivers. Explore it on horseback!

On this Half-Day Horseback Riding Adventure, you will cross the winding Virgen River, explore Coyote Canyon, admire epic cliffs above you, and gallop through stunning scenery. It’ll be an unforgettable experience – and your photos will be iconic.

You can also choose to add a visit to nearby hot springs (to soak your sore muscles after your ride!) or pump up the adrenaline with a 120-foot cliff rappelling experience… Or not. After, you’ll enjoy a traditional and all-organic Mexican lunch back at the horse ranch. 

I recently went horseback riding at the foot of Mexico’s tallest volcano in Cholula, so I skipped this tour! But when I return to San Miguel, I will definitely do this Half-Day Horseback Riding Adventure!

Click here to book your Horseback Riding Adventure!

23. Try Traditional Eats on a Foodie Tour

Traditional food, history, and roaming an incredible city? Sounds good to me.

On this Taste of San Miguel Food Tour, you’ll visit a variety of family-run restaurants and try traditional dishes like mole, cochinita pibil, ceviche, tortilla soup, churros, chocolate, and more.

You’ll go with a group of no more than seven other hungry travelers, for an intimate experience. Our guide was a walking encyclopedia on Mexican food, culture, and history! 

Click here to book your Taste of San Miguel Food Tour.

Quick note: After living in Mexico as a digital nomad (and growing up in California), I am very well-versed in eating excellent Mexican food. So, honestly, nothing I ate on this food tour blew my mind in the flavor department… However, if you’re somewhat new to Mexican food and/or history, then you’ll love this small-group Taste of San Miguel Food Tour! Their full five-star reviews don’t lie.

If I could do it over, I’d choose to go on their Tacos and Tequila Walking Tour instead.

This is a fantastic option if you love street tacos, margaritas, and mezcal like I do. (Who doesn’t?!) 

Click here to book your Tacos and Tequila Walking Tour.

24. Soak in the Natural Hot Springs

San Miguel de Allende is surrounded by natural hot springs! If you want to soak in hot and healing mineral waters, then head to one of the hot spring spas located just outside of town. 

La Gruta Spa, The Mayan Baths, and Escondido Hot Springs are known as the best ones.

I chose to visit La Gruta on a Wednesday morning, as I read that the pools are emptied for the days they are closed (Monday/Tuesday) and refilled with fresh water. And that turned out to be true. If you go, I recommend you do the same.

But if you’re expecting a fancy spa experience, this is not that. It’s quite rustic. Really, it’s just some pools with hot water for relaxing and a couple of restaurants. You can also book in for a massage (I didn’t). 

By far, the best part of the experience is wading your way through the tunnel into a giant, steamy temazcal (Mesoamerican sweat lodge) and standing under the fountain of water as it fills the pool.

Hot tip: To get to La Gruta, you can take a cheap 15-minute Uber or taxi ride. But the trick is getting back! Our Uber driver actually asked us for $2 cash to cover his journey back, as he knew he wouldn’t be getting any business back. So, make sure to get your driver’s number, so you can call them for a ride back to town. Or better yet, decide on a time that they’ll come back for you. After the spa, we had to walk to the historic, nearby town of Atotonilco (about 15 minutes walking) to try to find a taxi. And let’s just say, it took a while for one to appear. 

25. Explore Ancient Ruins at Cañada de La Virgen

Book this Cañada de La Virgen Pyramid Tour to visit a fascinating archaeological site that lies just outside of the city!

On this archaeologist-led tour, you’ll learn about the history of this recently excavated (in 2004) ruin site, which opened to the public in 2011.

Occupied by indigenous groups between 540 and 1050 A.D., this site is a great example of Mesoamerican indigenous peoples’ architectural, mathematical, and astronomical genius. 

Lucky for you, this place is still a relative secret; not many travelers come here!

Click here to book your Cañada de La Virgen Pyramid Tour!

26. Dance Among the Giants

When you arrive at Jardín Allende, San Miguel’s main plaza, giants will dance among you!

An icon of San Miguel, these giant papier-mâché puppets (mojigangas) are a staple of every celebration. And there’s a lot of partying going on in San Miguel – from weddings and religious events to fiestas and parades. You’ll often see bride and groom puppets made to look like the couple getting married. So fun!

These giants originated in Spain, and the tradition arrived in Mexico in the 1600s. They add an air of festive flair and color to the streets of San Miguel as they twirl to mariachi music.

Go on, have a little boogie and snap a photo!

27. Stop by the Mask Museum

Located inside Casa de la Cuesta B&B, the San Miguel Mask Museum is a cultural gem. 

For more than 25 years, the owner has curated an incredible collection of over 500 authentic and traditional Mexican ceremonial masks. Each of the masks on display has been worn in masked dances performed by remote indigenous communities all over Mexico.

It costs 100 pesos to enter the museum, and all proceeds are donated to the Casa de los Ángeles, a daycare center, in San Miguel de Allende.

Visits are by appointment only; find more information here.

28. Take a Day Trip to Guanajuato City

Just 1.5 hours away by car, the colorful and historic city of Guanajuato is a must-do day trip from San Miguel. (That is, if you’re not planning on an extended stay there already!) 

There are so many fabulous things to do in Guanajuato, you could easily spend 2 to 3 days in the city. But if you only have time for a day trip, then embark on this Private Guanajuato City Tour From San Miguel.

On a day trip, you will roam the city’s winding cobblestone streets, see the beyond-beautiful Juárez Theater, visit Diego Rivera’s House & Museum, and visit other historic sites around the city.

This Guanajuato City Tour is operated by the same company that I did my Private San Miguel de Allende Walking Tour with – so I can pretty much guarantee it’s going to be amazing.

This is one of Mexico’s most unique and historically significant cities, so you can’t miss it!

HOT TIP: If you’d rather go on your own, you can easily just hail a taxi or Uber. The one-way journey will cost about 800 pesos, or $50 USD.

But to be on the safe side, I recommend that you only travel Mexico’s highways during daylight hours. (In other words, leave Guanajuato by 5 PM and be back in San Miguel by dinnertime… The food’s better there anyway!)

Otherwise, stay a night or two in Guanajuato! The rooftop bars, museums, and epic views are worth it.

My hotel recommendations are Antigua Trece Hotel Fusión (affordable luxury), Hotel Villa María Cristina (affordable luxury), and Casa de Tillie (mid-range).

READ MORE: 23 Amazing Things to Do in Guanajuato, Mexico

Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende

Wondering where to stay in San Miguel de Allende? There are so many immaculate luxury hotels, it’s hard to choose. 

Here are my top picks:

• Casa No Name (Small Luxury Hotel)
• LOtel-Casa Arca
• Casa Hoyos Boutique Hotel
• Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende Urban Resort
• Cantera 1910 Hotel Boutique, Destination Hotel

Still looking? This is my favorite website for booking luxury hotels, quaint B&Bs, and unique lodging experiences throughout Mexico. Click here to find the perfect San Miguel de Allende accommodation!

How to Get to San Miguel de Allende

Getting to San Miguel de Allende is easy enough! 

If you’re flying in, you can choose between Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) in Silao/León and Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO) in Querétaro. Click here to find deals on flights! Both airports are roughly 1.5 hours away from the city. From either airport, simply hop in a taxi. The fares to SMA’s downtown are fixed, so you’ll simply pay the posted fare at the taxi counter, and off you go!

Likewise, if you’re visiting from the city of Guanajuato, you can take a taxi or an Uber for about 800 pesos (about $50 USD). You can also click here to book a private SUV transfer for up to 5 adults.

San Miguel de Allende Packing List

As mentioned, San Miguel de Allende is an elegant city with a love for all things beautiful! So packing for your trip is going to be fun!

It’s important to remember that Mexico’s dress culture is pretty conservative, and you will be visiting plenty of religious sites. So pack accordingly! 

Also, the climate here is mild; not too hot, not too cold. Average high temperatures hover between 72-84 °F, while the average lows are between 42-57°F. So at night, it can get chilly!

Here’s what you need to pack for SMA: 

• Nice dresses
• Nice jeans
• Flowy skirts
• Dressy shoes and sandals
• Light jacket or cardigan
• Sunhat
• Warm jacket (if visiting in winter)
• Activewear (for ruins, and horseback riding tours)
• Closed-toe shoes for outdoor activities
• Swimsuits (for the hot springs and hotel pools!)
• Quick-dry Turkish towel
• Sunglasses (polarized)
• Eco-friendly, natural bug repellent
• Travel insurance

A Quick History of San Miguel de Allende

On this fascinating guided walking tour of the city, I learned that San Miguel is so much more than a pretty place! Here’s a quick overview.

In 1542, a Franciscan monk named Juan de San Miguel established the first Spanish settlement in the present-day state of Guanajuato. An outpost for the Catholic Church on the fierce indigenous Chichimeca people’s land, it became known as San Miguel de Chichimeca.  

Soon after, the Spanish established many very rich silver mines throughout Guanajuato, and neighboring states of Zacatecas and San Luis Potosí. And the silver boom was on.

As an important market center along the Spaniards’ Silver Route, or the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, churches, aristocratic mansions, cantinas, and shops were built. Meanwhile, the region’s fertile soil and moderate climate gave way to a rich agricultural industry. 

As Spain became richer, civil unrest in “New Spain” festered… Until, finally, in September 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (“The Father of México”) and co-revolutionaries like Ignacio Allende kicked off the Mexican War of Independence.

Shortly after México won its independence, the city was renamed, in honor of hero Ignacio Allende.

But due to the effects of the war, between the 19th and early-20th centuries, San Miguel de Allende’s fortunes, influence, and population diminished immensely. And the city became all but an abandoned, forgotten ghost town. 

Until the 1940s, when its very own arts Renaissance began.

With the opening of the Bellas Artes art school – and later, the great Istituto Allende art school – renowned artists, art teachers, students, and their families flocked to the city from around the world.

And by the late 1950s, San Miguel had become what it is today: an inspiring international mecca of art, design, and architecture – known for its creative energy, colonial charm, and welcoming hospitality. 

Final Thoughts: What to Do in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico 

With all of the incredible things to do in San Miguel de Allende, there’s no way you won’t fall head over heels. 

This absolutely beautiful, culture-packed city is an art lover’s dream. But also, the incredible fine-dining restaurants, the centuries-old buildings, rich traditions, chic rooftop bars, stunning churches, fabulous shopping, fascinating history, bustling markets, street food, and quaint parks make San Miguel de Allende one of Mexico’s most captivating destinations. And I could probably double that list in size!

From foodie tours, amazing art galleries, and horseback riding adventures, to archeological ruins, wine tasting, hot air balloon rides, and the botanical garden, there are endless fun things to do in San Miguel de Allende. Enjoy!

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