Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende has become a popular destination for tourists and artists alike. Hidden away from many crowded resorts and located in central Mexico, the city has a certain magic about it that has also led to numerous awards and recognitions. Nearly twenty percent of its residents come from other countries, leading to a mesh of cultures throughout the city. From walking along the cobblestone streets to dining at one of its many gourmet restaurants, San Miguel de Allende has also been named one of the twenty-five best cities by CN Travel. Here are our four favorite reasons to take a trip to San Miguel.
Food
With so many people visiting San Miguel de Allende from around the world, the region also became a destination for foodies. Whether you’re craving street food or a gourmet meal, you’ll find everything in this city. We recommend making a stop at Moxy Restaurant at Hotel Matilda, ran by celebrity chef Enrique Olvera. His fresh, local ingredients and cosmopolitan concepts create a delicious menu while also landing several awards for the restaurant. And don’t forget to make a stop at the municipal market for a better feel of the culture and foods of San Miguel de Allende.
Walkability
The historic center of San Miguel de Allende is made up of 24 blocks with narrow streets and alleys at every turn. This distance and the lack of traffic signals make the city very walkable. However, good shoes are important due to the uneven cobblestone streets and many steep hills throughout the city. When you need public transportation, you may take a public bus starting at just 30 cents or flag down a taxi.
Museums
With so much rich culture, it’s no wonder San Miguel de Allende has a variety of museums lining its streets. La Otra Cara de Mexico, or Another Face of Mexico, is a must-see during your stay. This quirky mask museum curates approximately 500 ceremonial masks and is owned by American expats Heidi and Bill LeVasseur. You can also find textiles, handmade paper and traditional dolls in the gallery. La Esquina Toy Museum is also popular in San Miguel de Allende for its collection of more than 1,000 handmade toys on display. Founded by resident Angelica Tijerina, the museum is made up of three rooms each reflecting a different region and its culture – including The Dollhouse, Unforgettable Mates and The Fair.
Culture
With a deep-rooted history and growth as a popular tourist destination, San Miguel de Allende is known also for its festivals, art and more. Annual festivals are popular in the city, such as the Fiesta Charra and Semana Santa before Easter. Many soldiers also took advantage of the GI Bill after World War II and enrolled in art school. This made a thriving arts community in the city. We recommend a visit to the Parroquia San Miguel; as the most well-known church in San Miguel, it’s easy to find in the city with its pink spires and often colorful flags. With it’s beautiful interior architecture, it’s definitely a must-see during your trip.
With a rich history and culture, San Miguel is full of delicious cuisines, museums and more. It’s easy to see the city in all of its beauty on foot while taking in the architecture and cobblestone streets. Named after Mexican General Ignacio Allende, San Miguel de Allende was also the first municipality to be free of Spanish rule after the Mexican War of Independence. Its thriving culture and passion for the arts attract visitors from around the world, creating a city that is both welcoming and vibrant today. Want to explore even more of Mexico in luxury? Check out our guide to the exclusive One and Only Palmilla resort in Los Cabos!
