San Miguel de Allende is a charming colonial city in Mexico’s central highlands. With its cobblestone streets, vibrant cultural scene, and historic architecture, San Miguel has become a popular destination for travelers from around the world. But is it worth visiting? Here we’ll examine what San Miguel has to offer and help you decide if a trip to this colonial gem is right for you.
Where is San Miguel de Allende?
San Miguel de Allende is located in the central Mexican highlands in the state of Guanajuato, about 170 miles northwest of Mexico City. It sits at an elevation of 6,200 feet above sea level.
How do you get to San Miguel de Allende?
The closest international airport is in Leon, about 1 hour 15 minutes by car from San Miguel. There are nonstop flights from Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles. Once in Leon, you can take a taxi, Uber, or shuttle van to reach San Miguel. Alternatively, you can fly into Mexico City and then take a bus or rent a car to drive the 2-3 hours to San Miguel. Driving is not recommended at night due to safety concerns.
What is the weather like in San Miguel de Allende?
San Miguel enjoys a mild, springlike climate year-round due to its high elevation. Daily temperatures range from around 60°F in winter to 80°F in summer. The rainy season runs from June to September, though heavy downpours are rare. The most comfortable weather is found in the fall and spring. Summer days can get quite warm while winter nights can be chilly.
Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende
Wander the Historic Center
With its colorful colonial buildings, charming plazas, and beautiful churches, San Miguel’s historic center is a pleasure to explore on foot. Top attractions include the Gothic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the well-preserved Casa de Allende museum, and El Jardín, a lovely square anchored by a gazebo. Wandering the cobblestone streets is like stepping back in time.
Visit Museums and Galleries
San Miguel has a thriving arts scene with dozens of galleries and museums concentrated in the center. Some highlights include the Instituto Allende art school, the interactive Toy Museum with its whimsical collection, and the Museo Histórico de San Miguel chronicling the city’s rich history. Fridays bring gallery crawls while Sundays offer cultural performances in the Jardín.
See the Famed Parroquia at Night
For stunning views, head to the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel in the evening when it’s artfully illuminated. The pink Gothic facade glows against the night sky. Grab a drink at a rooftop bar on the square to admire this iconic landmark. Seeing the church at night when the streets are quieter is an unforgettable San Miguel experience.
Take a Day Trip to Nearby Pueblos
Just outside the city are traditional Mexican pueblos like Dolores Hidalgo and Atotonilco worth visiting. Dolores Hidalgo is known for its Talavera pottery and for being the cradle of Mexico’s independence movement. Atotonilco features an ornately decorated 18th-century sanctuary dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of Mexico.” Most can be reached via local bus within an hour or two.
Enjoy the Food Scene
San Miguel’srestaurants serve up tasty Mexican cuisine with internationalflair. Local specialties includeb enchiladas mineraswith potato and carrot, sopesstall-like masa cakes topped withmeat and salsa, andponche, a hot fruit punch withcinnamon. There are plenty of charming cafes, bakeries, and mezcalerias as well. The Tuesday and Friday markets offer street food and are great for picking up fresh produce.
Go for a Hike up the Canyon
For beautiful vistas over town, take a moderate hike up theCanyon de Valle Verde. It’s just a 20-minute walk west from the Parroquia. Pack a picnic to enjoy as you sit atop the gorge carved by theRío Laja. Look down at the homes hugging the canyon walls for a unique perspective on the city. It’s best to go earlier in the day before it gets too hot.
Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende
Accommodation options in San Miguel range from intimate boutique hotels to grand historic haciendas. Here are some top-rated picks in different price points:
Hotel | Description | Average Nightly Rate |
---|---|---|
Casa Sierra Nevada | Luxurious boutique hotel with an award-winning restaurant, stunning grounds, and pool. Near the center. | $400+ |
Hotel Matilda | Chic, design-focused hotel with a spa and rooftop bar. Close to cafes and shops. | $200 – $300 |
Quinta Loreto | Intimate bed & breakfast with a peaceful courtyard garden. Great value. | $100 – $150 |
Hostel La Catrina | Friendly hostel with shared dorms, private rooms, a kitchen, and yoga deck. | $15 – $50 |
For a local experience, consider booking a room at one of San Miguel’s many family-run bed & breakfasts, called “casas de huéspedes” in Spanish. These are often full of character and come at budget prices.
Is San Miguel Safe for Travelers?
While no place is completely immune to crime, San Miguel is considered very safe for travelers. The historic center is filled with pedestrian streets and feels secure day or night. Standard precautions still apply: don’t wear flashy jewelry, be wary of pickpockets in crowded areas, and don’t walk alone late at night. But crime rates are low and violent incidents extremely rare. Most visitors feel comfortable exploring San Miguel’s charming streets and parks on foot. Solo female travelers also report positive experiences.
How Expensive is San Miguel de Allende?
As a popular expat haven and tourist retreat, San Miguel is certainly not the cheapest destination in Mexico. That said, it offers good value compared to similar colonial cities like Antigua in Guatemala or Granada in Nicaragua. Lodging, food, and attractions can fit a range of budgets. With some planning, it’s possible to visit fairly cheaply. Here are some average costs:
- Budget hotel room – $40-$60 per night
- Airbnb apartment rental – $50 – $100 per night
- Set meal at a nice restaurant – $10 – $20 per entree
- Street food like tacos – $1.50 – $3 per taco
- Museum admission – $2 – $10 per person
- Group tour – $25 – $100 per person
Avoid visiting during major festivals like Dia de Muertos or Semana Santa when prices surge. Opt for street food, take buses instead of taxis, and visit free attractions to save. An average daily budget of $50 per person is doable. Overall, moderate budgets are very comfortable.
Is the Altitude an Issue in San Miguel de Allende?
Situated at 6,200 feet or 1,900 meters above sea level, San Miguel does have altitude to consider. The air is noticeably thinner, which can affect energy levels. Acclimatization side effects like headache, fatigue, and nausea are common the first 36 hours. Drink plenty of water and ease activity levels at first. Most people adjust within a few days. Those with heart or respiratory issues should consult a doctor before visiting. Mornings and evenings may require light layers due to cooler mountain temps.
Is English Spoken in San Miguel de Allende?
While Spanish is the predominant language, English is fairly widely spoken in San Miguel. At hotels, restaurants, and major attractions, there is usually someone able to communicate basic information in English. Lots of expats also call San Miguel home. However, try to learn some key phrases in Spanish, as it’ll be appreciated. A simple buenos días (good morning) or gracias (thank you) goes a long way. For more complex conversations, tour guides and hotel staff that speak English are readily available.
Is San Miguel de Allende Kid-Friendly?
With its slower pace and pedestrian streets, San Miguel is pleasant for families. Many activities like wandering historic sites and sampling markets appeal to both kids and adults. There are also some child-focused attractions such as the Toy Museum and public parks. That said, few activities are tailored specifically to kids like children’s museums or amusement parks. Families may appreciate San Miguel more as a relaxing getaway with some cultural immersion rather than a high-energy destination.
When are the Best Months to Visit San Miguel?
Month | Average Temp | Weather Notes | Events | Tourist Levels |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | High 60s F/ Low 40s F | Dry and mild. Light sweater mornings and evenings. | New Year’s celebrations | Lower crowds after New Year’s |
February | High 70s F/ Low 50s F | Pleasant and dry. Warmer mid-afternoons. | Carnaval festivities, Presidents Day weekend influx from U.S. | Increasing around Presidents Day |
March – May | High 70s F/ Low 50s F | Excellent weather. Clear skies, comfortable temperatures. | Semana Santa (Easter), Festival del Centro Histórico | Peak spring break and Easter crowds mid-March to April |
June – August | High 70s F/ Low 50s F | Warm days, refreshing evenings. Increased rain chances. | Fiestas de San Juan y Presidios | Slows down in summertime. |
September – November | High 70s F/ Low 50s F | Conditions ideal again. Feels like perpetual spring. | Independence Day, Dia de Muertos, Cervantino Festival | Busier around Dia de Muertos and Cervantino Festival |
December | High 60s F/ Low 40s F | Crisp, cool mornings and nights. Clear, sunny days. | Christmas, New Year’s | Influx of tourists around holidays |
Anytime between October and May sees ideal weather and manageable crowds. March – May is peak spring season with more visitors and higher rates, though the summer rainy season (June – September) brings fewer tourists and often discounts. Those who don’t mind some warmer days or occasional storms can find excellent value visiting in the summer low season.
Conclusion
With its colonial charm, vibrant culture, excellent cuisine, and near-perfect climate, San Miguel de Allende offers an outstanding Mexican travel experience. There is enough to do for a few days up to a few weeks, with countless museums, churches, markets, and nearby pueblos to explore. The town feels intimate and manageable yet offers world-class dining, galleries, and upmarket hotels.
While not the cheapest destination, San Miguel still provides good value and options for most budgets. Sightseeing, food, and accommodation generally cost less than other popular Mexican colonial cities. Safety is not a major concern either. The high elevation may take a day or two to adjust to. With minimal planning, most travelers will find San Miguel relaxed, accommodating, and oozing Mexican character. It makes a hugely rewarding visit, especially for those interested in arts, culture, architecture, and savoring a charming historic town.