San Miguel de Allende Travel Guide

Tucked away in Mexico’s central highlands is a Colonial-era town known for its charming cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and global food scene: San Miguel de Allende. First established in the 16th century, the city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage City in 2008 and is lauded for being “an early example of a rational territorial and urban development in the Americas.”

“The city is more reminiscent of Europe than the Americas, with its cobblestone streets and winding alleyways that eventually lead to the heart of the city,” Zachary Rabinor, a T+L A-List advisor and the CEO of Journey Mexico, told Travel + Leisure.

Not surprisingly, it’s a constant favorite among T+L readers: San Miguel de Allende was named the No. 1 city in the world and our reader-favorite Mexican city in our 2024 World’s Best Awards.

“Creatives, foodies, and romantics gravitate to San Miguel de Allende from all parts of the world, adding a cosmopolitan flair to the city´s authentic Mexican character,” Rabinor said. “The city’s Spanish colonial architecture is impressive and the city has become a magnet for artists of multiple disciplines due to the year-round springtime climate, beautiful landscapes, and spectacular lighting.”

Rabinor also noted that San Miguel de Allende is a good “soft landing” destination for those visiting Mexico’s interior destinations for the first time since English is widely spoken.

The Best Hotels and Resorts

Rosewood San Miguel de Allende

Rosewood San Miguel de Allende opened in 2011 after transforming a 16th-century building into a hotel modeled after a grand hacienda. The property is home to one of the city’s most popular rooftops — Luna Rooftop, which overlooks the city’s iconic La Parroquia — and has 67 guest rooms, suites, and private residences. The hotel is conveniently located less than a five-minute walk from Parque Benito Juárez.

“Rosewood San Miguel de Allende is not just a place to stay — it is an experience,” Kareema Partin, T+L’s senior producer, who visited in the summer of 2024, said. “You are surrounded by beautiful accommodations while immersed in a culture that is still carefully preserved. Locals take pride in where they come from, and it shows.” (The hotel was voted the No. 1 hotel in Mexico in T+L’s World’s Best Awards.)

Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, San Miguel de Allende

Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, San Miguel de Allende is a 37-room hotel set across seven buildings in the city’s historic district. Every room comes with butler service. For an extra luxurious stay, consider the Parroquia Suite, which has a plunge pool on a private terrace and, as the name suggests, has views of La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. The hotel has an on-site cooking school, Sazón, to teach guests how to prepare Mexican dishes. (The hotel was voted one of the top hotels in Mexico in T+L’s 2024 World’s Best Awards.)

La Valise San Miguel de Allende

La Valis San Miguel de Allende welcomed guests in 2022 and offers a more intimate stay. There are just six suites, each themed and named after Mexican artist Pedro Friedeberg. The hotel says it is “an immersive experience in art and design” that “blends Mexican tradition and surreal modernity.”

Casa 1810 Hotel Boutique

Casa 1810 Hotel Boutique is walkable from many city attractions, such as La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the Casa de Allende Museum, the La Aurora Factory, and the Temple of San Francisco. Like many of the hotels in the area, it has a rooftop restaurant with 360-degree views of downtown. The three-story hotel has 14 guest rooms.

Best Things to Do

“Be sure to give yourself a day to simply wander San Miguel’s streets and squares, soaking up the atmosphere,” said Rabinor. “It’s the perfect city for spontaneous discovery — often art galleries, lush courtyards, and boutique stores are waiting to be found behind the unassuming doors of old buildings.” (Pro-tip: The streets can be hilly and uneven, so pack comfortable footwear.)

Rabinor’s biggest travel hack is to explore the city during the week and plan weekend excursions to beat the crowds.

Jardín Allende and the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel

At the heart of the city are Jardín Allende and La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the parish church of San Miguel de Allende. The church is stunning to see in daylight and when lit up at night. “Besides being a beautiful spot to admire the parish’s magnificent baroque and neo-gothic architectural styles, Jardín Allende is people-watching central,” Ranibor said. “There’s always something going on, from swooning mariachi serenades at sunset to marriage proposals in front of the church and explosive callejoneadas, which are wedding party parades led through the streets to the beat of raucous live music.”

Go on a Day Trip to the Wine Region

There’s been a resurgence of the local wine scene, which is a must-visit for a tasting or more. “There are lots of vineyards popping up on the area’s fertile land as the wine scene increasingly becomes a part of San Miguel’s modern identity, but it’s lesser known that viticulture in Mexico really took off after the Mexican War of Independence in the first half of the 19th century,” Rabinor said. (For context, Miguel Hidalgo, one of the forefathers of the independence movement in Mexico, is largely credited for teaching locals in Dolores how to produce wine. These are the same techniques used today.) Rabinor recommended visiting Cuna de Tierra for a tasting-pairing menu or Dos Buhos, a family-run winery, for their organic wines.

Take a Mojiganga Class

San Miguel de Allende is famous for its giant puppets called mojigangas. While visiting the city, you can make your own miniature version with Hermes Arroyo — an artist and owner of La Casa de Las Mojigangas. The process involves sending Arroyo a selfie, who then makes a papier-mâché doll of your general likeness. In the class, you paint your doll and dress it up. It doubles as a memorable souvenir.

Visit the Mayan Baths

For a little self-care, consider visiting the underground mineral pools in the city. “The Mayan Baths provide a tranquil escape from the bustling city surrounding it,” Danielle Pointdujour, a senior editor at T+L, said. “The underground springs are the perfect place to decompress and absorb the peace of a place that means so much to the local people. If you’re a sunset lover, definitely go later in the afternoon for the most spectacular view.”

Best Shopping

Mercado de Artesanías

For a traditional market experience, visit Mercado de Artesanías for handcrafted goods. The stalls sell an array of crafts from across the country, including jewelry, bags, ceramics, and even some sweet treats.

Suki Palomina

One of the best souvenirs from San Miguel de Allende is also a fashion statement: a Suki Palomina hat. You can make an appointment for a one-on-one experience at the atelier, where you learn about hats at large and the brand’s three patent designs. “I help you understand hats and provide a unique experience — regardless of whether you leave with a hat or not,” Alejandra “Suki” Armendáriz, the founder of Suki Palomina, told T+L.

While Armendáriz has a store near the atelier with readymade hats for those who aren’t looking for customizations, the personalized experience is truly an immersive look at what goes behind making these stunning art pieces. I visited in the summer of 2023 and built the perfect hat for my wardrobe, style, and function. “The hat is your canvas,” Armendáriz said. “You choose your color, hatband, material (wool or rabbit), brim shape, size, and pins. I want to mix my designs with my client’s taste and personality.”

Xinú Perfumes

At the back of Mesón Hidalgo is Xinú Perfumes — a perfume brand that says it’s inspired by “the aromatic botany of the American continent.” If you’re not into perfume, the store carries candles and body care products as well.

Best Restaurants

There’s no shortage of delicious food and stunning rooftops in San Miguel de Allende. “The city offers a range of culinary angles, from sizzling taco carts to fine dining and cooking experiences,” Rabinor said.

Consider Ki’bok Coffee, Lavanda Café, or Inside Cafe for your daily coffee. (Inside Cafe has some excellent views on the top floors.) You can find vendors selling elotes and esquites in the main square and some taco stands.

Rabinor’s favorite upscale eateries are Moxi, Zumo, and Aperi. Armendáriz told T+L her favorites (both new and classic) are Bastardo Restaurant, Sotto Ristorante, Perro Fantasma, Fari Trattoria, Jacques, Bocaciega, and The Restaurant.

Wherever you dine, the biggest tip for the restaurant scene is to make reservations. “Restaurant reservations are a must for weekends, and I strongly suggest making them on weekdays, too, so you don´t miss out,” Rabinor said.

Bekeb

For delicious cocktails and a stellar view, there’s no bar like Bekeb. Owned and operated by world-class mixologist Fabiola Padilla, the bar has an ancestral menu with modern takes on Mexican heritage drinks. (You can also sign up for a mixology class with Padilla to learn some trade secrets.) Bekeb was named one of the World’s Best Bars in North America in 2024.

Tostévere

Tostévere feels like a hidden gem, but definitely make a reservation to secure your seat. The interiors are cozy, the menu is concise, and every dish is worth trying. The tostadas were the star for me, as they were piled high with toppings. (I, for one, still daydream about the corn truffle tostada.)

Panina

Armendáriz and Padilla recommended Panina and we knew we had to reshuffle our itinerary to try it out. The team makes quite the impression when they roll out to your table with a cart featuring their daily baked goods. You can ask questions, take in the carb-loaded visuals, and choose your treats.

Chocolates y Churros San Agustín

Mexicans know this establishment for its owner, actor Margarita Gralia. But the churros are so good that locals and tourists are queuing up for a sweet treat. There are three types: a classic with cinnamon sugar dusted, a version with condensed milk, and a chocolate-drenched. Try your favorite, or do as I did and order all three.

Best Times to Visit

San Miguel de Allende is perfect to visit at any time of the year. According to Rabinor, it’s “truly one of Mexico’s few year-round destinations” because even during Mexico’s rainy season (June through October), the city’s “unique location shields it from the brunt of the rains.” He added that the dry season typically spans between November and May, with December and January being popular months to visit. “Try to visit in the shoulder months of October/November or March/April for great weather with fewer crowds and better pricing,” he added.

You can also sync up your trip with some holidays. In June, there is Desfile de los Locos (“Parade of the Crazies”); in July, there’s the Guanajuato International Film Festival; in August, there’s an annual wine harvest festival; and at the end of October and early November, there’s Día de los Muertos.

How to Get There

To get to San Miguel de Allende by flight, travelers can fly into Querétaro International Airport (QRO) or Guanajuato International Airport (BJX). Both QRO and BJX are roughly 1.5 hours away from the city. For those visiting Mexico City or flying through it, San Miguel de Allende is a four-hour drive.

How to Get Around

San Miguel de Allende can be explored on foot, though those with mobility issues may find the cobblestone streets and hills challenging. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (like Uber) are readily available. You’ll need a car or a cab to go on some excursions (say, visiting the wine region).