Unveiling the Charms: Top Things to Do, Stay, and Eat in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico
Upon landing in Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City (MEX), a 3 to 4 hour car ride was the only thing between me and the delightfully quaint city of San Miguel de Allende. Cobblestone streets and walls of all colors pave the way around this historic place, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. I discovered incredible places to explore nearby I’ll also be sharing with you.
MY FAVORITE PLACE TO STAY
The place I’m going to recommend as my favorite place to stay I didn’t actually stay at, but luckily I had friends who did. For that reason I was able to spend a lot of time at the property and even spent a day with the owner, Alice. I’d definitely book this place for a future stay!
ALICE’S PALACE PENTHOUSE
Lovely owner, Alice, is half the reason your stay will feel like your home away from home in San Miguel de Allende. She’s welcoming, attentive and overall a kind and beautiful person. Alice even accompanied us to a nearby market and lunch one day, giving us the true local treatment one isn’t always fortunate to find abroad. Her private residence is part of the 300 year old colonial property, but the guest Penthouse apartment has its own staircase and floor. The incredible indoor/outdoor living space offers a covered area (where we had our breakfast every morning) and a terrace and rooftop with spectacular views of the city. The Penthouse is charming and beautifully decorated, offering all of the comforts of home. There’s also a studio apartment you can inquire about. You can book Alice’s Palace Penthouse on Airbnb.
MY FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT
Lots of wine and sunsets in this edition.
Dôce-18 Concept House
If I had to pick one place to eat all of my meals in one day, it would definitely be Dôce-18 Concept House. They call it “a collection of experiences under the same roof” and rightfully so as aside from including a hotel, art and shops, it’s home to some of the best gastronomy in San Miguel de Allende.
Start your day with a cappuccino, pastry and ham and cheese croissant (yes, all of those things) at Panio bakery. There are a couple of these bakeries in San Miguel de Allende, but the one I went to at Dôce-18 Concept House is the one on Relox (Relox 18, Zona Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico).
For a nice, food court style lunch, head over to The Kitchen where you’ll find several delicious gourmet options. My personal favorites were the lobster and crab pizza at Centanni Grill, the lentil and quinoa salad with chicken at Naa.Na and the burger and fries at Birdie’s Burgers.
The best dining experience I had while in San Miguel de Allende was definitely Jacinto 1930. From the mixed tile, stone, copper and wood decor, to their exquisite twist on Oaxacan cuisine - Jacinto 1930 does not disappoint. My favorites on the menu: 2016 Casa Madero Cabernet Savignon, Soft Shell Crab entree and Pana Cotta dessert.
THE RESTAURANT
My favorite thing about The Restaurant was the experience of eating in a Moroccan style courtyard and, to be honest, the best Cheladas (beer with lemon juice and salt) in town! I was also impressed with their biodegradable straws made of avocado pits.
ATRIO
Atrio has the best close up view of Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. I liked this place for its decor and cocktails. Make it there for sunset - I bet it’s amazing!
LUNA ROOFTOP TAPAS BAR
Located at the Rosewood Hotel in the “really nice” part of San Miguel de Allende, Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar offers (in my opinion) the best view of San Miguel de Allende. I was lucky to be there for sunset and it was simply spectacular. With the entire city in front of you, cozy up with a serape and a glass of Casa Madero wine while you watch a beautiful San Miguel de Allende sunset.
MY FAVORITE THINGS TO DO
in and around San Miguel de Allende
MERCADO DE ARTENSANIAS
San Miguel de Allende
For authentic, hand-crafted items don’t miss “The Artisan Market” which is open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. From jewelry, to hats, to ceramics, to food - you will find quality handmade items in every stall at very good prices. I completely broke my promise not to buy too much, but I love every item I purchased there. This is a must if you visit San Miguel de Allende.
MIXTA
San Miguel de Allende
You will fall in love with this store the second you step foot inside the property. An artfully decorated hallway leads to a garden where you’ll find 10 foot tall cacti and a fountain. The Mixta retail space wraps around half the garden and is filled with eclectic, curated, handcrafted clothing, jewelry and other trinkets. They’re open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can follow them on Instagram @mixtasanmiguel (also linked in the title).
FABRICA LA AURORA CENTRO DE ARTE Y DISEÑO
San Miguel de Allende
The ‘La Aurora’ Cultural Arts and Design Center was once a textile factory, but today it’s filled with galleries and design stores. Take an afternoon stroll past paintings and sculptures while seeing artists diligently working in their open studios. Stop for a coffee at Café de la Aurora for a little break.
LA CAÑADA DE LA VIRGEN
This archeological site was recently excavated and only opened to the public in 2011. It’s comprised of seven pyramidal structures which were occupied by the Otomi people who studied the sky from these monuments. The site is located on private property, so tours are controlled and only take place once every hour on the hour beginning at 10 a.m. Our guide was extremely well informed and took us on a short ride in a van to a spot where we then had to walk about a mile and a half in total up to and around the site. Below is a clip from my walking tour (in Spanish). For a 360 degree view of the site click here.
DAY TRIP TO GUANAJUATO
Guanajuato City
Take a day or two to walk the picturesque streets of Guanajuato City. Stop in the house Diego Rivera was born in, Museo Casa Diego Rivera, and see a recreation of his home and some of his original artwork. Guanajuato City is definitely a place I hope to return to someday!
JUST FOR FUN
When you travel with photographers and it’s time to sit down for lunch.