Nowhere in Mexico will you find more beautiful architecture and romantic vibe than in the heart of the colonial city of San Miguel de Allendo’s historic district known as El Centro. Most of the town’s iconic structures are within the city’s cobblestoned center, including the epic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a neo-Gothic church whose dramatic towering pink towers will take your breath away. The church is just one of the awe-inspiring things to do in San Miguel de Allende Mexico.
Sitting at 6,000 above sea level, UNESCO World Heritage San Miguel’s fairytale historic center spans more than 24 blocks. One after another, the picturesque buildings blend architectural styles from Baroque and neo-Gothic to colorful colonial. To preserve its colonial heritage, there are restrictions in place regulating that all the buildings in the historic district must be painted a certain color (such as orange, rust, and pink) with paint made from organic substances, just like they would have used in the 1600s.
The city is named for Ignacio Allende, a hero of the Mexican Wars of Independence. In addition to its rich history, the safety, art scene, gastronomy, and multi-cultural vibe make things to do in San Miguel de Allende top the list of tourist destinations worldwide.
At a Glance
- Elevation: 6,234 feet
- Demonym: sanmiguelense
- Founded: Pre-1541
- Nickname: Corazon(thee fiercely beating bohemian heart)
Awards
- 2023 – #5 spot in Travel + Leisure’s list of the 25 best cities in the world.
- 2022 – #2 spot in Travel + Leisure’s list of the 25 best cities in the world.
- 2021 – named one of the best cities in the world by Travel + Leisure.
- 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 – Condé Nast’s “Best Small City in the World” for its photogenic Spanish architecture.
- 2023 –#3 small city in the world in Readers’ Choice Awards.
- 2013 – Condé Nast Traveler readers voted it the world’s best city for its “great atmosphere, excellent restaurants, culture, and ambiance galore.”
- Best Gastronomic Destination of Mexico – Food and Travel magazine.
We visited San Miguel de Allende as part of a road trip through central Mexico, beginning and ending in Mexico City.
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Here are the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende Mexico:
10 Ignacio Ramirez Market
Named after a famous Mexican poet, the bustling Ignacio Ramirez market is the oldest market in San Miguel de Allende and popular with both locals and tourists.
Fruit, vegetables, flowers, spices, clothes, shoes, talavera pottery, children’s toys, piñatas, embroidered bags are some of the products you’ll find
9 Inside Café
Go up to the 4th floor of the cozy café to the open-air rooftop terrace with a magnificent view of El Centro.
They claim their pulled pork grilled cheese is the best grilled cheese in the world…and I agree! I still dream about it!
8 Courtyards
As you wander around the city, stop at magnificent Baroque and neo-Gothic mansions – some are now shops, museums, boutique hotels, art galleries, and restaurants – and peek into the gorgeous lush courtyards filled with flowers and fountains.
7 El Mirador
Mirador is the Spanish word for “viewpoint” or “lookout.” For a birds-eye view of San Miguel de Allende, take a (steep!) 20-minute walk from the city center to El Mirador.
The city is even more stunning from above. From the terrace, you get a panoramic view of the beautiful domed church, historic squares, colorful colonial architecture, and alleys leading to the historic center. The overview is a popular spot for photography and can get crowded on weekends.
6 Mercado de Artesanias
This market was just a few minutes’ walk from our boutique hotel and I enjoyed it more than the Ignacio Ramirez Market. This market had many more handicrafts and souvenirs and the prices were good. You’ll find all kinds of goods like bags, hand-embroidered shawls, Lele (the famous Mexican rag dolls) beautiful beaded jewelry, clothing, and hand-painted pottery. Even if you set out not wanting to buy anything, the fun and colorful goods may change your mind!
5 El Jardin
Known as El Jardin, thr main tree-lined plaza is surrounded by lovely buildings such as the famous Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. You’ll likely walk by or through the leafy square many times during an exploration of El Centro.
The square is bustling with activity in the evenings and on weekends. Visitors sit on shaded benches to enjoy the roaming mariachi bands and balloon vendors or buy tamales and other street food from ever-changing stalls.
4 Las Monjas
Also in the heart of El Centro is Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción known locally as “Las Monjas” (the Nuns). Originally built between 1755 and 1842, the elegant dome was added by Zeferino Gutierrez in 1891 in the style of the Church of Les Invalides in Paris.
The church still operates today as a convent for the sisters of the order of the Immaculate Conception Church.
3 Murales Guadalupe
About a 10-minute walk from the historic district, the once gritty neighborhood of Guadaloupe has become a funky, artsy neighborhood. A scavenger hunt will reveal buildings that have been painted with large, beautiful, colorful murals.
2 Centro Historico
If you are seeking the best things to do in San Miguel Mexico, look no further than simply soaking up the colonial charm while meandering the cobblestone streets and alleys of El Centro.
The city’s historic center is filled with colorful homes and well-preserved baroque buildings, hidden alleys with shops and art galleries, and courtyards of colonial mansions now used for other purposes.
You can easily walk around the compact 2-acre historic center on your own without getting lost, but if you want to delve deeper into the city’s rich history, consider joining a walking tour.
1 Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel
Of all of the things to do in San Miguel de Allende Mexico, the is a highlight. Visiting this iconic masterpiece has long been on my bucket list, and it did not disappoint. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed church is easily the most impressive building in San Miguel de Allende.
The soaring pink neo-Gothic spires rising up from the church’s pink neo-Gothic façade can be seen from much of El Centro.
Local legend has it that self-taught architect Zeferino Gutiérrez was inspired by a postcard of La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s famous church in Barcelona. It’s easy to see the resemblance, and also why it’s one of the most photographed churches in Mexico.
Chilaquiles with a view!
If you have the opportunity, do go in to see the spacious inside of the church, lined with colorful images of local saints and vivid scenes of the crucifixion. Note: it is forbidden to take photos of the interior.
No matter where I ventured in San Miguel de Allende, I was drawn like a magnet back to this magnificent church.
Conclusion
It’s hard to put into words how much I loved this city. It’s the prettiest and most romantic city in Mexico, and probably even in North America. I didn’t want to leave. Apparently, that’s not uncommon as San Miguel de Allende is filled with ex-pats.
Photos by Kary Kern.
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About the Author
Patti Morrow
is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick and the southern travel blog Gone to Carolinas. TripAdvisor called her one of the “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.
She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “Destination Takeover” which is scheduled to premiere in the next few months.
Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.
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