Location: San Miguel de Allende
Top Things to do in San Miguel de Allende
Top Restaurants in San Miguel de Allende
10 Things to do in San Miguel de Allende That You Shouldn't Miss
High in the cool hills, this colonial gem of cobblestone streets and picturesque churches inspires artists with its color, character and light. Baroque, neoclassical and neogothic mix in the city's buildings, notably at the pink stone 18th-century church on the Plaza Principal. Founded in 1542, the city is a mix of Hispanic and Mesoamerican influences.
Restaurants in San Miguel de Allende
1. Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,227 reviews
Built in 1683, this pastel pink church is the city's most recognizable landmark.
Reviewed By Retired_teacher_56 - Dwight, Canada
The centerpiece and focal point and one of the best things to do in San Miguel Allende is the unmissable church. La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel or the Church of St. Michael the Archangel is as impressive as it is massive. This is arguably the most photogenic spot in the city inside and out. Enjoy the view from the well-manicured garden in the plaza directly in front of the church that looks almost like an ornate pinkish orange cake! On Sundays, the plaza out front is filled with families and their children enjoying the park. The Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar in the Rosewood Hotel is a great place to have a cocktail enjoying both the sunset and this amazing church
2. Mask Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 430 reviews
By appointment
Reviewed By CarolynH399 - Houston, United States
The mask curator has been collecting masks for 30 years and has hundreds installed in the museum. He is very knowledgeable about the masks and Mexican history. You must call for an appointment. There is also a nice native art shop included in this beautiful bed-and-breakfast attached to the museum.
3. Galeria Atotonilco
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 373 reviews
We are open BY APPOINTMENT only and usually have an Open House the last weekend of every month from noon to 5 pm. Please check our weekly ad in Atencion for directions to the gallery and contact information. Please note: We are NOT a "Museum" or an "Attraction." One of the largest and highest quality folk art collections in all of Mexico, on a gorgeous country property in an architecturally spectacular, much-published building, Galeria Atotonilco is a ten-minute drive north of town. It is an eye-dazzling array of a huge variety of folk art, from funny to exquisite, from all over Mexico. Folk art is a direct route to the true heart of Mexico: it's history, it's traditions, it's myths and legends, it's diverse cultures. Items in all price ranges can be shipped anywhere. We suggest you visit us early in your trip when you have not spent all your money and when shipping can be arranged if necessary. Even if you know little about folk art, we guarantee you will be amazed at the diversity, and we love sharing our knowledge with you. In addition to folk art, you will see country antique furniture, vintage textiles of great beauty, and historic photographs of 19th century Mexico. Within a mile is the historic church of Atotonilco, and the gorgeous country restaurant, Nirvana. Plan to spend at least an hour in our gallery. The time will fly by. Many visitors report that this gallery was the highlight of their visit to San Miguel.
Reviewed By mariet451 - San Diego, United States
My husband and I, with a friend, really enjoyed our visit to this lovely property, with an excellent selection of carefully curated Mexican folk art. The collection is museum-quality, with something for everyone, at every price point, from ceramics, to textiles, masks and beyond. The owner is personable and knowledgable and personally accompanied us to the back gate where a short walk led us to a lovely place for lunch, Nirvana. The property is a beautiful setting for showcasing the colorful artisan works. My husband was thrilled to find curious mezcal figurine bottles he had admired in a private collection in Guanajuato, while I fell in love with the contemporary ceramics of Gustavo Perez. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would definitely return on a future visit to the area-highly recommended! Visits are by appointment, so plan ahead. We were able to visit with only one day's notice, but the owners do travel to find new acquisitions so advance contact by email or phone is advised.
4. Chapel of Jimmy Ray Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 243 reviews
We have created a 2.5 Acre Art installation.......You have to see it to appreciate it...The Gallery shows the work of Anado McLauchlin and guest artists.....The whole site is full of mosaic whimsy and delightful mirth!
Reviewed By jaelhakim
I’ve never seen anything like this place in my life. The whole house, and surrounding structures are completely covered in mosaics and other bizarre creations. Definitely worth the trip.
5. El Jardin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,057 reviews
The city's crowded center plaza is located at the heart of the historic district.
Reviewed By 643geraldb
One of our guides described it as the living room of SMA. Just before sunset people of all ages fill the zocalo. It's exciting to watch and walk around
6. Parque Benito Juarez
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 485 reviews
Young boys honing their bull-fighting skills are sometimes seen in this large lush garden.
Reviewed By PamManchester_MAUSA - Austin, United States
Mexico has spent a large amount of money upgrading this part. New walks through new gardens and nice new basketball courts for kids!
7. El Charco del Ingenio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 899 reviews
El Charco del Ingenio is a botanical garden and nature preserve just a few minutes from the historical city of San Miguel de Allende. The name comes from a spring-fed pool nestled in an impressive canyon. With great biodiversity, many different species of native plants and animals are in the canyon, the wetlands and the dry scrubland. El Charco hosts an extensive botanical collection made up of cacti and other succulent Mexican plants, many of which are rare, threatened or in danger of extinction. This is a place that was sanctified as a Peace Zone by the Dalai Lama, where you can enjoy the Conservatory of Mexican Plants, scenic overlooks, historic sites, trails, Interactive Garden for Children, camping zone, cafeteria & gift shop, as well as different activities like guided tours, sweat-lodge, workshops, concerts, full moon ceremonies and more.
Reviewed By sharedvision - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
There are so many wonderful pathways to wonder in this very special Botanical Garden..when we are in San Miguel de Allende each year in February we stroll through the streets on our way to this cacti and native plants of this area..there is a gift store, educational activities and many scenic outlooks.. a coffee bar is available as well
8. Fabrica La Aurora
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,105 reviews
Reviewed By T_Thull - Issaquah, United States
So many art galleries, it's almost over whelming. If you are looking for art in San Miguel, this stop should definitely be on your list. A wide variety of galleries present options for almost any taste. Local and international artists are represented as well as a couple shops selling antique art. Add to all that a few shops selling clothing, lighting, furniture and garden goods along with two restaurants and a coffee shop also on site in this large former textile factory, make for an interesting afternoon for art lovers. Suggestion: If you walk from the town square you can plan your route to take you through the "Mercado de Artesanias" which includes a few interesting shops along, with the usual tourist trinkets. Further along, "Calz de la Aurora" also has a number of interesting and worthwhile galleries on both sides of the street.
9. Canada de la Virgen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 642 reviews
Federally Protected Sanctuary (ANP) ~~ Certified Organic Ranch ~~ Outdoor Gourmet Food Experiences ~~ Organic Grass-Fed Beef ~~ Eco-Tourism (We do not offer tours of the Pyramid, please see other page) Canada de la Virgen is a vast, rugged and historic piece of land located near the Laja River basin on the western perimeter of San Miguel de Allende, in the Mexican State of Guanajuato. It boasts high mountain ranges, ancestral pyramids, natural springs and the winding Virgen River, with its numerous canyons, which our cattle, horses, indigenous wildlife and flora call home. We offer gourmet Mexican countryside dining experiences, with or without horseback rides, as well as full-service Mexican/Argentinean Asados at our historic Hacienda. We also produce organic, grass-fed, grass-finished beef, available at our office store and at various stores and restaurants around San Miguel de Allende, and throughout Mexico.
Reviewed By Wonspeed2007 - Mill Valley, United States
We visited the Prehispanic site of Canada de la Virgen with Rossana as our guide. It was an amazing activity about 30 minutes outside of San Miguel de Allende. The archaeological site has only been open to the public since 2011. The tour involved a lot of walking because public vehicle admittance is highly regulated to preserve the integrity of the area. The construction of the pyramid is linked to astronomic markers and the surrounding geography. Without a knowledgeable tour guide, a visitor might miss much of the unique features of the area. It provides a glimpse into the advanced astronomy that the civilizations of Mesoamerica incorporated into their traditions. We were very impressed with our guide Rossana who was instrumental in the excavation of the site. Rossana's husband met us in San Miguel de Allende and drove us to the site where we met Rossana. After the tour of the site we were served a delicious Prehispanic meal cooked by Jesus. After our meal, Rossana gave a short talk with photos of the sun and moon positioning in relation to the pyramid. It was an excellent excursion from San Miguel de Allende and we strongly recommend it.
10. Santuario de Atotonilco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 455 reviews
Reviewed By Chinapjs - Washington DC, United States
This is a pilgrimage church in a pilgrimage town. Known as the Sistine Chapel of Mexico ( or maybe Latin America) because of the extraordinary murals and paintings on the walls and ceilings. Some blend into each other. There is not cost to visit the church but the most beautiful room to the left of the entrance with a separate altar is spectacular and costs a little less then a dollar to enter
