Location: San Miguel de Allende
Top Things to do in San Miguel de Allende
Top Restaurants in San Miguel de Allende
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
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. Centro Mexicano de Lengua y Cultura
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
This language school offers classes for both adults and children.
Reviewed By Sc00terJane
I feel so fortunate to have chosen this modest school over some of the larger, better-known language schools in San Miguel! My experience at Centro Mexicano de Lengua was a focused, intensive program geared right to my level. (I was only in San Miguel for two weeks, and learning Spanish was the primary focus of my trip.) This was the only school I found that allowed me to start a period of study at the beginning of any week during the month, so initially this was the deciding factor in my choosing the school. I was a bit skeptical at first because I wrote to the school via their website, and didn’t receive a reply. DON’T let this stop you! Finally I called the school (from the United States) and reached the Headmistress, Josefina. After speaking with her about the program, I was sufficiently impressed with her manner and the information she provided to feel comfortable waiting until I arrived in San Miguel to actually enroll in person. The Intensive program I chose was 3 hours in the mornings, and an additional (extra $$) one-hour private lesson in the afternoons. Grammar and language basics were from 9-11, and a conversation class from 11-noon. I returned to the school at 4:00 for my private class which often emphasized conversation, using the things I learned in the morning class. I was extremely fortunate that the weeks I attended, my classes were mostly private to semi- private, but class sizes vary according to attendance and levels and are always small. The school headmistress, Josefina, was extremely gracious and amiable. She reassured me that once I was assessed, that I would be put in classes at the appropriate learning level. My main teacher, Sara, was highly experienced, extremely well organized in her methods of teaching. Sara was always encouraging and conducted much of the class in Spanish, though she is bilingual, ( all the teachers are) and answered my questions in English whenever I needed. I cannot say enough good things about her classes. My conversation teacher, Ricardo, was highly entertaining and enthusiastic in engaging me to talk. He encouraged me to discuss the things that interest me, and though my knowledge of the language was sparse, with his help the hour always went quickly and words flowed more easily as the days went by. I wish I had had more time to spend, but left feeling a desire to return and study there again in the not too distant future.
3. Sazon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 246 reviews
Sazón is San Miguel de Allende’s premier cooking school, housed in a magnificent 18th century casa in the heart of this charming colonial town in the highlands of central Mexico. Sazón is the cooking school of Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada, and is open to everyone, not only guests of the hotel.
Reviewed By robear2622
We did a lot of research before deciding which cooking class to try in SMA. We had heard rave reviews about Chef Ruben from a friend, so that, coupled with the best price in town, made the decision easy. Chef Ruben was fun to work with and informative. The enchiladas we made together were our favorite meal in SMA (and we’ve had a lot). The open cooking space and use of masks made us feel very safe during Covid times. Please don’t miss out on this experience. Thanks Chef Ruben!
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. Iglesia de la Concepcion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
This neoclassical cathedral is known for its large-domed top.
Reviewed By sharedvision - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
The church is located along Calle Canal..built in the middle of the 18th century..inside the church there are fabulous oil paintings on the church walls..there is a yellow dome with a statue of the immaculate conception on top of the tower.. this stunning structure can be viewed from many locations in SMA..
7. Inter/Idiomas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
This language school offers crash courses.
8. Church of San Francisco (Iglesia de San Francisco)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
This 18th-century church, built in the architectural style called churrigueresque, contains several pieces of well-known art.
Reviewed By sharedvision - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Identified as the state of the art construction , this highly adorned church completed in 1799 and was originally associated with St. Anthony, the patron of lost causes..identified with Spanish Baroque “”decorative style”” the outside of this church is visually striking..neoclassical structure..as a contrast, the inside of the Church of San Francisco has a more simple design..the courtyard offers seating opportunities and activities seem to be regularly present..on the west side of this square is the Iglesias de San Francisco with a bell tower in a faded white format..
9. Oratorio of San Felipe Neri
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
This 17th-century church was built only after a protracted struggle to gain the land where a church built by Indians had previously stood.
Reviewed By sharedvision - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
For me, this Church dominates the area near the Plaza Civica and the east end of Calle Insurgentes..It is described as a domed baroque structure built in the 18th century..as one enters the oil paintings, the brilliant dome view invites much further exploration and a longer reflection of the beauty that is present..the squares just outside the church offer a variety of food opportunities... there are many times when street musicians, jugglers and other entertainment is present..there are many places to sit and take in this wonderful atmosphere...
10. Instituto Habla Hispana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
One of the town's premier language schools.
Reviewed By O7106XSkatec
I have attended classes at Habla Hispana before with my husband for four weeks just last year and I love San Miguel. My more recent visit was in October of 2019 and I went without my husband and decided to take advantage of the homestay opportunity through the school. It was fabulous and much more than increasing my exposure to the Spanish language which I had hoped for. My accommodations were totally adequate with a very comfortable bed in my private room and my own bathroom. Marina and Ernesto are lovely hosts and took time to talk everyday. There are many family members and friends that I also met and conversed with while staying at the house. I am older and retired. It was such a treat to have Marina cook my meals. She is an incredible cook and everyday was a delight to eat at her table. She is also great company and we took long walks around the area regularly. I attended school from 9-1pm M-F, came home to my quiet house that is very near the school, ate a fantastic lunch always starting with homemade soup. She served a large variety of meals for La Comida; poached fish, chili rellenos, chicken mole etc.. Then evenings were lighter fare but equally delicious. I rate it the Best restaurant in San Miguel!! It is best to attend the school starting at the beginning of the month because that is when the curriculum changes but... I could not and they accommodated my learning needs without a problem. We study grammar during the first two hours and then had conversation groups the second half of class. The grammar teachers were excellent and consistent but they mixed up the conversation groups so that you experienced different people everyday to speak with and lead discussions. As in other schools they offer group activities that are fabulous. Taking tours with their guide, walking around town with a Spanish speaker who also speaks english when needed, a music class to talk about lyrics and my favorite which was a cooking class on Fridays. It was a great way to talk with other students, learn cooking tips and have a great Friday lunch together. I can not say enough positive about my experience except maybe that I plan to return.
