Location: San Miguel de Allende
Top Things to do in San Miguel de Allende
Top Restaurants in San Miguel de Allende
Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day 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. 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.
5. 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.
6. Casa de la Cuesta, Museo de Mascaras
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By LarryHN - Osage Beach, United States
the owner loves masks and has personally collected them all from natives using them in local ceremonies. he has done research on each on and has documentation on them in the museum. Interesting and well worth seeing.
7. Shelter Theater VG4
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
San Miguel's cabaret theater, home of the best intimate live-shows including cutting-edge theater and music, especially jazz and blues. Every Tuesday is Open Mic so come and check out our local talent!
Reviewed By busyeater - New Westminster, Canada
We went for open mike night. Fun and bargain entertainment. The theatre is delightful, small, intimate, every seat is front row centre. Quality of the acts varies somewhat, but they all had their charm and covered various types of music. I had expected more comedians, just for variety and laughs. There are ofher productions in this theatre, too. Something for all tastes.
8. Galeria Nepantla
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Galeria Nepantla is the concept gallery of controversial international artist Isis Rodriguez. She is a contemporary myth painter and pioneer specializing in "nepantlic art", meaning "those in the process of evolution." Isis Rodriguez paints symbolic still lifes, archetypes and scenes showing the process of conflict moving toward resolution. Galeria Nepantla offers art tours, art classes and fully furnished studio apartment rentals for remote work or relaxation.
Reviewed By 853cocom
The current exhibit, CRUSH, presents a brave approach to an innovative perspective and understanding on the experience of dating in a world where traditional binary male-female labels are changing dramatically. Acceptance of any sexual identity that doesn’t fit into the norms of society is finally becoming part of a conversation, for which Isis's work creates a compelling and inspirational platform, one that comes from her own experience, open-mindedness, and willingness to put herself out there with bravery and authenticity. And…I’ve been single and “NOT ready to mingle” for a while but I went to the party and left with an amazing new CRUSH….who I’ve been dating ever since….who knew?
9. Mercado Ignacio Ramirez
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Vendors at this market sell all sorts of arts and crafts, including cheap homemade rugs.
Reviewed By garylK5145JP - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
This is the oldest market in San Miguel, and still one of the most colourful. For first time visitors to San Miguel, you really need to spend a bit of time going from stall to stall, checking out the fruits and vegetables, the spices, and all the other items that are so fundamental to good Mexican cooking. In the back of the market, is another large market area where roast corn, garbanzos, jicama, and fruit slices are sold. In the back and to one side of the open area, look for the stairs that lead down toward the alleyway that is the large handicraft market that extends for three blocks. Great fun!
10. Ignacio Allende House (Casa de Ignacio Allende)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
The birthplace of Ignacio Allende, one of the leaders of the War of Independence, is now a museum dedicated to this national hero.
Reviewed By 761sola - Chicago, United States
I recently visited San Miguel Allende Guanajuato and I had a great experience the museum its awesome lots of history and great information very affordable and very nicely located in the downtown area. People are very friendly and always willing to help you if need it.
