Located in the central highlands of Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is a vibrant, cultural city renowned for its beautiful baroque architecture and arts, making it the perfect location to explore.
The city is the principal one in the San Miguel municipality and is home to around 140,000 people. The city is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, which means it is highly protected and valued.
If you are paying a visit to San Miguel, you are likely wondering what there is to see and do. The answer is a lot. In this article, we are going to introduce you to some of the very best attractions that this incredible Mexican city has to offer.
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1. Historic Museum of San Miguel de Allende
If you are a keen history lover, then this museum is the perfect stop off on your tour of the city. The museum is housed in an attractive, traditional looking building and is home to a variety of exhibits, which detail the history of Mexico’s independence. There’s a range of exhibits from paintings to relics making this is a great educational visit.
2. Mercado de Artisanias
There is nothing quite like the hustle and bustle of a city market, especially in a colorful place like San Miguel De Allende. If you really want to integrate with the local people and get a true feel for the culture and vibe of this place, then coming to the Mercado de Artisanias is an excellent choice. Here, you have the chance to buy a range of handicrafts as well as beautiful fresh flowers, groceries, and souvenirs.
3. Charco del Ingenio
This stunning botanical garden is a must-see when visiting San Miguel de Allende. It is home to a wide range of native trees and plants and is the perfect contrast to the busy city, for those looking for a little bit of peace and tranquility. With amazing views, the botanical garden is also home to a well-loved eatery where the breakfast is said to be second to none. If you are looking for somewhere to spend a lazy morning with excellent walks, this is the place.
4. Juárez Park
If you are visiting the city with children, this park is a great place to spend an afternoon, as there is a very good children’s play area. Juárez Park is exceptionally scenic and is the perfect location for a family picnic on a sunny afternoon (of which there are plenty in San Miguel de Allende). It’s the perfect location to take a quiet stroll or sit and read. There is also a small selection of vendors dotted around the park with drinks and ice cream for purchase.
5. Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
As we mentioned earlier on, San Miguel de Allende is famed for its incredible architecture. One of the most impressive buildings is the Parroquia, a stunning pink church. One of the most visited tourist attractions in the city, the church has some breathtaking spires. Previous visitors say this is the ideal location to meet some of the local people and get a feel for their lives.
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6. Fabrica La Aurora
This former mill is now home to multiple galleries that you can browse at your leisure. Set in a stunning location, you’ll have the chance to take in both the local culture and scenery.
There is also a lovely cafe where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the world go by.
7. Hecho En Mexico
This gorgeous restaurant receives rave reviews from many patrons and is a well-renowned place to eat in town.
The food is all Mexican cuisine and the portions are generous. The menu is broad and the price isn’t too bad either. The staff are super friendly and the service is exemplary, so rest assured that a visit here would be an enjoyable one.
8. San Miguel Parque de Aventuras
If you want something a little more outdoorsy and adventurous, then visit this adventure park.
Set in the beautiful Mexican countryside with rugged rocky cliffs and beautiful greenery, this is a great location for some fun and is ideal for families. You can take part in horseback riding or ride the zip line. The park comes highly recommended by everyone who has visited so it’s definitely one worth putting on your list.
9. Xote Holidome
Another great choice for anyone with a family, the Xote Holidome is a nearby water park.
There’s a great selection of things to do for people of all ages, including wading pools, water slides, and a variety of water-based play areas.
The park is set in landscaped grounds, and is not only fun but also scenic.
There are some excellent choices for when you get hungry after a long day of play, including a wonderful seafood restaurant.
10. Lavaderos del Chorro
This small chapel has a very interesting history. People came here to wash their clothes, and this is the main theme of the location for tourists today.
You can learn about the history of the place and the local area. Or if you prefer, you can simply take in the beautiful surroundings here and spend time walking around. There are some great photo opportunities.
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11. La Esquina Toy Museum
For a museum that is a little different to the norm, why not check out the La Esquina Toy Museum? It’s home to an amazing collection of old toys.
From intricate dolls houses to toy trains, this is the ideal place for anyone who wants a nostalgic look back. It is also a very educational place to show kids how children used to play.
12. Viñedo Dos Buhos
For any wine lovers, a trip to San Miguel de Allende would not be complete without paying a visit to this incredible winery.
Visitors can see how the wine is made and indulge in a wine tasting. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful, and the winery is set in stunning surroundings.
13. Conservatorio de Plantas Mexicanas
If you enjoy time spent in nature, then coming to this beautiful reserve is a must. The space is designed toward conservation of a variety of plant species and gives guests the opportunity to learn about their growth and development.
There is also a great selection of scenic walking trails here too, giving you the chance to get plenty of outdoor time. There is a children’s area, which is ideal for getting the kids excited about nature, as well as a lovely little cafe to grab a bite to eat.
14. La Begoña
This incredible lake needs to be seen to be believed. There are varieties of buildings here, from chapels to temples, so not only can you get back in touch with nature but also get a feel for the local history and architecture.
The glorious outdoor scenery here provides plenty of walking adventures and this is a great place to spend a family afternoon.
Conclusion
San Miguel de Allende has a lot to offer. Colorful, vibrant, and highly cultural, this is a place where modern meets traditional.
If you are on a family vacation and need plenty of activities to keep the young ones entertained, or you are on a romantic getaway, or anything in between, San Miguel de Allende caters to everyone.
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International Living are giving away a FREE research report on the most desirable—and cheapest—retirement havens available to you today.
Each day you’ll learn about the best places to retire, travel, buy real estate and enjoy life overseas.
