San Miguel de Allende

Travel Guide
San Miguel de Allende
Visit a small city that captures the imagination with striking-looking architecture, ancient religious buildings and the creative output of talented Mexican artisans.

San Miguel de Allende has cobbled streets, gardens, leafy courtyards and Spanish colonial architecture. The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Its star attraction is the compact historic center with centuries-old buildings. Wander through ancient streets, visit beautiful old churches, browse shops for artisanal goods and tap into the thriving art scene.

Start your visit in El Jardin, the central plaza where many residents sit quietly or socialize. On its south side is the Parish Church of San Miguel Arcangel, a stunning building with neo-Gothic towers. Elsewhere around the square are old colonial buildings and a branch of La Esquina Mexican Folk Toy Museum. Peruse the small collection of handcrafted traditional toys, some of which are available for purchase. Head to the museum's main premises to see the full collection, which has been amassed over a period of over 50 years.

San Miguel is widely known for its artisans and artists. See some of their best works in the galleries and studios of Fabrica La Aurora. This former textile factory has been transformed into a vast art and design center, about a 15-minute walk from the center of town.

Extend your sightseeing to attractions just outside the city. They include El Charco del Ingenio, a botanical garden of Mexican plants, and the Sanctuary of Atotonilco. This is an 18th-century religious complex decorated with vivid frescoes and murals. Travel 7 miles (11 kilometers) from San Miguel to enjoy the indoor and outdoor thermal pools of Escondido Place.

Find more ways to relax when you are a back in San Miguel. Enjoy a stroll and picnic in the green environs of Juarez Park.

Reach San Miguel de Allende by flying into Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City, 170 miles (274 kilometers) away or Guanajuato International Airport, 58 miles (94 kilometers) away. Complete your journey from either airport by bus or rental car to enjoy the city’s architecture, culture, history and green spaces.

Where to stay in San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende

Zona Centro

4.5/5(331 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Zona Centro, Church of San Miguel Arcángel and San Miguel de Allende Historical Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Zona Centro
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Allende

When in Allende, you can plan a visit to Juarez Park and El Mirador Viewpoint, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Allende
The monarchs in Mexico are just amazing. One more beautiful picture.

Colonia San Antonio

4/5(1 area review)

While Colonia San Antonio isn't home to many top sights, San Miguel de Allende Historical Museum and Church of San Miguel Arcángel are some notable places to visit nearby.

Colonia San Antonio
Beautiful street in the “lower” side of San Miguel

Colonia Guadalupe

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Though Colonia Guadalupe might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Fabrica La Aurora and San Miguel de Allende Public Library.

Colonia Guadalupe
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Arcos de San Miguel

4/5(5 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Arcos de San Miguel, you can explore the larger area and discover places like El Charco del Ingenio and El Mirador Viewpoint.

Arcos de San Miguel
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Guadiana

5/5(4 area reviews)

While Guadiana might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Juarez Park and Church of San Miguel Arcángel.

Guadiana
Real de Minas San Miguel de Allende
Real de Minas San Miguel de Allende
4 out of 5
Cam. Viejo Al Panteón 1, Centro, 37754, San Miguel de Allende, GTO
The price is $98 per night from May 8 to May 9
$98
$117 total
includes taxes & fees
May 8 - May 9
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in San Miguel de Allende. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"The only issue I have and probably won’t use Hotels.com again is my flight was delayed and I missed my connecting flight out of Dallas. I was forced to stay all night in Dallas Out of my control and I prepaid for the hotel and they would not take that into consideration. Not a good thing"

Reviewed on May 2, 2024

Real de Minas San Miguel de Allende
Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende
Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende
5 out of 5
Calzada de la Presa No. 85, Zona Centro, San Miguel de Allende, GTO
The price is $360 per night from May 8 to May 9
$360
$475 total
includes taxes & fees
May 8 - May 9
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in San Miguel de Allende. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (611 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel!"

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2024

Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende
Hotel Hacienda Monteverde San Miguel de Allende
Hotel Hacienda Monteverde San Miguel de Allende
3 out of 5
Volanteros No. 2, Centro, San Miguel de Allende, GTO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $66 per night from May 14 to May 15
$66
$80 total
includes taxes & fees
May 14 - May 15
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Miguel de Allende. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (990 reviews)
"Enjoyed the garden area. Very Relaxing."

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

Hotel Hacienda Monteverde San Miguel de Allende
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residencias la Estación San Miguel de Allende
Residencias la Estación San Miguel de Allende
3 out of 5
Calzada de la Estación 90 1, Privada de la Estación, Centro, San Miguel de Allende, GTO
Stay at this 3-star apartment in San Miguel de Allende. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Church of San Miguel Arcángel ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Excellent place to rest, do laundry, go to the gym. It is nice and spacious. A little far if you want to walk to the centro, better if you have a car. The folks that work here are lovely."

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

Residencias la Estación San Miguel de Allende
Residencial Antigua
Residencial Antigua
4.5 out of 5
88 Av Fray Juan de San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende, GTO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury residence in San Miguel de Allende. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Church of San Miguel ...
Residencial Antigua
Sollano 34
Sollano 34
4 out of 5
34 Diez de Sollano y Dávalos, San Miguel de Allende, GTO
Stay at this apartment in San Miguel de Allende. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and Netflix. Popular attractions Church of San Miguel Arcángel and Plaza ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Very pleasant place to disconnect from the world. Great location! Great price and great place to be at!"

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2024

Sollano 34
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of San Miguel de Allende

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
416
" "5 - Excellent 76.61141804788214%
4 - Good
109
" "4 - Good 20.07366482504604%
3 - Okay
17
" "3 - Okay 3.130755064456722%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.1841620626151013%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 25, 2020

Great historic place to visit. Pricy and filled with foreigners (not such a good thing).

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 14, 2020

Absolutely LOVED it!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 13, 2020

It is a place everybody must meet once in a live

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 3, 2020

En lo Personal, San miguel de allende es un pueblo para ir por un día, conocer el centro, el mirador y listo, tiene un turismo arquitectónico y para conocer iglesias, al que le gusta eso bien, el resto yo recomiendo quedarse en Guanajuato.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 3, 2020

It is a very nice place to visit, I go for eating and shopping and relaxation. I have stayed at Casa Rosada two years and I will go back next year.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 26, 2020

I love the fact they keep old traditions alive from the communities, churches, streets, the food. I hope they continue keeping historical landmarks in good condition. The weather was perfect...warm during the day and chill during the night.

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