A Local's Guide to the Best Things to do in San Miguel de Allende
- Amy Dresser
- Jul 12
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 14
It’s no surprise that San Miguel de Allende consistently ranks among the top travel destinations in the world. From Travel + Leisure to Condé Nast Traveler, this small colonial city in the heart of Mexico has been praised for its beauty, culture, and charm—earning top spots on “Best Cities in the World” lists year after year.
But while its cobblestone streets and pink-spired Parroquia often steal the spotlight on Instagram, there’s much more to San Miguel than picture-perfect postcards. As someone lucky enough to call this city home, I can tell you the real magic lies in the rhythm of daily life—mornings spent sipping coffee in El Jardín, peaceful walks through Parque Juárez, afternoons exploring the art galleries at Fábrica La Aurora, or chatting with local vendors at the artisan market.
From iconic landmarks to quiet corners, here are some of the best ways to experience San Miguel—whether it’s your first visit or your fifth.
The Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel and El Jardin: The Heart of San Miguel de Allende
No visit to San Miguel de Allende is complete without a stop at its most iconic landmark: the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. This towering pink church, with its neo-Gothic spires and dramatic facade, was originally constructed in the 17th century and remains the centerpiece of the city’s historic core.
Directly in front of the Parroquia lies El Jardín, a charming town square shaded by perfectly pruned trees and strung with twinkling lights. In the evening, it feels like a living movie set—complete with a gazebo, strolling mariachis, and couples enjoying late-night ice cream.
More than just a beautiful backdrop, the Parroquia is the cultural heart of San Miguel. Weekend evenings host opulent weddings and quinceañeras that spill out onto the front courtyard for all to admire the lavish gowns and Mexican traditions.
Even on weeknights, you may stumble upon free live performances in the square. Without fanfare or announcement, a stage might appear with a jazz quartet, a 20-piece orchestra, or even an unexpected Irish clogging troupe. There’s no need to plan—just wander by after dinner, find a bench, and stay as long as you'd like. It’s one of the city's most spontaneous and unforgettable pleasures.
Fábrica La Aurora: Art, History, and a Café or Two
Whenever friends visit San Miguel de Allende, Fábrica La Aurora is one of the first places I take them. Even after living here for years, I still find something new each time I go. Housed in a beautifully preserved textile factory from the early 1900s, it now features more than 40 galleries, design studios, and artisan workshops—all under one historic roof.
Part of what makes it so special is the space itself. You’ll walk past massive looms and rusted machinery—reminders of its industrial past—while browsing everything from contemporary paintings and sculpture to vintage furniture, handwoven textiles, and delicate ceramics. It’s not uncommon to chat with working artists right in their studios, many of whom are happy to share their process.
When you’re ready to take a break, settle in at one of the on-site cafés for a light lunch or a glass of local wine. Café de la Aurora is a favorite, offering excellent casual fare and providing great people-watching opportunities.
Whether you're an art collector or a curious wanderer, this is a great place to spend a few hours relaxing and soaking in the San Miguel art scene.
Parque Juárez: A Local Favorite for Good Reason
Parque Juárez is a leafy oasis just south of San Miguel’s historic center. Shady paths meander through lush gardens and tranquil fountains, with wrought-iron benches inviting visitors to pause and rest from exploring the city’s cobblestone streets.
The park is also a lively hub of local activity. On weekends, the walkways come alive with local artists displaying their latest creations. A central sports area hosts public Zumba classes on Saturday mornings, alongside other activities for local schoolchildren. Near the entrance, the large gazebo frequently hosts dance lessons. And perhaps the most entertaining spectacle is the Friday night callejoneadas—pre-wedding processions complete with mariachi bands, oversized puppets of the bride and groom (mojigangas), and a flower-draped donkey carrying tequila shots in its saddle bags.
Whether you’re strolling through for peace and shade or joining in a festive celebration, Juárez Park is a perfect window into the everyday magic of San Miguel de Allende.
Artisian’s Market : Your Go-To Spot for Unique, Handcrafted Souvenirs
Everyone likes to take a small piece of this beautiful town home with them, and the Artisan Market is the perfect place to find that special something. Tucked just behind the busy Ignacio Ramírez Market in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, it’s one of the best places in town to find handmade goods by local craftspeople and to pick up unique, meaningful souvenirs.
The market runs along a narrow walkway from Calle Hidalgo, passing through Relox, Loreto, and merging into the Ignacio Ramirez Market near the city’s Civic Plaza. It is lined with stalls full of beautiful, handcrafted items. You’ll find embroidered textiles, hand-painted pottery, silver jewelry, woven bags, leather goods, and so much more, with much of it made right here in this region. There is something for every price range, from incredibly detailed hand-painted scrolls to key chains and bottle openers.
Whether you're gift shopping or treating yourself, this market is a great place to find something that truly represents San Miguel de Allende—and supports the people who help make it such a creative, vibrant place.
Take a tour : Let Someone Else Lead the Way
San Miguel de Allende has a rich and colorful past—shaped by its indigenous roots, its role in Mexico’s War of Independence, and its 20th-century revival as a haven for artists, writers, and creatives from around the world. This layered history is best appreciated through exploration, and guided tours offer an ideal way to experience it all.
Whether you're interested in colonial architecture, historic churches, artisan workshops, culinary experiences, or nature trails, there's a tour format that fits your style. Walking tours let you take in the charm of narrow cobblestone streets and hidden courtyards, while bike, horseback, or even hot air balloon excursions offer a more adventurous view of the region. For those who enjoy deeper cultural immersion, there are tours focused on local traditions, markets, and rural villages just outside the city.
Tours can also provide unique access to spots and stories that you might otherwise miss on your own—like tucked-away chapels, private gardens, or the backstories of the city’s most iconic buildings and murals.
No matter your interests, taking a tour is one of the best ways to uncover the layers of San Miguel’s vibrant identity and connect with its people, past, and present.
Explore the Botanical Gardens (El Charco del Ingenio): Hike, Explore, and Stay for the Chilaquiles
For nature lovers, a visit to El Charco del Ingenio—the Botanical Gardens of San Miguel de Allende—is a must. This expansive ecological preserve offers a unique opportunity to experience the region's native flora while enjoying dramatic canyon views.
Spanning roughly 200 acres, the gardens feature meandering trails that wind along a canyon ridge, skirt a small lake, and pass through the atmospheric ruins of an old home. The landscape is dotted with a wide variety of cacti, agave, and other indigenous plants, making it an ideal spot for both casual walkers and plant enthusiasts.
The experience changes noticeably with the seasons. During the dry winter and spring months, the vegetation thins out, and the lake near the dam can shrink to nearly nothing. But when the summer rains arrive, the gardens transform—lush greenery returns, the lake fills, and birds and fish reappear. Water even begins to cascade over the dam, creating a vibrant oasis in the desert.
No matter the time of year, El Charco is worth a visit, especially for the canyon vistas alone. I personally have an annual pass and visit often, fascinated by how drastically the landscape evolves through the seasons. One of my favorite post-hike rituals? A plate of flavorful chilaquiles and a glass of fresh-squeezed green juice at the café near the entrance—a perfect reward after a morning on the trails.
These highlights only begin to scratch the surface of what San Miguel has to offer.
From community events and cultural workshops to vineyard tours, boutique shopping, and spontaneous street performances, the possibilities are endless. But perhaps the best thing to do in San Miguel de Allende requires no plan at all: just find a sunny spot at a café near the Parroquia, order a coffee or a cocktail, and watch life unfold around you.
Comments