San Miguel de Allende Travel Guide

Why does everyone talk about San Miguel de Allende? Not only was one of the first cities declared free by the Spanish colonization, but in recent years has been on the list of the most beautiful cities to visit from all over the world.

And it’s true because the moment you enter the city, you fall in love with their alleys full of colonial houses with different colors, cobbled streets and how well cared is the city.

Since you arrive, you are already experiencing something incredible. A place full of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops of all kinds, where it is hard to choose a hotel as most of the boutique hotels in the city are beautiful.

San Miguel de Allende is located approximately 3 hours from Mexico City (CDMX) and is known for its Baroque architecture and cultural festivals.

If you travel to Mexico City here’s a quick guide to it.

So if you plan to visit, there are many things to see, do and enjoy.

Here are some options:

What to visit:

St. Michael the Archangel Parish

The first thing you have to do after arriving at your hotel is to walk to the mere center of SM to see the parish of St. Michael the Archangel, which is located in the main square or “the garden” and that has no loses by its great beauty and size.

This church was built in the 17th century, and is very popular among the people who are getting married in San Miguel, apart from the tourists who visit it daily.

The Handicrafts market

If you want to buy the typical handicraft of the place, you have to visit this market, apart from picturesque, has a number of shops that sell from articles of brass and natural art, to “huichol” craftsmanship and embroidered clothes.

Temple of San Francisco

Walk heading to the temple of San Francisco where you will not only have the opportunity to travel more the city, if not to take some nice photos in its square, also in that corner between Juarez and Mesones is a petrol pump that was installed A in 1943 and restored in 2009 according to its plaque. It is interesting to see that the price of gasoline at that time was 38 cents a liter.

Parade of the Madmen

If you go in June you can not miss the parade of Madmen, where participants dress up and give candy to the children and people who are there.

Temple and former Convent of Jesus of Nazarene.

Visit Atotonilco and know its chapels that are also considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Where to eat and drink

There are too many nice places in San Miguel, it really is a matter of walking and looking to find lots of good places, but I will recommend those that I loved.

Breakfast.

Café LAVANDA

Café Lavanda is a place positioned as one of the best of SMA. When I saw the big line to enter, I got a little lazy about it, because from 8 am until 4pm that they open it’s always like this, but that was exactly what made me think that crowded places are the best.

And I was right! This is a very small coffee place , but cozy with great seasoning in their dishes.

I tried the eggs Benedictine, delightful! With their hollandaise sauce, avocado, and bacon, became my favorite.

I am coffee addict so I decided to try their specialty, the “latte” with lavender extract… And the truth was, what do you think?… I loved it!!

Another of the specialties is the dish “casserole” which are baked potatoes, mushrooms, a poached egg and bacon.

Café Lavanda:

Address: Dr Ignacio Hernández Macias 87 (147.46 mi)
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato 37700 Tel: 01 415 152 1610 Mon-Sun 8:30 AM-4:00 PM closes on Tuesdays.

https://www.instagram.com/lavanda_cafe/

http://lavandacafe.com/  

https://www.facebook.com/Lavandacafe/

Lunch

La Sirena Gorda

If you like seafood, this is the place you were looking for. First of all, the restaurant is decorated literal with pure beautiful fat mermaids.

Their seafood comes from the Pacific Ocean, from Zihuatanejo (famous for it’s seafood in Mexico).

My boyfriend and I ordered several things to share as the portions are quite big.

I recommend that you ask for the seafood chorizo, which has melted cheese and a mixture of seafood. Alonso chose the “Vuelve a la Vida” (literally means “back to life”) that is a mix of seafoods and comes in a large glass. I had the typical shrimp cocktail that unlike what I know this does not include ketchup, so it was perfect for my diet. 😉

To drink we had  a handmade SMA beer  and if you want something without alcohol a Russian mineral water with lemon and salt.

La Sirena Gorda:

Address: Hernandez Macias 85San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 13-00 HrsTel: 01 415 152 5019

https://www.facebook.com/lasirenagordasanmiguel/

 

Dinner and drinks

La Azotea

This terrace is one of my favorite. I recommend sitting on the side of the bar where there is a view to the churches and a very nice mural. You can have dinner and stay for a drink until later.

The food is very good and gourmet. As entree we tried some tapas of asparagus with serrano and the tacos of jicama are delicious. A few glasses of wine and you’re more than ready to start your night.

Place facts:

Umarán 6 Col. Centro37
700 Allende, Guanajuato41 515 24977

https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Azotea/178942275484147

 

Quince Rooftop

Another terrace that has an amazing view. Great place for a date and to go for a drink. There’s a variety of cocktails and if you arrive early you can have dinner too. 
We tried the French Margarita and Le Deutch.

Remember to book as it’s one of the most solicited places in town. 

Quince:

Address: Cuna de Allende 15San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Tel: + 52 415 154 9776

Schedule: Dom11:00-2:00lun-Sat 12:00-2:00

http://quincerooftop.com/https://www.facebook.com/quincerooftop/

San Miguel de Allende is a very nice place to visit, I think a weekend is a perfect time to enjoy it well.

There are some things important to know, as it is one of the safest and most picturesque cities it has attracted the attention of many foreigners, so there are already many people living there especially Americans and Canadians, so you hear a lot the English language, and has Americanized a little, and the prices have risen.

But being aware of how important it is to buy local, and to support Mexican commerce can help a lot.