Visiting San Miguel de Allende: Where to Stay and What to Do

San Miguel de Allende is one of the most captivating cities in Mexico’s Central Highlands, known for its baroque architecture, vibrant arts community and strong cultural identity. Located roughly an hour and a half from both the Leon and Querétaro airports, this chic destination draws well-heeled, in-the-know clientele to its pastel-hued buildings and cobblestoned streets.

Luxe Accommodations with Local Flavor

Our favorite home base while visiting San Miguel de Allende is Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel — a secluded urban retreat nestled in a collection of six historic houses that date to the 17th and 18th centuries. Unlike a typical hotel layout centered around a main lobby, this award-winning property offers just over three dozen handsomely furnished rooms and suites spread among the houses, interspersed with intimate gardens. No two rooms are alike, and all include design elements specific to the region, such as handmade talavera tiles in the bathrooms.

Configurations range from Deluxe and Superior Rooms with king, double or twin beds to Studio Suites and One-Bedroom Suites with separate sitting areas and private terraces or patios. If you really want to splash out, book one of the lavish Signature Suites, which include niceties such as copper bathtubs and private plunge pools. Casa Fuente, which can sleep up to 16 guests, is ideal for multigenerational gatherings or larger groups.

Casa de Sierra Nevada’s world-class amenities include two restaurants, Andanza and Restaurante del Parque; two bars, one on a stunning rooftop; and a spa with luxurious treatments and thoughtful rituals that incorporate elements of traditional culture. In addition to the sumptuous Mexican and Peruvian cuisine, the cocktail program at Tunki Rooftop by Handshake (rated the No. 1 bar and speakeasy in Mexico City) will wow empty-nest travelers or parents enjoying an adults-only evening.

Best Things to Do When Visiting San Miguel de Allende

Guests can easily while away four days in San Miguel de Allende between time spent at Casa de Sierra Nevada and the many delights around town. For a more leisurely pace and to immerse yourself fully in the area, a stay of up to a week would be ideal. Days in San Miguel de Allende are truly about appreciating the craftsmanship and way of life of local artisans, ranging from art to fashion and culture.

Day 1

What better way to familiarize yourself with San Miguel de Allende than starting at Jardin Allende? Known simply as El Jardin, San Miguel’s central garden square is always alive with people in cafes and kids at play. It is also home to La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a 17th-century church whose sherbet-pink façade is a city trademark.

In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour with an expert guide to provide context about San Miguel’s culture and history for your visit. Our Ciao Bambino Family Travel Advisors maintain a list of vetted guides who can customize a tour for your interests and the ages of those in your family.

Day 2

Today is all about artisans and art. Visit Fábrica la Aurora, a renovated textile mill that is now home to studios, galleries and shops. Wander the local design stores for a lens into unique aesthetics and visual perspectives. Slow down. Stroll through the Artisans Market in San Miguel, a vibrant trading post for handiworks including silver, embroidery and pottery. Locals suggest peering behind doors along the way – you may find an acclaimed artist at work or even one of the many inviting pastry shops.

Later, draw upon the morning’s creative inspiration as you take part in a hands-on workshop at Casa de Sierra Nevada. This “art from the heart” experience with famed local artist Hermes Arroyo is all about creating iconic papier-mâché characters called mojigangas. You may recognize Arroyo’s life-size skeleton puppets from the opening scenes of the James Bond movie Spectre, and this class offers you the chance to learn about his vibrant and fantastical work, passed down through the generations. You’ll even create your own small-scale doll to take home.

Day 3

If yesterday was about embracing the arts, today is all about savoring the tastes of the region. Casa de Sierra Nevada has its own cookery school, called Sazón, and one featured experience is an intimate class with Chef Ruben Yañez Hernandez. There is no pre-set menu for the class — rather, the day starts with a visit to the local market to learn about the rich culinary heritage of the area. Together, you will choose seasonal ingredients and return to the kitchen to prepare dishes that pay homage to the region, then enjoy the fruits of your labor with a memorable meal.

Afterward, enjoy some well-earned downtime with a visit to the spa, or simply relax and soak in Casa de Sierra Nevada’s serene environment.

Day 4

Start the day from a different vantage point: a hot air balloon ride over the Mexican countryside. Then indulge in a visit to two of the distinctive wineries in Guanajuato, the Mexican state that’s home to San Miguel. Here you will learn about the local grape culture and partake in a wine tasting with food pairings at each locale to get a sense for the viticulture in this part of Mexico.

Fill additional days in San Miguel with as much or as little activity as you like. Time spent enjoying Casa de Sierra Nevada’s pool, rooftop or grounds will pass quickly, but there are other local gems to be explored. Options include day trips to Guanajuato’s capital, a colonial-era city of the same name; a visit to one of the oldest mines in the state to learn about Mexico’s colonial period; outings to historic towns such as Dolores Hidalgo, the birthplace of the Mexican independence movement; and the Santuario de Atontonilco, a stunning 18th-century church known as the Sistine Chapel of Mexico.

If you have extra time, you can combine a stay in San Miguel with a trip to Mexico City, which is a four-hour drive away.

When to Go

November through April are ideal months for visiting San Miguel de Allende, when the weather is pleasant and temperatures are in the 70s and 80s. You may also want to consider timing your visit around Dia de los Muertos in early November or the festive season in December — the warmth of the San Miguel de Allende community is especially evident and it’s easy to feel part of it.

Casa de Sierra Nevada extends a great deal of attention to these traditional holidays. Dia de los Muertos activities, intended to celebrate life, begin on November 1, including an intimate dinner feast and cocktail party, a lively Dia de los Muertos fête with a DJ and a brunch that honors the essence of Mexico. The Casa de Sierra Nevada Winter Program is meant to evoke the beauty and magic of the season and to celebrate the vibrancy of the broader city within its tranquil oasis. The programming begins on December 21 and ranges from cocktail, guacamole and salsa-making lessons to wine and agave tastings, zen gatherings and yoga sessions, a festive Christmas Eve dinner and a lavish Black, White and Gold New Year’s Eve party.

No matter when you choose to visit, San Miguel de Allende is sure to leave you dreaming of its spirited and bright culture and with a greater appreciation for art in its many forms as you return home.

Relevant Links:

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Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.