3-Day Local Experience: Food, Wine & Shopping in San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
3 days
About San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Discover the enchanting charm of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This colonial-era city is renowned for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque architecture, vibrant arts scene, and cultural festivals. Wander through cobblestone streets, explore the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, and visit the numerous art galleries and craft markets. Enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine in quaint cafes and world-class restaurants. The temperate climate and natural hot springs make it a year-round destination. Experience the rich history, colorful culture, and warm hospitality that make San Miguel de Allende a must-visit destination in Mexico.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Immersing in Art and Local Cuisine
Morning
Begin your second day with a visit to the Instituto Allende, an art school that offers workshops in everything from painting to jewelry-making. You can also browse the on-site gallery and shop.
Lunch
For lunch, sample some street food at the 'Tianguis de los Martes', a weekly market that takes place every Tuesday. Here, you can find everything from tacos to tamales, as well as fresh produce and handmade goods.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a stunning neo-Gothic church that is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Don't forget to check out the beautiful murals inside.
Dinner
Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, where you can try regional dishes like mole poblano or pozole.
Evening
In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Paseo del Chorro, a picturesque pathway that leads to a historic spring. The views of the city from here are spectacular.
Day 3
Discovering Folk Art and Stunning Views
Morning
On your final day, visit the Casa de la Cuesta, a gallery and shop that specializes in Mexican folk art. You can find everything from masks to textiles here, all of which are handmade by local artisans.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy dishes like chiles rellenos or enchiladas verdes.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon at the Bellas Artes, a cultural center that offers a variety of exhibitions, concerts, and workshops. The building itself, a former convent, is also worth exploring.
Dinner
For your final dinner, treat yourself to a meal at a high-end restaurant. San Miguel de Allende is known for its innovative cuisine, so this is a great opportunity to try something new.
Evening
End your trip with a visit to the 'Mirador', a lookout point that offers stunning views of the city. It's the perfect place to reflect on your time in San Miguel de Allende.
Attractions in Itinerary (8)
1Mercado de Artesanías
A bustling market where local artisans sell a variety of handmade goods, including pottery, textiles, and jewelry.
2Fabrica La Aurora
A former textile factory turned art and design center, featuring galleries, shops, and studios.
3El Jardin
The main square of San Miguel de Allende, a popular gathering spot surrounded by cafes and shops.
4Instituto Allende
Instituto Allende is a cultural center in San Miguel de Allende, offering a variety of art classes, exhibitions, and a stunning example of colonial architecture. It's a must-visit for art enthusiasts and history buffs.
5Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
The most iconic landmark of San Miguel de Allende, known for its unique neo-gothic facade.
6Paseo del Chorro
Paseo del Chorro is a tranquil park in San Miguel de Allende, known for its historic water source and stunning city views. It's a great place to relax and soak up the local culture.
7Casa de la Cuesta
Casa de la Cuesta is a unique shopping destination in San Miguel de Allende, offering a wide range of Mexican folk art, antiques, and more. It's a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts.
8Bellas Artes
Bellas Artes is a cultural center in San Miguel de Allende, hosting a variety of art exhibitions, concerts, and featuring stunning colonial architecture. It's a must-visit for art and music lovers.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Chiles en Nogada
A traditional Mexican dish originating from Puebla. It consists of poblano chilis filled with picadillo (a mixture usually containing shredded meat, aromatics, fruits and spices) topped with a walnut-based cream sauce, called nogada, and pomegranate seeds, giving it the three colors of the Mexican flag.
Enchiladas Mineras
A popular dish in San Miguel de Allende, these enchiladas are filled with cheese or chicken, and topped with a guajillo chili sauce, carrots, potatoes, lettuce, cheese, and cream.
Tacos al Pastor
A popular street food in San Miguel de Allende, these tacos are made with spit-grilled pork, served on small tortillas with pineapple, onions, and cilantro.
Pozole
A traditional soup made from hominy corn, with plenty of herbs and spices, cooked for several hours with pork or chicken, and garnished with shredded lettuce, chili peppers, radish, onion, lime, oregano, and tostadas.
Churros
A sweet dessert, churros are a type of fried-dough pastry, often served with a cup of hot chocolate. They are a popular street food in San Miguel de Allende.
Cecina
A type of thinly sliced, salted and partially dried meat, usually beef or pork. In San Miguel de Allende, it is often served with a side of guacamole and beans.
Tequila
Tequila is a regional distilled beverage and type of alcoholic drink made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila and in the highlands of Jalisco.
Mezcal
Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of agave. The taste is smoky and it's a popular drink in San Miguel de Allende.
Pulque
Pulque is a traditional Mexican alcoholic drink made by fermenting the fresh sap of certain types of maguey (agave) plants.
Champurrado
A warm and thick Mexican drink, made with chocolate, cinnamon, anise, and masa de maíz (corn dough). It's a popular beverage during the holiday season.
Atole
A traditional hot Mexican drink made from masa (corn dough), water, piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), cinnamon, vanilla and optional chocolate or fruit. The mixture is blended and heated before serving.
Agua de Jamaica
A popular Mexican drink, Agua de Jamaica is a hibiscus tea served cold. It is tart, sweet, and refreshing.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is during the months of November to April. During this period, the weather is typically dry and mild, making it perfect for exploring the city's historic sites, vibrant markets, and beautiful parks. It's also a great time to participate in local festivals such as the San Miguel Jazz Festival in November and the Holy Week celebrations in April. However, it's worth noting that these months are also the peak tourist season, so it's advisable to book accommodations and activities in advance.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
February 5 | Mon | Constitution Day |
March 18 | Mon | Benito Juárez's Birthday Memorial |
May 1 | Wed | Labor Day / May Day |
July 7 | Sun | General Election Day |
September 16 | Mon | Independence Day |
October 1 | Tue | Inauguration day |
November 18 | Mon | Revolution Day Memorial |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
How to get around
Walk
San Miguel de Allende is a compact city with most attractions located within walking distance of each other. The city's cobblestone streets and colonial architecture make walking a pleasant way to explore.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout the city. They do not have meters, so it's best to agree on a fare before starting your journey. Taxis can be hailed on the street or ordered from your hotel.
Ridesharing
Uber operates in San Miguel de Allende, providing a convenient and often cheaper alternative to taxis. The app allows you to order a ride from your smartphone and track your driver's location.
Bus
Local buses are a cheap way to get around San Miguel de Allende. They operate on fixed routes and stop at many popular tourist attractions. However, they can be crowded and may not run on schedule.
Car Rental
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore San Miguel de Allende at your own pace. However, the city's narrow, cobblestone streets can be challenging to navigate and parking can be difficult to find.
Bicycle
Bicycles can be rented from several shops in the city. Cycling is a fun and eco-friendly way to get around, but be aware that the city's hilly terrain and cobblestone streets can make it a challenging option.
Horse-drawn carriage
For a more traditional mode of transport, consider a horse-drawn carriage ride. These are especially popular for sightseeing tours of the city's historic center.
Important information
Currency$ MXN
Time zoneUTC-6
Driving sideRight
Emergency phoneAmbulance: 065; Fire: 068; Police: 060
Drinking waterOpt for bottled water
Power sockets
Voltage120 V
Things to know about San Miguel de Allende, Mexico as a first time visitor
1
San Miguel de Allende is located in the central part of Mexico, in the state of Guanajuato.
2
The official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
3
The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN), but US dollars are also accepted in many places.
4
Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for small vendors and tipping.
5
The climate is mild, with average temperatures ranging from 55°F (13°C) to 75°F (24°C).
6
The city is at a high altitude (over 6,000 feet), so it may take a few days to adjust to the thinner air.
7
Tap water is not safe to drink. Always drink bottled water.
8
San Miguel de Allende is known for its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, so wear comfortable shoes.
9
The city is very walkable, but taxis and Uber are also available.
10
The local cuisine is a mix of traditional Mexican and international dishes. Be sure to try the local street food.
11
Tipping is customary in Mexico. A tip of 10-15% is expected in restaurants.
12
Public restrooms may charge a small fee for use, so keep some change handy.
13
The city is generally safe, but like any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.
14
San Miguel de Allende is in the Central Time Zone (GMT-6).
15
The city has a vibrant arts scene, with many galleries and workshops. It's a great place to buy local art and handicrafts.
16
The city is also known for its festivals and celebrations, so check the local calendar for any events during your visit.
17
If you're planning to rent a car, be aware that driving in Mexico can be challenging due to different road conditions and traffic laws.
18
Healthcare facilities are good in San Miguel de Allende, but it's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
19
The city has a strong expat community, particularly from the US and Canada.
20
San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so respect the local culture and environment.
Basic Spanish to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | Hola | Oh-la | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | Adiós | Ah-dee-os | Leaving or saying goodbye |
Please | Por favor | Por fa-vor | Making a request |
Thank you | Gracias | Gra-see-as | Expressing gratitude |
Yes | Sí | See | Agreeing or confirming |
No | No | No | Disagreeing or denying |
Excuse me | Perdón | Per-don | Getting attention or apologizing |
I'm sorry | Lo siento | Lo see-en-to | Apologizing |
Do you speak English? | ¿Hablas inglés? | Ab-las in-gles | Asking if someone speaks English |
I don't understand | No entiendo | No en-tee-en-do | When you don't understand what is being said |
Where is...? | ¿Dónde está...? | Don-de es-ta | Asking for directions |
Bathroom | Baño | Ban-yo | Looking for a restroom |
Help | Ayuda | A-yu-da | In case of emergency |
Food | Comida | Co-mee-da | Looking for a place to eat |
Water | Agua | Ah-gua | Asking for water |
Beer | Cerveza | Ser-ve-sa | Ordering a beer |
Wine | Vino | Vee-no | Ordering wine |
How much does it cost? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? | Kwan-to kwes-ta | Asking the price of something |
I would like... | Me gustaría... | Me gus-ta-ree-a | Expressing a desire or making a request |
Good night | Buenas noches | Bwe-nas no-ches | Saying goodbye in the evening |
Packing List
Clothing
Lightweight clothing for warm weather
Swimsuit
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses
Hat for sun protection
Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
Underwear and socks
Pajamas
Toiletries
Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner
Travel-sized body wash or soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Razor and shaving cream
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Prescription medications
First-aid kit
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or other ID
Printed copies of hotel and flight confirmations
Travel insurance documents
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency
Guidebook or map
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Camera
Charger for camera
Universal power adapter
Portable power bank
Miscellaneous items
Travel pillow
Earplugs and eye mask
Snacks
Reusable water bottle
Travel-sized laundry detergent
Plastic bags for dirty clothes or wet items
Notebook and pen
Weather Conditions
When visiting San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, it's important to note that the city experiences a semi-arid climate, which means you can expect mild weather throughout the year with some variations. The warmest months are typically April to June, with average high temperatures reaching around 80°F (27°C). If you're planning to visit during this period, it's advisable to pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Despite the warm days, the nights can cool down significantly, so it's also a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater. The rainy season runs from June to October, with August being the wettest month. During this time, you can expect short, heavy bursts of rain, usually in the afternoon or evening. Therefore, if you're planning to visit during these months, don't forget to pack a raincoat or umbrella. From November to February, the weather is cooler, with average high temperatures around 70°F (21°C) and lows around 45°F (7°C). If you're visiting during these months, you'll want to pack warmer clothing, especially for the evenings. Regardless of when you visit, it's important to remember that San Miguel de Allende is located at a high altitude, so the sun can be quite strong. Make sure to stay hydrated and use sun protection, even on cooler days. In terms of activities, the weather in San Miguel de Allende is generally favorable for outdoor activities year-round. However, if you're planning to visit during the rainy season, you might want to plan some indoor activities as well, just in case. Remember, weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip to ensure you're packing appropriately.
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 23° / 6° | January is the coldest month in San Miguel de Allende, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 23°C. It's a great time to visit if you prefer cooler weather. |
February | 25° / 7° | February sees a slight increase in temperature, ranging from 7°C to 25°C. The weather is still cool, making it comfortable for sightseeing. |
March | 27° / 9° | March marks the beginning of spring, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 27°C. The weather is pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities. |
April | 29° / 11° | April is a warm month, with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 29°C. It's a great time to explore the city's parks and gardens. |
May | 30° / 13° | May is the warmest month, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 30°C. It's a perfect time for beach activities and water sports. |
June | 28° / 14° | June sees the start of the rainy season, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 28°C. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions. |
July | 27° / 13° | July is a rainy month, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 27°C. Indoor activities are recommended during this time. |
August | 27° / 13° | August continues the rainy season, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 27°C. It's a good time to enjoy the city's cafes and restaurants. |
September | 26° / 13° | September marks the end of the rainy season, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 26°C. The weather starts to cool down, making it comfortable for sightseeing. |
October | 24° / 11° | October is a cool month, with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 24°C. It's a great time to explore the city's historical sites. |
November | 23° / 9° | November sees a further drop in temperature, ranging from 9°C to 23°C. The weather is cool, perfect for outdoor activities. |
December | 22° / 7° | December is a cool month, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 22°C. It's a great time to enjoy the city's Christmas festivities. |
Did you know?
Places near by San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Queretaro
A city known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, including the grand San Francisco Church and the baroque Santa Rosa de Viterbo convent.
Tequisquiapan
A small town famous for its hot springs and the annual National Cheese and Wine Fair.
Peña de Bernal
Home to the third largest monolith in the world, Peña de Bernal is a popular destination for rock climbing and hiking.
Guadalajara
Known for tequila and mariachi music, Guadalajara is rich in culture and history, with landmarks like the Guadalajara Cathedral and the Hospicio Cabañas.
Mexico City
The capital of Mexico, Mexico City, is a bustling metropolis with a mix of modern and traditional Mexican culture. It's home to the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Templo Mayor, and the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Puebla
Known for its culinary history and colonial architecture, Puebla is home to the Puebla Cathedral and the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, the oldest public library in the Americas.
Monterrey
A modern industrial and business center, Monterrey is also home to attractions like the Macroplaza, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, and the Parque Fundidora.
