Curator’s statement
San Miguel de Allende might not be the easiest city to get to in Mexico, but once you arrive you are immediately rewarded with a visual sensation of this picturesque city. To uncover the captivating beauty of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is not hard at all — it's literally everywhere you look in the city center. It's a city that sings to my heart as a creative director who swoons over color palettes and textures and colonial architecture sustained. (The hardest part is not stopping to take a picture of everything and stumbling on the sidewalk.) Mariachi bands line the streets, but also around each corner is a cute cafe with a unique collection of curated art. There is the perfect combination of history and modern spirit.
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Where to stay in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
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Things to do in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Shops
Mixta - Eclectic curated shop.
The Opal Mine - Go if you want fire opals and gorgeous unique silver jewelry, ask what is sourced locally.
Mestiz Studio - Most incredible ceramics. It's a shoppable studio that is honestly more like a gallery.
Dôce 18 Concept - Such a unique collection of shops of vintage clothing, candles and fine jewelry.
Coffee
There is no shortage of cute cafes. However, they are loud and lively so if you are working remote I recommend you post up at your hotel.
Xacinto
Zenteno
La Cabra Iluminada
Drinks
If you love mezcal and tequila, there is no shortage of options. Truly, they are like bodegas in New York, mezcal tasting rooms everywhere!
Casa Dragones - Tiny tasting room with a unique collection.
Bekeb - For rooftop cocktails with a 360-views.
Tunki - Rooftop bar on top of the Belmond Hotel serving the most unique cocktails with the chicest views of the city.
La Oficina - Cute cocktail bar.
Azotea - More local scene.
Sai-ko - Late night!
Places to eat & drink in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Personally, not a huge brunch person, but it's very popular in San Miguel and it's not your typical brunch, so the options offer folks like me who like lunch better a lot of choices.
The food scene is certainly a long shot away from that of Mexico City because unless you leave the city center you don't have the cheap taco-gritty options that I typically love in Mexico. However, what you do have is a very inventive and on-the rise food scene with chefs dedicated to tantalizing your tastebuds! These were my favorites:
Salvajes - Honestly, ordered almost everything and would have gone back a second night in a row if I had the option.
Ghar - Words can't express how flavorful this Indian restaurant is and how gorgeous the courtyard seating is.
Tostavere - Honestly, go starving and order as much as you can but get the philly cheesesteak style taco!!
Raices - Chilaquiles. Enough said.
Need to know
3-4 days in San Miguel could easily be added on to a trip to Mexico City as it's about a 4-hour drive from city center.
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Travel Advisor
Kay Hart
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Bacalar Mexico Guide: Embrace a 3-4 Night Escape to a Lush Lagoon Paradise.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to San Miguel de Allende.