San Miguel de Allende Travel Guide

My favorite spots in San Miguel de Allende are a blend both history, beauty and art.

Charco del Ingenio - Botanical garden and nature preserve with an extensive collection of cacti and other succulents also has a museum- price: 50mxn or 3usd

Fabrica la Aurora- Originally a textile factory for nine decades, this once driving force has been transformed to now houses galleries, boutiques, art studios, and decor stores many by local artists- free

Instituto Allended Escuela de Arte y Español - Stop in to take art class, and enjoy the beautiful murals that were created by both important Mexican artists as well as foreign artists.

Take time to explore the murals in Barrio Guadalupe just a few block from the historic city center you will find a barrio that does not play by the rules. Instead of churches and cuoplas, and bright colored walls, you will find murals, and people living their day to day life. Many of the murals are representative of Mexican culture, folklore, and history,

If you enjoy wine make sure to take time to explore Guanajuato's Ruta del Vino- not yet as popular as other Mexican wine regions, the region dates back to the pre-Hispanic period when Philip II placed an edict banning new vineyards except for production for Eucharistic wines so Father Miguel Hidalgo introduced viticulture to the area. Over 450 hectares of wine and 45 wineries are on the Ruta del Vino, with eight vineyards in and around SMA.

Day Trips

La Gruta - You have probably see pictures of the popular hot springs outside of town on social media. Pro tip if this is a must do for you make sure to visit early in the morning before the crowds show up, and if you can go on a Wednesday since the hot springs are closed Monday's and Tuesdays after the weekend crowds.

Day trip to Dolores Hidalgo and a visit to Atotonilco - Dolores Hidalgo is known for being the birthplace of Mexican Independence thanks to father Miguel Hidalgo, enjoy learning about the role this city played in the fight for Independence, visit the multicolored tomb of legendary singer José Alfredo Jiménez. Take time to visit the tiny town of Atotonilco and stop into the Sanctuary of Atotonilco and view what is called the Sistine Chapel of Mexico which has murals of Jesus Christ painted in what is called Mexican Folk Baroque style and took one man over 30 years to paint.

Cañada de la Virgen- Archaeological zone, pre-hispanic Otomi settlement. northern border of Mesoamerica, enjoy exploring multiple structures of various sizes. 75mxn, 4 USD.

Coffee/ Breakfast:

• Cafe Buen Dia - Sweet cafe with breakfast and brunch options

• Silveria Urban Coffee - Come for coffee and breakfast on the rooftop to enjoy the views first thing in the morning

• Lavanda Cafe - Get the lavender latte

• A.15 Animas Quince - Instagramamble coffee and pastry shop, grab a cup of coffee to go. Second floor has a play area for children, and a rooftop

• Geek & Coffee - Located by duck pond

Lunch and dinner:

• Rustica - Brunch

• Bekeb - Go for the cocktails

• Tacos don Felix - 20-minute walk from the city center, order enchiladas al portal

• Andy's Taco Cart - Stop for the perfect street tacos

• Soltribe Cuisine - Vegan cuisine but can be enjoyed by everyone

Drinks:

• Cervecería Allende Tap Room - Try a flight of beers, located next to Real de Minas hotel

• La Azotea - Somewhat of a hidden spot, you must enter through Pueblo Viejo and then upstairs for this rooftop gem