Top Ten Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende

With its colonial architecture and thriving arts scene, San Miguel de Allende’s magic is palpable. Each charming, historic cobblestoned street rivals the next. The city’s history –– from indigenous communities to the Spaniards to early revolts for Mexican independence –– is fascinating and multilayered. The artisan ceramic, textile, and jewelry shops are worth a trip alone.

Orient yourself with a walking tour

To get the lay of the land, take a three-hour walking tour with Angelica Juarez of Angelica Tours. You’ll become acquainted with San Miguel’s charming alleys, churches, parks, and historic homes. Juarez brings the city to life, shedding light on the nomadic Chichimeca who called the area home before the Spaniards arrived in search of silver. She also explains how the city grew into the artsy, cultural hub it is today.

Visit a historic church

Across from San Miguel’s main square, the Gothic-style Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, with its peach-pink exterior and towering spires, is arguably the town’s most famous sight. Zeferino Gutiérrez, an indigenous stonemason, reportedly designed the church based solely on postcards of European cathedrals.

Linger over coffee and pastries

Inspired by the artisan boulangeries of France, Panio Atelier excels at all things bread, from chocolate croissants and conchas (Mexican-style sweet bread) to sourdough loaves, boules, and baguettes. Sit down to a leisurely brunch and tuck into French toast, chilaquiles, shakshuka and more. Wash it all down with a piping hot cappuccino.

Shop locally made goods

Browse gorgeous women’s wear, jewelry, and wall textiles at Caralarga, a year-old boutique around the corner from the Parroquia church. Based in nearby Querétaro, Caralarga prides itself on upcycling cotton waste scraps into beautiful dresses and blouses, rope-style jewelry, and woven wall hangings, which are works of art.

Attend a tequila tasting

Step into Casa Dragones and note the 4,000 obsidian tiles lining the striking bar. They were sourced from the sipping tequila’s agave fields. A small batch tequila that prides itself on quality, Casa Dragones has made waves since Bertha González Nieves launched it in 2009. The brand’s San Miguel home was once the stables of the elite Dragones cavalry, who ignited the Mexican independence movement.

Drop in at an artist’s gallery

Stop by Galeria Casa Diana and ogle original prints, sculptures, and furniture by renowned surrealist artist Pedro Friedeberg. Once the residence of the artist and his former wife, the jam-packed space features a lion’s mouth fireplace and dozens of iterations of Friedeberg’s signature hand chair.

Sneak in a spa treatment

From energy work inspired by the native Otomi people to hot stone massages to hydra facials and mole exfoliating scrubs, the 11,000-square-foot Sense spa at the Rosewood San Miguel offers the best of healing practices. Stay a while and take advantage of the sauna, steam room and three(!) swimming pools.

Take a detour to a nearby winery

Surrounded by grape vines and olive trees, Hacienda San Jose Lavista is a hilltop winery and estate about 20 minutes out of town. Explore the grounds, including a pond-encircled chapel and cellar, before swirling and sipping Malbec, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot, guided by an expert in the glass-clad tasting room.

Swoon over designer threads

A well-edited collection of fashion, art, design, and home, at Doce 18 you’ll find hand-embroidered linen dresses, gem-encrusted baubles by Sangre de mi Sangre, black and white knit ponchos, metallic leather bucket bags, and ceramics from Michoacan.

Take in the view

Come evening, Luna Rooftop at the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende is a must. The romantic bar-come-restaurant boasts the best views in town, especially as the sun turns the sky into sherbet-hued oranges and pinks. Nosh on shareable Mediterranean plates including hummus and crudité, papas bravas, roasted cauliflower and carrots with labneh.