San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel is, first and foremost, a city built for relaxing. It is a Spanish colonial town of perhaps 140,000 people, a heritage site protected by the Mexican government in order to maintain its character. In July 2008 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Founded as "San Miguel el Grande" in 1542 by the Franciscan monk Juan de San Miguel, it became a centerpiece in the war for Mexican independence from Spain. After the war, in 1826, San Miguel was given city status and renamed San Miguel de Allende after Ignacio Allende, a hero of the independence movement, the "first Mexican soldier" and a native of the city. In danger of becoming a ghost town in the early 20th century, the town was declared a national monument in 1926 and building became heavily restricted in the town's historic centro district, allowing the city to keep the colorful native facades that have become the backdrop of many famous works of art and even modern motion pictures.
A series of artist colonies were founded in San Miguel in the 1950s, including the famous Instituto Allende, and many American ex-soldiers moved their families here following World War II either to attend one of these colonies or to escape the polio scares raging through many U.S. cities. The result was a healthy American expatriate population that exists today mostly as elderly retirees and second-generation business owners. This population, combined with wealthy Mexicans (especially actors and politicians) that have rediscovered San Miguel as a Malibu-like retreat from Mexico City, has created an eclectic mix of Old World Mexican charm, American hospitality, and a party atmosphere that makes San Miguel a world-class destination for adventurous travelers.

Climate

San Miguel's weather is typical of central mountainous Mexico. It varies little, and even in the hottest months (May and June) when daytime temperatures can reach 35°C, the dry air makes it tolerable and cool mountain breezes tend to make evenings delightful. Winter evenings (from December to February) can get cold, even down to freezing overnight, but it warms up quickly in the morning. The rainy season extends from June to September when days are pleasant for sightseeing until heavy downpours (usually late in the afternoon and evening) cool and freshen the air. The climate has the same lazy, quiet air and temperance as Palm Springs, encouraging long hours of swimming and pool-side tanning, reading or napping, or just lying in a hammock and forgetting the world exists.

Tourist information

• San Miguel Tourist Information

  phone: +52 415 152 1695
  address: Plaza Principal 8
  Offers street maps and can arrange for Spanish or English tours of the city.

Films

Once Upon a Time in Mexico and And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself were filmed almost entirely in San Miguel.

One of the most difficult aspects of visiting San Miguel de Allende is getting there. Its remoteness is definitely part of the charm of the city. Your afternoon nap will never be disturbed by the sound of an overhead plane or a train pulling in, but reaching San Miguel, and eventually escaping, can be a problem if you do not understand your options.
If you're an experienced driver in Mexico, you'll have few problems reaching San Miguel. It's less than two hours from León and one hour from Querétaro, and maybe a three-hour drive from Mexico City. The only difficulty will come when you reach San Miguel. Parking spaces are at an absolute premium here, so you'll want to arrange to have a spot for your car waiting when you arrive. Additionally, the cobblestone streets were not designed for modern traffic, so driving around San Miguel can be a challenge. Most people walk or take a US$2 cab ride anywhere downtown.
If you've never driven much in Mexico, driving to San Miguel is not difficult. While San Miguel is on the side of a mountain ridge, most of the roads leading to it are in excellent condition and safe to drive, at least during the day. Since much of this area is "free range" land, horses and cattle may find their way onto the road, especially at night.
Seniors and tourists touring the region may find sightseeing more difficult because of the locals' propensity to drive fast along these two-lane highways. It's not much fun having a car on your bumper while trying to see the beautiful countryside in this area. Slower drivers often drive partly on the shoulder to let faster traffic pass.
Your best bet is flying into León or Mexico City, and taking a shuttle or bus to San Miguel. Then you do not have to worry about parking you car, which is of little use once you arrive.

By plane

The closest airports to San Miguel are the Aeropuerto Bajío/León (BJX), next to the town of Silao, about 56 miles (93.5 km) west of San Miguel de Allende and Aeropuerto Querétaro (QRO), north of the city of Querétaro, about 52 miles (86.5 km) southeast of San Miguel de Allende. Arriving at either of these airports will reduce your final journey to a relatively inexpensive (US$30-60) hour shuttle or cab ride into town. Aeromexico Connect, Interjet, Viva Aerobus, Volaris and Magnicharters offer flights from Cancun, Chicago, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Monterrey, Puerto Vallarta and/or Tijuana to the region in addition to United Express and American Eagle with flights from Houston Intercontinental and Dallas/Ft Worth respectively. A bus ride from Querétaro is even cheaper (around US$10-15), but the trip will take 2.5-3 hours because the bus is not direct to San Miguel and you have to take a taxi from the airport to the bus station. Colectivos from the bus station to the city center are much cheaper at M$5 pesos. The new Unebus de Guanajuato operates a thrice daily bus from nearby León/Guanajuato Bajio International Airport to San Miguel Allende. Plans are underway to expand service.
Your flight may be less expensive if you go through Mexico City (MEX), and connect to a flight to León or Querétaro. Otherwise, Primera Plus offer hourly buses from Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport to Queretaro and Celaya where you can transfer to another bus to San Miguel. However, it's a 4-5 hour trip.

By taxi or rental car

Lisette

If you fly into Mexico City and need to reach San Miguel, do not try to take a taxi from the airport. The taxi drivers in Mexico City are well-trained to cheat you by charging you three or four times the cost of a trip to San Miguel. It's simply not worth the hassle. If you're hell-bent on flying into Mexico City and not taking a bus, call ahead to the hotel or B&B where you're staying and ask them to send a taxi from San Miguel. Yes, they may charge you for both the trip to and from the airport, but it will be infinitely less expensive than if you try to pick up a taxi from the street outside the Mexico City airport. It is very important not to pick up a taxi from the street outside the Mexico City airport for safety reasons, in any case. Take one of the official airport taxis to your hotel. These "Transporte Terrestre" taxis are the only ones allowed inside the airport. You will buy a zone-priced ticket ahead of time inside the airport by walking all the way down to the right (several hundred meters) after exiting the international arrivals area.
If you fly into a regional airport like León or Querétaro, taking a taxi the rest of your way is much safer. Just make sure you use an approved taxi service (the green and white cars are official taxis). Even still, if you don't know San Miguel that well, you may want to consider calling ahead to your hotel or B&B and having them provide transport. Regional taxis may know how to get you to San Miguel, but only a taxi or car sent by your lodging will know how to get you straight to them.
By far the most convenient airport to fly into is León (BJX). Arrange for a ride beforehand with one of the many shuttle services listed on San Miguel websites. Average price about US$25-30 per person. This will almost always be cheaper than taking a taxi from the airport, and the driver will know the town of San Miguel much better than a taxi driver from the airport. There is no easy way to get from the León airport to San Miguel by bus.
Perhaps the best option for getting to your hotel, casa or B&B is to pre-arrange pickup at your arrival airport. The driver will meet you inside the terminal, in the area where you clear customs. The rates are US$70-120. A 6-passenger SUV will be the highest and a sedan for three is around US$70. You can arrange transportation through your hotel, etc., or book direct.

By bus

• Central de Autobuses

  phone: +52 415 152 2206
  address: Calzada de la Estación 90
  The town is well-served by first-class and second-class buses, and tickets for both can be purchased here at the station. Local buses marked 'Central' (M$5 (pesos)) run frequently from the station to the center of town. The following intercity bus companies serve San Miguel de Allende:

• Grupo Estrella Blanca

  phone: +52 55 5729-0807
  They also operate the Autobus Americanos, Elite, Elite Plus, Futura, Futura Select and the Oriente brands. They connect San Miguel de Allende to Guadalajara, Guanajuato, León, Mexico City (México Norte); Morelia and Tepotzotlan. They also offer onward services up to Durango, Ciudad Juarez, Puebla and Reynosa.

• ETN (Enlances Terrestre Nacionales); Turistar

  phone: +52 473 733-0289
  a 'deluxe' class bus service that rival business class travel on a plane. They connect San Miguel de Allende to Guadalajara, Guanajuato, León, Mexico City (México Norte) and Morelia.

• Omnibus de Mexico

  phone: +52 55 5141-4300
  Also include the Noreste and the Omnibus Plus brands.

• Primera Plus

  phone: +52 447 710-0001
  The major bus line for the region which also include the Coordinados and the Flecha Amarilla lines for travel in the state and to adjacent states. Their first class buses go to Celaya, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, Lago de Moreno, León, Mexico City (México Norte); Morelia and Moroleon. Passengers connect in León, Guadalajara or Mexico City to get to additional cities. They offer more frequent services to Celaya, Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato and other nearby towns on the Flecha Amarilla second class line or on Coordinados.

• Pegasso

  phone: +52 415 109-29-93
  From here they only go to Dolores Hidalgo, Mexico City (México Norte); Queretaro, San Juan del Rio, San Felipe de Guanajuato & Tepozotlan

Peradora Agencia de Viajes

phone: +52 415 152 8011

address: Cuna de Allende 17

An independent travel agent that sells first-class tickets for Primera Plus and ETN bus lines.

On foot

Maybe 90% of San Miguel's attractions are within walking distance. Just keep in mind that because San Miguel was built into the side of a mountain, it can turn out to be difficult to traverse, some inclines are 15 or 20 degrees. Furthermore, the streets are cobbled and narrow – some were nothing but goat tracks before they were paved – and many have fallen into disrepair. Curbs are often a high step away from the road. All in all, the town can be unforgiving to an inexperienced walker. For this reason, it is advisable to bring comfortable shoes.

By car

Driving in San Miguel can be challenging due to very narrow streets and limited parking, and is best avoided. There was a time when the city was not so wealthy and only taxis could be found on these roads. Now that the real estate market has boomed, an influx of money has made cars more affordable and now the average resident is more likely to own one – good news for the economy, but bad news for the roads.
Many two-way streets in San Miguel are too narrow to support two lanes of traffic, and it's not uncommon for a street to become so choked with cars that drivers have to get out and negotiate which one is going to back up to a wider street to let the other pass. Many streets are one-way and indicated by arrow signs placed on the sides of buildings; a double arrow indicates a two-way street.
Watch out for very steep streets. They can get even steeper than you realize and at least one in San Miguel is so narrow at the bottom that no more than a medium-sized car with its side mirrors pulled in can safely maneuver between the buildings. Scratches on the walls attest to drivers who have literally had to scrape between the buildings. Backing up the hill is usually not an option. Following a city bus is a good way to guarantee not getting into a tight situation.
On-street parking regulations are widely ignored by Mexicans. If you park on the street, do NOT leave it parked for more than 24 hours (There are no signs warning about this). Parking violations may result in the transit police removing your license plates. You will then need to find the police station, pay a fine, and hope that your plates are returned. A better alternative is that there are several paid parking lots in town; look for 'E' signs indicating estacionamiento (parking).

By taxi

Catch a taxi to any destination within central San Miguel for M$35-40 (2016), and M$40-50 after dark. In-town taxis are abundant and a great option after an afternoon of shopping. Taxis do not use meters and the price should be confirmed first. Taxis in front of the bus station are notorious for over-charging; most locals walk a few meters past them to flag down a cab on the street. If calling for a taxi to pick you up, the price doubles. If planning a late night out, most taxi drivers can be trusted to keep an appointment if the pickup time is arranged in advance.

By bus

San Miguel has its own pleasant and reliable bus system that serves the entire town, including out-of-the-way places like the Luciérnega Shopping Center. Buses are called urbanos and run from 07:00-21:00 daily for a flat rate of M$5 inside the city center (single ride, no transfer, driver gives change). The schedule is every 15-20 minutes in the central city; every 1-2 hours to and from outlying areas in the municipality. Routes are never referred to by their number but by the name of the destination. There is no route map.
Destinations are generally marked or painted on the side or on the windshield. Centro means downtown and Central means bus station. Buses are white with color-coded trim. All the blue-white and orange-white buses pass the stop opposite the Oratorio de San Felipe Neri downtown. Yellow-white buses make a circle around town passing near Centro and Central. All red-white, green-white, purple-white buses and some yellow-white buses connect to the outlying suburbs and are boarded at various stops located several blocks outside the center of town.

By tourist trolley

Two different companies provide sightseeing rides using trolley-looking buses that cost M$60. You can ask for tickets in the main tourist office just in the main square. The ride lasts 1½ hours (if traffic allows) and reaches the top of the El Mirador hill for a fantastic view of the town.

Architecture

• Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel

  phone: +52 415 152 4197
  address: Plaza Principal s/n
  The marvelous pink granite parish church, looking like an ornate candy sculpture. The building itself dates from the 16th century, while the façade was designed in the 19th century by self-taught indigenous architect Zeferino Gutíerrez, who is said to have been inspired by a postcard depicting a European Gothic cathedral.

• Templo de la Inmaculada Concepcíon

  phone: +52 415 152 0688
  address: Canal y Hernández Macías s/n
  Next to the Bellas Artes and part of the former convent, this church was constructed in the mid-18th century. The massive dome is said to be a copy of Les Invalides in Paris.

• Oratorio de San Felipe Neri

  phone: +52 415 152 0521
  address: Insurgentes s/n
  Completed in 1714, the church features a delicately-carved pink sandstone façade.

• Templo de Nuestra Señora de la Salud

  address: Plaza Cívica s/n
  Built in the 17th century and notable for the scalloped stone dome over the main entrance.

• Templo de San Francisco

  phone: +52 415 152 0947
  address: San Francisco s/n
  Built toward the end of the 18th century, this is a good example of Mexican Baroque architecture.

Museums and galleries

• Museo Histórico de San Miguel de Allende

  phone: +52 415 152 2499
  address: Cuna de Allende 1
  Home of Ignacio Allende, one of the independence heroes. You will learn about Mexican history from the 16th century until the death of Allende in 1811 and you can find an exhibition which shows a typical upper-class house of that time. Spanish and English explanations

• Casa del Mayorazgo de la Canal

  phone: +52 415 152 7584
  address: Canal 4
  The former home of a very wealthy family and now housing a bank. The courtyard is open to the public, and occasional art exhibits are shown on the ground floor. Visitors must sign in; no photography permitted.

• Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez

  phone: +52 415 152 0289
  address: Hernández Macías 75
  This former convent is now an art school and cultural center, and hosts rotating exhibits by local and international artists. Of particular note is an unfinished mural on the ground floor by David Alfaro Siqueiros, a contemporary of Diego Rivera.

• Another Face of Mexico Mask Museum

  phone: +52 415 154 4324
  address: Cuesta de San José 32
  A private collection of over 500 Mexican ceremonial masks.

• La Esquina Popular Mexican Toy Museum

  phone: +52 415 152 2602
  address: Núñez 40
  This museum collection is housed in a historic building, and includes a range of antique and modern hand-made toys.

Other

• El JardínThis central plaza with manicured trees is always buzzing with activity and is a good place for people-watching.

• Statue of Ignacio Allende

  address: Plaza Cívica

• Casa del Inquisidor

  address: Cuadrante 36
  An 18th-century mansion and the former office of the Inquisition was located in this building, now a private home. Directly across the street is the former jail for the Inquisition.

• Teatro Angela Peralta

  phone: +52 415 152 2200
  address: Hernández Macías 82
  Named after a famous Mexican opera singer who inaugurated the theater in 1873, this is one of San Miguel's principal venues for concerts and performances. It is not normally open to the public except during events.

Cultural events

• Semana SantaCelebrated with impressive and touching parades.

• Fiesta de los LocosThis annual parade is unique to San Miguel, with thousands of participants clothed in outlandish and colorful costumes and tossing candy into crowds of spectators. The parade begins around 11:30 at the Templo of San Antonio and winds its way up Hernández Macías, Insurgentes, and San Francisco Núñez before terminating at the Jardín.

• Expresión de Corto

  phone: +52 415 152 7264
  address: Fábrica la Aurora, Local 5-B
  An annual short film festival, co-hosted by the nearby city of Guanajuato. Hundreds of films from nearly all genres are screened in venues including the Jardín and in the Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez. Most films are subtitled in Spanish and English.

• San Miguel Chamber Music Festival

  phone: +52 415 154 5141
  address: Hernández Macías 75
  An annual festival featuring internationally renowned quartets and soloists. Concerts are held in a number of venues, including the Teatro Angela Peralta.

• Independence Day

• Día de San Miguel ArcángelA week of festivities celebrating the Feast Day of San Miguel's patron saint.

• Día de MuertosThe Day of the Dead is one of the most notable Mexican holidays, and of course also celebrated in this city with processions, altars to comemmorate loved ones that have passed, colorful sugar skulls and other similar paraphernalia. Also, the Calaca Festival with art performances and exhibitions takes place during these days.

• International Festival of Jazz & Blues

Sport and outdoor activities

• El Charco del Ingenio Jardín Botánico

  phone: +52 415 154 4715
  address: Paloma s/n
  Unique park above the town with an enormous collection of cacti. A vast area just past the Balcones area which includes some of the older engineering installations (an old mill and raceway), lovely canyons, well informed guides (mostly expats) for the botanists and birdwatchers. Go early in the day to avoid the heat and for more wildlife. Locals who are members are sometimes given a key to the back gate – find one and buy him beers until he relents! The reservoir is host to a number of migratory birds, and the locals can be rather stunning as well.

• Guided birdwalks

  phone: +52 415 152 3644
  Tours are conducted in English, and meet inside the main entrance.

Parque JuarezThis well-used park is comprised of many old fruit orchards, and is now a favored nesting area for white egrets.

Audubon Society BirdwalksThe only chapter of the Audubon Society in Mexico, this group offers guided birdwalks to locations within and near San Miguel. Destinations include the El Charco del Ingenio Jardín Botánico (see listing above), the Río Laja, and the Presa Allende. Participants travel by carpool.

Coyote Canyon Adventures

phone: +52 415 154 4193, +52 1 415 153 5005

Offers horseback riding, hiking, biking, rappelling, camping, four-wheeler (ATV), hot air ballooning, boating, Cañada de la Virgen pyramid tours, and multi-day cross country adventures. Their guides lead you safely through working cattle ranches, into canyons, through rivers, over plains, across gorges, and down sheer cliffs, all the while sharing with you their in-depth knowledge of the native flora and fauna.

Bici-Burro Cycling

phone: +52 415 152 1526

address: Hospicio 1

A bike shop that has operated in San Miguel since 1963. They offer bike rentals and biking or hiking tours with guides that hold an intimate knowledge of the area around San Miguel. You have the choice of seven bike tours and two hiking trips which take you amongst natural landmarks and some of the historical ruins of the area. These are of varying degrees of difficulty and range from 5 to 8 hours. The bicycle tours include a 2- speed aluminium mountain bike with helmet, gloves and transportation if needed.

Spanish

Several schools offer classes and arrange a 'home stay' with a host family for a very good price.

• Habla Hispana Spanish School

  phone: +52 415 152 0713
  address: Calzada de la Luz 25
  Spanish classes at Habla Hispana are focused on enable students to communicate effectively. Emphasis is placed on verbal interaction in the classroom, and class placement is based more on verbal fluency than on academic knowledge. Spanish classes at Instituto Habla Hispana are designed as four-week sessions and divided into three levels: Nivel Principiante (Beginner), Nivel Intermedio (Intermediate), and Nivel Avanzado (Advanced). The school is flexible in working with students who cannot stay for four-week sessions and also will work with you on focused Spanish for medical professionals. Comfortable and affordable accommodations are available in a residence on same school grounds as well as homestays with local families. Program also includes cultural tours, music and cooking.

• Instituto Allende

  phone: +52 415 152 0929, +52 415 152 0190
  address: Ancha de San Antonio 22
  The oldest school of arts and language in Latin America, housed in a former 17th-century palace. Offers month-long courses of 1-6 hours a day are offered, for all levels.

• Language Point

  phone: +52 415 152 4115
  address: 20 de Enero Sur 42
  Spanish by speaking. Learn in groups of 3 maximum. Spanish lessons are designed to teach you the tenses and vocabulary. The small class size allows real conversation, even for beginners.

• MexArt: Summer Teen Institutes

  phone: +52 415 152 8900
  address: Calzada de la Aurora 48
  MexArt Summer Teen Institutes are one-month programs where students may focus on art or dance and Spanish language while immersed in Mexican culture. Students live in a central B&B with experienced counseling staff. MexArt excels in teaching the visual arts, dance, and Spanish. Participants choose one area in which to focus and choose other areas with which to experiment. Open to students ages 14-18.

Art

San Miguel's many art institutes are always open to travelers looking to discover (or become the next) Frida Kahlo. Painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, you name it and it's probably there.

• Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez

  phone: +52 415 152 0289
  address: Hernández Macías 75
  This former convent is now an art school and cultural center, and offers classes and workshops in painting, drawing, sculpture, textiles, and ceramics.

• Instituto Allende

  phone: +52 415 152 0929, +52 415 152 0190
  address: Ancha de San Antonio 22
  The oldest school of arts and language in Latin America, the Instituto offers accredited undergraduate degree programs, an international Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and art and photography workshops for travelers and the general public.

• Fábrica la Aurora

  phone: +52 415 152 1312
  address: Calzada de la Aurora s/n
  A number of resident artists with studios here offer classes and workshops in a variety of media.

Arts and crafts

The streets around the Jardín are full of specialty shops selling common souvenirs, clothing, art, furniture, and Mexican tile, and any other type of Mexican artwork that you can think of. In addition to its cultural staples, San Miguel de Allende is known for its amazing shopping. Being near the geographical center of the country, artisans from every part of Mexico have been known to send their artwork to San Miguel to be sold.
Whenever possible buy directly from the artisan. Many amazingly talented artists are not able to support their families due to the low prices they receive for their art. At times it is very necessary to bargain and at other times inappropriate – use your intuition and allow for mistakes.
Ladies: don't forget to pick up a pair of San Miguel shoes as soon as you arrive. Your walk around town will be much more comfortable.

• Fábrica la Aurora

  phone: +52 415 152 1312
  address: Calzada de la Aurora s/n
  The best place to get great quality Mexican and international art. This old textile factory has been converted into a unique art and design center that now houses over 30 artists, galleries, restaurants, antique shops, and specialty stores. Artists are usually in-house and demonstrating on Thursdays. Open late on the first Saturday of each month.

• Mercado de las Artesanías

  address: Andador Lucas Balderas
  Numerous stalls along a pedestrian mall west of the Mercado Ramírez with handicrafts from various regions of Mexico.

Markets

• Tianguis de los Martes

  address: Salida a Querétaro
  A colorful market with acres of native crafts, cheap Lakers t-shirts, fly swatters, cheap leather jackets and miscellaneous stuff that you really need, like flypaper, sewing kits, and more flyswatters. This is the place to pick up the best produce in town, as well as local cheese, honey, and sausage. Fresh seafood is trucked in overnight from Veracruz. Also on offer is an enormous variety of street food, from gorditas and tacos to fresh fruit juices.

• Mercado Ignacio Ramirez

  address: Colegio
  A large indoor market with sections devoted to fruits and vegetables, meat, flowers, shoes and clothing, fast-food, ceramics, and souvenirs. Connected to the Mercado de las Artesanías - see below.

• Mercado San Juan de DiosLargest indoor market, open daily, within the Historical Center. Most customers are locals. No handicrafts or souvenirs.

Groceries

• La Comer

  address: Carretera a Celaya 2

• Soriana Súper

  phone: +52 415 120 4711
  address: Libramiento Jose Manuel Zavala Zavala 165
  Another hypermarket chain with a decent selection of food items but on the eastern outskirts of town, far from the Historical Center.

• Bonanza Supermercado

  phone: +52 415 152 1260
  address: Mesones 43a
  Conveniently located a short distance from the Jardín, this is a good place to stock up on essentials as well as other items which are often not carried by the other larger supermarkets. Somewhat overpriced and catering to non-Mexicans with many food items imported from the USA.

• Bodega Aurrera

  address: Calzada de la Estacion, Estación F.F.C.C
  Large supermarket, part of a national chain, partly owned by Walmart. It has a bakery, a pharmacy, and the usual supermarket departments but unlike Mega, it does not have a prepared food section. Prices somewhat lower than at Mega or Soriana.

• Café de la Parroquia / La Brasserie

  phone: +52 415 152 3161
  address: Calle De Jesus 11
  Beautiful courtyard dining on fresh, local ingredients. Although many menu items seem at first to be the "usual", there's nothing ordinary about them. Try in particular the chicken soup (throw in all the onions and cilantro), tacos and any omelette.

• Cafe La Ventana

  phone: +52 415 154 7728
  address: Diez de Sollano 11
  Has good breakfasts and great coffee. Practices Fair Trade.

• Cafe San Antonio

  phone: +52 415 152 3016
  address: Refugio Sur 24
  Regional, national and international cuisine. Enjoy your breakfast, lunch or dinner in a luscious and open courtyard in the heart of Colonia San Antonio, under the century old native mesquites, pines and pirules. Truly a unique experience.

• Café Yenatu Panza

  phone: +52 415 152 8900
  address: Calzada de la Aurora 48
  This is undoubtedly the most innovative and creative breakfast menus in town featuring design-your-own omelets & breakfast burritos, exquisite French toast, and home made fruit salsa. The vibe is very comfy and clients can choose from indoor or outdoor-garden seating. There's even free wireless.

• Cafetería San Agustín

  phone: +52 415 154 9102
  address: San Francisco 21
  A well-run restaurant with great food, Mexican and international. The restaurant/cafe in proud of their freshly made churros and a variety of hot and cold chocolate milks. Owned by Margarita Gralia.

• Casa Payo

  phone: +52 415 152 7277
  address: Zacateros 26
  One of the most traditional restaurants offering Argentine cuisine, with Mediterranean ambience inside dining and exterior in a charming patio featuring live music.

• Cha Cha Cha

  address: 28 de Abril Norte 37
  Owned and operated by Mexican couple.

• El Correo

  phone: +52 415 152 4951
  address: Correo 23
  A small Mexican food spot which offers simple yet interesting authentic Mexican food in a great location.

• Grill & Garden

  phone: +52 415 155 9594
  address: Libramiento SMA-Dolores Hidalgo Km 3.5
  Relaxed country atmosphere serving old favorites and innovative fusion dishes – the restaurant has its own organic herb and vegetable garden. Great place to take visitors, and kids – bicycles available and horse back rides by reservation. Gets very busy on Sundays, reservations recommended. This charming place also prepares gourmet picnics, and available for private events.

• La Grotta

  phone: +52 415 152 4119
  address: Cuadrante 5
  A wonderful, multi-story restaurant owned by Daniel and son Dyami. La Grotta is located downhill, around the corner, just a block from the main cathedral. The restaurant is casual and the main items are pizza, calzones, and Italian-related. The food is very carefully and freshly prepared.

• Juan's Cafe Etc

  phone: +52 415 154 8636
  address: Relox 37
  Great breakfasts and coffee. Practices Fair Trade.

• El Pegaso

  phone: +52 415 154 7611
  address: Corregidora 6
  This trendy cafe style restaurant offers a delightful blend of Mexican and international flavor. Its atmosphere is definitely one of the best in town.

• Posada Carmina

  phone: +52 415 152 8888
  address: Cuna De Allende 7
  This restaurant is based in the patio of a charming inn located in a remarkably well preserved colonial house. Branded as 'fusion', the food offered by this restaurant will make your visit to San Miguel even more memorable, it mixes the classic elements of Mexican cuisine with oriental flavors and dishes.

• Restaurante Mama Mia

  phone: +52 415 152 2063
  address: Umaran 8
  An open air patio restaurant with a stage and an exterior/second floor patio. The restaurant has traditional Mexican dishes, but specializes in pizzas and pastas. An always packed space, this is an amazing place to eat with a clean kitchen, and a lively bar.

• El Rincon Español

  address: Correo 29
  Administered and owned by a Catalan immigrant.

• El Rinconcito

  phone: +52 415 154 4809
  address: Refugio Norte 7
  Try the Mar y Tierra.

• Tacos Don Felix

  phone: +52 415 152 5719
  address: 15th Fray Juan de San Miguel
  Wonderful soups, nachos, and entrees. Try the Three meats enchiladas. Friendly service.

• Tio Lucas Restaurante Bar

  phone: +52 415 152 4996
  address: Mesones 103

If you can't find something to do in San Miguel at night, you're not looking hard enough. If you can't find something to do on a Saturday night, you're outright blind. This city is filled with clubs, bars, dance halls, and restaurants, and almost all of them have some plan for every night of the week. Following are just a few options, try these out, but also seeking your own favorite hang-out.

• Berlin Bar & Bistro

  phone: +52 415 154 9432
  address: Umaran 19
  For a great nightcap, Berlin is a great chill bar. The owner is very welcoming and the food is sublime.

• La Cava de la Princesa

  phone: +52 415 152 1403
  address: Recreo 3
  Showcases musicians from Mexico City.

• El Grito Night Club

  phone: +52 415 120 0156
  address: 15 Umaran
  This is arguably the most popular club in town, and easily the most expensive. It has a US$15 cover charge, enough to dissuade the casual visitor from dropping in to take a look. Inside, the building is a panoply of stone and glass sculptures, light displays, and music. How energetic the evening gets usually depends on the crowd, but it's hard for the evening to get much past midnight before the dancing starts. El Grito is only open Fridays and Saturdays, or on certain holidays, like New Year's Eve (when they jack the price up to US$50).

• Mama Mia

  phone: +52 415 152 2063
  address: Umaran 8
  Mama Mia's is four clubs in one. There's a restaurant and bar in the center with some amazing Italian food, a sports bar to the left (usually displaying a soccer or football game of some kind), a music bar to the right where local acts frequently play (especially Pilaseca, a very popular funk-blues band that tours most of Mexico and the States), and a hard-to-find rooftop lounge overlooking the city. This is a great default place to while away the hours when nothing else is appealing – the music is worth it, if nothing else.

• Manolo's Sports Bar

  phone: +52 415 152 7277
  address: Zacateros 26
  Complete coverage of national and international sports – if it is on TV they have it.

Budget

• Casita San Miguel

  phone: +52 415 117 7223
  address: Colonia Allende
  A clean, comfy and friendly alternative to lonely, boring hotels, the Casita is social like a hostel, but far more private — and much kinder to your budget. Includes a fully-equipped kitchen where guests can cook any time. Clean and well-maintained.

• Hostal Alcatraz

  phone: +52 415 152 8543
  address: Relox 54, Zona Centro
  The most central of the four hostels. Good showers, lockers outside of the dorms, no private rooms, nice staff.

• Hostel Inn

  phone: +52 415 154 6727
  address: Calzada de la Luz 31a, Zona Centro
  Price depends on the season, see their website. There's a laundry service with same day pickup.

• Hostal-Hotel Internacional

  phone: +52 415 121 0698
  address: Recreo 80

• Iron House Hostel

  phone: +52 415 154 6108
  address: H Colegio Militar 17-D, Col. Guadalupe
  Independent hostel. Ricardo, the owner, is a resident of San Miguel and is always happy to show you the real gems of the town: the best sights, clubs, restaurants, bars, hot springs, artisanal markets. Weekly and monthly rates available.

Mid-range

• Casa Carly

  phone: +52 415 152-8900
  address: Calzada de la Aurora 48
  Seven charming casitas (small houses) surrounding a beautiful garden. Each casita has a kitchenette, coffee maker, TV, DVD player with a huge selection of films, Wi-Fi. On the grounds is one of the best breakfast cafes in the entire town (not included in room rate).

• Casa Carmen

  phone: +52 415 152 0844
  address: Correo 31
  Bed and breakfast close to El Jardin. Eleven rooms start at US$92 per night, US$24 per additional guest. Breakfast and lunch are served in a comfortable dining room. The food is outstanding - including soup, main course, and dessert at lunch time. There is also an interior courtyard and rooftop garden. Owner is very warm and friendly.

• Casa Don Pascual

  phone: +52 415 152 3962
  address: Camino Real De Xichu 27
  Colonial-style boutique bed and breakfast with magnificent views. Has free Wi-Fi and outdoor pool.

• Casa Florida

  phone: +52 415-154-8195 (Mexico), +1 813-480-0505 (USA)
  address: Hernandes Macias 60
  3 wonderfully designed rooms, full breakfast, roof garden, great sunset and close to El Jardin.

• Casa Mia Suites Apartments

  phone: +52 415 152-2757
  address: Correo No. 61 Int 1 Col. Centro CP
  Each room has a terrace, private toilet and bath with toiletries, living room, and fully equipped kitchen. High-speed Internet, car hire, currency exchange, and laundry/dry cleaning.

• Casa de la Noche

  address: Organos #19, Centro
  A former brothel (or "house of the night") that has been converted into a very charming guest house with rooms and suites. 5 minutes from El Jardin and Parrochia. The grounds are beautiful with Mexican handiwork evident everywhere.

• Real de Minas

  address: Camino Viejo Al Panteón 1
  Great location near downtown. Inside this colonial-style building you will find a water well. People say Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico's independence hero, used to drink this water when he was in San Miguel.

Splurge

• Dos Casas Hotel

  phone: +52 415 154 4073
  address: Quebrada 101
  Contemporary designed boutique hotel, 2 blocks from the center. Includes wine bar and restaurant.

• Hotel El Atascadero

  phone: +52 415 152 0206
  address: Prolongacion Santo Domingo S/N,
  One of San Miguel's oldest family-owned hotels. Once home to a famous bullfighter, a silk plantation, and has been for decades a retreat for artists such as Diego Rivera and Pablo Neruda.

• Rosewood San Miguel de Allende

  phone: +52 415 120 3500
  address: Nemesio Diez 11, Col. Centro
  Luxury boutique resort with accommodations, on-site restaurants, SENSE, A Rosewood Spa and space for meetings, weddings and events.

• Sagrada Wellness

  address: La Mesita 11, Rancho La Mesita
  A retreat. San Miguel is not only a wonderful visit because of the town, but also spectacular for its gorgeous countryside. Sagrada's quiet and tranquil location is high up in the country with views of the high desert. Cabanas and canvas bungalows are spacious and with modern amenities. Architecture is amazing - very modern and built with sustainable materials. Food, yoga, and other spa treatments are offered separately.

• Villa Mirasol

  phone: +52 415 152 6685
  address: Pila Seca 35, Centro
  Converted colonial home with 12 rooms and suites.

• Hacienda de Guadalupe

  phone: +524151210700
  address: Hidalgo #4
  Boutique hotel.

San Miguel de Allende, while perhaps safer than other tourist destinations in Mexico, can be unsafe. Most tourists don't have a problem when visiting San Miguel de Allende, but you should still exercise caution while on your visit. Use common sense, keep your valuables and cash out of sight and stay in well lit areas at night.

• Central Post Office

  phone: +52 415 152 0089
  address: Calle Correo 16

• Public Library

  phone: +52 415 152 0293
  address: Insurgentes 25
  Has one of the largest bilingual collections in Mexico, with over 30,000 titles in English, and operates a small gift shop and café. Free wifi is available throughout the building.

• Atención San Miguel is a weekly bilingual newspaper that is the main source of local news for English speaking residents and visitors. The calendar of the week's events is particularly useful. Atención is published on Friday and is widely available at newsstands and businesses (15 pesos).
• Green Map San Miguel uses an interactive map with layers of information on sustainable living in San Miguel. Look here for information on restaurants that serve organic and/or local food, recycling and composting, greentech businesses, green organizations and bus routes.

Consulates

• United States

  phone: +52 415 152 2357
  address: Plaza La Luciernaga, Libramiento Jose Manuel Zavala No. 165, Locales 4 y 5, Col La Luciernaga
  Consular Agency is part of the US Embassy in Mexico City.

• Thermal pools just outside of town for an afternoon of relaxation. Hail a taxi or grab a bus for just a few dollars to these pools, but be sure to arrange return transportation or know when the last bus arrives. The only hotel near the pools is said to be expensive and generally booked.
• Atotonilco is a historic church approx. 10km outside of SMA. The sanctuary services as a piligramage desitination and the site where Ignacio Allende met up with Father Hidalgo to begin their fight for Mexican Independence.
• Guanajuato, the capital of the state. It is known for its network of tunnels under the city and for its "Museo de las Momias" (mummy museum), and you can also see Cristo Rey atop the Cerro de Cubilete.
• Dolores Hidalgo is 40 km away and is worth a visit as it is the birthplace of Mexican independence - and a great place to sample odd ice cream flavors like pork rind and avocado.
• Querétaro, the capital of the state with the same name is a 45-minute drive away and also has a beautiful world heritage listed old town.