San Miguel de Allende Mexico : Things to do, Eat, Getting There, and Stay

This town once became a ghost town in the earlier 20th century. But today, it is drawn thousands of tourists from abroad either just for vacation or retirement every year, San Miguel de Allende.

Set 170 miles from Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende is one of the Mexico’s popular attraction, known for its impressive colonial architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries, and its gorgeous churches and no doubt in 2008 it was declared as Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The story goes, the town was founded by Franciscan friar Juan de San Miguel in 1542, and it was named after him. In 1826 was renamed San Miguel Allende to honor Ignacio Allende. San Miguel’s favorite son, a hero who against Spain. And San Miguel was the first Mexican town to gain its independence from Spain.

After an influenza pandemic, this town was overlooked and became a ghost town. However, in 1938, the town has seen upswing as the first art school was established, named Bellas Artes or Centro Cultural El Nigromante. Which attracted more artists such as David Alfaro Siqueiros who taught painting. Then the Allende Institute opened 1940, where drew US war veterans (under G.I Bill) to study (thats why many expats here). And brought cultural reputation, and cosmopolitan atmosphere for the town ever since.

Getting There From mexico city

You’re in luck because it’s super easy to get there, catch any busses from terminal Norte. There are Pegasso, Primera Plus, ETN.

If you’re looking for affordable bus, Pegasso is right for you. It cost 378 pesos (19USD), The bus is clean, and there is a toilet, air conditioner, and tv. But there is no footrest, this bus is not an executive class so food vendors are allowed to come in, they also take general passengers. So they arrived much longer, for 5 hours. And if you like to sleep on your way, the bus is not for you because the sound of the tv is quite loud.

The next is Primera plus, the price is a bit expensive than Pegasso, 522 pesos. But it’s worth it, it’s executive class, so there is a footrest, every seat has a tv, and you get your own earphone, the most important for me is it takes just 3 hours to arrive.

Where to stay

Are you looking for rest? A quiet neighborhood, perfect location you will definitely love this house. The price is 1035 (includes tax) per night. This old building has well-decorated makes you feel homey, there is kitchen for common. My room was comfortable. There is guide book, hot shower, big closet, fan. And I had a great sleep staying here. Also the host is lovely.

Things to do

Parroqia de San Miguel Arcángel

If you ask where’s the must see place in San Miguel, it’s this. Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel.

It is the most famous sight in San Miguel de Allende, with parish pink Neo-gothic façade, which the towers soar above the town. It was built by the local stone mason Zeferino Gutiérrez, which inspired by postcard of a Belgian church.

You can enter the church and take a look inside, but you won’t be able to take a photo.

Jardin Principal (Jardin allende)

This is the heart of San Miguel de Allende. It’s surrounded by beautiful buildings and Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel.

It’s great place to relax with a lot of benches. There are also street food vendors nearby if you need to grab some snacks.

Calle Aldama

This alleys is one of the gorgeous in San Miguel de Allende. With the background of the town’s landmark and beautiful old buildings on both sides. It’s impressive and picturesque.

Without a doubt, it’s really pleasing to the eyes strolling around the cobblestone lanes. San Miguel de Allende’s building are so colorful, with the yellow, red, pink.

Plaza Civica

Another great place to see is is Plaza Civica, with large statue of Ignacio Allende on a horse in the center. Many street food vendors and you can take rest there because lot of benches. And you can find the baroque church. Inside the church there are 33 oil paintings of San Felipe Neri’s life

Museo

It was home of Ignacio Allende (Mexican Independence hero) now is Museum. Fee entry is 50 peso, free on Sunday. You’re interested to get to know about town’s history, visiting museum is one of your bucket list.

Artesania

If you look for souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, pottery and so much more and of course with reasonable price, this is the place for you.

Jardín botánico el charro del ingenio

San Miguel isn’t just colonial buildings, arts, and churches. You can also find nature activities, here I am right now Jardin Botanico el Charco del Ingenio.

It’s an 88-hectare botanical garden, yes it’s vast and home to wildlife and bird sanctuary, native plants, a freshwater spring, El Charco del Ingenio. Conservatory of Mexican plants sprawling array of cacti and succulent species. To reach there you can take the bus from Plaza Civica, it costs 8 pesos. Or grab a taxi from the center cost 60 pesos.

What to eat

We don’t wanna leave San Miguel without food experience. And exploring food in San Miguel is endless, whether it’s Mexican or International dishes you can find them easily.

Los Milagros

I had my breakfast here, located near the main church. It has a good ambiance and serves Mexican food at an affordable price and starting at 95 pesos. I ordered Divorciados, made with eggs, beans, chilaquiles, cheese, and cream, and bathed in 3 different kinds of salsa. The price is 110 pesos. The service was excellent. For eating on a budget, there are several food stalls around the main plaza. The price is quite affordable.

Antonio Bistro

The terrace-top restaurant is perfect to watch the view of San Miguel de Allende. And you have to put Antonio Bistro on your list when you’re here. Located on the 4th floor. Though it’s a bit expensive starting at 380 pesos for the main courses it’s worth it, you get the beautiful view, great service, and the food of course.

I tried NY steak and it was amazing, so juicy, tender enough to melt in my mouth.

Best Time to visit

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When you plan a trip, you will certainly determine when the best time to get there.

Actually, San Miguel can be visited at any time and is still charming but of course, sometimes we don’t want to miss the festival event.

In April, they celebrate Mexico’s major holiday week of the year, Semana Santa (Holy Week). A week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. And Easter is a special time in San Miguel, filled with religious activities.

And Good Friday is such an awesome moment, businesses are closed and people will gather in the Jardin to see a solemn spectacle. Many people were in tear