Location: San Miguel de Allende
Top Things to do in San Miguel de Allende
Top Restaurants in San Miguel de Allende
Countries
The 10 Best Free Things to do in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
High in the cool hills, this colonial gem of cobblestone streets and picturesque churches inspires artists with its color, character and light. Baroque, neoclassical and neogothic mix in the city's buildings, notably at the pink stone 18th-century church on the Plaza Principal. Founded in 1542, the city is a mix of Hispanic and Mesoamerican influences.
Restaurants in San Miguel de Allende
1. Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,227 reviews
Built in 1683, this pastel pink church is the city's most recognizable landmark.
Reviewed By Retired_teacher_56 - Dwight, Canada
The centerpiece and focal point and one of the best things to do in San Miguel Allende is the unmissable church. La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel or the Church of St. Michael the Archangel is as impressive as it is massive. This is arguably the most photogenic spot in the city inside and out. Enjoy the view from the well-manicured garden in the plaza directly in front of the church that looks almost like an ornate pinkish orange cake! On Sundays, the plaza out front is filled with families and their children enjoying the park. The Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar in the Rosewood Hotel is a great place to have a cocktail enjoying both the sunset and this amazing church
2. Galeria Atotonilco
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 373 reviews
We are open BY APPOINTMENT only and usually have an Open House the last weekend of every month from noon to 5 pm. Please check our weekly ad in Atencion for directions to the gallery and contact information. Please note: We are NOT a "Museum" or an "Attraction." One of the largest and highest quality folk art collections in all of Mexico, on a gorgeous country property in an architecturally spectacular, much-published building, Galeria Atotonilco is a ten-minute drive north of town. It is an eye-dazzling array of a huge variety of folk art, from funny to exquisite, from all over Mexico. Folk art is a direct route to the true heart of Mexico: it's history, it's traditions, it's myths and legends, it's diverse cultures. Items in all price ranges can be shipped anywhere. We suggest you visit us early in your trip when you have not spent all your money and when shipping can be arranged if necessary. Even if you know little about folk art, we guarantee you will be amazed at the diversity, and we love sharing our knowledge with you. In addition to folk art, you will see country antique furniture, vintage textiles of great beauty, and historic photographs of 19th century Mexico. Within a mile is the historic church of Atotonilco, and the gorgeous country restaurant, Nirvana. Plan to spend at least an hour in our gallery. The time will fly by. Many visitors report that this gallery was the highlight of their visit to San Miguel.
Reviewed By mariet451 - San Diego, United States
My husband and I, with a friend, really enjoyed our visit to this lovely property, with an excellent selection of carefully curated Mexican folk art. The collection is museum-quality, with something for everyone, at every price point, from ceramics, to textiles, masks and beyond. The owner is personable and knowledgable and personally accompanied us to the back gate where a short walk led us to a lovely place for lunch, Nirvana. The property is a beautiful setting for showcasing the colorful artisan works. My husband was thrilled to find curious mezcal figurine bottles he had admired in a private collection in Guanajuato, while I fell in love with the contemporary ceramics of Gustavo Perez. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would definitely return on a future visit to the area-highly recommended! Visits are by appointment, so plan ahead. We were able to visit with only one day's notice, but the owners do travel to find new acquisitions so advance contact by email or phone is advised.
3. Bordello Galeria
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
The Bordello Galeria and Workshop Space is so named because it is located in the main sala of Madam Turca's "Casa de la Noche" where notorious "ladies of the evening" once made their living.The Galeria has been created to support local and visiting artists needing single event reception space. For workshops, it’s also an ideal space for end-of-class exhibits.With a 150 linear feet of exhibition walls, the Bordello Galeria venue offers a state-of-the-art hanging system, rheostat spot lighting, and an open welcoming space, split level, near the center of town.
4. Abrazos San Miguel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 117 reviews
Abrazos Boutique specializes in San Miguel style clothing and home wares made from fine cotton textiles, celebrating the most iconic images of Mexican culture known around the world. We're open 7 days a week, 10-6pm, with a friendly, bilingual, knowledgeable staff. We are an institution in San Miguel de Allende and known for our service, our store in a historic shopping district, our quality designs and our fair trade business practices which support San Miguel families who make all of our original creations. Abrazos is #1 on Trip Advisor for Shopping in San Miguel de Allende!
Reviewed By deanw205 - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
THE BEST of THE BEST! 616018269 Abrazo means "embrace" or "hug" and one of the best ways to feel embraced in San Miguel de Allende is to visit Abrazos, a boutique store that's the vision and dream made manifest of Patrice Wynne, Enchantress and Visionary Extraordinaire. Since 2005 Abrazos has been a fair trade company that proudly boasts handmade goods made in San Miguel by talented local seamstresses. San Miguel Designs keeps Mexican traditions and culture alive through the use of dazzling, original Mexican themed fabrics used in the creation of their products. Whether you're in need of something for a gift, to satisfy a whim, to wear (and wear again and again), to dress a table, a kitchen, a room, a life! - you'll readily find it at Abrazos. Christened "The Little Shop with the Big Heart" it indeed is. I dare you to stop by for one thing and not leave with at least two. Their line is ever-expanding, as is their fabric design. The only difficulty is deciding which patterns you like best - it's inevitable you'll fall in love with many (a wish list is a good thing....). Nothing says "Mexico", or "San Miguel", as vividly, colorfully, and happily as the goods from Abrazos (well, except perhaps Patrice herself...). They also sell fabric by the meter, and the uses are only as limited as your imagination. (Personal favorites aside from kitchen and clothing items: A set of dining chairs with Abrazos fabric on backs, coordinating solid color on seats, and each chair in a different pattern/color; lamp shades covered in Abrazos fabrics - gorgeous day or night.) Newlywed Patrice's energy is as colorful and feel-good as the creations at Abrazos, and her dynamic staff goes above and beyond to ensure you find what you need. Abrazos creations are sold at numerous museums in the U.S., as well as at many shops in the U.S., throughout Mexico, and soon Australia. No worries if you're not near one - they sell online where you can shop to your heart's content at any time of day or night. Questions? Call or email them. They're very approachable, very responsive, and the staff will ensure your order is filled pronto. It's the perfect way to visit Mexico while waiting for an opportunity to come on down. Patrice has numerous Super Powers, a few of which are promoting, networking, and championing not only Abrazos but Mexico. She is without a doubt the best Ambassador of San Miguel I know of. Abrazos - for gifting or yourself - get the BEST of the BEST!!
5. Galeria San Francisco
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 150 reviews
Galeria San Francisco has permanently moved to the Fabrica Aurora, a well known tourist destination for art and design. The gallery, has recently expanded and offers an extensive selection of art classes in acrylic painting, encaustic, cold wax, collage and mixed media, and drawing throughout the year for teens and adults. Please email the gallery for more information about classes. All of the artists represented in the gallery live and work in San Miguel.
Reviewed By kathkenn
Jane Dill is a terrific art teacher with infectious enthusiasm for her craft and her students. In her two day workshop, Mixed Media snd Photography, i learned many new and useful tools for making (abstract) art. Her method of printing and integrating photographs into a painting is brilliant and life changing! I would highly recommend her workshop for beginners as well as experienced artists.
6. Mercado Ignacio Ramirez
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Vendors at this market sell all sorts of arts and crafts, including cheap homemade rugs.
Reviewed By garylK5145JP - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
This is the oldest market in San Miguel, and still one of the most colourful. For first time visitors to San Miguel, you really need to spend a bit of time going from stall to stall, checking out the fruits and vegetables, the spices, and all the other items that are so fundamental to good Mexican cooking. In the back of the market, is another large market area where roast corn, garbanzos, jicama, and fruit slices are sold. In the back and to one side of the open area, look for the stairs that lead down toward the alleyway that is the large handicraft market that extends for three blocks. Great fun!
7. El Jardin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,057 reviews
The city's crowded center plaza is located at the heart of the historic district.
Reviewed By 643geraldb
One of our guides described it as the living room of SMA. Just before sunset people of all ages fill the zocalo. It's exciting to watch and walk around
8. Iglesia de la Concepcion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
This neoclassical cathedral is known for its large-domed top.
Reviewed By sharedvision - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
The church is located along Calle Canal..built in the middle of the 18th century..inside the church there are fabulous oil paintings on the church walls..there is a yellow dome with a statue of the immaculate conception on top of the tower.. this stunning structure can be viewed from many locations in SMA..
9. Church of San Francisco (Iglesia de San Francisco)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
This 18th-century church, built in the architectural style called churrigueresque, contains several pieces of well-known art.
Reviewed By sharedvision - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Identified as the state of the art construction , this highly adorned church completed in 1799 and was originally associated with St. Anthony, the patron of lost causes..identified with Spanish Baroque “”decorative style”” the outside of this church is visually striking..neoclassical structure..as a contrast, the inside of the Church of San Francisco has a more simple design..the courtyard offers seating opportunities and activities seem to be regularly present..on the west side of this square is the Iglesias de San Francisco with a bell tower in a faded white format..
10. Public Library (Biblioteca Publica)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 669 reviews
Run by volunteers, this library is the second largest bilingual library in Mexico.
Reviewed By paulbrickman1 - Baltimore, United States
We found the Biblioteca a hub we constantly returned to for rest, cafe, Sunday morning music programs and enrolling in advance for Sunday House & Garden tours. Just a cool place to rest, get free Wifi and use restrooms made it attractive, and it's close to the Jardin, Artisan Market, many restaurants. Makes it very easy to meet other expats. Sell used books, too!
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