EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY!
San Miguel abounds with options for every palate!
With that said, here are a few of our favorites:
FAVORITE BRUNCH
LAVANDA CAFE
You will always see a line out the door here but don't let that discourage you! This quaint cafe is frequented by locals and tourists alike—anyone hunting for the city’s best brunch. Enjoy a creamy cappuccino (which is available with an eponymous lavender twist) and traditional chilaquiles (a Mexican breakfast dish often served with eggs, tortilla chips and warm salsa), or their innovative take on french toast and eggs benedict. You can't go wrong here!
Ask for a seat in the rustic courtyard, where there is live music on weekends.
DINNER
THE RESTAURANT
Serving up delicious contemporary cuisine in an historic Morrocan-influenced courtyard.
LA PARADA
Enjoy delicious ceviches, comforting dishes, and pisco sours at this contemporary Peruvian restaurant.
Located a couple of doors from Casa Cien.
ROOFTOP VIEWS
LUNA
Rooftop Tapas Bar at The Rosewood Hotel
The views from the top of the Rosewood Hotel overlooking the San Miguel skyline are unbeatable. Enjoy delicious tapas, cocktails, and live music while you take in the moonlit skyline.
QUINCE
You'll always find a lively atmosphere at this rooftop bar overlooking the central church. Enjoy late-night sushi and dancing, and during holidays, get an up-close view of the fireworks. Don’t miss their amazing mezcal cocktails!
ZUMO
Contemporary architecture and views are to be had at this rooftop with delicious food, including brunch on weekends, and drinks.
FÁTIMA 7
Adjacent to the Templo de San Francisco church and located within the Hotel Casablanca 7, this rooftop restaurant offers lovely views of the bell towers as well as Mediterranean-inspired fare.
atrio
Steps from the above mentioned Quince, Atrio has Asian-inspired cuisine and lovely views of the central church.
EXPERIENCE AND EXPLORE
EL JARDÍN (THE SQUARE)
As with most cities in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is centered around the main square. Known as El Jardin, this tree-lined plaza is surrounded by gorgeous buildings such as the parish church of San Miguel. Hanging out here easily tops the list of things to do in San Miguel de Allende.
The square is bustling with activity in the evenings and throughout the weekend. You’ll see roaming mariachi bands, balloon salesmen, and plenty of snack vendors, making for a very lively scene. If you ever get lost wandering the winding streets, just find your way back to the square and start all over again.
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PARROQUIA de SAN MIGUEL ARCÁNGEL
Built in 1683, this pastel pink church with its neo-gothic facade is the city's most recognizable landmark. Open everyday with free admission.
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FÁBRICA AURORA
For the art enthusiast this is a great choice for you! In 1902 this was a textile factory and some of the original industrial machinery has been left in the renovated Fábrica La Aurora, which reopened in 1990 with galleries, furniture, design stores, a bookstore, cafe, exhibition spaces, and studios for local artists. Don't miss the open studios held on Thursdays.
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MERCADO de ARTESANÍAS
An indoor/outdoor artisan market where you will enjoy the colors and smells of Mexico. You can find hand crafted jewelry, ceramics, rugs, clothing, and food here.
Open Daily, 9am-7pm
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CASA DRAGONES TEQUILA
Stop by Casa Dragones tasting room or visit the historic Casa Dragones that once housed the elite Dragones cavalry unit of the military prior to the War of Independence. Casa Dragones is a local tequila and among the very limited tequilas produced outside of the State of Jalisco.
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CAÑADA DE LA VIRGEN ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE
Visit the recently excavated archaeological ruins of Cañada de la Virgen. Located 45 minutes outside of San Miguel center, these 1500 year-old Otomi ruins were only made accessible to the public in 2011 and showcase the remains of pyramids and palaces of an ancient city before it was mysteriously abandoned 1000 years ago.
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GLOBO SAN MIGUEL
See San Miguel de Allende by hot air balloon!
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la ruta del vino
The region around San Miguel has added in recent years another delicious dimension to it’s long list of accolades: La Ruta de Vino (The Wine Route) is in the Bajío area.
Spend a day visiting the growing number of local wineries, each showcasing their own unique charm. Make sure to make reservations before heading out, as some require them while Covid 19-protocols are in place.
Three wineries in the direction of the town of Dolores Hidalgo are:
cuna de tierra
Cuna de Tierra (Cradle of Earth) was the first winery in the area, starting operations in 1995. They have come to produce award-winning wines in recent years and is one of the most acclaimed inland Mexican wineries.
tres raices
Tres Raices (Three Roots), where modern design meets wine making at this handsome winery with an on-site boutique hotel.
La santísima trinidad
The Holy Trinity, a charming Tuscan-style property with lush gardens and a lake where you can enjoy a relaxed al-fresco lunch.
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CATANDO MEXICO
Wine Festival in Guanajuato
Celebrated on the last weekend of November, this 3-day event closes the historic center of Guanajuato to automobiles and showcases the best wines produced in Mexico. A red carpet parade of wine booths, food stalls, musicians and performers awaits you in this beautiful town. We were fortunate to stumble upon this festival on our last trip to San Miguel in 2019 and highly encourage you to visit and take advantage of the festival, which falls on the same weekend as our wedding.
Spend Saturday evening and/or Sunday roaming the streets, visiting museums, and if you can, also join a Guanajuato-style callejoneada, where university student groups dressed in 15th century minstrel clothing will serenade and guide you through the streets of this historic city, recounting its history, myths, and legends.