San Miguel de Allende is a colonial-era city in Mexico’s central highlands. It is known for its Spanish baroque architecture, thriving arts scene, cultural festivals, food, and the neo-Gothic church Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. This is a must-visit destination, so I’ve created the ultimate San Miguel de Allende itinerary.

Everything You Need To Know for a Trip To Mexico

To plan the rest of your trip, check out the best hotels in San Miguel de Allende, the ultimate Mexico travel guide, and the top foods to try in Mexico.

Here’s the ultimate San Miguel de Allende itinerary!

Getting Here

The closest airport to San Miguel is Del Bajio Airport in Leon/Guanajuato (BJX), which is about an hour and a half drive away. You can pre-arrange a shuttle service to and from the airport, or you can hire a taxi at the airport, or you can take the Unebus, which runs three times a day between the airport and San Miguel.

Mexico City has the next Closest airport, Juarez International (MEX), a three-and-a-half-hour drive from San Miguel de Allende. You can pre-hire a shuttle to drive you to and from San Miguel.

You don’t need a car in San Miguel. The city is very walkable, and parking is tough to find. If your trip to San Miguel is part of a road trip, then choose an accommodation that will provide or arrange parking for you.

What To Do

Marvel at the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel Church from the main square and all of the surrounding streets

Do a food tour with Taste of San Miguel

Visit the El Charco Del Ingenio Botanical Garden

Have a picnic at Plaza Cívica

Shop at the Artisans Market

Do a tequila tasting at the world-famous La Casa Dragones 

Visit the Church of the Immaculate Conception

Hike up to the Mirador

Tour the Mask Museum

When To Go

Daytime temperatures in San Miguel stay between the 70 – 90°F year-round, but nighttime temperatures and rainfall vary throughout the year.

San Miguel’s peak travel season is November – April when it’s drier. But nighttime temperatures can get into the 40s during these months, so bring layers. This time period will have higher accommodation rates, tour costs, and transportation fares (especially around Easter and Christmas), so book in advance to save some money.

May – October is San Miguel’s off-season. These months have the most rain, and daytime temperatures rise significantly, so you’ll want rain gear and sun protection. If you don’t mind (almost) daily rain showers and the heat, then you can score some great hotel deals during these months.

If you need to save some money, but you don’t want the high chance of rain, visit in May or October. These are the transition months, so temperatures will still be pleasant, rates will be less, and rain won’t be as frequent.

Where To Eat

My Favorites: La Sirena Gorda ($$-$$$), El Pegaso ($$-$$$, make sure you order Chile en Nogada), Silverio Urban Coffee & Mixology Bar ($$-$$$).

Tacos: La Azotea ($$-$$$, these were the best tacos I’ve ever had), Don Taco Tequila ($$-$$$), Sabroso Taquería ($).

Rooftop Restaurants: Luna Tapas Bar ($$$), La Posadita ($$), QUINCE ($$$$).

Casual Dining: Santo Helado ($), La Cocina, Café Del Viajero ($$), Hecho en México ($$).

Fine Dining: 1826 Restaurant ($$$$), Moxi Restaurant ($$$$), Antonia Bistro SMA ($$$$).

International Food: Mi Vida Restaurant (Italian, $$$), Birdie’s Burgers ($$), Fatima 7 Rooftop (Mediterranean, $$$$), Atrio Restaurant (Asian, $$$).

Where To Stay

Because San Miguel requires so much walking, I recommend booking your accommodation in a central location near the main square. This way, you’ll have a home base for resting, eating, and using the bathroom throughout the day.

Casa Delphine (pictured above) is my favorite hotel in the city because it’s a short walk to the center of town on a quiet street. This five-room boutique hotel has spacious rooms, gorgeous bathrooms, old-world charm, an incredible concierge and staff, two courtyards, and a common kitchen, dining room, and living area.

I’ve rounded up the best hotels in San Miguel for every budget and preference, and there are also some Airbnbs in the city.

El Mirador

Luna Tapas Bar at the Rosewood Hotel

The view of Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel Church from Aldama Street (pictured above)

Church of the Immaculate Conception from the Quebrada Street Bridge

Umaran Street at Sunset

The main square in front of Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel Church

Cafe Rama

Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden

Ki’bok Coffee Rooftop Terrace

Best Day Trips

Horseback Riding with Rancho Del Sol Dorado. This is a perfect half-day trip from San Miguel. Rancho Del Sol Dorado is a short drive from the city, the guides are incredible, you’ll ride through authentic neighborhoods, and the scenery is jaw-dropping. Rancho Del Sol Dorado has a variety of riding excursions for any experience level, and you can decide how long you want to ride.

La Santísima Trinidad Winery. Book a wine tour and tasting that includes a tour of the property and a wine sampling (complete with a fruit, nut, cheese, and bread plate and locally-made honey and olive oil). The tour and tasting take an hour, and I highly recommend staying at least another two hours (for a total of three) to eat at the restaurant and take pictures around the property. This winery is about a thirty-minute drive from San Miguel, and it’s easy to arrange a taxi.

Cañada de la Virgen Archaeological Site. These are some of the most incredible ruins I’ve ever visited. You’ll drive 30 minutes to the visitor’s center, then 30 minutes to the archaeological site’s entrance. It’s around a 45-minute hike up the hill to the ruins (along the ancient road that worshippers once took to the temple). The tour is roughly two hours, and you’ll want to get some lunch and refreshments at the taco stand at the visitor’s center when you’re done. So plan on this excursion taking at least 6 hours.

This excursion is a true off-the-beaten-path adventure that requires a lot of physical activity, but it’s well worth the trip!

Here’s some important information to know before you go:

No bags of any kind are allowed into the site because artifacts are constantly being stolen. You can’t even bring in a small camera case or a cell phone case clip on your belt. So wear clothes with good pockets, and only bring what you can carry

Tripods are not allowed into the site.

There’s little to no shade, so bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. You’ll also want bug spray for your ankles.

Since you’ll have to carry your water bottle, you’ll probably only want to bring one to keep your other hand free. This means you need to make sure your water lasts the entire two-hour tour.

English speakers will have two guides – one will be an archaeologist, and another will be a translator. So you’ll need to bring tips for both of them. The on-site workers (van drivers, visitor center staff, etc.) can’t accept tips.

Know Before You Go

San Miguel’s streets and sidewalks are uneven cobblestones, and they become very slippery when it rains. So you need to bring your most comfortable walking shoes that have good traction.

Most restaurants and hotels take credit cards, but most markets and shops don’t. So there are several ATMs in the city center for cash.

In most markets, some haggling is expected, and unmetered taxis will often take some pesos off the initial asking price if you negotiate.

San Miguel is a relatively conservative city. Women will want to wear pants, dresses, and skirts that cover their knees and blouses that don’t show cleavage. Avoid crop tops, shorts, mini-skirts, and showing off too much skin. You can wear sleeveless shirts, but many churches and historical sites require you to cover your shoulders, so have a scarf or layer with you to cover up.

Tipping:

Restaurants: 10% to 15% of the bill (always check to see if this is automatically included in the check).

Hotel Cleaning Staff: 5% to 10% of your total room costs.

Taxis Drivers don’t expect tips unless they provide some extra service.

Airport and Hotel Porters should get M$50-$100.

Car-parking and gas station attendants should get M$5-10.

Shop My Mexico Essentials

What would you add to this San Miguel de Allende itinerary? Share with us in the comments!

Recommended Tours in San Miguel de Allende

Plan The Rest Of Your Trip

YOUR TRAVEL CHECKLIST

PIN THIS GUIDE!

This San Miguel de Allende itinerary is not a sponsored post, and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this San Miguel de Allende itinerary are entirely my own. Some of the links in this San Miguel de Allende itinerary are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this San Miguel de Allende itinerary.