Visitor's Guide to San Miguel de Allende

Guide to

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE,MEXICO

WHAT TO DO

WHERE TO EAT

PLACES TO SHOP

WE LOVE IT HERE AND WE KNOW YOU WILL TOO!

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WELCOME

San Miguel

CAN' T WAIT TO WELCOME YOU! There’s so much to love about Mexico. Boasting a diversity of people, landscapes, culture and experiences, it’s no surprise that so many people flock to Mexico to enjoy the sun, friendly people and amazing food and culture. In this guide, we will explore the top things to enjoy in San Miguel de Allende and introduce you to experiences you don’t want to miss.

As a Mexico resident and USA expat, I’m here to give you the details that will help you to make the most out of your visit to San Miguel de Allende.

I’m here to help with travel planning, recommendations and any information you need to make your stay here more enjoyable.

Our company, Sweet Bean Travels specializes in personal travel planning, relocation assistance and expert destination guidance.

I hope you find this guide a helpful tool in planning your trip to this lovely town.

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Lena

WELCOME TO SAN MIGUEL San Miguel has long been a beloved destination, ranking as the Best City in the World by Condé Nast Traveler for three years in a row. With its sloping cobblestone streets and thriving arts scene, San Miguel draws visitors who fall in love with its charms and decide to stay. Since Chicago native Stirling Dickinson established the Escuela Universitaria de Bellas Artes to nurture San Miguel as an international arts hub, creative souls have flocked here.

SAN MIGUEL Average temperature 60° Farenheit Internet Access Reliable, with several providers in town

After WWII, the town became a top vacation and retirement spot for American veterans studying art on the GI Bill. While the arts remain central, San Miguel has blossomed into a gastronomic destination in the last decade thanks to restaurants like Moxi and Áperi, which enjoy worldwide acclaim. Luxury hotels have followed, catering to an upscale crowd of sun-seekers, creatives and escape artists. San Miguel's vibrant culture and iconic Parroquia cathedral still enchant visitors year after year.

Education Bilingual schools, art institutes, Spanish language schools

Several iconic magazines, including Forbes and Business Insider, have recognized San Miguel de Allende as a city that artfully blends Mexico's finest qualities: vibrant murals, Hacienda architecture, and an infectious culinary scene.

San Miguel's eclectic food culture remains rooted in traditional Mexican staples while incorporating global influences from resident expats and tourists. Street food vendors populate nearly every corner, complementing fine dining venues that entice guests with elevated Mexican cuisine.

This underrated destination has mastered producing exceptional regional dishes, drawing

Language Spanish, English widely spoken

Nightlife Rooftop bars, live music, concerts, local artists Nearest Airports BJX and QRO

Cost of Living Approx. $1,900 USD per month (couple)

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DEMOGRAPHICS POPULATION

41%

8,000 EXPATS

(APPROXIMATELY)

MEDIAN AGE 59%

174,615 41%

4 hrs FLIGHT TIME FROM NYC

41%

37.2 63°

AVERAGE TEMP

59%

NUMBER OF AIRBNB LISTINGS

41%

96

WALK SCORE

1,700

41%

3 hrs FLIGHT TIME FROM LAX

59%

MAIN INDUSTRY 59%

Tourism

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59%

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, GUANAJUATO

GETTING AROUND San Miguel is a walkable city, so most of the expats use local buses and taxis to get around. One of the most distinctive features of San Miguel’s downtown area is its cobblestone streets and narrow sidewalks. When walking in the Centro area, the narrow sidewalks allow only one person at a time to pass, so it’s common to see people walking in the street. Athletic footwear is strongly recommended.

You can get almost anywhere by local taxi, and San Miguel has a number of bus routes that will take you around town or to neighboring cities. Day trips out of town are common, and there are plenty of private bus companies that will take you into Mexico City, Guanajuato, Leon and Guadalajara, along with a number of small towns in the area.

As costs can vary over time, we’ve avoided listing specific prices for bus and taxi service, but it’s safe to say that using public transportation is the most efficient and affordable way to get around in San Miguel. In addition, there are several car rental companies in San Miguel (Hertz is the most popular) that will rent you a car for a few days at reasonable rates.

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THINGS TO DO San Miguel is known for its neoclassical art scene, and there is no shortage of galleries and museums to satisfy your taste for culture.

The Paroquia de San Miguel Arcangel is San Miguel’s most prominent landmark, and a visit to this beautiful gothic cathedral is a must at least once during your time in San Miguel. Admire the architecture, stained glass windows and stunning details that make this iconic structure so awe-inspiring. Branch out a bit and discover a million little things that capture the attention—street performers, craftsman stalls, quaint cafes or simply enjoy the diverse international cuisine that San Miguel offers. The heart of the town, El Jardin, is where you’ll spend the day people watching, enjoying a picnic or joining in on an impromptu pickup game of football.

While there is nightlife here, the town has more of a “stroll around and relax” type of vibe. Of course, if you do want to enjoy a bit of live music and dancing, check out Zandunga or Johnny’s Piano Bar where local artists perform nightly and the dance floor is never empty.

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events

ANNUAL

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LOCOS PARADE MAY

This annual parade honors San Pascual Bailón, known as the patron saint of gardeners. Lively and fun, this parade is popular with locals and tourists alike

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GUANAJUATO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL(GIFF) JULY

Indie filmmakers converge on San Miguel each July to debut their films to the

biggest film enthusiasts in the state. This

03 SMA FOOD FEST

is one of Mexico’s largest Latin film exhibitions

JULY

This annual festival features more than

100 local and international chefs, street vendors, gourmet food products and

lively entertainment. A must for all of the foodies in San Miguel

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events

ANNUAL

04 SAN MIGUEL FESTIVAL DE MÚSICA DE CÁMARA AUGUST

This chamber music festival brings

musicians from throughout Mexico for a week of classical concerts and music education. A must for classical music enthusiasts

05 GRITO DE INDEPENDENCIA

SEPTEMBER 15TH AND 16TH

The streets come alive with national pride each September as Mexico

06 DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

celebrates its independence from Spain.

A fiesta weekend like none other

NOVEMBER

The Day of the Dead celebration is a

Mexican tradition throughout the country, and San Miguel comes alive with

parades, fiestas, costumes and live

music each November 1. The party lasts

for days and is one of San Miguel’s most anticipated festivals

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WHERE TO STAY While expats take up residence all over San Miguel, there are some neighborhoods that are havens for transplants from the USA and Canada

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CENTRO Living in downtown puts you at the center of everything, and is a walkable neighborhood popular with expats. Rent is high in this area but the access to amenities and old-world charm makes it well worth the money

SAN ANTONIO San Antonio appeals to families, with parks and shopping mixed in with single-family homes. San Antonio is well-known as an artist enclave, and the neighborhood has its own art walk with work created by local artists

GUADRIANA Just a few minute’s walk from Centro, Guadriana is quiet and convenient. The neighborhood has its own organic market and several parks perfect for an afternoon stroll

BALCONES

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Perched atop a hill, Balcones offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Here you can find a canyon and a botanic garden, as well as beautiful treelined streets with a mix of apartments and homes. We suggest a car for ease of transportation if you choose Balcones.

GUADALUPE Guadalupe sits just north of Centro, and has been dubbed the “Soho” of San Miguel. Here you will find an organic grocery store, leafy streets and original murals scattered throughout the neighborhood

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JARDIN ALLENDE

San Miguel

THINGS TO DO IN

LEARN SPANISH

EXPLORE ART

Enroll an a group intensive lesson or spend a semester learning Spanish at Instituto Allende School of Art and Spanish

There’s no shortage of art galleries, musems and street art in San Miguel, but Fabrica Aurora is a must-see for visual and tactile art

SIP AND SAVOR

LIVE THE HIGH LIFE

Enjoy some of the best coffee in the world in San Miguel, known for its locally farm-sourced coffee and meticulous brewing process

The most popular nightlife activity in San Miguel is rooftop dining. The town is dotted with bars and eateries with live music and stunning views

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SHOPPING

A popular, urban strip mall with a variety of retailers, bars, and restaurants.

Shopping is a favorite pastime of San Miguel locals and tourists alike, and there is a mix of big box stores, boutiques and independent vendors.

High-end boutiques run by independent designers stand side by side with craftspeople selling pottery, textiles and souvenirs. Though the town is small, there is no shortage of quaint storefronts selling hard-to-find items and one-of-a-kind pieces.

Centro is the place to be for the majority of your shopping needs, but hidden gems abound just outside of the main drag.

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SHOPPING CALLE ZACATEROS Calle Zacateros is a great place to start if you’re looking for local boutiques, handmade crafts, accessories and local artwork. On this hidden gem of a street you’ll find clothing stores, silver jewelry and accessories and a mix of high-end and mainstream shopping

MERCADO DE ARTESANIAS This crafts market offers a little of everything, from pottery to rugs, handmade jewelry, soaps, fragrances and handicrafts. Mercado de Artesanias is a lively shopping experience, and is a favorite weekend activity

TUESDAY ORGANIC MARKET: ”TIANGUIS ORGANICO” The Tuesday Organic Market is less of a market and more of an event. Start off at the the food stalls where you can enjoy freshly-cooked Mexican specialties like handmade tortillas, roast garbanzos and stewed rabbit then continue over to the fresh food market and shop for everything from fresh produce to liquor, flowers and nuts www.sweetbeantravels.com

PLACES TO EAT San Miguel de Allende is proud of its culinary scene, and rooftop restaurants, fine dining establishments and casual eateries abound. Here are a few places you want to check out during your time in San Miguel

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MAMA MIA

Authentic Italian cuisine will transport you straight to the streets of Italy. Enjoy classic pasta dishes to mouthwatering pizzas, Mama Mia Restaurant is your go-to destination for an authentic taste of Italy in San Miguel

MOX- HOTEL MATILDA Run by a Michelin-starred chef, Moxi is the destination for fine dining in San Miguel. Boasting a high cuisine concept with Mediterranean touches, this white-glove restaurant offers pre-fixe menus in an upscale setting

ATRIO

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With an ample selection of international dishes, trendy cocktails and topnotch service, Atrio is the destination for a classy night out. What makes this restaurant so appealing, however, is its stunning rooftop views and cool atmosphere. Try the cucumber tequila for a real treat

APERI

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At Aperi, it’s all about the presentation. A seat at the chef’s table here is prime real estate, and foodies book their table here weeks in advance. A blend of culinary art and a mix of local and international flavors, Aperi is the city’s hottest ticket

ZIBU ALLENDE The fusion between Asian and Mexican cuisine is Zibu Allende’s claim to fame, and the mix of spicy and acidic, salty and sweet make this Mex-Tai eatery an experience you don’t want to miss

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PLACES TO EAT CASA NOSTRA

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Often described as a great place for a romantic dinner out, Casa Nostra offers an extensive wine list and simple staples like tapas, salads, pasta and fresh juices. The menu is simple but each dish is prepared on the spot, making it one of the more underrated restaurants in town

FATIMA 7 Indulge in a lazy long lunch or dine under the stars at Fatima 7's rooftop restaurant. Mexican fare with a Moroccan twist, this blend of flavors is unlike any other in San Miguel

THE RESTAURANT

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A destination for the chic and well-heeled, the head chef of The Restaurant is a transplant from New York’s Tavern on the Green. Expect a five-star experience with fresh ingredients paired with local wines and a sweet toothsatisfying dessert menu

ANTONIA A casual rooftop eatery, Antonia offers the usual tacos and burgers, but is beloved for its vegan specialties. With panoramic views of town and a chill and low-key atmosphere, Antonia is a favorite of the lunch crowd

LUNA

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There are few better places to catch a sunset over dinner than Luna’s rooftop eatery, where you will enjoy Mediterranean classics like pita bread and kebabs in a laid-back and casual atmosphere. Book a table early, on most nights, Luna is packed with star-gazing foodies

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WHO WE ARE knowledgeable 01

There’s nothing like having an in-country partner to help you decide if moving to Mexico is right for you. Our team is here, living every day in our beautiful Mexican town. We know the ins and outs of expat life and we are excited to share our knowledge with you

PASSIONATE 02

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Simply put, we love what we do, and it makes all the difference between providing a service and delivering an experience. We fully commit to every task, providing well-rounded solutions that don’t shy away from the details. We go above expectation, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because we care about our clients, and genuinely enjoy building on our relationships.

PROFESSIONAL We pride ourselves on being a team of knowledgeable Mexico specialists embodying an exceptional level of professionalism, both with our clients and among our peers. Our dedication to the highest quality service, efficiency, and insight is unparalleled.

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WORKING WITH US Before moving to San Miguel de Allende, I lived for in Playa del Carmen for several years. In that time, I’ve learned a lot about living in Mexico as an expat, adjusting to the way of life here and thriving in my new community.

There’s so much to love about San Miguel. From the vibrant arts and music scene to the year-round sunshine and some of the best food in the world, it’s no wonder that so many people come for a visit and decide to make this place their home.

I’ve lived in several Mexican cities, and there is so much I wish I knew before I made the move. This guide is just the start.

So many people have asked me for guidance in moving to Mexico, and I am glad to share what I have learned in the past few years here.

I offer personalized, one-on-one coaching for people who are interested in moving to Mexico. With a temperate climate, vibrant cities and an increased quality of life, Mexico has quickly become a haven for expats who are looking to move abroad.

Do you want to come for a visit and see what San Miguel is all about?

Have questions about what to expect or how to move here? Click here to set up your one-on-one consultation and let’s chat about all things Mexico!

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Mexico!