Things To Do
Visit the Beautiful Churches of San Miguel de Allende
Wandering the streets of San Miguel de Allende presents so many surprises: from the rich history of the country to small cafes and shops along the way. One of the ways to know the town is by visiting one (or all) of the many churches! 1.) Santuario de Atotonilco-- Known as Mexico's Sistine Chapel, this vitally important church defined by its connection to the independence struggle, which has made it an important icon for Mexicans. 2.) Templo de San Francisco-- A church built as part of a Franciscan monastery in the 18th century. 3.) Templo de la Concepcion-- An old church with beautiful oil paintings adorned inside. 4.) Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel-- This church is hard to miss as it is the focal piece of the town center! Originally built in the 1600s, this church was given a renovation in the 1800s to fit the gothic style seen in Europe. It is made of pink sandstone!
Visit the Local Markets
There are two main markets in the town: Mercado San Juan de Dios and Mercado de Artesanias. Mercado San Juan de Dios: Known as the spot where locals buy their food, this market is located just outside of the city center towards the west edge of the city. Worth the 10 minute walk, this is a traditional Mexican market with food vendors selling meat, cheeses, and fresh produce. There is a section of the market dedicated to prepared foods. Pull up a chair at one of the counters and try something on their menu! Seth and Abi recommend a torta! Mercado de Artesanias: This market is dedicated to the local art and craftsmanship of the city. In this market you will find everything from the traditional Moravian stars that hang in the streets, to colorful grocery bags used for shopping the markets. Located in the Centro of the city, it is a must-see to bring back souvenirs from the trip!
Visit Museums
There are numerous museums to visit: from history museums to a mask museum, it is difficult to be bored! Some recommended museums include Museo Historico de San Miguel (history museum) and the Mask Museum (indigenous masks on display). To visit the Mask Museum, a prior appointment is necessary. (HINT: Let the owner of the Mask Museum know that you are attending Abi and Seth's wedding! His home will be the Welcome Party venue!)
Eat!!!
San Miguel de Allende is known for its bustling food scene. Chefs from all over Mexico (and the world) are located in this wonderful town, offering a variety of food just within reach. Some of Abi and Seth's favorite spots include: -Lavanda Cafe: A beautiful cafe specializing in lavender flavored coffee and treats. -Quince Rooftop: Rated the best rooftop in the world, Quince puts on quite the show! Highly recommend stopping here for a drink during sunset. -Selina Hotel: The Selina Hotel is home to the tallest rooftop in the city. -Casa Murcielago: The only mezcal bar in the city owned by Mexicans, it is the space to check out Mexican liquors. -The Restaurant: A beautiful courtyard restaurant with delicious options. -Markets: Try out the local markets for food, as well! This is by no means an extensive list! Food bloggers and Youtubers would also be a great resource when trying to narrow down where to eat during the wedding weekend! Reservations recommended at most places.
Outside of San Miguel de Allende:
For those wanting to travel outside the city limits, here are two suggested cities to visit.
Guanajuato
If you are looking for a quick weekend trip before heading home, we HIGHLY recommend checking out Guanajuato. Built above tunnels and full of character, Guanajuato is a beautiful city to see. Guanajuato was the first trip that we took together after moving to El Paso! We recommend joining a Callejoneada and singing the night away while parading through the streets.
Mexico City
Mexico City is only about 4.5-5 hours away from San Miguel de Allende on a bus. Mexico City is an absolute must-see at least once in your lifetime! From some of the top restaurants in the world, to incredible history and ruins, Mexico City is worth the trip if you are able to swing it!