This is the city's hub. Go to El Jardín to people-watch, see the buildings lit up all around, listen to the mariachis, watch the break-dancers, hear the Rondalla (a choral group), see the mojigangas (tall, colorful walking figures made of paper mâché), etc. This is quintessential San Miguel. A must! There are frequent celebrations like indigenous dances (daytime), weddings (evenings), fireworks (nighttime) and church bells (all hours of the day). There are galleries in every direction within 2 blocks of El Jardín.
Whether devout, an architecture buff or just sightseeing, check out all the churches in town. There are many. In fact, there is one right next door to La Parroquía. Most are Catholic.
A convent turned tanning factory turned library with the 2nd largest collection of English language books in Mexico. Check it out just to explore the stacks and hidden rooms. Definitely see the big meeting room that is covered nearly top to bottom in murals. There's a little theater on site, a cafe and a gift shop.
San Miguel de Allende's main city park is near the Rosewood Hotel. It's fantastic for getting away from buildings, cars and streets and getting into a lot of greenery. There are multiple walking paths, little fountains, a children's playground, basketball courts and Zumba on Saturday mornings. While many regulars walk there daily, it never gets too crowded. On weekends, local artists sell their work here.
Mama Mia (upstairs) or Pueblo Viejo (upstairs), which are both on Umaran a block from El Jardín. Bezzito is around the corner. MX is nearby with a nice rooftop bar and terrace. And Quince and Átrio (see Restaurants) are the happening spots right now with incredible views of La Parroquia.
Grand, neo-Gothic 17th-century church known for its soaring pink spires & lofty, ornate sanctuary.
Fine arts museum with a very relaxing, huge courtyard full of Acapulco chairs. Lots of wall murals, too. It's the yellow building with a large iron sculpture of a bull in front.
This old textile factory was converted a while ago into a collection of galleries, home décor stores and restaurants. Well worth the visit. You can find works by local artists all the way to Matisse and Picasso. Check out other stores and studios along the walk there (like Juan Zaragoza's).
If there is an event happening (opera, classical music, jazz, ballet folklórico, plays), this is a small, very reasonably priced venue to see a show. Well worth it.
If you plan on staying a bit longer before or after the wedding, check out the city of Guanajuato! Guanajuato is a beautiful nearby city about 1h 45m from San Miguel. It's known for its silver mining history and colonial architecture. Its network of narrow streets, alleyways and tunnels is typified by the Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss), so named because the balconies are close enough for a couple to reach across and kiss.
View link for full list of our recommendations!
View link for full list of our recommendations!
Panadería Buon Forno: Best (Italian/French) bakery in town, hands-down. Almond croissants are out of this world. It also has a little coffee shop in a great artists' gallery. Panadería La Colmena: Best (Mexican) bakery in town. Bread comes out of the ovens around 10:30am. Nieves Plazuela San Felipe: Great ice cream with classic Mexican flavors. Try Carlota (like key lime pie), Nutella, Zanahoria con Nuez (carrot pecan) and Sandia con Chile (watermelon with chile). On special days, they have Desayuno Secreto (their take on classic vanilla, bourbon & corn flakes). Jugos de la Mamá de Jesús: San Miguel de Allende's best green juice. Sold on a card table next to an outdoor griddle on Recreo between Montes de Oca and Huertas between 9:30AM and 1:30PM. Ki'bok Coffee: Artisan, hand-crafted coffees and healthy breakfasts (like quinoa bowls). But the best part is the back terrace, which has a breathtaking view of La Parroquia.