Located 6,000 feet above sea level in Mexico’s central highlands, San Miguel de Allende is a colonial-era city steeped in history and culture. This picturesque town is a treasure trove of art, architecture, and natural beauty, waiting to be explored.
My introduction to San Miguel was on a three-hour Jeep tour with Colleen Sorenson, founder of Street Art Tours. As we navigated the cobblestone streets, I caught glimpses of vibrant murals that transformed the neighborhoods into open-air galleries. With over 200 murals created by national and international artists, this tour is a must-do for art enthusiasts.
Colleen’s knowledge and passion for San Miguel’s street art movement were evident as she shared stories about the history and evolution of the city’s artistic scene. The tour also included a visit to the Colonia Guadalupe art district, where we marveled at 50 painted and mosaic-tiled murals.
After working up an appetite, I headed to Hierba Santa, Colleen’s favorite Mexican restaurant, tucked behind even more murals. This charming eatery serves delicious breakfast and lunch dishes in a beautiful open-air courtyard.
Next, I visited the Fabrica La Aurora art center, housed in a former textile factory transformed into galleries housing canvases, artisanal items, antiques, fabrics, home decor, hand-painted furniture, and fashion designs. Walking through the different rooms and galleries was a sensory explosion of vibrant colors.
The Mercado de Artesanias, a covered market overloaded with handcrafted items, jewelry stalls, Mexican ceramics, live birds in cages, Oaxacan rugs, hanging lamps, and food stalls selling local honey, sweets, and herbs, was another highlight of my visit. I also visited the Mercado Sano, which sells bread, cheeses, jams, coffees, and hosts a farmer’s market on Saturdays.
San Miguel de Allende is a city that seamlessly blends past and present, with its rich history, cultural attractions, and natural beauty making it an ideal destination for travelers. Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, food, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this magical city has something for everyone.
Getting There
The best time to visit San Miguel de Allende is from November through April. Recent additions to the hotel scene include the Numu Boutique Hotel, a member of the Hyatt Unbound Collection, and the Waldorf Astoria, a Hilton luxury brand, which are expected to open soon.
Event Calendar
Don’t miss out on the following events:
* Musicians’ Day: November 22
* Feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe: December 12
* Las Posadas: December 16-24
* Noche Buena (Christmas Eve)
* New Year’s Eve, celebrated with fireworks, music, and dancing.
Insider Tips
* Wear sturdy shoes to navigate the cobblestone streets.
* Turn sideways on the narrow sidewalks so others can pass.
* Try the local specialties, such as huevos motulenos and orange doughnuts.
* Explore the city’s many markets and shops for unique souvenirs.
* Be sure to visit the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel and the Parque Benito Juarez.
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, San Miguel de Allende is a destination that will leave you enchanted and inspired. So come and discover this magical city for yourself!
Source: Travel Weekly
