There are so many places and things to see in or around San Miguel de Allende. A good place to start any trip is at Plaza Allende referred to by the locals as El Jardin or the cities main square. Almost all of San Miguel's attractions are located within a 8 mile radius of El Jardin. A stroll around San Miguel will reveal colonial buildings, giant wood carved doors, churches, parks with large stone fountains, and several 300 year old mansions that have been converted into gourmet restaurants, cafes, hotels, galleries and boutiques. The easiest way to see everything is on foot. A stroll around San Miguel de Allende will take only a couple of hours. We have put together a list of recommended places to visit on your next trip to San Miguel de Allende. The colonial architecture, its small patios and central cobbled streets make San Miguel de Allende, a romantic ideal place for rest and relax. For more information such as accommodations or to book a hotel in San Miguel de Allende Guanajuato, Mexico visit our accommodations page. The attractions in San Miguel de Allende listed below are broken up in various categories to help you navigate.
San Miguel de Allende Parks, Gardens and Natural Sights
Benito Juarez Park
Beautiful green filled park with fountains, ponds, wrought iron benches, graceful bridges and broad walkways lined with cherimoya, mulberry and walnut trees. It is a wonderful place for people watching or a relaxing stroll. It is also surrounded by some amazing buildings and is just below the beautiful Casa de Cultura (El Chorro).
El Charco del Ingenio
Botanical Garden with 250 acres of nature reserve just a few minutes from the historical center of San Miguel de Allende. El Charco hosts an extensive botanical collection made up of Mexican cacti and other plants with several miles of trails and paths. Declared an Ecological Preservation Zone in 2005...More
El Jardin
El Jardin or "The Garden" is the main gathering and meeting place for the entire city. Also known as the zocalo in many Mexican cities, which is the main center of the city. This is a great meeting place filled with street vendors, restaurants and hotels. At night hear local marimba musicians playing...More
Hot Springs
Just outside of San Miguel are several balnearios, or spas built around natural springs. The thermal pools are sulfurous waters with temperatures up to 104 degrees. La Gruta, one of the more popular springs offers a three pools. At La Gruta wade down a dark tunnel into a large dome-shaped cave water springs...More
Statue Ignacio Allende
Statue located in Juarez Park in honor of Iganacio Allende who along with Miguel Hidalgo plotted to overthrow the Spanish, on Sept. 16, 1810 they rang out the cry for Independence. Historians point out it was Allende who urged Hidalgo into the fight for Independence. The city was renamed San Miguel de Allende in his honor in the 20th century.
San Miguel de Allende Churches and Religious Attractions
Capilla de la Casa de Loreto
The Chapel of the Holy House was constructed in 1735 completely financed by Manuel Canal and his wife Hervas de Flores. The entrance has elaborate twisted columns on each side with the inscription "This is the home in which the Son of God was Conceived". Constructed to resemble the famous Holy House in Loreto, Italy.
Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Salud
The Church of Our Lady of Health was built at the end of the 18th century, houses oil paintings of famous artists from that era. The splayed arch portal is one of only six in Mexico, while the tower has the oldest bell in the city. Open daily from 7am to 7pm. Located on Mesones Street, next to the Plaza Civica Ignacio Allende.
Iglesia de San Francisco
Built in 1779 and financed by donations from wealthy patrons and bull fight revenue. One of the finest example of Churrigueresque design in Guanajuato. Inside the church there are several paintings, statues, Corinthian columns and beautiful stone carvings. Outside is elaborately carved with an image of St. Francis of Assisi.
La Parroquio de San Miguel Arcangel
Church of St. Michael the Archangel towers over the Jardin (main square) built in 1683, inspired by postcards of European Gothic Cathedrals. The pink stone facade is of neo gothic style, while the interior features neoclassical details. This parish church is the city’s most representative building, Open daily 9am to 7pm...More
Oratorio de San Felipe Neri
Built be local Indians in 1712 and made of pink stone. Adorned by a statue of Our Lady of Solitude. The Oratorio features domes in myriad shapes and the interior houses 33 oil paintings offering vignettes of the 16th century life of St. Philip Neri. Located on the corner of Insurgents and Pepe Llanos Open Saturdays 8am to 6pm.
Templo de la Conception
The locals call it "Las Monjas" (the Nuns). This 18th-century neoclassical-style construction was inspired by the Church of the Disabled in Paris. The dome at the top is one of the largest in Mexico. Inside you’ll see the works of famed artist Juan Rodriguez Juarez. Open daily 9am to 7pm. Located on La Canal and Hernandez Macias.
San Miguel de Allende Art, Language and Museums
Angela Peralta Theater
Originally designed as an opera house with a performance by famous soprano Angela Peralta, this 19th-century building of neoclassical style hosts important cultural events, such as the Jazz Festival, International Guitar Festival and the Chamber Music Festival. Located at 82 Mesones Street.
Instituto Allende
This is the towns most famous art and language school. Instituto Allende was founded in 1951 and was purchased from the Canal family. Spanish and art courses offered including sculpture, silver work, traditional Mexican weaving, ceramics, painting, textile design and printmaking. The grounds are surrounded with ivy and rosebushes.
Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes
The official name is Cultural Center "El Nigromante" it is known by the locals as "Bellas Artes" (the Fine Arts). This is a local art institute where courses surrounding, art, sculpture, music and dance can be taken. The large compound houses a museum, auditorium, two art galleries, and a cafe...More
La Biblioteca Publica
For more than 50 years the Biblioteca Publica (Public Library), considered one of the best bilingual libraries in Mexico, with more than 60,000 volumes in Spanish, English, German or French. Local activities such as films, theatres, lectures and classes are posted on the bulletin board near the entrance.
Museo Casa de Ignacio Allende
This is the birthplace of Ignacio Allende, one of Mexico's great Independence heroes, and it now house a historical museum. The museum has a collection of weapons, documents and other objects that belonged to this independence war hero. Located at 1 Cuna de Allende Street, next to the Parroquia de San Miguel...More
San Miguel de Allende Mansions, Architectural and Plazas
Casa de los Perros
Also known as The House of the Dogs. Once home to Independence War hero Juan de Mafuele, and now house a local Gallery called Galeria Mafuele. The building has interesting carvings of dogs on the balconies. It is located Umaran 4.
Casa del Mayorazgo de Canal
One of the many beautiful mansions in San Miguel, belongs to the descendants of Manuel Thomas de la Canal. Often refereed to as the "the count's house" The entry way displays columns and is a good example of colonial architecture. Now occupied by Banamex Bank and located to the west of the plaza.
Plaza de Toros
This is the towns bull ring, it is only open during certain times of the year. It is hidden behind a large wall, that has a red door for the entrance. Plaza de Toros draws a huge crowd during bull fights and is popular in September during Sanmiguelada, which was inspired by Spain’s Pamplona running of the bulls..more
San Miguel de Allende Markets
Mercado Ignacio Ramirez
Large traditional covered market supplying the town with daily supplies such as fruits, vegetables, meats, flowers, clothes and various toys. Mercado Ignacio Ramirez is located just off of Calle Collegio, one block north of Calle Mesones. Open daily from 8am to 7pm.
Mercado de Artesanias
Artist Market, where one can shop and purchase fine works of art. Local artists specialize in glass, tin, metal and other various art. This is a good place to shop for deals. The Artist Market is located in the alley between Colegio, behind Mercado Ignacio Ramirez. and Calle Loreto. Open daily from 8am to 7pm.
San Miguel de Allende Nearby Cities
Dolores Hidalgo
It was here that Father Miguel Hidalgo uttered his famous cry for the independence of Mexico (the "Grito de Dolores") in the early morning hours of September 16, 1810 in front of his parish church. After Mexico achieved independence, the town was renamed "Dolores Hidalgo" in his honor. Located 31 miles north from San Miguel de Allende...More
San Miguel de Allende Attractions Video
San Miguel de Allende Mexico Spotlight
Habla Hispana Spanish Language School
Learn Spanish in a friendly and personalized environment with highly qualified professors, with an average of twenty years experience in teaching Spanish as a second language. Also offering homestay programs for a total immersion in the Spanish language and Mexican culture...More
San Miguel de Allende Hotels & Lodging
The boutique hotels, luxurious resorts, vacation rentals, B&B's and places to stay in San Miguel de Allende can be quite charming. Offering romantically tranquil colonial and 16th century retreats…More
