Why Visit Now: San Miguel de Allende

Pretty and popular, the small colonial city of San Miguel de Allende is reeling from nonstop international praise. Mexico’s most coveted destination has been named Travel + Leisure’s “Best City in the World,” the world’s best small city by Condé Nast, a trending destination for 2024 by American Express, and TripAdvisor’s best destination in Mexico.

What’s the fuss all about? For starters, San Miguel de Allende, also known simply as San Miguel or SMA, has all the elements of a great getaway: quaint cobblestone streets, colorful houses, boutique shops, rooftop restaurants and a lively town square. It’s a magnet for art lovers and history buffs, food lovers and fashionistas, welcoming visitors with open arms and a noticeable whiff of sophistication.

There’s no doubt San Miguel is in the throes of its golden age, hosting The World’s 50 Best awards ceremony for the third consecutive year. The chic restaurants and upscale lodging emerging from every corner are just two reasons to start planning your sweet sojourn in San Miguel de Allende. Here are nine more.

1. Catch a show at the recently-debuted Operísima Mexico 

World-renowned musician, conductor, and vocal coach Maestro Rogelio Riojas-Nolasco has lived a glamorous life of international travel and collaborative performances. After three decades working alongside greats like Placido Domingo in venues such as the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Russia, the talented director has settled down in San Miguel de Allende and opened his own opera studio.

While predominantly a training program for rising talent, the new school is buzzing amongst locals. Students regularly perform famous scores like Giuseppe Verdi’s Il Trovatore and Charles Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet at venues like Casa Europa at least once a month. Entry is by donation, and tickets should be reserved in advance.

2. Bountiful boutique shopping opps 

Creative minds have flocked to San Miguel de Allende since the 1920s, pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. The town’s artistic flair weaves itself into design, home decor, fashion, and food, making the shopping experience something truly special. Start at Fábrica La Aurora, once a textile mill, now an eclectic collection of art galleries, studios, and boutique shops showcasing top local talent. Stock up on woven tapestries, handcrafted furniture, bold-patterned dresses, and sterling silver pieces at Lunatica. Take a coffee break on the leafy patio before hopping into a sculpting workshop.

Take a piece, or several, of San Miguel home with you. Many crafts shops dot the inner city, showcasing the best of Mexican artisanship and design.

Igor Durczynski

Make your way to Zona Centro, stopping in shops like Casa R, Mixta, Recreo San Miguel, Abrazos Boutique, and Sindashi, all of which focus primarily on Mexican designers and regional craftsmanship. 

3. Splurge on a private tequila tasting with Casa Dragones

Why wouldn’t you try the World’s #1 Sipping Tequila in one of San Miguel’s oldest family homes, just given two design awards for its recent restoration? Sit back at the sleek Obsidian Bar as an Education Specialist, aka tequila expert, guides you through a tasting of four different styles. 

Read more: Mexico's Hanal Pixán is Not the Day of the Dead

Casa Dragones, headquartered in San Miguel, is cool for a variety of reasons. For starters, the name pays homage to SMA-based Dragones cavalry, who played a significant role in Mexico's fight for independence in the early 19th century. Co-founder Bertha González Nieves is the world’s first female Maestra Tequilera. Finally, there’s a notable emphasis on Mexican tradition – agave plants are hand selected, and apothecary-inspired bottles are handcrafted. It’s not cheap, but it’s an elegant experience that partners well with its classy location.

4. Explore Guanajuato’s burgeoning wine scene

Just beyond San Miguel’s border are acres of spectacular landscape, with terrain perfectly ripe for wine production. Grapevines were introduced in the 16th century as Spanish settlers arrived in droves and the demand for wine soared. The Mexican wine industry faced significant challenges, finally overcoming geographic and natural obstacles in the late 20th century. 

Fully immerse yourself into the wonderful wine world surrounding San Miguel with an overnight stay at Viñedo San Lucas.

Viñedo San Lucas

Today, the wine scene in Guanajuato state is exploding and now is the perfect time to indulge. Numerous wineries produce a variety of Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, Syrahs, Chardonnays, and Sauvignon Blancs, many with a strong commitment to sustainable practices. Santísima Trinidad is known for its high-quality wine production and scenic views. Sister property Viñedos San Lucas features not just vineyards, but olive groves, lavender fields, and a boutique hotel and restaurant as well.

5. Dinners, DJs, and to-die-for views

San Miguel’s recent entrance onto the world’s culinary stage was fast and furious. Just a few years ago, the city was known for a lack of good food and entertainment. Today, the country’s hottest chefs vie for a spot at SMA’s newest foodie event, Millesime GNP Weekend. Visitors from New York City to Paris are drawn to the seductive atmospheres of Bovine and Salvajes Brasserie, the exquisite dishes at The Restaurant, and the homemade pasta in Cumpanio.

San Miguel de Allende as seen from above from one of the many rooftop bars open to the late hours.

Bill Perry

As far as entertainment, the choices in San Miguel are dynamic, characterized by a blend of casual bars, upscale lounges, and energetic clubs. Hit up the district known as Zona Rosa, practically made for bar hoppers who love live music. Have a drink with illuminated skyline views at Rooftop at Selina or Bekeb before an all-night dance party at DUKE Nightclub or República.

6. Sail through the sky on a hot-air balloon ride

San Miguel is a delightful mix of charming architecture and bold facades, set in the dramatic Central Highlands of Mexico. Flanked by the Sierra de Guanajuato mountain range, the topography surrounding the city is made up of rolling hills, expansive valleys, and acres of vineyards. The scene is best appreciated from above, which is why a hot-air balloon ride is a must.

Better than a bus tour, a sunrise spin on a hot air balloon is the ultimate city overview.

Eleni Mavrandoni

There are several companies that run these unforgettable experiences, though Globos San Miguel is the oldest and longest-running. Start your sky-high adventure before the sun comes up with a sharp cup of Mexican coffee and a warm pan dulce (pastry). Guides will situate you in the giant basket after watching the colorful balloon inflate. From here, you’ll ascend gently, floating among the clouds as the sun rises. As is customary, your journey will culminate with a sip of sparkling wine and the option to add breakfast.

7. A hotel scene that’s the epitome of sophistication

One of the hardest decisions you’ll have to make in San Miguel de Allende is where to stay. How is one supposed to decide when options range from converted monasteries to luxury giants like Belmond and Rosewood?

The good news is, no matter the lodging you choose it’s bound to have two things: creative ambience and historical importance. The six-room luxury hotel Casa No Name was once the home of renowned artist and fashion photographer Deborah Turbeville. Pop into its romantic courtyard for breakfast or head to the rooftop for a drink. Or, opt for an overnight stay at a 16th century restored convent in Conde Nast-favorite Hacienda El Santuario, which doubles as a Mexican folk art museum. Sleek and modern Hotel Matilda has won multiple awards for its stylish design and indulgent amenities, and has recently invited Michelin-starred Spanish chef Vicente Torres to its culinary team. 

The dreamy garden patio in 18th century Casa No Name beckons, and who are we to say no?

Bethany Platanella

8. Catch the view from the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel

The skyline of San Miguel is dominated by a striking rose-colored church tower which sits square in the center of town. According to legend, stonemason Zeferino Gutiérrez had a dream in which he envisioned the church’s elaborate facade, and brought that dream to fruition by sketching out its wedding cake-like structure to local architects. La parroquia is often compared to Gaudi’s famous Sagrada Familia, and features a blend of architectural styles that reflect the many moods of the city in which it resides.

The most iconic symbol of San Miguel de Allende is also its most spectacular landmark.

FERNANDO MACIAS ROMO

In Episode 1 of Vix’s docuseries Reconexión, Mexican-American host Aarón Díaz visits the church to complete a lifelong dream: to climb to the top of the bell tower. You, too, can climb the bell towers, but not quite as high as Díaz, whose experience required the assistance of a church worker and a rather rickety ladder. Visit the church daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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9. Keep calm and party on

Mexico loves a fiesta, but San Miguel de Allende takes it to another level. Nearly every month there’s yet another festival on the calendar, and fireworks are known to burst above the center square without reason. It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll catch an unexpected dance performance, a vibrant parade, or a live music concert during your visit. 

In addition to an abundant roster of holiday celebrations, look for San Miguel-specific events like February’s Writers' Conference & Literary Festival and September’s Fiesta de San Miguel Arcángel. Desfile de los Locos (Parade of the Crazies) is exceptionally fun, with locals dressed in colorful costumes to honor San Pascual Bailón.