visit San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Founded in the 16th century, San Miguel de Allende exudes colonial-era charm through artisan markets, the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel de Arcángel and colourful Spanish-style buildings - propping up colourful cactus pots, characterful ceramics and Mexican folk art.

While the city has the quaint feeling of a small town, it has become internationally sought by American expats and tourists seeking out handmade artisan crafts and the vibrant wine scene supported by nearby vineyards, such as Viñedo Dos Búhos. While not yet reaching the same popularity with Europeans, this super safe Mexican town is a perfect introduction for those venturing to Mexico for the first time and looking to delve into a colourful cultural scene with training wheels.

Not to be discounted as a home to expats, San Miguel de Allende oozes cultural significance for its prominence in Mexico’s war for independence - a history which gave the city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008. Not only wrapped in history, the natural world is significant here too and the national park, Charco del Ingenio, demonstrates a commitment to the preservation of indigenous flora and fauna. The natural traveller will find the 67 hectares of land is home to a number of easily walkable hiking trails featuring Mexico’s iconic landscapes and, for the eagle-eyed spotters, diverse wildlife.

Papel Picado hangs over the artesan stores in San Miguel de Allende — Papel picado hanging near the Mercado de Artesanías in San Miguel de Allende.

Arts & crafts in San Miguel de Allende — Arts & crafts centre of San Miguel de Allende.

Papel picado banners along the streets of San Miguel de Allende — Papel picado is considered a Mexican folk art displayed for both secular and religious occasions.

Swinging wooden doors outside the Bar San Miguel — Bar San Miguel is a laid back bar in the centre of town with a selection of cheap beers.

Rooftop plants in San Miguel de Allende — Rooftops of San Miguel de Allende.

Ceramic frogs on a rooftop in San Miguel de Allende.

Store front by Mercado de Artesanías in San Miguel de Allende.

Vibrant street art in mercado de artesanias in San Miguel de Allende — Street art by Mercado de Artesanías in San Miguel de Allende.

A view of the The Parroquia from a street surrounding the San Miguel de Allende centre. Designed by Zeferino Gutiérrez in the late 19th century.

Cobbled street San Miguel de Allende — San Miguel de Allende

Sun soaked street in San Miguel de Allende — The Parroquia in the distance, San Miguel de Allende.

Colonial Church building in San Miguel de Allende.

Art and chill out spot at Casa No Name, San Miguel de Allende — The courtyard at Casa No Name, San Miguel de Allende. Once home to renowned artist and fashion photographer, Deborah Turbeville, Casa No Name is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The courtyard at Casa No Name, San Miguel de Allende.

cactuses in a line against an orange background — Cactuses lining the street in San Miguel de Allende.

Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende.

Slide at Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende. — Charco del Ingenio, a 67 hectare Ethnobotanic Garden and Nature Preservation Area located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato.

Flowers hanging from above in church del ingenious — Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende.

prickly pears with wetland behind — The wetland habitat in Charco del Ingenio, supporting numerous species of resident and migratory birds, which can be observed in the dam during most of the year.

pathway lined with prickly pears in Charco del Ingenio — Prickily pears in Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende.

Viaduct bridge seen on a hike at church del ingenious — El Charco del Ingenio contains 67 hectares of trails to explore the natural, cultural and historical importance of the site surrounded by the tranquility of nature.

frog on lily pad at church del ingenio — Both Canyon Tree Frogs and Mountain Tree Frogs can be spotted at Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende.

Agave with long Pina in church del ingenio — An agave plant with piña, the part used in tequila and mezcal production, at Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende.

greenhouse featuring cacti and succulents at Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende — Greenhouse at Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende.

ampitheatre at Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende — An amphitheatre space at Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende.

Looking for more bars and hotels in San Miguel de Allende? Maybe our map can help.

If you fancy visiting some vineyards in San Miguel de Allende, read produced by Dos Búhos. For more destinations in Mexico check out our photo journal for Mexico City and photo journal for Tulum.