San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a small colonial city in the state of Guanajuato in the Bajio mountains of central Mexico, about northwest of Mexico City.

It's a tourist destination, an art colony, and a retirement community for 12,000 foreigners – mostly Americans, Canadians, and Europeans. In spite of the increased number of foreigners over the past decades, it still is charming enough that many Mexicans visit for special holidays, and there are more than a few visitors who buy a house within a few days of their first arrival.

San Miguel is, first and foremost, a city built for relaxing. It is a Spanish colonial town of perhaps 140,000 people, a heritage site protected by the Mexican government in order to maintain its character. In July 2008 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Founded as "San Miguel el Grande" in 1542 by the Franciscan monk Juan de San Miguel, it became a centerpiece in the war for Mexican independence from Spain. After the war, in 1826, San Miguel was given city status and renamed San Miguel de Allende after Ignacio Allende, a hero of the independence movement, the "first Mexican soldier" and a native of the city. In danger of becoming a ghost town in the early 20th century, the town was declared a national monument in 1926 and building became heavily restricted in the town's historic centro district, allowing the city to keep the colorful native facades that have become the backdrop of many famous works of art and even modern motion pictures.

A series of artist colonies were founded in San Miguel in the 1950s, including the famous Instituto Allende, and many American ex-soldiers moved their families here following World War II either to attend one of these colonies or to escape the polio scares raging through many U.S. cities. The result was a healthy American expatriate population that exists today mostly as elderly retirees and second-generation business owners. This population, combined with wealthy Mexicans (especially actors and politicians) that have rediscovered San Miguel as a Malibu-like retreat from Mexico City, has created an eclectic mix of Old World Mexican charm, American hospitality, and a party atmosphere that makes San Miguel a world-class destination for adventurous travelers.

San Miguel's weather is typical of central mountainous Mexico. It varies little, and even in the hottest months (May and June) when daytime temperatures can reach 35°C, the dry air makes it tolerable and cool mountain breezes tend to make evenings delightful. Winter evenings (from December to February) can get cold, even down to freezing overnight, but it warms up quickly in the morning. The rainy season extends from June to September when days are pleasant for sightseeing until heavy downpours (usually late in the afternoon and evening) cool and freshen the air. The climate has the same lazy, quiet air and temperance as Palm Springs, encouraging long hours of swimming and pool-side tanning, reading or napping, or just lying in a hammock and forgetting the world exists.

• San Miguel Tourist Information, Plaza Principal 8, +52 415 152 1695. M-Sa 08:30-20:00, Su 10:00-17:30. Offers street maps and can arrange for Spanish or English tours of the city.

San Miguel Tourist Information, Plaza Principal 8, +52 415 152 1695. M-Sa 08:30-20:00, Su 10:00-17:30. Offers street maps and can arrange for Spanish or English tours of the city.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico and And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself were filmed almost entirely in San Miguel.

• Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel, Plaza Principal s/n (by the Jardín, +52 415 152 4197. Daily 08:00-20:00. The marvelous pink granite parish church, looking like an ornate candy sculpture. The building itself dates from the 16th century, while the façade was designed in the 19th century by self-taught indigenous architect Zeferino Gutíerrez, who is said to have been inspired by a postcard depicting a European Gothic cathedral.
• Templo de la Inmaculada Concepcíon, Canal y Hernández Macías s/n, +52 415 152 0688. Daily 09:00-18:00. Next to the Bellas Artes and part of the former convent, this church was constructed in the mid-18th century. The massive dome is said to be a copy of Les Invalides in Paris.
• Oratorio de San Felipe Neri, Insurgentes s/n, +52 415 152 0521. Daily 09:00-18:00. Completed in 1714, the church features a delicately-carved pink sandstone façade.
• Templo de Nuestra Señora de la Salud, Plaza Cívica s/n. Daily 09:00-18:00. Built in the 17th century and notable for the scalloped stone dome over the main entrance.
• Templo de San Francisco, San Francisco s/n, +52 415 152 0947. M-Sa 08:00-14:00, Su varies. Built toward the end of the 18th century, this is a good example of Mexican Baroque architecture.

Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel, Plaza Principal s/n (by the Jardín, +52 415 152 4197. Daily 08:00-20:00. The marvelous pink granite parish church, looking like an ornate candy sculpture. The building itself dates from the 16th century, while the façade was designed in the 19th century by self-taught indigenous architect Zeferino Gutíerrez, who is said to have been inspired by a postcard depicting a European Gothic cathedral.

Templo de la Inmaculada Concepcíon, Canal y Hernández Macías s/n, +52 415 152 0688. Daily 09:00-18:00. Next to the Bellas Artes and part of the former convent, this church was constructed in the mid-18th century. The massive dome is said to be a copy of Les Invalides in Paris.

Oratorio de San Felipe Neri, Insurgentes s/n, +52 415 152 0521. Daily 09:00-18:00. Completed in 1714, the church features a delicately-carved pink sandstone façade.

Templo de Nuestra Señora de la Salud, Plaza Cívica s/n. Daily 09:00-18:00. Built in the 17th century and notable for the scalloped stone dome over the main entrance.

Templo de San Francisco, San Francisco s/n, +52 415 152 0947. M-Sa 08:00-14:00, Su varies. Built toward the end of the 18th century, this is a good example of Mexican Baroque architecture.

• Museo Histórico de San Miguel de Allende, Cuna de Allende 1, +52 415 152 2499. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. Home of Ignacio Allende, one of the independence heroes. You will learn about Mexican history from the 16th century until the death of Allende in 1811 and you can find an exhibition which shows a typical upper-class house of that time. Spanish and English explanations M$50 (adults), free (concessions).
• Casa del Mayorazgo de la Canal, Canal 4, +52 415 152 7584. M-F 09:00-18:00, Sa Su 10:00-18:00. The former home of a very wealthy family and now housing a bank. The courtyard is open to the public, and occasional art exhibits are shown on the ground floor. Visitors must sign in; no photography permitted. Free.
• Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez, Hernández Macías 75, +52 415 152 0289. M-Sa 10:00-19:30, Su 10:00-14:00. This former convent is now an art school and cultural center, and hosts rotating exhibits by local and international artists. Of particular note is an unfinished mural on the ground floor by David Alfaro Siqueiros, a contemporary of Diego Rivera. Free.
• Another Face of Mexico Mask Museum, Cuesta de San José 32 (Colonia Azteca, +52 415 154 4324. By appointment only. A private collection of over 500 Mexican ceremonial masks. M$100 (adults), free (children/students).
• La Esquina Popular Mexican Toy Museum, Núñez 40, +52 415 152 2602. W-Sa 10:00-18:00, Su 11:00-16:00. This museum collection is housed in a historic building, and includes a range of antique and modern hand-made toys. M$30 (adults), M$20 (concessions).

Museo Histórico de San Miguel de Allende, Cuna de Allende 1, +52 415 152 2499. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. Home of Ignacio Allende, one of the independence heroes. You will learn about Mexican history from the 16th century until the death of Allende in 1811 and you can find an exhibition which shows a typical upper-class house of that time. Spanish and English explanations M$50 (adults), free (concessions).

Casa del Mayorazgo de la Canal, Canal 4, +52 415 152 7584. M-F 09:00-18:00, Sa Su 10:00-18:00. The former home of a very wealthy family and now housing a bank. The courtyard is open to the public, and occasional art exhibits are shown on the ground floor. Visitors must sign in; no photography permitted. Free.

Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez, Hernández Macías 75, +52 415 152 0289. M-Sa 10:00-19:30, Su 10:00-14:00. This former convent is now an art school and cultural center, and hosts rotating exhibits by local and international artists. Of particular note is an unfinished mural on the ground floor by David Alfaro Siqueiros, a contemporary of Diego Rivera. Free.

Another Face of Mexico Mask Museum, Cuesta de San José 32 (Colonia Azteca, +52 415 154 4324. By appointment only. A private collection of over 500 Mexican ceremonial masks. M$100 (adults), free (children/students).

La Esquina Popular Mexican Toy Museum, Núñez 40, +52 415 152 2602. W-Sa 10:00-18:00, Su 11:00-16:00. This museum collection is housed in a historic building, and includes a range of antique and modern hand-made toys. M$30 (adults), M$20 (concessions).

• El Jardín. This central plaza with manicured trees is always buzzing with activity and is a good place for people-watching.
• Statue of Ignacio Allende, Plaza Cívica.
• Casa del Inquisidor, Cuadrante 36. An 18th-century mansion and the former office of the Inquisition was located in this building, now a private home. Directly across the street is the former jail for the Inquisition.

El Jardín. This central plaza with manicured trees is always buzzing with activity and is a good place for people-watching.

Statue of Ignacio Allende, Plaza Cívica.

Casa del Inquisidor, Cuadrante 36. An 18th-century mansion and the former office of the Inquisition was located in this building, now a private home. Directly across the street is the former jail for the Inquisition.

• Teatro Angela Peralta, Hernández Macías 82, +52 415 152 2200. Named after a famous Mexican opera singer who inaugurated the theater in 1873, this is one of San Miguel's principal venues for concerts and performances. It is not normally open to the public except during events.

• Semana Santa. The week before Easter. Celebrated with impressive and touching parades.
• Fiesta de los Locos. The first Sunday after 13 June (feast day of St Anthony of Padua). This annual parade is unique to San Miguel, with thousands of participants clothed in outlandish and colorful costumes and tossing candy into crowds of spectators. The parade begins around 11:30 at the Templo of San Antonio and winds its way up Hernández Macías, Insurgentes, and San Francisco Núñez before terminating at the Jardín. Free.
• Expresión de Corto, Fábrica la Aurora, Local 5-B, +52 415 152 7264. Last week of July. An annual short film festival, co-hosted by the nearby city of Guanajuato. Hundreds of films from nearly all genres are screened in venues including the Jardín and in the Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez. Most films are subtitled in Spanish and English. Free.
• San Miguel Chamber Music Festival, Hernández Macías 75, +52 415 154 5141. Late July and early August. An annual festival featuring internationally renowned quartets and soloists. Concerts are held in a number of venues, including the Teatro Angela Peralta.
• Independence Day. 16 September.
• Día de San Miguel Arcángel. Late September. A week of festivities celebrating the Feast Day of San Miguel's patron saint.
• Día de Muertos. 1-4 November. The Day of the Dead is one of the most notable Mexican holidays, and of course also celebrated in this city with processions, altars to comemmorate loved ones that have passed, colorful sugar skulls and other similar paraphernalia. Also, the Calaca Festival with art performances and exhibitions takes place during these days.
• International Festival of Jazz & Blues. Mid-November.

Semana Santa. The week before Easter. Celebrated with impressive and touching parades.

Fiesta de los Locos. The first Sunday after 13 June (feast day of St Anthony of Padua). This annual parade is unique to San Miguel, with thousands of participants clothed in outlandish and colorful costumes and tossing candy into crowds of spectators. The parade begins around 11:30 at the Templo of San Antonio and winds its way up Hernández Macías, Insurgentes, and San Francisco Núñez before terminating at the Jardín. Free.

Expresión de Corto, Fábrica la Aurora, Local 5-B, +52 415 152 7264. Last week of July. An annual short film festival, co-hosted by the nearby city of [[Guanajuato]]. Hundreds of films from nearly all genres are screened in venues including the Jardín and in the Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez. Most films are subtitled in Spanish and English. Free.

San Miguel Chamber Music Festival, Hernández Macías 75, +52 415 154 5141. Late July and early August. An annual festival featuring internationally renowned quartets and soloists. Concerts are held in a number of venues, including the Teatro Angela Peralta.

Independence Day. 16 September.

Día de San Miguel Arcángel. Late September. A week of festivities celebrating the Feast Day of San Miguel's patron saint.

Día de Muertos. 1-4 November. The Day of the Dead is one of the most notable Mexican holidays, and of course also celebrated in this city with processions, altars to comemmorate loved ones that have passed, colorful sugar skulls and other similar paraphernalia. Also, the Calaca Festival with art performances and exhibitions takes place during these days.

International Festival of Jazz & Blues. Mid-November.

• El Charco del Ingenio Jardín Botánico, Paloma s/n (uphill past Los Arcos, then take a left, +52 415 154 4715. Daily 09:00-18:00. Unique park above the town with an enormous collection of cacti. A vast area just past the Balcones area which includes some of the older engineering installations (an old mill and raceway), lovely canyons, well informed guides (mostly expats) for the botanists and birdwatchers. Go early in the day to avoid the heat and for more wildlife. Locals who are members are sometimes given a key to the back gate – find one and buy him beers until he relents! The reservoir is host to a number of migratory birds, and the locals can be rather stunning as well. M$40, M$80 (guided tours).
  • Guided birdwalks, +52 415 152 3644. 1st and 3rd Wed of every month 09:00-11:30. Tours are conducted in English, and meet inside the main entrance. M$100 (nonmembers), M$60 (El Charco or Audubon Society members).
• Parque Juarez. This well-used park is comprised of many old fruit orchards, and is now a favored nesting area for white egrets.
• Audubon Society Birdwalks. Meets on the 3rd Sunday of every month at 07:45 in front of the Instituto Allende (see listing under 'Learn'). The only chapter of the Audubon Society in Mexico, this group offers guided birdwalks to locations within and near San Miguel. Destinations include the El Charco del Ingenio Jardín Botánico (see listing above), the Río Laja, and the Presa Allende. Participants travel by carpool. M$150 (nonmembers), free (members).
• Coyote Canyon Adventures, +52 415 154 4193, +52 1 415 153 5005. Offers horseback riding, hiking, biking, rappelling, camping, four-wheeler (ATV), hot air ballooning, boating, Cañada de la Virgen pyramid tours, and multi-day cross country adventures. Their guides lead you safely through working cattle ranches, into canyons, through rivers, over plains, across gorges, and down sheer cliffs, all the while sharing with you their in-depth knowledge of the native flora and fauna.
• Bici-Burro Cycling, Hospicio 1, +52 415 152 1526. A bike shop that has operated in San Miguel since 1963. They offer bike rentals and biking or hiking tours with guides that hold an intimate knowledge of the area around San Miguel. You have the choice of seven bike tours and two hiking trips which take you amongst natural landmarks and some of the historical ruins of the area. These are of varying degrees of difficulty and range from 5 to 8 hours. The bicycle tours include a 2- speed aluminium mountain bike with helmet, gloves and transportation if needed.

El Charco del Ingenio Jardín Botánico, Paloma s/n (uphill past Los Arcos, then take a left, +52 415 154 4715. Daily 09:00-18:00. Unique park above the town with an enormous collection of cacti. A vast area just past the Balcones area which includes some of the older engineering installations (an old mill and raceway), lovely canyons, well informed guides (mostly expats) for the botanists and birdwatchers. Go early in the day to avoid the heat and for more wildlife. Locals who are members are sometimes given a key to the back gate – find one and buy him beers until he relents! The reservoir is host to a number of migratory birds, and the locals can be rather stunning as well. M$40, M$80 (guided tours).

• Guided birdwalks, +52 415 152 3644. 1st and 3rd Wed of every month 09:00-11:30. Tours are conducted in English, and meet inside the main entrance. M$100 (nonmembers), M$60 (El Charco or Audubon Society members).

El Charco del Ingenio Jardín Botánico, Paloma s/n (uphill past Los Arcos, then take a left, +52 415 154 4715. Daily 09:00-18:00. Unique park above the town with an enormous collection of cacti. A vast area just past the Balcones area which includes some of the older engineering installations (an old mill and raceway), lovely canyons, well informed guides (mostly expats) for the botanists and birdwatchers. Go early in the day to avoid the heat and for more wildlife. Locals who are members are sometimes given a key to the back gate – find one and buy him beers until he relents! The reservoir is host to a number of migratory birds, and the locals can be rather stunning as well. M$40, M$80 (guided tours).

• Guided birdwalks, +52 415 152 3644. 1st and 3rd Wed of every month 09:00-11:30. Tours are conducted in English, and meet inside the main entrance. M$100 (nonmembers), M$60 (El Charco or Audubon Society members).

Parque Juarez. This well-used park is comprised of many old fruit orchards, and is now a favored nesting area for white egrets.

Audubon Society Birdwalks. Meets on the 3rd Sunday of every month at 07:45 in front of the Instituto Allende (see listing under 'Learn'). The only chapter of the Audubon Society in Mexico, this group offers guided birdwalks to locations within and near San Miguel. Destinations include the El Charco del Ingenio Jardín Botánico (see listing above), the Río Laja, and the Presa Allende. Participants travel by carpool. M$150 (nonmembers), free (members).

Coyote Canyon Adventures, +52 415 154 4193, +52 1 415 153 5005. Offers horseback riding, hiking, biking, rappelling, camping, four-wheeler (ATV), hot air ballooning, boating, Cañada de la Virgen pyramid tours, and multi-day cross country adventures. Their guides lead you safely through working cattle ranches, into canyons, through rivers, over plains, across gorges, and down sheer cliffs, all the while sharing with you their in-depth knowledge of the native flora and fauna.

Bici-Burro Cycling, Hospicio 1, +52 415 152 1526. A bike shop that has operated in San Miguel since 1963. They offer bike rentals and biking or hiking tours with guides that hold an intimate knowledge of the area around San Miguel. You have the choice of seven bike tours and two hiking trips which take you amongst natural landmarks and some of the historical ruins of the area. These are of varying degrees of difficulty and range from 5 to 8 hours. The bicycle tours include a 2- speed aluminium mountain bike with helmet, gloves and transportation if needed.

Teatro Angela Peralta, Hernández Macías 82, +52 415 152 2200. Named after a famous Mexican opera singer who inaugurated the theater in 1873, this is one of San Miguel's principal venues for concerts and performances. It is not normally open to the public except during events.

The streets around the Jardín are full of specialty shops selling common souvenirs, clothing, art, furniture, and Mexican tile, and any other type of Mexican artwork that you can think of. In addition to its cultural staples, San Miguel de Allende is known for its amazing shopping. Being near the geographical center of the country, artisans from every part of Mexico have been known to send their artwork to San Miguel to be sold.

Whenever possible buy directly from the artisan. Many amazingly talented artists are not able to support their families due to the low prices they receive for their art. At times it is very necessary to bargain and at other times inappropriate – use your intuition and allow for mistakes.

Ladies: don't forget to pick up a pair of San Miguel shoes as soon as you arrive. Your walk around town will be much more comfortable.

• Fábrica la Aurora, Calzada de la Aurora s/n (Colonia Aurora, a 10 min walk from the Jardín, +52 415 152 1312. The best place to get great quality Mexican and international art. This old textile factory has been converted into a unique art and design center that now houses over 30 artists, galleries, restaurants, antique shops, and specialty stores. Artists are usually in-house and demonstrating on Thursdays. Open late on the first Saturday of each month.
• Mercado de las Artesanías, Andador Lucas Balderas. Open daily. Numerous stalls along a pedestrian mall west of the Mercado Ramírez with handicrafts from various regions of Mexico.

Fábrica la Aurora, Calzada de la Aurora s/n (Colonia Aurora, a 10 min walk from the Jardín, +52 415 152 1312. The best place to get great quality Mexican and international art. This old textile factory has been converted into a unique art and design center that now houses over 30 artists, galleries, restaurants, antique shops, and specialty stores. Artists are usually in-house and demonstrating on Thursdays. Open late on the first Saturday of each month.

Mercado de las Artesanías, Andador Lucas Balderas. Open daily. Numerous stalls along a pedestrian mall west of the Mercado Ramírez with handicrafts from various regions of Mexico.

• Tianguis de los Martes, Salida a Querétaro (take bus 8 or 9 from the Plaza Civica on Mesones. Tu 08:00-16:00. A colorful market with acres of native crafts, cheap Lakers t-shirts, fly swatters, cheap leather jackets and miscellaneous stuff that you really need, like flypaper, sewing kits, and more flyswatters. This is the place to pick up the best produce in town, as well as local cheese, honey, and sausage. Fresh seafood is trucked in overnight from Veracruz. Also on offer is an enormous variety of street food, from gorditas and tacos to fresh fruit juices.
• Mercado Ignacio Ramirez, Colegio (a few blocks from the Jardín. The main entrance is at the north end of Colegio Street. Open daily. A large indoor market with sections devoted to fruits and vegetables, meat, flowers, shoes and clothing, fast-food, ceramics, and souvenirs. Connected to the Mercado de las Artesanías - see below.
• Mercado San Juan de Dios. Largest indoor market, open daily, within the Historical Center. Most customers are locals. No handicrafts or souvenirs.

Tianguis de los Martes, Salida a Querétaro (take bus 8 or 9 from the Plaza Civica on Mesones. Tu 08:00-16:00. A colorful market with acres of native crafts, cheap Lakers t-shirts, fly swatters, cheap leather jackets and miscellaneous stuff that you really need, like flypaper, sewing kits, and more flyswatters. This is the place to pick up the best produce in town, as well as local cheese, honey, and sausage. Fresh seafood is trucked in overnight from Veracruz. Also on offer is an enormous variety of street food, from gorditas and tacos to fresh fruit juices.

Mercado Ignacio Ramirez, Colegio (a few blocks from the Jardín. The main entrance is at the north end of Colegio Street. Open daily. A large indoor market with sections devoted to fruits and vegetables, meat, flowers, shoes and clothing, fast-food, ceramics, and souvenirs. Connected to the Mercado de las Artesanías - see below.

Mercado San Juan de Dios. Largest indoor market, open daily, within the Historical Center. Most customers are locals. No handicrafts or souvenirs.

• La Comer, Carretera a Celaya 2.
• Soriana Súper, Libramiento Jose Manuel Zavala Zavala 165 (Plaza La Luciérnaga, +52 415 120 4711. Daily 08:00-22:00. Another hypermarket chain with a decent selection of food items but on the eastern outskirts of town, far from the Historical Center.
• Bonanza Supermercado, Mesones 43a, +52 415 152 1260. Daily. Conveniently located a short distance from the Jardín, this is a good place to stock up on essentials as well as other items which are often not carried by the other larger supermarkets. Somewhat overpriced and catering to non-Mexicans with many food items imported from the USA.
• Bodega Aurrera, Calzada de la Estacion, Estación F.F.C.C (Southwest corner of Calzada de la Estación and Highway 51 (Celaya-Dolores), continue west past the bus station. Daily 08:00-22:00. Large supermarket, part of a national chain, partly owned by Walmart. It has a bakery, a pharmacy, and the usual supermarket departments but unlike Mega, it does not have a prepared food section. Prices somewhat lower than at Mega or Soriana.

La Comer, Carretera a Celaya 2.

Soriana Súper, Libramiento Jose Manuel Zavala Zavala 165 (Plaza La Luciérnaga, +52 415 120 4711. Daily 08:00-22:00. Another hypermarket chain with a decent selection of food items but on the eastern outskirts of town, far from the Historical Center.

Bonanza Supermercado, Mesones 43a, +52 415 152 1260. Daily. Conveniently located a short distance from the Jardín, this is a good place to stock up on essentials as well as other items which are often not carried by the other larger supermarkets. Somewhat overpriced and catering to non-Mexicans with many food items imported from the USA.

Bodega Aurrera, Calzada de la Estacion, Estación F.F.C.C (Southwest corner of Calzada de la Estación and Highway 51 (Celaya-Dolores), continue west past the bus station. Daily 08:00-22:00. Large supermarket, part of a national chain, partly owned by Walmart. It has a bakery, a pharmacy, and the usual supermarket departments but unlike Mega, it does not have a prepared food section. Prices somewhat lower than at Mega or Soriana.

• Café de la Parroquia / La Brasserie, Calle De Jesus 11 (one block from the Jardín, +52 415 152 3161. Café de la Parroquia: 08:00-16:00; La Brasserie 18:00-22:00. Beautiful courtyard dining on fresh, local ingredients. Although many menu items seem at first to be the "usual", there's nothing ordinary about them. Try in particular the chicken soup (throw in all the onions and cilantro), tacos and any omelette. US$6-12 entrees.
• Cafe La Ventana, Diez de Sollano 11, +52 415 154 7728. M-Sa 08:00-21:00, Su 09:00-15:00. Has good breakfasts and great coffee. Practices Fair Trade.
• Cafe San Antonio, Refugio Sur 24, +52 415 152 3016. Regional, national and international cuisine. Enjoy your breakfast, lunch or dinner in a luscious and open courtyard in the heart of Colonia San Antonio, under the century old native mesquites, pines and pirules. Truly a unique experience.
• Café Yenatu Panza, Calzada de la Aurora 48 (follow Hidalgo out of the Jardín until it turns into Aurora, +52 415 152 8900. Daily 08:30-12:00. This is undoubtedly the most innovative and creative breakfast menus in town featuring design-your-own omelets & breakfast burritos, exquisite French toast, and home made fruit salsa. The vibe is very comfy and clients can choose from indoor or outdoor-garden seating. There's even free wireless. M$5-7.
• Cafetería San Agustín, San Francisco 21, +52 415 154 9102. Daily 08:00-23:00. A well-run restaurant with great food, Mexican and international. The restaurant/cafe in proud of their freshly made churros and a variety of hot and cold chocolate milks. Owned by Margarita Gralia.
• Casa Payo, Zacateros 26, +52 415 152 7277. One of the most traditional restaurants offering Argentine cuisine, with Mediterranean ambience inside dining and exterior in a charming patio featuring live music.
• Cha Cha Cha, 28 de Abril Norte 37 (Colonia San Antonio. Daily 13:00-19:00. Owned and operated by Mexican couple.
• El Correo, Correo 23 (a block away from the main square, +52 415 152 4951. A small Mexican food spot which offers simple yet interesting authentic Mexican food in a great location.
• Grill & Garden, Libramiento SMA-Dolores Hidalgo Km 3.5 (8 minutes N of San Miguel, +52 415 155 9594. F-Su 13:00-19:00. Relaxed country atmosphere serving old favorites and innovative fusion dishes – the restaurant has its own organic herb and vegetable garden. Great place to take visitors, and kids – bicycles available and horse back rides by reservation. Gets very busy on Sundays, reservations recommended. This charming place also prepares gourmet picnics, and available for private events. M$200-400.
• La Grotta, Cuadrante 5, +52 415 152 4119. Daily 14:00-22:00. A wonderful, multi-story restaurant owned by Daniel and son Dyami. La Grotta is located downhill, around the corner, just a block from the main cathedral. The restaurant is casual and the main items are pizza, calzones, and Italian-related. The food is very carefully and freshly prepared.
• Juan's Cafe Etc, Relox 37, +52 415 154 8636. Daily until 16:30. Great breakfasts and coffee. Practices Fair Trade.
• El Pegaso, Corregidora 6 (just off the Jardín, +52 415 154 7611. Daily 08:30-22:00. This trendy cafe style restaurant offers a delightful blend of Mexican and international flavor. Its atmosphere is definitely one of the best in town.
• Posada Carmina, Cuna De Allende 7, +52 415 152 8888. This restaurant is based in the patio of a charming inn located in a remarkably well preserved colonial house. Branded as 'fusion', the food offered by this restaurant will make your visit to San Miguel even more memorable, it mixes the classic elements of Mexican cuisine with oriental flavors and dishes.
• Restaurante Mama Mia, Umaran 8 (S of the Jardín, half a block from the Parroquia, +52 415 152 2063. Su-Th 08:00-03:00, F Sa 08:00-05:00. An open air patio restaurant with a stage and an exterior/second floor patio. The restaurant has traditional Mexican dishes, but specializes in pizzas and pastas. An always packed space, this is an amazing place to eat with a clean kitchen, and a lively bar.
• El Rincon Español, Correo 29. Administered and owned by a Catalan immigrant.
• El Rinconcito, Refugio Norte 7 (Colonia San Antonio, +52 415 154 4809. W-M 13:00-21:00. Try the Mar y Tierra.
• Tacos Don Felix, 15th Fray Juan de San Miguel, +52 415 152 5719. F Sa 18:00-24:00, Su 14:00-18:00. Wonderful soups, nachos, and entrees. Try the Three meats enchiladas. Friendly service. Moderate.
• Tio Lucas Restaurante Bar, Mesones 103 (across from the Teatro Angelica Peralta, +52 415 152 4996.

Café de la Parroquia / La Brasserie, Calle De Jesus 11 (one block from the Jardín, +52 415 152 3161. Café de la Parroquia: 08:00-16:00; La Brasserie 18:00-22:00. Beautiful courtyard dining on fresh, local ingredients. Although many menu items seem at first to be the "usual", there's nothing ordinary about them. Try in particular the chicken soup (throw in all the onions and cilantro), tacos and any omelette. US$6-12 entrees.

Cafe La Ventana, Diez de Sollano 11, +52 415 154 7728. M-Sa 08:00-21:00, Su 09:00-15:00. Has good breakfasts and great coffee. Practices Fair Trade.

Cafe San Antonio, Refugio Sur 24, +52 415 152 3016. Regional, national and international cuisine. Enjoy your breakfast, lunch or dinner in a luscious and open courtyard in the heart of Colonia San Antonio, under the century old native mesquites, pines and pirules. Truly a unique experience.

Café Yenatu Panza, Calzada de la Aurora 48 (follow Hidalgo out of the Jardín until it turns into Aurora, +52 415 152 8900. Daily 08:30-12:00. This is undoubtedly the most innovative and creative breakfast menus in town featuring design-your-own omelets & breakfast burritos, exquisite French toast, and home made fruit salsa. The vibe is very comfy and clients can choose from indoor or outdoor-garden seating. There's even free wireless. M$5-7.

Cafetería San Agustín, San Francisco 21, +52 415 154 9102. Daily 08:00-23:00. A well-run restaurant with great food, Mexican and international. The restaurant/cafe in proud of their freshly made churros and a variety of hot and cold chocolate milks. Owned by Margarita Gralia.

Casa Payo, Zacateros 26, +52 415 152 7277. One of the most traditional restaurants offering Argentine cuisine, with Mediterranean ambience inside dining and exterior in a charming patio featuring live music.

Cha Cha Cha, 28 de Abril Norte 37 (Colonia San Antonio. Daily 13:00-19:00. Owned and operated by Mexican couple.

El Correo, Correo 23 (a block away from the main square, +52 415 152 4951. A small Mexican food spot which offers simple yet interesting authentic Mexican food in a great location.

Grill & Garden, Libramiento SMA-Dolores Hidalgo Km 3.5 (8 minutes N of San Miguel, +52 415 155 9594. F-Su 13:00-19:00. Relaxed country atmosphere serving old favorites and innovative fusion dishes – the restaurant has its own organic herb and vegetable garden. Great place to take visitors, and kids – bicycles available and horse back rides by reservation. Gets very busy on Sundays, reservations recommended. This charming place also prepares gourmet picnics, and available for private events. M$200-400.

La Grotta, Cuadrante 5, +52 415 152 4119. Daily 14:00-22:00. A wonderful, multi-story restaurant owned by Daniel and son Dyami. La Grotta is located downhill, around the corner, just a block from the main cathedral. The restaurant is casual and the main items are pizza, calzones, and Italian-related. The food is very carefully and freshly prepared.

Juan's Cafe Etc, Relox 37, +52 415 154 8636. Daily until 16:30. Great breakfasts and coffee. Practices Fair Trade.

El Pegaso, Corregidora 6 (just off the Jardín, +52 415 154 7611. Daily 08:30-22:00. This trendy cafe style restaurant offers a delightful blend of Mexican and international flavor. Its atmosphere is definitely one of the best in town.

Posada Carmina, Cuna De Allende 7, +52 415 152 8888. This restaurant is based in the patio of a charming inn located in a remarkably well preserved colonial house. Branded as 'fusion', the food offered by this restaurant will make your visit to San Miguel even more memorable, it mixes the classic elements of Mexican cuisine with oriental flavors and dishes.

Restaurante Mama Mia, Umaran 8 (S of the Jardín, half a block from the Parroquia, +52 415 152 2063. Su-Th 08:00-03:00, F Sa 08:00-05:00. An open air patio restaurant with a stage and an exterior/second floor patio. The restaurant has traditional Mexican dishes, but specializes in pizzas and pastas. An always packed space, this is an amazing place to eat with a clean kitchen, and a lively bar.

El Rincon Español, Correo 29. Administered and owned by a Catalan immigrant.

El Rinconcito, Refugio Norte 7 (Colonia San Antonio, +52 415 154 4809. W-M 13:00-21:00. Try the Mar y Tierra.

Tacos Don Felix, 15th Fray Juan de San Miguel, +52 415 152 5719. F Sa 18:00-24:00, Su 14:00-18:00. Wonderful soups, nachos, and entrees. Try the Three meats enchiladas. Friendly service. Moderate.

Tio Lucas Restaurante Bar, Mesones 103 (across from the Teatro Angelica Peralta, +52 415 152 4996.

If you can't find something to do in San Miguel at night, you're not looking hard enough. If you can't find something to do on a Saturday night, you're outright blind. This city is filled with clubs, bars, dance halls, and restaurants, and almost all of them have some plan for every night of the week. Following are just a few options, try these out, but also seeking your own favorite hang-out.

• Berlin Bar & Bistro, Umaran 19, +52 415 154 9432. Daily 17:00-01:00, dinner served until 23:30. For a great nightcap, Berlin is a great chill bar. The owner is very welcoming and the food is sublime.
• La Cava de la Princesa, Recreo 3, +52 415 152 1403. Showcases musicians from Mexico City. Cover charge depends on the band.
• El Grito Night Club, 15 Umaran (about a block from the Jardín, +52 415 120 0156. F Sa 22:00-04:00, holidays. This is arguably the most popular club in town, and easily the most expensive. It has a US$15 cover charge, enough to dissuade the casual visitor from dropping in to take a look. Inside, the building is a panoply of stone and glass sculptures, light displays, and music. How energetic the evening gets usually depends on the crowd, but it's hard for the evening to get much past midnight before the dancing starts. El Grito is only open Fridays and Saturdays, or on certain holidays, like New Year's Eve (when they jack the price up to US$50).
• Mama Mia, Umaran 8 (a few doors from the Jardín, +52 415 152 2063. Su-Th 08:00-03:00, F Sa 08:00-05:00. Mama Mia's is four clubs in one. There's a restaurant and bar in the center with some amazing Italian food, a sports bar to the left (usually displaying a soccer or football game of some kind), a music bar to the right where local acts frequently play (especially Pilaseca, a very popular funk-blues band that tours most of Mexico and the States), and a hard-to-find rooftop lounge overlooking the city. This is a great default place to while away the hours when nothing else is appealing – the music is worth it, if nothing else.
• Manolo's Sports Bar, Zacateros 26, +52 415 152 7277. Daily 15:00-23:00. Complete coverage of national and international sports – if it is on TV they have it.

Berlin Bar & Bistro, Umaran 19, +52 415 154 9432. Daily 17:00-01:00, dinner served until 23:30. For a great nightcap, Berlin is a great chill bar. The owner is very welcoming and the food is sublime.

La Cava de la Princesa, Recreo 3, +52 415 152 1403. Showcases musicians from Mexico City. Cover charge depends on the band.

El Grito Night Club, 15 Umaran (about a block from the Jardín, +52 415 120 0156. F Sa 22:00-04:00, holidays. This is arguably the most popular club in town, and easily the most expensive. It has a US$15 cover charge, enough to dissuade the casual visitor from dropping in to take a look. Inside, the building is a panoply of stone and glass sculptures, light displays, and music. How energetic the evening gets usually depends on the crowd, but it's hard for the evening to get much past midnight before the dancing starts. El Grito is only open Fridays and Saturdays, or on certain holidays, like New Year's Eve (when they jack the price up to US$50).

Mama Mia, Umaran 8 (a few doors from the Jardín, +52 415 152 2063. Su-Th 08:00-03:00, F Sa 08:00-05:00. Mama Mia's is four clubs in one. There's a restaurant and bar in the center with some amazing Italian food, a sports bar to the left (usually displaying a soccer or football game of some kind), a music bar to the right where local acts frequently play (especially Pilaseca, a very popular funk-blues band that tours most of Mexico and the States), and a hard-to-find rooftop lounge overlooking the city. This is a great default place to while away the hours when nothing else is appealing – the music is worth it, if nothing else.

Manolo's Sports Bar, Zacateros 26, +52 415 152 7277. Daily 15:00-23:00. Complete coverage of national and international sports – if it is on TV they have it.

San Miguel de Allende, while perhaps safer than other tourist destinations in Mexico, can be unsafe. Most tourists don't have a problem when visiting San Miguel de Allende, but you should still exercise caution while on your visit. Use common sense, keep your valuables and cash out of sight and stay in well lit areas at night.

• Central Post Office, Calle Correo 16 (on the corner of Corregidora, one block from the Jardín, +52 415 152 0089. M-F 08:00-16:00, Sa 08:00-12:00.
• Public Library, Insurgentes 25, +52 415 152 0293. M-F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-14:00. Has one of the largest bilingual collections in Mexico, with over 30,000 titles in English, and operates a small gift shop and café. Free wifi is available throughout the building. Temporary membership $100 MXN refundable deposit, + $20 MXN (nonrefundable).

Central Post Office, Calle Correo 16 (on the corner of Corregidora, one block from the Jardín, +52 415 152 0089. M-F 08:00-16:00, Sa 08:00-12:00.

Public Library, Insurgentes 25, +52 415 152 0293. M-F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-14:00. Has one of the largest bilingual collections in Mexico, with over 30,000 titles in English, and operates a small gift shop and café. Free wifi is available throughout the building. Temporary membership $100 MXN refundable deposit, + $20 MXN (nonrefundable).

• Atención San Miguel is a weekly bilingual newspaper that is the main source of local news for English speaking residents and visitors. The calendar of the week's events is particularly useful. Atención is published on Friday and is widely available at newsstands and businesses (15 pesos).
• Green Map San Miguel uses an interactive map with layers of information on sustainable living in San Miguel. Look here for information on restaurants that serve organic and/or local food, recycling and composting, greentech businesses, green organizations and bus routes.

• United States United States, Plaza La Luciernaga, Libramiento Jose Manuel Zavala No. 165, Locales 4 y 5, Col La Luciernaga (Plaza la Luciernaga Mall at Blvd Conspiracion and Lib Jose Manuel Zavala in the southeastern part of town, +52 415 152 2357. M-Th 09:00-13:00. Consular Agency is part of the US Embassy in Mexico City.

United States United States, Plaza La Luciernaga, Libramiento Jose Manuel Zavala No. 165, Locales 4 y 5, Col La Luciernaga (Plaza la Luciernaga Mall at Blvd Conspiracion and Lib Jose Manuel Zavala in the southeastern part of town, +52 415 152 2357. M-Th 09:00-13:00. Consular Agency is part of the US Embassy in [[Mexico City#Embassies|Mexico City]].

Atención San Miguel is a weekly bilingual newspaper that is the main source of local news for English speaking residents and visitors. The calendar of the week's events is particularly useful. Atención is published on Friday and is widely available at newsstands and businesses (15 pesos).

Green Map San Miguel uses an interactive map with layers of information on sustainable living in San Miguel. Look here for information on restaurants that serve organic and/or local food, recycling and composting, greentech businesses, green organizations and bus routes.

• Thermal pools just outside of town for an afternoon of relaxation. Hail a taxi or grab a bus for just a few dollars to these pools, but be sure to arrange return transportation or know when the last bus arrives. The only hotel near the pools is said to be expensive and generally booked.
• Atotonilco is a historic church approx. 10km outside of SMA. The sanctuary services as a piligramage desitination and the site where Ignacio Allende met up with Father Hidalgo to begin their fight for Mexican Independence.
• Guanajuato, the capital of the state. It is known for its network of tunnels under the city and for its "Museo de las Momias" (mummy museum), and you can also see Cristo Rey atop the Cerro de Cubilete.
• Dolores Hidalgo is 40 km away and is worth a visit as it is the birthplace of Mexican independence - and a great place to sample odd ice cream flavors like pork rind and avocado.
• Querétaro, the capital of the state with the same name is a 45-minute drive away and also has a beautiful world heritage listed old town.

Thermal pools just outside of town for an afternoon of relaxation. Hail a taxi or grab a bus for just a few dollars to these pools, but be sure to arrange return transportation or know when the last bus arrives. The only hotel near the pools is said to be expensive and generally booked.

Atotonilco is a historic church approx. 10km outside of SMA. The sanctuary services as a piligramage desitination and the site where Ignacio Allende met up with Father Hidalgo to begin their fight for Mexican Independence.