Insider’s Guide: San Miguel de Allende
This city’s cultural allure tops any Mexican escape.
Quaint cobblestone streets. Thriving culinary arts. A vibrant el centro. All are hallmarks of San Miguel de Allende and worth a long weekend or extended stay in Mexico’s “it” city. Read on for your insider’s guide to sipping, savoring, gallery-hopping, and adventuring.
EYE ON DESIGN
Tuck into Mesón Hidalgo, where the hotel’s small boutique is curated by the owner and showcases eclectic work by local artisans.
A former textile mill that’s now a thriving cultural center, visit Fabrica la Aurora for a multitude of galleries, jewelers, and antique stores — all exhibiting work by local artists.
A hip cool clothing boutique featuring modern local designers, Mixta is found in one of San Miguel’s most historic facades.
GET ARTSY
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende has stood out since the beginning for continuously exhibiting works by renowned artists not only within the same gallery but also dressing the walls, corridors, and open spaces of the property so that both guests and visitors can tour the exhibitions and even acquire the works of their preference. And, you won’t need to leave your luxury Rosewood base to try out two of the city's best art workshops.
DISCOVER YOUR CREATIVE SIDE WITH LUCAS RISE
Lucas Rise is an Argentine graphic artist whose style has matured and changed with his travels around the world. His murals have a unique style that interacts with his audience and transforms the different angles creating a unique universe. In your art class, you will learn to express yourself through geometric figures, patterns, colors, and textures while enjoying the environment around you.
MOJIGANGAS WORKSHOP
This exclusive cultural experience will take you to the most traditional workshop in San Miguel de Allende. There, the master Hermés Arroyo will explain everything about these curious figures, their history, and how his family has been creating them for decades. He will teach you the technique behind each of the pieces and how to create your own miniature version of them.
Owned by artist Daniel Valero and inspired by the city’s unique culture, Mestiz Studio is a working art studio exhibiting vibrant collages, ceramics, and colorful straw lanterns.
FOODIE FILE
San Miguel is lauded as one of the most impressive culinary scenes in Mexico, arguably rivaled only by Mexico City. Not-to-miss dining favorites include fine dining, small plates, and quaint cafés. Located at Rosewood, 1826 Restaurant is named in honor of a pivotal moment in time. In 1826, the town of San Miguel de Allende was renamed to commemorate its most famous local hero, Ignacio Allende y Unzaga, the mastermind of the Mexican independence movement. The rotating, seasonally sourced menu showcases the diverse regional specialties of central Mexico. Dishes marry authentic flavors with a novel approach, celebrating Mexican cuisine in a contemporary setting.
Antonia Bistro is known for top city views. Watch the sun set across el centro at this rooftop favorite. Order the shrimp with chorizo and a classic marg.
Visit Tostévere for small plates and artisan cocktails. Small by design, a nightly hand-written menu features some of the best seafood tostadas in all of San Miguel.
When asking about best restaurant recommendations, Tacos Don Felix nearly always tops the list. The tacos and enchiladas are worth the 20-minute walk from the city center. Try the enchiladas a la diabla (it brings the heat!).
Garambullo Fonda Gourmet is known for healthy slow food and a friendly atmosphere, open for breakfast and lunch.
Experienced via Rosewood, ride through the streets of San Miguel like a true Mexican Cowboy with Coyote Canyon’s horses. Visit the most popular cantinas for tequila and music typical of Rancheras.
READY FOR ADVENTURE?
San Miguel's favorite spots, Jardín Allende and the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel (main plaza and parish church) are a must. The pink "wedding cake" church is famous for unusual brickwork, modernist murals, and religious figurines sprinkled throughout.
Considered the best lookout point in the city, climb the steep street to El Mirador for unforgettable views of the centro. Plus, little shops behind the lookout are gems for souvenir scores.
Located 10 minutes from the city center, Guanajuato is one of the most beautiful terrains in Mexico. Navigate the storied lands on horseback, descending a canyon and ending on a natural river. Hosted by local ranches, you’ll also savor an authentic Mexican lunch.
Dont' Miss
Rosewood Placemakers: Rosana Alvarez — Take a trip to Via Organica, a local organic and sustainable ranch where families experience life on a Mexican farm. Kids can interact with animals, source eggs, and milk cows. A native of San Miguel de Allende, Rosana Alvarez claims a 100-year family history. The visit is followed by a cooking class with Rosewood’s executive chef and features produce sourced directly from the farm.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
At the heart of historic San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this colonial-style hotel is perfectly positioned to explore cultural wonders and mesmerizing nature. Your one-bedroom Colonial Suite at the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende features spacious furnished terraces with both covered and open sections for dining and unwinding. Adorned with hand-carved furnishings and native art, each suite presents plenty of living space, featuring a private master bedroom and the option of one king or two queen beds.