San Miguel De Allende, Mexico
A Shopper’s and Foodie’s Paradise
I went to San Miguel de Allende on a solo trip well-intended. I’d planned on using some economical travel tactics while I discover, explore and write about the city. San Miguel, however had something altogether different in store for me.
View of San Miguel de Allende from El Mirador
My Uber ride from the bus station to my bed & breakfast provided a sneak peek into the designer temptations that I would face. I moved to Mexico City from the U.S. with a fraction of my clothing and getting them all to my home in Mexico have proved nothing less than challenging. I have since decided that I just need to purchase a new wardrobe. Thus, my ride to the hotel was enlightening - I had a feeling that this might be a shopping trip.
Colorful buildings of SMDA
Check out this door!
San Miguel de Allende is a quaint city that attracts a ton of tourism as well as a notable expat community including retirees from the U.S. and Canada. The buildings are a tasteful integration of architectural styles including Baroque and neo-Gothic. Most buildings diverging from the city’s Centro Histórico area are painted in invitingly warm hues of oranges, yellows and reds. The stunning entry doors to the buildings will leave one in awe, wondering how doors this grandiose, detailed and artisan came to be. However, beyond each door is a breathtakingly curated space of unique collected goods, a gardened courtyard or a well-designed watering hole. My best advice would be to leave time to dilly dally in order to poke your head into as many doors as possible.
I was minding my touristy business as articles of clothing, one by one drew me over to where they hung. San Miguel is the place to buy designer, loose, comfortable, well-made wares that show off their uniqueness and the care that goes into how the garment hangs. There’s no fast fashion here, that’s for sure. One shop after another lured me into fitting rooms (not the shop owners, but the clothing). I finally decided that El Jardin was the safest area for me.
El Jardin Allende is the focal point of its Centro Histórico area. An easy place to spend hours people- watching and listening to Mariachi bands; this is an absolute must-do. At night there are food trucks to offer a light snack or ice cream is always on the ready during the day. The pleched-pruned trees provide much-needed dappled shade when the sun is high and a whole mood when the sky turns pink at sunset.
Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel Exterior
Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel Interior
Just next to El Jardin is Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a 17th century Catholic church that might be the most photographed site in the city. As a well-know tourist attraction, the doors are always open. I was lucky enough to witness part of a service, but you can wander in just to take photos as long as you’re respectful. Its pink stone and Gothic spires are indeed striking and the parish looks even more enchanting at night.
San Miguel de Allende has quickly become known for its dining scene. Their cobblestone streets not only offer great food and well-thought-out mock and cocktails, but incredible rooftops and eclectic atmospheres. The city boasts over 300 restaurants in every cuisine imaginable run by some of the best chefs in Mexico and around the world. Do your research before embarking on a special meal, or just wing it if you’re open. You will for sure come away with a memorable experience.
A great way to take in the beauty of this stunning city is to take a 10- 15 minute walk from Centro to El Mirador. This is a lookout built at the perfect elevation to take in all of San Miguel de Allende at once. You’ll see why in 2008 San Miguel de Allende was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
View of San Miguel from El Mirador
I found this city to be alluring and sophisticated (believe me, there’s a good reason foreigners flock there to live). It’s a great way to take in Mexican culture, food and architecture while having access to specialty shops and some comforts of home - also you can get by pretty well with just some basic Spanish. The green taxis sprinkled around the city are fairly priced - but always get a price before you commit. There’s also Uber service, but the most engaging way to take it all in is to walk wherever feasible.
Because of its increasing tourism, this city is not where you’d go in Mexico to stretch your dollar. I absolutely spent more than I’d planned. But one thing that is guaranteed is that you will have a sick time and come away with some beautifully designed items to show for it.
Look out my blog for an article about some amazing things to do while in this incredible city.
See Mexico in all its glory here in this relaxation film: Magical Mexico
