San Miguel de Allende is probably the most well known of the Colonial cities. The UNESCO site has topped the World’s Best lists for the past two years and it’s not hard to see why. With its colorful, flower-draped architecture and cobblestoned streets, San Miguel has the feel of a village, but its large population of artists lends it a cosmopolitan flair.
With outstanding restaurants and accommodations, numerous galleries stocked with quality Mexican artesanías (handicrafts), a fantastic spring-like climate and a surfeit of cultural activities including regular festivals, fireworks and parades, San Miguel is an unmissable highlight for anyone visiting the northern central highlands. The entire area was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 2008, and despite receiving huge numbers of visitors—and a large number of American expats—San Miguel absorbs them well and locals mix warmly with their foreign guests and residents.
Trip duration: 4 nights
Great for: Quick getaway with friends; romantic couple's getaway
Trip style: Culture, foodie escape, spa weekend
Highlights:
- Take a tacos and tequila food tour and explore the varied cuisine of the region.
- Taste small batch tequila at La Casa Dragones, the historic 17th century stables of the Dragones cavalry of San Miguel
- Take a behind the scenes guided tour of local galleries and artists' studios.
- Explore the surrounding countryside and communities by bike, foot or on horseback.
- Indulge your taste buds with a cooking class.
- Spend an afternoon at the pool or in the spa at one of the amazing hotels in the colonial city.
- Sip mezcal cocktails on one of the many rooftop bars in the city as the sun sets on an amazing weekend.
