San Miguel de Allende: A Fairytale City

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting San Miguel de Allende for the first time – and I have to say – it was truly an enchanting experience. From the moment we stepped onto the cobblestone streets, I knew that this was going to be a super special memory. The old architecture, the vibrant colors, and the charming atmosphere all come together to create a fairytale-like ambiance that I’ll never forget (and very likely will be back to visit).

One of the major highlights of my trip was seeing the iconic, Instagram-worthy Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. She’s very clearly the leading lady of this picturesque city. This stunning church, with its pink spires and ornate details, made me feel like Belle from Beauty and the Beast. I couldn’t stop staring at it and taking photos from every angle. It was just as beautiful in person as it was in all the photos I had seen before my trip. Here’s some of my favorites:

Day 1:

When we arrived in San Miguel de Allende, as soon as our car hit the cobblestone streets I was almost jumping out of the car to explore the town on foot. I took ten minutes to freshen up after a quick 45 min flight from CDMX, and we headed out to find a place for drinks and dinner. (By the way, our entire trip was planned by Luisa from Mexico in my Pocket – whom I cannot recommend more!) Along the way, we stumbled upon the Parque de Benito Juarez, a beautiful green park in the heart of the city. As we walked through the park, we came across two Mojigangas, which are traditional giant puppets used in festivals and celebrations. These particular Mojigangas appeared to depict a married couple who were celebrating! It was a beautiful and unexpected sight that gave us a glimpse into the local culture and traditions that I had previously only seen online.

After our walk in the park, we headed to a rooftop restaurant to enjoy some drinks and dinner while taking in the stunning views of the town. The rooftop had the most breathtaking views of all the colorful homes, purple jacarandas in bloom, and the Parroquia in the distance. The combination of the delicious food, refreshing drinks, and incredible view made for an unforgettable evening.

Day 2:

On day two of our trip to San Miguel de Allende, we started our morning by stopping by the park square to grab a quick breakfast. We found a walk-up coffee shop that had the most amazing croissants with almond and chocolate. It was hands down the best croissant I’ve ever had! We enjoyed our breakfast while taking in the sights and sounds of the park.

After breakfast, we walked over to the Mercado de Artesanias, a local artisan market. We spent several hours exploring the market and shopping from a variety of vendors. There were so many beautiful handmade items, from pottery and jewelry to textiles and clothing. My favorite items were the Otomi textiles, which are known for their intricate designs and bright colors. It was fascinating to see the amount of time and effort that goes into creating these beautiful pieces.

After a quick break back at the hotel (the town is a walking town – and boy do they mean it!) we met our local chef Ruben, who hosted our cooking class! He walked us to the market to purchase fresh ingredients, and then taught us how to make Chile Relleno filled with two types of Oaxacan cheese, accompanied by rice made from fresh vegetable stock. He taught us how to roast the poblano peppers, stuff them with cheese, and then coat them in a light batter before frying them to perfection. It was a truly unforgettable experience.  I am half Mexican – so learning to make food from a Mexican chef in a beautiful Mexican town, purchasing our ingredients from local vendors – it was truly inexplicable.

Day 3:

On our third day in San Miguel, we started our day at La Lavanda, a local favorite that uses lavender in most of their food and drinks. I had the Tonico Lavanda and a cookie Nuez y Lavanda, both of which were delicious. Lavender is an important herb in San Miguel, not only for its culinary uses but also for its medicinal properties. It’s been used for centuries for its relaxing and soothing properties, so it’s no surprise that it’s become a staple in the city’s cuisine. The beautiful purple flowers can be seen throughout the town. Overall, La Lavanda was a great way to witness the local use of lavender – I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city.

After our visit to La Lavanda, we spent the rest of the afternoon and morning walking and shopping around the city. San Miguel is a beautiful town with many small boutiques, galleries, and shops selling unique and handmade items. We enjoyed exploring the colorful streets and discovering hidden gems around every corner. It was a perfect way to experience the local culture and take in the beauty of this charming Mexican town.

Later in the evening, after a long day of walking and shopping, we decided to head back to the hotel to rest. We thought it would be a great idea to get massages to unwind even more. Afterwards, we made our way to Tunki, the bar at our hotel, which was founded by the owners of Handshake, one of the top 50 bars in the world. The drinks were amazing and the views were spectacular, with a stunning rooftop setting overlooking the city.

To end our last night in San Miguel, we had dinner at Sollano 18, another rooftop bar with even better views of the Parroquia. The modern vibes and cool music made for a great atmosphere, and the spicy salsas and lobster tacos were simply amazing. It was the perfect way to end our trip on a high note, enjoying the delicious food and drinks while taking in the breathtaking views of the city. San Miguel had exceeded all our expectations, and we left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and with a new appreciation for the beauty and charm of this wonderful Mexican town.

Already Planning a Trip Back?

San Miguel de Allende is consistently rated as one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico, and it’s easy to see why. The town has a rich history, and it’s full of history, culture, and markets that are worth exploring.

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico, I highly recommend adding San Miguel de Allende to your itinerary. It’s only a short trip from Mexico City, but it feels like a world away. The old-world charm, colorful streets, and friendly locals make it an unforgettable destination. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply someone who appreciates a good storybook-like town, San Miguel de Allende is sure to leave a lasting impression.