8 Things To Do In San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

San Miguel de Allende is a colorful town. The sounds of mariachis echo through the street as you get a whiff of the taco stand down the block. Its brick buildings and cobblestone streets are mesmerizing and it may feel as though you’ve just stepped into the past. With all this excitement, and with so many things catching your eye you may be confused on where to go.

Here is a video of our top recommendations……

1. El Jardín

El Jardin is in the center of town and contains the landmark of San Miguel, La Parroquia (Cathedral). Make sure to take a peek inside while you’re there! This part of town is never short on excitement and it’s constantly bustling with people. There are often events or concerts going on and mariachi bands willing to play some Mexican classics for you. In the center of El Jardín is a mini park with a gazebo, benches, and crisply trimmed trees. Something will definitely catch your eye here. You won’t be disappointed.

2. El Charco Botanical Gardens

This is not your average botanical gardens. Unlike other gardens, it does not only contain flowers but cacti. Walk around and get a glimpse of more than 500 species of tall, stubby, spiky, and mini cacti to feast your eyes on. Make sure to bring a hat and some sunscreen because there is no shade. It may not have thick tall green trees, but if you’re craving a nature walk near San Miguel de Allende, this is the place to be.

3. Street Food Stands

Street food stands are scattered all over San Miguel with good quality food, clean preparation, and cheap prices. They may not have the best atmosphere but they serve with bright white smiles to make up for it. Our favorite taco stand is on in Insurgentes near the library. And make sure to try our favorite burrito stand on the corner of Ancha de San Antonio and Nemesio Diez, but note that they are not open all day just during peak lunch and dinner times. For dinner that’s after 7p.m. Make sure to go street food hunting while you are in San Miguel. It’s tons of fun!

4. Xote Water Park

If you’re visiting San Miguel with children or if you’re an inner child yourself and you like to swim, you are going to have a blast here! It’s small and quaint with lush green grass (which is rare to encounter in these parts) with some picnic tables to sit on and eat lunch under the trees. There are many addicting water sites to choose from that will beg you to go on them again.

5. Lucha Libre

If you get lucky enough to be in San Miguel when a Lucha Libre is on make sure to buy tickets right away! It’s choreographed Mexican wrestling and the characters are so fun to watch. When you watch them it’s almost as if they were doing acrobatics. You won’t get a shortage of new creative moves but if you care about your ears make sure to bring some earplugs just in case… it’s really loud! Outside and inside you can also buy colorful masks to look like your favorite character. If you can’t find them just listen for the person shouting, “Máscara! Máscara! Máscara!” Make sure that before a wrestler enters the arena to give him a high-five, you won’t regret it!

6. Parque Juárez

Parque Juárez is is a must-see if you ever come to San Miguel. There is a gazebo, a basketball court, and lots of benches. At the entrance, you will find ladies selling little toy trinkets. There are lots of gently flowing fountains and a playground for kids if they get bored. Just be prepared and bring some coins because you’ll have to pay to use the bathroom.

7. Casa de Aves

Casa de Aves is a little hidden gem a little ways outside of San Miguel. It may be a bit hard to find but it will be worth it. It’s a hotel and a restaurant but also has a zip line, trampoline, swings, and a bunch of free kayaks. As long as you buy some food you can stay and play there all day. It’s a great place to go with friends or hang out with your family. The atmosphere is really nice with soft green grass and tall shady trees. There is also a small lake with a group of snapping geese. Don’t get too close to them while you’re kayaking, you might scare them!

8. The Life Path

San Miguel de Allende is full of secrets and this is one of them. You wouldn’t know about it unless somebody mentioned it to you first. I’d say it’s one of the most beautiful streets in San Miguel and the most peaceful. You won’t have to worry about smelling gasoline as you walk behind a truck…it’s people only! It’s very artistic and has some beautiful murals and a few benches to sit on as well as a few cool fake doors. It’s also safe and has 24-hour surveillance.

Those are our recommendations for places to go in San Miguel de Allende. We hope this will make it easier for you to decide what to see first.

If you’re planning to or want to come to San Miguel de Allende with your family in 2018 make sure to check out the Family Adventure Summit. It is a conference for aspiring traveling families to gain confidence to get out on the road and for families already in the game to meet more families with similar interests. Maybe you’ll even make some new friends! You’ll be able to attend inspiring talks led by experienced travelers on long-term travel, location independence, alternative education, entrepreneurship, and so much more! Maybe we’ll see you there!